Every climber loves a warm day of climbing at a shady crag. But sometimes the sun is unavoidable, whether it’s on multi-pitch climbs, during whole days spent guiding, or just at a sunny crag. Too much sun exposure leads to short- and long-term problems, including damaged skin, lowered immune functioning, and even cancer. Ways to protect yourself include avoiding the sun at the peak of the day (approximately 10am to 2pm), applying sunscreen, and—the easiest, least-messy option—wearing protective clothing. In this article, we’ll cover the best climbing sun protection options for your head, neck, and eyes.
To get most sun protection gear to work for climbing, there’s one major consideration—it has to work with a helmet. Because of course you’re wearing a helmet. And so all of our favorite hats, visors, buffs, hoodies, sunglasses, and more are all compatible with climbing helmets. Without further ado, here are our favorite pieces of climbing sun protection gear.
Best Climbing Sun Protection Hoodies
What better way to protect your whole upper body than covering it? Tired of constantly applying sunscreen to your arms, hands, and neck? Sick of the oily residue left on your hands that make climbing harder? Sun shirts with hoods offer lightweight, breathable sun protection. Sun hoodies are a staple in every desert climber’s tool box and can be used for numerous other outdoor pursuits like rafting, fly fishing, and backpacking. Here are our favorite sun hoodies on the market, the very best  for climbing sun protection.
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II
Price: $59
Weight: 8.3oz
Fabric: Polyester/Spandex blend
What we like:
- 50+ UPF sun protection, plus Polygiene odor-control fabric.
- Loose fit with extra large hood that can fit over a helmet.
- Thumb holes add extra sun protection for the backs of hands.
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoody
Price: $65
Weight: 10.2oz
Fabric: Polyester/cotton/spandex blend
What we like:
- Slightly thicker than the Patagonia Tropic Comfort, the Ensenada is perfect for slightly colder days in the sun.
- Lower back zipper pocket for easy access to small items.
- 50+ UPF sun protection and extra-large hood to accommodate a helmet.
- Women’s version available
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Black Diamond Alpenglow
Price: $85
Weight: 8.5oz
Fabric: Polyester stretch jersey
What we like:
- 50+ UPF sun protection, plus Polygiene odor control fabric.
- Loose fit plus underarm gussets for increased range of motion.
- Multiple color options, including a nice orange.
- Women’s version available.
Compare Prices: Black Diamond Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Best All-Around Hat for Climbing Sun Protection
The keys to a hat for climbing sun protection are threefold: it must be lightweight, breathable, and fit comfortably under a helmet. Hats should work great as just a hat, and then also transition to working under a helmet without impeding your climbing ability. And our favorite hats do exactly that.
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Price: $25
Weight: 2.5oz
Fabric: Nylon shell + Nylon mesh
What we like:
- Superior sun protection (50+UPF), yet still highly breathable.
- Lightweight, can be easily packed down, and machine washable.
- Dark fabric under brim reduces sun glare and strain on eyes; 16 different color options.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Patagonia Airdini Cap
Price: $35
Weight: 1oz
Fabric: Nylon+DWR
What we like:
- Super lightweight, with wind and water resistance built into the fabric.
- Back panel acts as a stash pocket for small items and converts to stuff sack for the hat with its own clip.
- Side and back panels made from ultra-breathable, moisture-wicking nylon.
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Best Sun Protection for you Neck
One of the most common places to get burnt while climbing is your neck. If you’re looking for lightweight and simple neck sun protection, look no further than the classic neck gaiter. Our favorite is from Buff, which can easily go under your helmet, providing ear protection as well.
Buff UV Series
Price: $25
Weight: 1.4oz
Fabric: Microfiber Polyester
What we like:
- Multifunctional use makes a buff well worth its weight.
- Polygiene odor control fabric means you can “wear more, wash less.”
