There are times when you just don’t want to slather on a lot of sunscreen – because that, in itself, can make you feel overheated. The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie is perfect to address this: the polyester/polypropylene blend has great wicking properties and is quick drying – which helps keep you cool. And the UPF 50+ protects against sun damage.
I put it through its paces on a long hike both below and above treeline. One thing I really like about wearing a soft, lightweight sunshirt as we start easing into more fall-like weather here in the Rockies is the versatility: in the shade or earlier in the day, the long sleeves protect against the chill – and then when it warms up or in the sun, the cooling properties of the shirt are evident.
Unlike other sunshirts I’ve seen, the Helly Hansen does not have elongated sleeves and thumbholes. I actually consider that a plus, since I wear fingerless sun gloves and would just end up pushing the longer sleeves back (with the sun beaming onto my arm through that thumbhole at times!).
The hood is perfect to get extra protection for the back of your neck and I can easily get my sun hat over it.
In comparison to other sun protection hoodies that I also own, I was pleased to discover the Helly Hansen breathes better.
Finally, after a day of sweating, I noticed the shirt still smelled fresh! It passed my own sniff test for “can I wear this on Day 2 without washing?”
As far as care goes, it’s important to treat it gently when washing, as clothes with zippers or catches washed with it can grab it and cause snags. Wash with your other underthings, and hang dry – and it will do just fine.
This is my new go-to piece for both protection on cooler mornings and sun protection when things heat up!
The Helly Hansen Woman’s Lifa Active Solen Hoodie comes in two solid colors, and three graphic colors. Available from XS-XL. This product is also available as a half-zip, without a hood.
Lisa Fine
I’m 60 and loving the outdoor life in Summit County, CO. Skiing (Nordic and backcountry) and hiking are my two greatest outdoor pursuits. However, I’m also a former ultrarunner and alumnus of the Mohican 50 Mile, North Country 50 Mile, and Run Woodstock 50 Mile races, as well as a handful of 50K pursuits. Prior to my trailrunning days, I was a road marathoner and two-time participant in the Mt. Washington Road Race.
Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range fueled my love for the mountains and trails. I spent a lot of time honing my skills in the Mt. Washington environs in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, I added single-handed ocean sailing to my resume.
Discovering the Colorado mountains started in 1988, with my first 14ers (Longs Peak, Mt Elbert, and Quandary Mtn). Once I moved here, the allure of the Gore Range became my focus. As far as my local endeavors go, “I wonder what’s over that ridge?” or “I wonder if I can get there from here?” resonate in my mind as I explore the lesser-traveled areas.
In my pursuit of new (to me) terrain and achievements, my gear is a critical factor in my comfort, success, and safety. At age 60, I’m still trying to be efficient (read: fast and light) while maintaining some creature comforts. Striking that balance requires planning and critical evaluation of the utility of every item I put in my pack.
Leave a Reply