I’m all about clothes that serve multiple purposes. My closet is filled with specialized jackets and shoes for skiing, trail running, rock climbing, and fly fishing. So, when I find gear I can wear across various outdoor activities without sacrificing comfort or performance, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot.
That’s exactly what I got with the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody ($65). Over the past 6 months, I’ve worn this sunshirt in nearly every weather. It started as my go-to for sunny spring ski days, and then became my everyday shirt for desert hikes and beach days in Baja. I’ve used it constantly on windy, rainy hikes across England and Wales.
In short: For a versatile, responsibly made sun shirt suitable for most of the year — from spring skiing and windy ridge runs to beach outings — this is a solid choice. It offers exceptional odor control (second to none in my tests) and performs well except on extremely hot days. Considering the price, it’s a very competitive option.
Compare this sun shirt to the other picks in our Best Sun Shirts of 2025 guide.
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Odor control keeps funky smell at bay -
Generous hood fits well with or without helmet -
Internal sewn loop for hanging shirt comes in handy all the time -
Lightweight -
Great overall fit
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A little warm for really hot days -
UPF rating isn’t listed
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody Review
First Impressions
When this showed up, I had just decided to retire my ancient Patagonia base layer that had finally bitten the dust after 20 years of use. I was pumped to have a fresh lightweight hoody for warm ski days.
Right off the bat, I loved how soft it felt on my skin, how well it wicked moisture, and how little it smelled after sweaty days. It runs just a little warmer than some sun shirts I have, making it perfect for cooler spring temps or when paired with a light shell on unpredictable days.
What Stands Out
Versatility
In Colorado, you’ve got to have versatile layers. On a typical summer trail run or hike above 10,000 feet, the weather can flip from sunny and pleasant to freezing rain or hail in minutes. Getting stuck far from the trailhead unprepared isn’t fun.
I used this hoody with a super lightweight windbreaker like the Patagonia Houdini (our Best Overall Windbreaker) and felt solid even when storms rolled in. I got a little wet sometimes, but I stayed warm enough and was glad I had ditched the cotton T-shirt. Then in Baja, I lived in this hoody on hikes and beach days, except on the scorching afternoons.
Price
At $65, this is one of Patagonia’s most affordable pieces and still delivers top-tier performance. Only two sun shirts in our 2025 roundup are cheaper. If it holds up like my old Patagonia layers, I’ll wear this for another decade or more, making it a total bargain.
Responsibly Made
I try to make better choices when I buy gear, and Patagonia makes that easy by promoting fair labor, sustainable materials, and reducing its impact.
This hoody uses recycled polyester, is Bluesign approved, and is made in Fair Trade Certified factories. Patagonia also donates 1% of sales to environmental causes and fights for conservation through its activism and grant programs. I like knowing my money’s going to a company that’s not pumping out fast fashion but actually taking care of people and the planet. For me, it’s one of the easiest brands to support.
Minimal Stitching and Seam Comfort
The shirt feels ridiculously soft, and the seams are practically invisible. I wore it under a snug running pack on long mountain days and never had any issues with rubbing or hot spots.
Hang Loop
When traveling or backpacking, I usually wash clothes in a creek or a hotel sink. The tiny hang loop makes it super-easy to clip this to a tree branch or hang it off my pack to dry without stretching it out. Little things like this make a difference when living out of a pack.
Odor Management
Patagonia’s HeiQ Mint odor control works. On multiday trips or longer travel stints where I couldn’t wash clothes, this shirt stayed fresh way longer than expected. You’ll love it if you sweat a lot or hate doing laundry.
Room for Improvement
Hood Fit
Other hoodies, like the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, have better-fitting hoods that stay put even in the wind. With this hoody, it kept blowing off my head unless I was wearing a hat.
Too Warm on Really Hot Days
This hoody is great in mild and cooler weather, but in high heat or humidity, I wanted something lighter. If you live somewhere hot, the Outdoor Research Astroman Air or the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake might be better choices.
No Thumb Loops
Some days I don’t care about thumb loops, but I miss them when I’m in direct sun for long stretches. This shirt doesn’t have them, so if you like that extra hand protection, you’ll want to look at other options.
No Listed UPF Rating
One thing to keep in mind is that Patagonia doesn’t list a UPF rating, and I found a UPF recall article that may explain it. This article leads me to believe it has a rating that falls within 17-45 UPF, but I’m trying to get a clear explanation directly from the brand.
While it’s marketed as a sun shirt and works great for coverage, if you like knowing the exact level of UV protection, this shirt doesn’t give you that number. I didn’t have any issues with sunburn while wearing it, but if you prefer UPF-certified clothing, you might want to check out options like the OR Echo Hoodie or REI Sahara Shade Hoodie that offer a clear UPF 50 rating.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comfortable, affordable sun hoody suitable for various seasons and adventures, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is one of the best options out there. It’s built to last, feels good on your skin, keeps stink away, and is made by a company doing things the right way. It’s definitely worth adding to your gear closet.
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