Review: REI Flash Shade Hoodie
The REI Flash Shade Hoodie combines UPF 50+ sun protection with an open, breathable fabric that helps keep me cool on warm-weather hikes.
Specs
- weight: 5.3 oz
- fabric: 67% recycled polyester/33% LanzaTech polyester
- sun protection: 50+ UPF rating
- sustainability: bluesign approved fabric; recycled polyester; LanzaTech carbon-capture technology
- price: $69.95
My Experience with the Flash Shade
I’ve been wearing the Flash Shade Hoodie on hikes all summer. I always wear long sleeves for sun protection so I don’t have to apply as much sunscreen, and for protection from biting insects. In hot weather, I want a shirt that offers these benefits without causing me to overheat.
The Flash Shade has a very open, almost mesh-like weave that lets plenty of air through, while the fabric also wicks moisture and dries quickly. The breathability helps reduce sweating, and I appreciate having the hood when I want additional sun protection.
Of the available colors, I prefer the lighter one because it reflects more sunlight than a darker color, which can make me feel hotter.
I like the fit, too. It’s comfortable without being too loose or too tight, and the raglan sleeves give me plenty of room through the underarms. The sleeves are a little longer than those on many hiking shirts, which I like, and the partial thumbholes make it easy to pull them over my hands when I want more protection. The higher neckline adds some extra coverage, and the hood has a ponytail opening in the back.
I’ve found it useful beyond warm-weather hiking, too. In cooler conditions, I’ve layered a fleece hoodie or ultralight windbreaker over it when temperatures dropped or the wind picked up. The thin fabric makes it easy to add another layer without feeling bulky.
Sustainability
Paying attention to how the clothing I buy is made and its impact on the environment is important to me, so I appreciate the materials used in the Flash Shade Hoodie. It’s made with recycled polyester as well as polyester made using LanzaTech’s carbon-capture technology — which captures carbon-rich industrial emissions and converts them into ethanol that can be used to make materials such as polyester.
The fabric also meets bluesign criteria, which is another factor I like to see in outdoor clothing. While these features don’t eliminate the environmental impact of making a synthetic garment, I appreciate that REI is using recycled materials and an alternative source of carbon in the production of this hoodie rather than relying entirely on conventional polyester.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.