Wearing the Coolibar Women's Sun Block Hoodie

Product Description

The name Coolibar comes from an eucalyptus tree found in the harsh Australian outback. The company, like the Coolibar tree, provides welcome relief and protection from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Coolibar is the first company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for sun protective clothing. "Fashion meets function in this comfortable, stylish Sun Block Hoodie. The hood frames your face in bright colors and offers protective shade. CoolMax® mesh ventilation on the sleeves and upper back keep your body temperature under control. A deep pouch pocket and elastic cuffs complete the trim, athletic look. Machine wash, lite SUNTECT™ fabric. Rated to block 97% UV." The manufacturer states that the Sun Block Hoodie is a classic (functional and fun) garment that is perfect for an active lifestyle. The woven fabric provides UVA and UVB protection for the life of the garment. The fabric is lightweight and breathable. The garment is durable, quick drying and has easy care. The hoodie is constructed of hidden plastic snaps, a comfortable protective hood, elastic cuffs, double entry pouch pocket, and CoolMax® mesh ventilation to make the garment cool and comfortable.

Photo obtained from the manufacturer website

Initial Impression

The product tags attached to the Sun Block Hoodie list the product, company, and skin cancer foundation information. The manufacturer Coolibar develops clothing fabrics that are independently tested for their Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This protection factor was pioneered in Australia over a decade ago. The Sun Block Hoodie has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+ and has 98% Ultraviolet Protection.

The manufacturer's website lists the colors, sizes, and the product description. The site has adequate information on the hoodie as well as information on sun protection. The manufacturer indicates on the website that the hoodie has an athletic trim fit. I had difficulty understanding the unisex vs. the women's sizing chart to determine what size would fit me best. I am testing the medium size and it does not have an athletic trim fit. It is not too big, but does fit comfortably.

The hoodie has the Coolibar tree embroidered on the left chest. This is embroidered a shade darker than the fabric of the hoodie. The opening on the neck of the hoodie consists of three hidden plastic snaps. The hood has a coordinating fabric pull cord to cinch it tighter. The hoodie has a dual entry front pocket (anorak style) that measures 9 in (23 cm) high, with the smallest width measurement (at the top of the pocket) of 9.5 in (24 cm) and the largest measurement of 14 in (36 cm) (at the bottom of the pocket). On the back of the hoodie there is a vent fastened with a stitch. Under the vent there is mesh fabric. The arm pits and the inside length of both sleeves have mesh material for ventilation. The sleeves have elastic cuffs that are not adjustable.

I was impressed by the fabric and stitching quality of the garment. The material has a soft velvety feel that is comfortable to my skin and to the touch.

Testing Locations

This item is going to be primarily tested during the summer months (August-early September) in the mountainous region of northern Utah. Most elevation ranges in the Utah Wasatch and Uinta Mountain Ranges are between 9,000 and 10,000 ft (2,700-3,000 m). The average daytime temperature in these mountain ranges at 9,000 ft (2,700 m) during the summer months is 75 F (24 C). The yearly average amount of snowfall is 500 in (13 m) in the Wasatch Mountain Range. 

During the month of August I am planning a climbing /backpacking trip to the Grand Teton in Wyoming. The elevation at the summit is 13,770 feet (4,198 m). The temperatures vary significantly due to the elevation gain. The average temperatures in July are between 40 F (4 C) and 76 F (24C) depending on the elevation level. 

In the early fall months (September-October) I frequently overnight camp in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and the Moab, Utah area. The climate in this area is dry during the fall months and the temperatures average 60 F (16 C) during the day. The elevation in this area is generally 5,000 ft (1,500 m).

My backpacking plans this fall (September) also include 2-3 day backpacking trips in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the San Rafael Swell area of Utah. The elevations in these geographical areas range from 4,000 to 8,000 ft (1,200-2,400 m). These geographic areas are considered a high desert, and consist of rugged mountainous terrain, slot canyons, and are less rugged in the valley areas. The temperatures during the fall months average approximately 60 F (16 C).  The area is arid with only 4 to 6 in (10-15 cm) of precipitation a year. 

Test Plans

I plan to test the Sun Block Hoodie in all the above locations and I am certain many more during the testing period.  I will test the hoodie while car camping, backpacking, running errands around town, and on picnics. I will also test this item while running and cycling. 

The below stated factors will also be tested and any other factors that may arise.

Fit:  How does the hoodie fit overall? Are there any snug/oversized areas? Can I completely straighten my arms toward the ceiling without any discomfort? Do the elastic cuffs not allow the sleeves to scrunch or move up my arms? Do I have enough room for adequate shoulder mobility in all panes of movement? Does the hood on the hoodie cover my face adequately to provide shade? Can I use the drawstrings to keep the hood in place or does it slide off my head?

Features:  Does the hoodie provide sun protection as claimed? I have fair skin and this can be easily tested by assessing if my skin burns while wearing the hoodie for prolonged periods of time in the sunshine. Is there adequate ventilation? Do I sweat excessively while wearing this? What is the highest/lowest temperature that I can wear this without being too uncomfortable?

Care:  What is the care of the fabric? How does it perform after being washed? How does it wear? Can it be easily torn or punctured? Is there a noticeable difference in the fabric after being washed? Does it wrinkle easily (when stored/stuffed in my pack)? Does the hoodie protect me from light drizzle?