Review: Free Fly Bamboo Flex Hoodie

I've got quite the collection of sun hoodies in my drawer, but more often than not, I find myself reaching for the Bamboo Flex Hoodie from Free Fly. While most of these types of shirts are cut from standard polyester fabric, this one is a blend of polyester and bamboo viscose, plus a little spandex for stretch.

What the heck is bamboo viscose? Since I geek out on all things gear, I did some reading on it. Bamboo viscose is a fiber made from broken-down bamboo pulp—a natural fiber that gives the shirt a plusher feel than pure polyester. I find that the shirt remains more comfortable and less sticky-feeling after wearing it for several days in a row on a backpacking trip—not to mention, it seems not to hold onto stench as strongly as other sun hoodies I have.

The fabric is a bit heavier than pure polyester, and it doesn't wick moisture quite as readily. But it certainly wicks much faster than cotton, and it's perhaps even more comfortable. If you're looking for a sun hoodie that's fashionable, functional, and comfortable, look no further than the Free Fly Bamboo Flex Hoodie.

Available at freeflyapparel.com; $84.