Sun Hoodie vs T-Shirt, Explained
One of the most common backpacking questions is also one of the simplest:
What kind of shirt should I wear backpacking?
People ask it when planning their first overnight trip, prepping for a thru-hike, or trying to dial in a lighter, more comfortable setup. The two most common answers are a short sleeve hiking t-shirt or a sun hoodie.
Both can work. But they work very differently. And once you understand why, the right choice usually becomes obvious.
The short answer
If you want simplicity, sun protection, and all-day comfort across changing conditions, most backpackers choose a sun hoodie.
If you want maximum airflow for short or shaded hikes, a short sleeve hiking shirt can still make sense.
Here is how to decide.
What shirt should you wear backpacking?
For most backpacking trips, especially multi-day trips, a lightweight long sleeve or sun hoodie is the most versatile option.
Backpacking involves long hours of movement, exposure to sun and wind, and changing temperatures throughout the day. The shirt you wear needs to manage all of that without requiring constant adjustments.
That is where sun hoodies shine.
Left to right: Desert Mariposa, Red Eft, Stellar's Jay, Casa de Luna Manzanita
Sun hoodie vs t-shirt for backpacking
A short sleeve hiking shirt covers your torso. A sun hoodie covers your arms, shoulders, neck, and often part of your head. That difference affects comfort more than people expect.
Sun hoodies provide consistent sun protection without relying on sunscreen. They help regulate temperature by shielding your skin from direct sun. They create a barrier against bugs and brush. And they reduce the need for extra layers.
A t-shirt feels great early in the day. A sun hoodie usually feels better after several hours on trail.
What do thru-hikers wear for shirts?
Most thru-hikers wear sun hoodies for one simple reason. They reduce friction.
Over weeks or months, small inconveniences add up. Reapplying sunscreen multiple times a day. Carrying separate layers for sun, bugs, and light warmth. Dealing with sunburn or irritated skin.
A sun hoodie solves many of those problems at once. That is why you see them worn day after day on long trails. Not because they are trendy, but because they work.
Is a sun hoodie too hot for hiking?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
A good sun hoodie is made from lightweight, breathable fabric designed to move moisture and allow airflow. By blocking direct sun, it can actually feel cooler than a short sleeve shirt in hot, exposed environments.
Instead of your skin absorbing heat, the fabric acts as a buffer. This is especially noticeable on desert routes, alpine ridgelines, and long summer days.
When does a short sleeve hiking shirt make sense?
Short sleeve hiking shirts still have a place.
They work well for short hikes, cooler temperatures, shaded forest trails, or casual trips where sun exposure is limited. Many backpackers bring one as a sleep shirt or camp shirt.
The key difference is that a t-shirt usually needs support from other layers, while a sun hoodie often replaces them.
Appalachian Trail Short Sleeve
How many shirts do you need for backpacking?
For most backpacking trips, one hiking shirt is enough.
Many hikers wear the same sun hoodie every day, washing it occasionally and letting it dry on trail. This simplifies packing, reduces weight, and removes decision fatigue.
Whether you are out for one night or several weeks, fewer clothing changes usually mean more time hiking and less time managing gear.
What to look for in a backpacking sun hoodie
Not all sun hoodies are the same. When choosing one, look for:
Lightweight, breathable fabric
Comfortable fit for long days
A hood that stays put without being restrictive
Soft fabric that does not chafe under a pack
TownShirt sun hoodies are designed around real trail use. They are made to be worn all day, layered easily, and used across a wide range of conditions without feeling overly technical.
Trillium Short Sleeve, Lily Short Sleeve, Casa de Luna Manzanita Short Sleeve
The bottom line
If you are asking what kind of shirt to wear backpacking, the answer depends on how you hike.
For most people, a sun hoodie is the most versatile, comfortable, and simple option. That is why they have become standard for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and everyone in between.
A short sleeve hiking shirt is not wrong. It is just more limited.
Choose the layer that lets you focus on the trail instead of your clothing. Then wear it until it is sun-faded, trail-worn, and exactly how you like it.
