Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie

Review by Kate Agathon

The purpose-built Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie stands apart from other sun hoodies for its thermoregulating ActiveIce technology.

Living in a mountain town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is a constant factor whenever I’m out hiking, walking the dogs, or mountain biking.

For years, I have kept my arms covered out of necessity because of my dermatologist’s warning about people who live at high altitude being more susceptible to skin cancer and sun exposure.

Therefore, I am always looking for a practical and fashionable sun hoody that offers strong UPF protection.

Enter the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie.

Not only does the ingenious ActiveIce technology prevent overheating, but it actively works to cool down your body.

The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie’s thermoregulating properties are most evident while mountain biking.

Most of the local trails where I mountain bike have long stretches of open spaces where there are no trees to offer shade.

Thankfully, the ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is equipped with Outdoor Research’s maximum-rated sun protection: UPF 50+; ideal for prolonged sun exposure.

Other local trails where I mountain bike are characterized by steady, lung-busting climbs where my body usually begins to heat up from the effort involved.

When I was working hard to grind up those hills, ActiveIce™ technology reacted to my body’s rising temperature by cooling down my core.

Thanks to the technology from the hoodie’s self-regulating thermo-regulating ActiveIce™ properties and movement mirroring stretch, I stayed comfortable all day long, despite the changing conditions and geography.

Other Design Features

The thumb holes provided extra coverage on my hands which was nice to use while walking, but not necessarily for mountain biking since I use full fingered gloves anyway.

Thoughtfully added side slits along the hem add extra mobility.

The ponytail port is a nice feature because it prevents hair from bunching up around my sweaty neck, but again that is a feature I use when walking and not mountain biking (too much going on with the helmet and hood up, etc.).

Also notable is that the three-paneled hood was stretchy enough to pull over my mountain bike helmet.

The interior center back locker loop makes it easy to hang and dry quickly.

Features

• Breathable, quick-drying polyester blend
• Chafe-free design with Dynamic Reach
• Movement-Mirroring Stretch
• Thermo-Regulating Cooling ActiveIce™Treatment
• Wicking
• Built-in stretch
• UPF 50+
• Thumb holes
• Ponytail hole
• Bluesign® approved 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
• Updated logo

Look and Fit

I have always been a fan of Outdoor Research’s designs, and the ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is no exception.

The overall length provided adequate coverage, did not ride up, and left nothing exposed.

It somehow found that sweet spot in that it was not too form fitting and not too loose.

The hood’s cross over design at the neck gives it a refined look.

The fabric was soft and didn’t stick to me as I was riding in open spaces. In past situations, I would have worn a jacket and been constantly removing it and putting it back on. ActiveIce™Treatment on this highly breathable and stretchy hoodie eliminated the need to have a jacket.

The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is a must for people who recreate at high altitudes and spend prolonged hours in the sun.

The fit, fabric technology and softness and overall design features make it one of my favorite hoodies this season.

The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is available in six sizes (XS to XXL) and seven fun colors (Sunlight, Ascent Blue Heather, Mallard, Neptune, Stardust, Zest Heather, and Grey Heather).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.