- 14+ ways to wear it and it comes in 200+ colors.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry (National Parks Collection)
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Best Full Brim Sun Hat
Sometimes a normal ball cap just won’t do. If you need full brim coverage, check these awesome hats out. Best thing about them: they fit under a helmet. Ultra lightweight and breathable, these hats offer great protection for your face, neck and ears. They have the added protection of a neck clasp so they won’t fly off in windy weather.
KUHL Sun Blade
Price: $45
Fabric: Nylon and Polyester
What we like:
- 50+ UPF plus mesh sides offers great sun protection plus breathability.
- 2-way design can be worn for added face or added neck protection depending on conditions.
- Under brim is a dark grey, reducing glare.
Check Price:Â REI
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Outdoor Research Sombriolet
Price: $42
Weight: 3.1oz
Fabric: Nylon and Polyester
What we like:
- UPF 50+ with strategic vents for sun protection and breathability.
- Lightweight, minimalist design with great packability.
- Extra wide sweat absorbing headband for greater wicking and cooling.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Best Hat With Full Neck Protection
Sometimes you want to go full desert mode and for this nothing beats the hat+neck cape combo. They fit under a helmet and offer complete face, neck, and ear protection. The breathable nylon fabric of the neck cape ensures you won’t overheat. Our favorite is below:
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Price: $36
Weight: 2.6oz
Fabric: Nylon
What we like:
- The ultimate functionality, completely protecting the neck on all sides as well as the ears and the face.
- Neck cape is removable.
- UPF 50+ plus rapid drying fabric means sun protection and cooling.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Best Visors for Climbing Sun Protection
Maybe hats aren’t quite your thing and you look good in visors. Or maybe you’re trying to shed every ounce so you prefer a visor over a hat. Whatever the reason, visors offer ultra lightweight and breathable sun protection for your face. Check out our favorites, all of which fit under a climbing helmet and offer great climbing sun protection.
Outdoor Research Echo Visor
Price: $24
Weight: 0.5oz
Fabric: Polyester
What we like:
- Ultra lightweight and packs down to the size of a small protein bar.
- Fits really well under a helmet and short brim doesn’t obscure vision while climbing.
- Can fit over ears for added warmth or sun protection.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Amazon Ι Outdoor Research
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Best Sunglasses for Climbing
Your climbing sun protection isn’t complete without sunglasses. And the old adage here holds true: you get what you pay for. A good pair of sunglasses saves your eyes and don’t get in the way. Our top choices offer get UV protection while being lightweight and stylish. They come in a variety of styles and lens colors so you can find just the right pair for you.
Julbo Montebianco (or Monterosa)
Price: $100
What we like:
- Spectron 4 lenses block 100% of UV rays.
- Lightweight and flexible nylon frame allows great fit for a variety of face shapes.
- Side shields can be removed when they’re not needed.
- Women’s version (Monterosa).
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
Price: $163
What we like:
- 100% UV protection with easily interchangeable lenses (even available with Oakley prescription lenses).
- Very good impact resistance even at high velocity.
- No bottom frame plus advanced lens coverage means nothing obscures your view while climbing.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
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Best Sunglasses Neck Retainer
After spending $100 (or more!) on a pair of sunglasses, the last thing you want to do is lose them! Some inexpensive neck retainers can help. Lightweight and barely noticeable until you think for a split second your glasses have fallen off. Worth every penny if you use them only once, here are our favorite neck retainers.
Croakies Micro Suiters Sunglass Retainer
Price: $7
Weight: Â <1 oz
Fabric: Cotton and Lycra blend
What we like:
- Lightweight and inexpensive.
- Classic and simple design fits securely on most sunglasses.
- Slider on the back easily adjusts fit.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Amazon
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Chums Adjustable Orbiters Sunglass Keepers
Price: $11
Weight: 0.1oz
Material: Stainless Steel
What we like:
- Ultra lightweight and super durable stainless steel.
- Highly adjustable design fits every type of head.
- Low-profile attachment point decreases pressure points and fits snugly.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry
Any of your favorite sun protection items that we missed? Do you have any tips and tricks for sun protection while climbing? We want to hear from you! Comment below and let us know.
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