Helly Hansen’s Shine Solen Half-Zip proves its versatility in both high Sierra hikes and multi-day rafting trips.
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
In the high-elevation Sierra, sun exposure isn’t a summer nuisance—it’s a full-season challenge. And when you throw in wind, snowmelt, and rapidly changing spring weather, you need layers that can do more than just check a box. I personally have moved to sun hoodies on man of my outdoor adventures because of the extra sun protection and comfort of the light weight fabrics that at comfort on the trail.
Enter the Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-Zip Sun Hoodie—a lightweight, breathable, UPF 50+ hoodie that’s been tested on both mountain trails and a two-day rafting expedition through the East Carson River. After wearing this piece from high desert hikes to riverside camps, I can confidently say: this is one of the most versatile, performance-ready sun hoodies I’ve ever worn.
Quick Verdict
The Shine Solen Half-Zip delivers top-tier sun protection, breathable comfort, and trail-to-river performance in a streamlined, flexible design. After testing it in both hiking and rafting conditions—across temperatures ranging from the 30s to 70s—it’s now my go-to summer layer for anything from high Sierra climbs to multi-day float trips. This is my first Sun hoodie with a Qtr. zip fit and design and I love its versatility.
☀️ Whether you’re sweating up a granite ridge or paddling through sun-drenched canyon waters, this hoodie adapts and performs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 80% Recycled Polyamide / 20% Elastane |
| Sun Protection | UPF 50+ |
| Weight | 230g (8.1 oz) |
| Key Features | Half zip, thumb holes, chest zip pocket, snug-fit hood |
| Sustainability | Recycled material, bluesign® product |
| Best Use | Trail hiking, rafting, climbing, truck camping |
| 💬 Built for the elements—designed for every kind of Sierra adventure. |
Where We Tested It
Hiking:
- Hot Creek Geologic Site + Convict Lake Trails (Eastern Sierra)
- Spring sun, melting snowfields, high elevation exposure
- Breeze off snow-covered peaks and trail climbs through volcanic terrain
- Weekend lake adventures at Lake Almanor
Rafting:
- 21-mile overnight rafting trip on the East Carson River (Carson Valley)
- Variable spring weather: direct sun, wind, sprinkles, shifting canyon climates
- Worn as the only upper layer after dropping wetsuit to the waist
- Two full days on the river + overnight camp
🧭 Conditions ranged from cool morning wind and light rain to full UV exposure and warm canyon stretches—perfect for testing breathability, coverage, and temperature regulation.
Performance in the Field
Fit & Comfort
At 6’3″ and 255 lbs, I’m used to having to compromise on fit—but not here. The XL version of the Shine Solen is dialed in: generous enough for full mobility, with long sleeves and thumb holes that actually stay in place. The QRT Zip zipper gives you both the extra room to pull over even with a hat on, but as the temperatures in the day rise if you want a little more ventilation you control the volume of air with the zipper. The snug-fit hood didn’t flap in the wind and stayed put on the raft without needing adjustment.
Sun Protection
On both trail and water, the UPF 50+ fabric delivered. Hiking through open Sierra terrain or paddling exposed canyon stretches, I stayed protected without slathering sunscreen every hour. When my ears and neck started feeling the burn, I pulled up the hood—and immediately felt the difference.
Breathability & Cooling
What sets this hoodie apart is how it performs in changing conditions. On hot climbs, the half zip allowed airflow and evaporative cooling. On the river, even after wind gusts and light rain, the hoodie dried fast and maintained warmth while still breathing well. This wasn’t just cooling in heat—it was comfort in the in-between.
River-Tested Resilience
Wearing just the hoodie as my outer layer for 21 miles of rafting—through windy canyon miles, sun breaks, and even light sprinkles—proved its durability and utility. I stayed comfortable and never felt the need to reach for another layer, even as the temps shifted. This is more than a sun layer—it’s a reliable multi-day adventure hoodie.
Weight & Packability
At just 230g, it’s light enough to stuff into a pack or dry bag. But I rarely had to—because I never wanted to take it off.
What We Liked
- All-Day Comfort: Athletic cut works for bigger builds without riding up
- Cooling + Warming Ability: Unique fabric regulates across changing temps
- Snug Hood Fit: No flapping, shifting, or distractions—trail and raft approved
- Eco-Friendly Design: 100% recycled fabric and bluesign® certified
- Trail-to-River Versatility: Performs equally well in both environments
What We Didn’t Like
- White Color Maintenance: Still wondering how well the bright white will hold up over a full season of dusty trails and dirty camps
Who This Hoodie is For
The Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-Zip is ideal for:
- Backpackers, hikers, and river runners who need high-performance sun gear
- Bigger-framed adventurers looking for a flattering, functional fit
- Anyone tackling variable Sierra conditions—from high sun to cool canyons
- Eco-conscious explorers who want premium gear that’s planet-friendly
Skip this one if you’re looking for a rain shell or heavily insulated layer—it’s not built for that. But if you want one hoodie that does nearly everything else? This is it.
Where to Buy
Looking to gear up for your next Sierra adventure? Grab the Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-Zip Hoodie from:
- Buy Direct from Helly Hansen – https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/shine-solen-1-2-zip-hoodie-49571
Compared To: Other Top Sun Hoodies
| Hoodie | Weight | Best Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helly Hansen Shine Solen | 230g | Hiking, rafting, high-UV adventure | Cooling + warming, half zip, great fit | Bright white may stain, limited pockets |
| Outdoor Research Echo | ~120g | Running, ultralight hiking | Super breathable, featherlight | Thin, fragile, minimal warmth |
| Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro | ~250g | Alpine, mountaineering | Wind-resistant, technical fabric | Less breathable, higher price |
| KETL NoFry Hoodie | ~200g | Everyday trail/lifestyle | Comfy, UPF-rated, simple | Lacks trail-focused features |
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