SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody is super-stretchy hoody that makes great mid-layer for four-season use. With a 50+ UPF (Ultra-Violet Protection Factor), it provides excellent protection against direct or reflected sun when hiking, fishing, climbing, or skiing. I usually wear it over a base layer for sun protection, warmth, and insect protection. It wicks sweat amazingly well and has a polygiene anti-stink treatment that lets me hang out with friends after outdoor recreation without having to go home and shower first.
- Gender: Men’s (Women’s also available)
- Weight: 8.1 oz (Size Large, men’s)
- Materials: 87% polyester/13% elastane
- Hood: Yes, under-helmet
- Sizing: Regular Fit and Not Baggy
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody is a UPF 50+ sun-protective mid-layer garment that can be used year-round. Its UPF sun protection rating is the highest clothing can achieve, meaning that only 2% of ultraviolet radiation can pass through the fabric. As someone who’s outdoors nearly every day year-round, I take my sun protection very seriously, especially after abusing it for years when I was younger, when a dark tan was a sign of good health rather than a cancer risk.
But there are a lot of UPF 50 sun hoodies available today. What makes the Alpenglow such a win? For me, it’s the woven texture of the fabric which is much more porous than the other sun hoodies I have. I find it wicks incredibly well, moving moisture out of my base layer so it can evaporate. Moisture management is an important comfort factor for me, particularly in cooler weather, because I run hot when hiking, backpacking, or cross-country skiing.
I’ve also found the Alpenglow to be a good layering piece in cooler weather. It provides just the right amount of extra warmth on cool mornings when worn alone or under a windbreaker like my Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Jacket.
Regarding sizing, a large Alpenglow is slightly large on me which is good for layering, but nothing like the highly oversized sun hoodies that other vendors sell, like Columbia or Stio. With one exception, the hood is a bit large, considering it’s billed as an under-helmet hoodie. I usually wear it with a billed cap, especially when I’m fly fishing, which fills it out while providing the sides of my head and neck with excellent sun protection. Still, I do wish it had a drawstring neck closure so it performed better in the wind.
The Alpenglow is treated with the polygiene anti-odor treatment, which works amazingly well on this garment. I can wear it “out” after a hike without having to change or take a shower before heading out for a beer with friends. It also means I have to wash it less often and can wear it on consecutive days, which is another benefit I appreciate.
There are also no thumb-loops on the sleeves, which is a little surprising since that’s the norm with sun hoodies. If thumb loops are a must-have for you, the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, which costs $25 more, has thumb loops in addition to a quarter-zip opening, a check pocket, under-arm mesh panels, and an over-the-helmet hood.
Recommendation
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody is a UPF 50+ sun protection hoody that’s great on land or on the water. In addition to UV light protection, it’s a great mid-layer with a porous weave that wicks perspiration well. Its stretchy fabric is excellent for dynamic sports from hiking and climbing to skiing, with a comfortable fit sized just right for easy layering.
Disclosure: Black Diamond donated a garment for review. SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.
How does it compare to the Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody?
The Capilene air hoody is much warmer and provides no sun protection. Zero. I mainly use it as a baselayer on very cold days in winter. It’s also considerably more difficult to launder sinces its half wool. I reviewed it last winter.
https://sectionhiker.com/patagonia-capilene-air-hoodie-review/
Philip, thanks for making us aware of this fine sun hoody. How does the breathability compare to the OR Echo sun hoody (only UPF 15). The Alpenglow Pro might be worth $25 for the zipper and thumb loops for my use.
The primary difference is the UPF rating. The echo is also much lighter weight and less suitable as a warmer mid-layer. I think the Alpenglow Pro is worth upgrading too.
I wear the Alpenglow Pro, and have enjoyed it quite a bit the last 2 summers. My only gripe is the material is slightly easy to pill. The material on the Pro is different than the regular, apparently thicker. It’s got a nice cooling effect when I am 100% drenched in sweat as I am in the summer. Looks like I just stepped out of a swimming pool.
I’ve got the BD Alpenglow Pro hoody, happy with it. My first sun hoody. Worth noting – hood stretches so you can hook it on the brim of your mesh baseball cap to “tunnel” the coverage forward – or stretch the hood to one side or the other (where the sun is). Deep chest zipper allows you to dump heat quickly, handy when facing away from the sun or stepping into momentary shade. Thumb loops give me total wrist coverage when paired with kayaking gloves. Underarm mesh is long – nearing the elbows and waist. I have about 40 days on it, mostly kayaking and hill workouts on the Lake Michigan bluffs near my Wisconsin home (bluff routes can be sun blasted but sweeping Lake Michigan views make it worth it). I have not done any alder swims or other bushwhacking which would test its tear resistance. Tad spendy at $100. Outdoorgearlab rated it #1 on its comparative review, an REI sun hoody was #2 and half the price but lacked the chest zipper and underarm venting material features.
One stylist footnote for “in town” wear. The drape of the hood is such that when it is down it tends to bunch – somewhat oddly visually – on one side or the other. Not a dealbreaker and I suspect that most of us interested in a sun hoody are prioritizing function.