Most of us that grew up in the Mid-Atlantic region think of a hoodie as the layering garment you need to stay warm, feel comfy, and, most importantly, sneak candy and soda into the movie theater.

Not that I’ve ever done that.

But here in the Phoenix Valley of Arizona, where the need for that style of hoodie is measured in hours and not days, let alone weeks, warm weather hoodies are an essential daily garment. Particularly when where you live set a record last summer for the number of consecutive days above 100 degrees (113 consecutive, 143 total, but not a record), with a bunch of those coming in at over 110 degrees (70, which was a new record).

When you factor in the cloudless skies, and the the growing threat of skin cancer, a hoodie makes all the sense of the world.

Whether you’re on the range, on the water, or somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, these hoodies specifically designed for warm weather will deliver performance without the punishment.

And unlike your old cotton hoodie, these don’t trap heat or turn into a mobile swamp.

Badlands UV Hoodie – Simple, Smart, and Solid

Badlands isn’t flashy, but they know how to build gear that doesn’t quit. Their UV Hoodie brings a lot to the table for something so lightweight. You get UPF 50 sun protection, a polyester/spandex blend that moves with you, and fabric that cools instead of clings when you sweat. Thumbholes help keep sleeves in place when you're glassing or working a rifle. It’s not complicated — and that’s a good thing. Just clean design, made to keep you out longer without frying in the sun. Sized in small to 3XL and available in Black or Military Green.

For something a bit more suited for hunting, Badlands offers the Stealth CoolTouch Hoodie in their Approach GT, Approach FX and Approach OG camo patterns. This hoodie is also made of a polyester/spandex blend for a stretch-fit design. It features thumbhole sleeves and a hood with built-in face wrap.

5.11 Sulli UV Long Sleeve Hoodie – Tactical Meets Practical

5.11’s gear has always had one foot in the real world and one in the field, and the Sulli UV hoodie keeps that reputation intact. This is built with the same kind of features you'd expect from their tactical wear — UPF 50+, anti-odor finish, solid wicking — but in a more casual profile that doesn’t scream “range day.” Flat seams and thumbholes add comfort for long wear, and the material breathes enough that it won’t glue itself to your back the minute you start moving. Sized in small to 2XL and available in Black, Tank Green Heather, Overcast Grey Heather or Covert Green Heather.

Huk Icon Performance Hoodie – Built for Boat Days

Huk designs for anglers, but even if your idea of fishing is more barstool than bass boat, their Icon Performance Hoodie is still worth checking out. It’s built for sun, sweat, and water — UPF 50+, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which means you’re not going to be stuck with a soaked shirt halfway through the day. The cut is relaxed but not sloppy, and they’ve got a range of prints and colors, including the Night Owl design that breaks up the usual solid-color rut most tech hoodies fall into. Sized in small to 3XL and available in Night Owl, White, Fresh Salmon, Fog Green or Ocean Blue. Find additional color and design options here.

Whitewater Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie – Surprisingly Technical for Wool

Merino and hot weather? Sounds like a bad idea until you actually try it. Whitewater’s Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie is light — like, really light — and it pulls off the rare trick of being breathable and sun-protective (UPF 50+) while still cutting the funk thanks to wool’s natural anti-microbial properties. You can wear it multiple days without it turning into a mobile biohazard, which is more than you can say for most synthetics. Great for layering or wearing solo when the sun’s up but the breeze is still cool. Sized in medium to 3XL and available in Daybreak.

Blocker Outdoors Angatec Hoodie – Early Season and Easy Wear

Built for bowhunters dealing with early-season heat, the Angatec Hoodie from Blocker Outdoors has a few things going for it. First, it’s featherlight. Second, it stretches and moves without getting in the way. And third, it’s treated with their S3® antimicrobial finish, so you don’t end up smelling like roadkill after a few miles in the woods. The camo patterns are purpose-built for concealment, but the hoodie’s light enough you’ll want to wear it off the trail too. Thumbholes and a three-piece hood round things out without overcomplicating it. Sized in small to 3XL and available in Flint, Realtree APX or Mossy Oak Bottomland.

SITKA Radiant Sun Hoodie – High-Output Approved

SITKA is known for building gear that’s almost over-engineered — and that’s not a complaint. The Radiant Sun Hoodie is made for people who actually push themselves outdoors, not just stand around looking technical. It blends polyester with recycled polyester for an ultra-light fabric to wick sweat fast and dry even faster. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection with Polygiene® odor control. Think spot-and-stalk, long days in open sun, moving through heat without melting. It works — and looks sharp doing it. Also check out Frank Sag Sized small to 2XL and available in Ivory, Bluestone Camo, Herb Green or Granite Camo.

For more on the Radiant Sun Hoodie, check out Frank Sargeant’s ‘Gettin’ Hoodie on the Beach’ in the May 7th edition of The Water World Wire.

The Bottom Line: Function First, Always

All six of these warm weather hoodies do one thing right: they let you stay out longer, do more, and not think about what you’re wearing. Badlands and SITKA deliver serious performance for hunters and high-output types. 5.11 and Blocker Outdoors hit that blend of tactical function and everyday use. Huk and Whitewater round out the list with fishing-first builds that work anywhere the sun beats down.

Surviving the heat and sun requires coverage that cools. Whether you’re hiking ridge lines, casting from a skiff, running drills in the dirt or just trying to make it through the 40% of the year when it’s over 100 degrees, these hoodies earn their place in your closet.

— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network