Article by Markus Zinkl
Tern Merino Sun Hoodie ($84.97)
Weight: 144g / 5.1 oz (Size M)
Fabric: 115 GSM NuYarn™ Merino Wool blend (58% merino, 42% nylon)
UPF Rating: 36+
Fit: Close
Seams & Sleeves: True Flat-Lock Seams, Raglan Sleeves
Altitude Sun Hoodie ($49.97)
Fabric: 80 GSM 100% polyester with FUZE™ Antimicrobial Treatment
Weight 2023 Version: 102g / 3.59 oz (Size M)
Weight 2024 Version: 109g / 3.84 oz (Size M)
UPF Rating: Inconclusive, but tested extensively in high elevation sunlight with no sign of UV ray penetration.
Fit: Close
Seams & Sleeves: True Flat-Lock Seams, Raglan Sleeves
Introduction
When it comes to sun hoodies, both the Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie and the Altitude Sun Hoodie from Outdoor Vitals offer unique features and benefits. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Material and Comfort
The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie is crafted from a 115 GSM Merino Wool blend, consisting of 58% merino and 42% nylon. This combination provides a comfortable feel, though it may not be as soft as some other merino hoodies like the ZPacks Merino hoodie. The natural fibers offer excellent moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties, making it comfortable for extended wear.
On the other hand, the Altitude Sun Hoodie is made from 80 GSM 100% polyester. Its fabric is very soft and thin. It reminds me of the Rab Force Hoodie, and excels in moisture transport, keeping you cool and dry. Despite the lack of an official UPF rating, I didn’t have any sunburns on high alpine sunny days (~8h of sun exposure).
Design and Features
The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie weighs 144g (5.1 oz) in size M and features true flat-lock seams and raglan sleeves, along with a minimal clean collar hood. It also boasts excellent stretch, moisture-wicking, bacteria/odor resistance, quick drying, and a UPF rating of 36+. In contrast, the Altitude Sun Hoodie weighs 102g (3.59 oz) in the 2023 or 109g (3.84oz) in the 2024 version respectively (all size M).
The Tern and Altitude Hoodie share similar design elements, including true flat-lock seams, raglan sleeves, and a minimal clean collar hood. It also offers excellent stretch, moisture-wicking, breathability, quick drying, and sun-blocking ability, though its UPF rating is inconclusive.
Fit and Versatility
Both hoodies are designed to fit close to the skin and easily beneath other layers. This comes in handy in the morning. I usually start my days with my fleece over the sun hoodie until it warms up a bit.
The Tern hoodie features a bit longer arms for increased hand coverage, though it lacks thumb loops.
The Altitude hoodie, while also close-fitting, has sleeves that could be longer for better hand coverage and are a bit tight, making them hard to roll up.
It also lacks thumb loops.
Performance and Durability
The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie combines the advantages of synthetic and natural fibers, making it excellent in moisture transport and quick drying. It maintains good odor resistance for about three days, and the higher nylon content enhances its moisture wicking performance while retaining the benefits of merino wool.
The Altitude Sun Hoodie excels in moisture transport, making it one of the best options for staying cool and dry. Despite the lack of an official UPF rating, it has proven effective in high alpine sun exposure. The 2024 version uses FUZE™ Antimicrobial Treatment to improve odor resistance, designed to last longer and not wash away.
Specifics and Personal Impressions
The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie is impressively light for a merino hoodie and very comfortable to wear, with no discomfort under pack straps due to the raglan sleeves and flat-lock seams. The blend of merino wool and nylon provides excellent moisture management and quick drying capabilities. The Altitude Sun Hoodie, with its very soft and thin fabric, provides a comfortable feel against the skin. It is one of the best in terms of moisture transport, though the tight sleeves and lack of thumb loops are minor drawbacks.
The 2024 version’s FUZE™ Antimicrobial Treatment is a nice addition, though the difference in odor resistance isn’t that significant, at least in my limited time of testing.
Conclusion
Both hoodies have their strengths. The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie excels in comfort, moisture management, and odor resistance, making it a great choice for extended wear. On the other hand, the Altitude Sun Hoodie stands out for its softness, breathability, and effective sun protection despite the lack of an official UPF rating.
Your choice will depend on your specific needs, whether you prioritize the natural benefits of merino wool or the lightweight, breathable qualities of polyester.
My only real criticism on both is the lack of thumb loops to increase hand coverage.
Both available here at Outdoor Vitals
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Outdoor Vitals. The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 34 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
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