Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half‑Zip Sun Hoodie Review
MSRP: $90 | Size Reviewed: Small | Color: Bonfire
Ryan Humphries
In 2009, I moved from Missouri to Colorado for mountains, sunshine, and adventure.
Early on, I realized that if I wanted to actually have fun in the mountains, I needed to be smart about my excursions—food, water, shelter, and, if I didn’t want to turn into a crispy critter, sun protection. Big hats, buffs, sunglasses, and sunscreen were my go-to tools for years.
But much like a CEO at a Coldplay show, when it comes to Sun Shirts, the secret is out! Apparently I’m just late to the party, because folks on the southern coast have been rocking this style of UPF shirt for some time.
But you didn’t come here to hear cheesy jokes, you came to learn about the Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half‑Zip Sun Hoodie!
Fit & Feel
For reference, I stand a towering 5’5″ and clock in at around 150 lbs (after second breakfast). The size small fits me perfectly—athletic, but not tight. The fabric is light, breathable, and moves well, whether I’m hiking, hanging, or climbing the occasional tree.
At first, the half‑zip felt a little unnecessary. But once you’re sweating your way up a steep grade and you unzip it a bit, it becomes your best friend. Same with the sleek chest pocket—I didn’t think I’d use it until I slid a $20 bill in there at a Red Rocks show, forgot about it, and rediscovered it later. Bonus points.
The Bonfire color is bold and bright—great for visibility on the trail or when your friends are trying to find you at a crowded concert. Personally I’m a fan of subdued colors when I’m in the city (blacks, greys, dark greens), but when I’m doing sketchy stuff in the woods I like a color that stands out from the terrain.
Specs from Helly Hansen
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Fabric: 80 % recycled polyamide, 20 % elastane (stretchy, light)
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Certifications: bluesign® approved, recycled content
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Unique Features:
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Thumb holes
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¼ zip
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Chest pocket
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UPF 50+
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Performance
Like most of Helly Hansen’s gear, this hoodie performs. The Shine Solen line uses a combo of planet-friendly fabric and UPF 50+ sun protection to keep you safe and stink-free even on long days outside. It wicks well, dries fast, and doesn’t feel swampy in the heat.
As it is a “sun shirt” thus far I’ve only worn it for summer activities…however, I could also see using this as a base layer for winter excursions as it wicks away moisture like a boss.
It’s comfortable, technical, and way cooler—literally and figuratively—than slathering on sunscreen every 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Helly Hansen has been innovating since 1877, when a Norwegian sea captain was trying to protect his crew from the elements. It’s kind of perfect, and ironic, that their gear is now protecting land‑locked adventurers like me from the sun 140+ years later.
Whether you’re a hiker, a climber, or someone who just appreciates a good outdoor concert shirt, the Shine Solen Half‑Zip Sun Hoodie deserves a place in your pack…or your glove box…or tied around your waist, or really just ready for whatever your next adventure brings.
Ryan Humphries
Growing up in southeast Missouri, Ryan spent most of his days playing in the woods, swimming in creeks, capturing wildlife, and dreaming of adventure. His asthma kept him from playing a lot of sports as a kid, but it didn’t stop him from achieving the ranks of both Eagle Scout and a Black Belt in Taekwondo by the age of 16.
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