Sun Protection

Sun Protection Clothing at Arc'teryx

Sun protection apparel from Arc'teryx delivers lightweight, breathable UV defense for high-exposure mountain environments, summer trail runs, alpine ascents, and hot-weather trekking. Engineered with light-as-air fabrics and specialized UPF construction, our sun shirts, hoodies, and lightweight layers block harmful ultraviolet rays while actively pulling moisture away from your skin to keep you cool and protected under intense sun exposure.

What Is Sun Protection Clothing?

Sun protection clothing features tightly woven technical textiles—such as Phasic™ and Cormac fabrics—specifically rated for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Unlike standard cotton t-shirts, which offer minimal UV resistance, technical sun protection apparel provides a continuous barrier against UVA and UVB rays without requiring chemical additives, maintaining its protective capabilities wash after wash.

Types of Sun Protection Apparel

Our sun protection range offers specialized styles tailored to movement, coverage, and heat management:

Sun Hoodies & Long Sleeve Tops
Styles like the Cormac Hoody and Sima Hoody offer full upper-body coverage with low-profile, helmet-compatible hoods that shield your neck, ears, and head during long exposed climbs or river runs.

Technical UPF T-Shirts & Short Sleeves
Lightweight options like the Cormac Crew Neck and Arc'Bird Logo SS deliver maximum airflow and odor control, offering core protection for fast-and-light summer hikes in high heat.

Lightweight Weather & Wind Shells
Ultra-lightweight jackets like the Gamma Lightweight Hoody deliver breathable weather resistance alongside sun defense, shielding you from both biting ridge winds and direct solar exposure.

How to Choose Sun Protection Gear

Selecting the ideal sun protection setup depends on your output level, environment, and exposure duration:

Coverage vs. Airflow
For intense, high-altitude sun on snow fields or open ridges, choose long-sleeve hooded tops for complete skin coverage. For shaded trails or humid environments, opt for short-sleeve tops with high breathability.

Moisture & Odor Management
Ensure your sun gear features grid or micro-mesh construction for rapid evaporation, alongside anti-odor treatments (such as DAO™) for multi-day backcountry trips.

Fit & Articulation
Select an athletic, trim fit that sits close to the skin to efficiently wick sweat, with articulated patterning that prevents hem pull when wearing a backpack or climbing harness.

What Activities Is Sun Protection Best For?

Trail Running & Fast Hiking
Delivers featherlight comfort and rapid drying performance during high-output summer workouts.

Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Protects against intense high-altitude solar radiation on open rock faces, glaciers, and exposed ridges.

Travel & Outdoor Exploration
Offers clean design and versatile, packable protection for hot-weather travel, paddling, and daily outdoor wear.