Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie Review

Oh boy, it’s hot here in Spokane. Washington State is baking in a heat wave, just like what’s been hitting much of the country in the last few weeks. My new friend has been the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie, a deliciously lightweight, technical asset for sun protection on long days.

Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie Features:

• Ultralight bluesign-approved recycled nylon/spandex fabric
• Laser-perforated underarm panels improve airflow during high-output efforts in hot weather.
• Quarter-length front zipper provides on-the-fly venting without sacrificing sun coverage.
• UPF 30–50+ sun protection, with darker colorways offering the highest UV protection.
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric stays comfortable through sweaty climbs, hikes, and rides.
• Four-way stretch allows unrestricted movement for climbing, scrambling, and technical riding.
• Three-panel hood fits comfortably under a helmet or over a cap for all-day sun protection.
• Low-profile elastic cuffs reduce bulk and keep sleeves in place without restrictive thumb loops.
• Zippered chest pocket securely stores small essentials like a key, card, or energy gel.
• Weighs just 5.4 oz (153 g), making it an easy layer to stash in a pack when the sun goes down.
• MSRP: $115

Minimal weight and maximal solar protection:

I am a huge fan of the surge in sun protective garments in the outdoor space. Sun protection is important at any age, but young people spending long hours in the sun are at a critical time to prevent skin cancer. SPF clothing is generally more effective than sunscreen and it’s easier to use. Plus, with pieces like the Astroman, it just makes for all-around excellent outerwear.

I used the Astroman for hiking, backpacking, cycling and climbing in the PNW throughout the late spring and summer. I am not climbing much these days, but the Astroman is totally built for the crags with its excellent four-way stretch and a cut that moves with you easily. Features like the zippers and hems, which I’ll touch on later, really help the piece move with you and not hinder your movement.

The foundation of the product is Outdoor Research’s 85% nylon 15% spandex fabric blend, which is bluesign approved. This is a really stellar fabric, and the four-way stretch gives it absolutely phenomenal range of motion. What’s harder to see on the spec sheet is the way they’ve tailored and cut the garment. It rides the perfect line between being comfortably baggy but svelte enough to disappear.

One example of this is the hem design. Outdoor Research chose to make a pretty tight elastic seal around the wrists with the sleeve fabric flaring out from there. The result is a sleeve that doesn’t sit heavily on your sweaty skin and gives you some room to breathe, while still staying with you while you’re reaching and striding.

The rest of the garment has a similar feel to it: it’s nicely tailored, but the fabric doesn’t sit heavily on your skin. To me it’s a really different from from the traditional sun hoody fabric, which tends to feel a little heavy, cloying and plastic-y. Some of this is the choice of nylon over polyester, and the fabric that the weight of the fabric is quite light.

Durability seems good overall. I’ve probably used this for about 80 hours of adventure, and I’ve just put a single snag into the sleeve fabric after a truly heinous classic Cascades bushwhack. I’ve also worn it an embarassing number of days in a row and have been pleased that it doesn’t become horribly stinky.

Many users will appreciate the quarter length zipper, which is probably a splitting point for who wants to buy this. Personally I love it because it lets me unzip and dump heat during heavy exertion, and when it’s closed up the small-gauge zipper is diminutive enough that I don’t feel or notice it under pack straps.

I can’t say I used the chest pocket a great deal, but for climbers it’s a great asset. So nice to be able to dump your phone in a pocket that you know is secured, and you don’t have to fight your harness to get it in there. The hood is sleek and fits easily under a helmet.

Small details, like the micro-perforations under the arms, help make this is a true hot weather performer. I am genuinely impressed with the Astroman and I think it’s one of the best sun hoodies on the market right now. I haven’t tested one that feels quite as subtle and unobtrusive while still providing full coverage.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 190 lbs. and am comfortably wearing the size large.

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