Named after Monarch Pass, the mid-point of the Colorado Trail, this sun hoodie proved itself on a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail in 2025. I loved it and I think you will too. 
 
It is extremely durable without being thick or heavy. Just the right weight to stand up to crazy abuse, offer a UPF rating of 50+, but still be breathable and cooling. The aforementioned 50+ UPF means this hoodie is fantastic for alpine hikes and snow travel, where the UV rays are off the charts. Deep and oversized hood offers great top and side sun protection for your face, great airflow AND, wont blow off your head in a headwind. Thumb tabs instead of holes, keep your thumb protected inside the sleeve to prevent a sunburned thumb and that weird thong-tan hand. 
 
The only sun hoodie I know of that was designed and tested, AND built by thru-hikers. The reason this exists, is because most sun hoodies come up very short in multiple areas. This becomes apparent when you live in one for 5 months or more. Thumb holes are perhaps easy to build but, having an exposed thumb pointing at the sky all day is not ideal for all day exposure. Most sun hoodie hoods are too shallow and too tight, trapping excess heat and still forcing you to put sunscreen on your face. My goal with the Monarch, was to fix these issues, while still creating an overall durable, breathable and comfortable hoodie. 
 
My initial impression was that dirt tended to get ground into this hoodie, under the pack straps and waist belt, more noticeable than some sun hoodies. But it does eventually clean up. It's mostly that the washing machines along the trail usually suck. Once I could get mine in a proper washer with plenty of soap, it looks almost perfect again. Also, I found a pre-wash spray treatment like spray and wash, on the strap and waist belt areas, definitely helps. We have also added Oxiclean to the wash with great success. Also, darker colors this will be less of an issue in general. 
 
*Size chart is in product photos. Sizing is the same body measurements as the Alpha hoodies and crew, so if you were a medium in those, you are a medium in these.**
 
100% polyester. Machine wash cool or cold, Tumble dry low or air dry. No bleach, ironing or fabric softener. 
 
Hand made to order in Bend, Oregon. 
 
I make these once a week so, lead time is 7 days max. 
 
Lastly, if you are not familiar with what a sun hoodie is, this is a base layer WARM weather hoodie. It is meant to protect you from your pack, and the sun, and keep you cool through breathability and evaporative cooling. It could be a cold weather base layer as well and it would do okay in that role but, for constant cold weather I would recommend my Sisters merino hoodie as a much better option.