Gear Review: Hoodies and other happy wearables

I’m not sure I’ve ever gone through an entire summer (including beach and lake vacations) without getting at least a little burned. I slather on sunscreen, but hours on a lake or ocean, day after day, can take its toll. That’s why I love these hoodies, most of which come in men’s and women’s — along with these other wearables that make me happy from head to toe.

Minus 33 Midweight 245 Full Zip Hoodie Woolverino 

With its full zipper, this hoodie comes in handy as a lightweight “jacket” to bring into air-conditioned shops and restaurants in the South, and it’s a warm layer during cool mountain evenings. It’s both casual and stylish enough to crossover to restaurants and campgrounds. Raglan sleeves allow for a nice range of motion without looking sloppy. Made of 85% (non-itchy) merino wool, I appreciate its temperature regulation and antimicrobial properties, and its 50-plus UPF rating, comfy thumbholes and three pockets are a bonus. $159.99, minus33.com.

Berghaus Kinetic Powerstretch Hoodie

This full-zip hoodie is much like the Minus 33 one in that it makes a great, unbulky jacket for air-conditioned indoors and cool high-country evenings. It’s just a bit heavier than the Woolverino, but it delivers just as much breathability and wicking power, and its four-way Polartec Power Stretch Pro fabric allows for plenty of movement. It zips up to cover the chin for extra warmth and protection, creating a snug-fitting hood that doesn’t blow off in high winds. Two large side pockets and thumbholes are a bonus. $132.30-$195.75 depending on color (sale color is shown), berghaus.com.

Helly Hansen LIFA Activa Solen Hoodie

First of all, I love the coral pattern on this hoodie; it ushers in summer like no other. The lightweight, breathable fabric feels like just about nothing, yet it provides UPF 50-plus sun protection, which stems from the actual fabric construction (made of 85% recycled polyester), rather than a treatment that can wash out. Its internal hanging loop and quick drying ability makes it great for camping and water sports. The drawstring along the hood allows it to stay on my head during windy conditions — and the fact that it’s integrated means I’m not going to lose the drawstring. $95, hellyhansen.com.

Rab Force Hoodie

Made of Dryflo Solar fabric that naturally provides UPF 40 plus protection, Rab’s hoodie is also treated with an odor-control finish to stay fresh during long camping trips. It has a roomier regular fit, which can accommodate a T-shirt underneath. It also extends longer, so it especially looks great with leggings and offers a bit more protection if you’re wearing a bikini bottom on the water. The neckline comes up a bit more, as well, for added sun protection. Dropped shoulder seams make it comfortable to wear a backpack, and hidden thumbholes keep it from riding up. These come in beautiful pastels and a dark blue and include a small, integrated loop to hang dry. Bonus: It’s made of almost completely recycled materials. $80, rab.equipment. 

Soca Sun Shirt

This breathable hoodie also features the essential, built-in UV sun protection, combined with two-way stretch 86% polyester and 14% elastane for unrestricted movement. Besides the variety of eight fun colors it comes in (I love the royal blue), two other things make this hoodie stand out: cute buttons, which snap right up to your neck for extra protection or open for a variety of coverage, and an oversized hood, which comfortably accommodates a hat or ponytail. This is a great hoodie for cooler evenings. Bonus: It’s made in the U.S. $120, socastyle.com.

Manitobah Meadow Mary Jane

The Meadow Mary Jane Moccasin is an adorable, low-profile spring and summer shoe, with hand-crafted beadwork by Diné artist Tracie Jackson, signifying balance, guidance and connection. Its soft, cowhide suede with pigskin leather foot lining and easy slide-on ability makes it comfortable and efficient to wear, and the rubber sole adds grip. $110, manitobah.com.

Manitobah Dance Ankle Boot

The Dance Ankle Boot comes with the same sole as the Meadow Mary Jane and is crafted with supple, cowhide suede and a microfiber foot lining. I love the fun fringe and the top, adorned with embroidery by Inuk artist Janice Parsons. These both come in whole sizes only. I sized up, and the boots fit perfectly, since I wear socks. I’d size down to wear Mary Janes without socks. $150, manitobah.com.

Minus 33 Micro Cushion Crew Wool Socks

Made in the U.S., these 60% merino wool socks provide full cushioning along the bottom, making hiking comfortable, while the Y-heel style hugs my heel for a no-slip grip. Top venting helps release heat — though I like these in the winter for warmth, as well. And, the wool-nylon yarn and seamless toe and heel reinforcements make them durable. $19.99, minus33.com.

Kimberly Nicoletti is a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach. She can be reached at kim@kimberlynicoletti.com.