There’s gear that works, and then there’s gear that makes you feel unstoppable. Back when I guided backpacking trips near Yosemite in the ’90s, that gear was a pair of rugged outdoor sandals. I saved for months, and something shifted when I finally threw them on. I didn’t just feel prepared, I felt like a badass.
That same feeling hit me the first time I pulled on the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody sun shirt. With its sleek fit, helmet-compatible hood, and just-right chest pocket, this sun shirt quickly earned a permanent spot in my kit. Whether I’m trail running against a coastal headwind, scrambling rocky ridgelines, or kayaking under the desert sun, this shirt brings the confidence and performance I want on every mission.
In short: The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody ($129) stands out from other sun shirts with a best-in-class hood, stretchy fabric, and a handy zippered chest pocket. Incredible performance and thoughtful features like this make it my go-to for everything from trail runs to alpine climbs. It’s not the softest or most budget-friendly option, but if you spend serious time outside, this sun shirt delivers performance and style that’s hard to beat.
Curious about how it compares to the competition? Check out our Best Sun Shirts of 2025 guide for the full lineup.
-
Super-stretchy fabric -
Thumb loops that work -
Zippered chest pocket adds real-world utility -
Well-designed hood -
Longer cut stays tucked under a harness or pack -
Breathable and quick-drying for high-output activities
-
Pricey -
Not as soft as some others -
Durability questions
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody Review
First Impressions
When I first pulled the Alpenglow Pro out of the box, nothing obvious made it stand out from all the other sun shirts I own. It looked like yet another sun hoody, albeit with some nice touches, including a zippered chest pocket and a well-contoured hood.
But over time, it completely won me over. During 6 months of testing, I put the Alpenglow Pro through serious abuse, starting with 2 months in Baja, where I used it daily for kayaking, climbing, hiking, trail running, surf fishing, and snorkeling. Sun, saltwater, wind. You name it, this sun shirt stood up to it.
Then I brought it to England and Wales, where the cool, wet, and variable conditions were ideal for trail running, peak scrambling, and hiking. Whether used solo in the heat or layered in cold and wind, this hoody exceeded my expectations.
Though Black Diamond markets it to climbers, after half a year of wear, it’s become my default pick for just about any outdoor activity.
Sun Protection That Goes the Distance
Sun protection isn’t optional when you spend long days outside, especially in high-exposure zones like the desert or on the water. The Alpenglow Pro Hoody delivers UPF 40 coverage across arms, neck, and torso, with a full-coverage hood that shields ears and the back of the neck better than most.
Even in Baja’s brutal midday sun, it protected me from overheating. The fabric breathes well, dries quickly, and doesn’t feel suffocating like some sun shirts. Whether paddling, hiking, or hanging out in camp, I never had to reach for a backup layer and didn’t need to reapply sunscreen constantly.
What Stands Out
Best-in-Class Hood
The hood on this sun shirt is hands down the best I’ve tested. It fits perfectly and is snug without being restrictive, whether you’re wearing a helmet or not. There are no buttons or zippers, just well-designed elastic that keeps it in place. During a mountain trail race in Wales, the hood stayed put over my running cap even as gale-force winds blasted the ridge.
Zippered Chest Pocket
More sun shirts should have a zippered pocket at the chest. It’s discreet but perfectly sized for essentials like a car key, candy bar, or card. I use it constantly while hiking and running, and now miss it on other shirts that don’t have one.
Stretch and Thumb Loops That Actually Work
This shirt has serious stretch. As one of the stretchiest in our test, it moves with you whether you’re climbing, running, or paddling. The thumb loops feel natural, don’t bunch up, and allow full mobility without pulling or stressing the fabric. That’s rare for sun shirts, and a major plus for activities that require full mobility.
Thoughtful, Longer Fit
I like this shirt’s extended cut and fit. It’s slightly longer than most, which helps keep it tucked under a harness or pack waistbelt without looking awkward. It’s a small detail that hikers, backpackers, and climbers like me especially appreciate.
Room for Improvement
Price
At $149, the Alpenglow Pro isn’t cheap. It might be overkill if you’re on a budget or only need a sun shirt occasionally. But if you’re logging serious days outside, the performance and versatility help justify the cost. Want a more affordable option? Black Diamond offers the Alpenglow Hoody (no chest pocket or zipper) for $50 less.
Durability
While the shirt held up reasonably well, after about 15 washes and minor bushwhacking, I noticed some early signs of wear, including light pilling and a few snags. This may not be the most rugged option if you’re frequently off-trail or rubbing against rock.
Feel Against the Skin
The fabric is functional and breathable, but lacks the ultrasoft next-to-skin comfort of others like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody or NRS Silkweight. The BD Alpenglow can feel slightly clingy on hot, sweaty days compared to softer competitors. However, this is a compromise I’m willing to make for more wind and weather resistance.
Conclusion
Black Diamond’s legacy in technical mountain gear runs deep. The Alpenglow Pro Hoody carries that legacy forward with innovative features and a refined design.
If you’re after a premium sun hoody with exceptional fit, helmet-compatible hood, and details like a zippered chest pocket and thumb loops that work, this one’s a winner. It’s our daily driver for everything from beach days to big climbs, and I suspect it will stay that way for quite some time.
Read the full article here
