Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Stretch and Good Fit

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

I live in a mountain town with intense sun where locals and tourists alike wear sun protective clothing, so there’s a lot to choose from. This year, I have tried out sun hoodies from Kuhl, Black Diamond, Helly Hansen, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, and REI. One of my favorites that has emerged from the group is the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie for its overall fit and fabric.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Some of the sun hoodies I have tried had unnecessary features such as drawstring waists or hidden zippers. Others had unforgivingly smooth fabrics that were too constrictive, sleeves that were too long, or the colors offered were some variation of heather (heather was a thing this year) that I was not a fan of.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Additionally, the fit of these other sun hoodies were either too baggy (especially under the armpit) or too tight. Finding a sun hoodie that I liked and fit well was surprisingly challenging. Then I discovered Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie; and it was just right.

Rated at UPF 20 (in some colors UPF 15) and constructed from bluesign® approved 100% Recycled Polyester fabric, Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie is as minimalist as it comes while retaining some technology.

Upgrades to this season’s Echo Hoodie include: better stretch and an improved fit, and a more durable and eco-friendly mesh fabric featuring AirVent™ moisture technology management. I

especially appreciated that the fabric is ridiculously lightweight but strong enough to withstand dog paws and rough edges encountered on hikes.

Key features: flat-seam construction (no chafing!), thumb holes, reflective logo, and a 3-panel hood with a pony port so braids and ponytails can swing freely instead of bunching up in an odd ball underneath.

Since we’ve got casual vibes going on in the mountains, I wanted a sun hoodie that I could wear at work but then would take me straight to the trail to hike or mountain bike. Also, I generally seek apparel that can do double or even triple duty because storage space is at a premium. The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie definitely met all that criteria and more.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Finally, I felt equally comfortable wearing it in the warehouse at my weekend job as I do on the trail because it was such a good piece to layer or wear on its own. In short, I found myself reaching for it a lot! Even on the hottest days, I didn’t sweat wearing the Storm (dark grey) colored hoodie.

Available in sizes XXS to 4X and 10 color options that range from safe muted tones to bright (and not all in the dreaded heather), there is an Outdoor Research Hoodie for everyone.

Kate Agathon

Kate Agathon – Dr. of Stoke

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity 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.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree 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 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.