Gear Review & Photos by: Courtney Ledden (@courtney.ledden)
Some weekends are made for bagging summits and chasing elevation. Others? They're for soaking in nice weather at camp, leisurely trail runs, and familiar scenic hiking trails. This weekend was all about the latter—and with sunny skies and warm temps on the forecast, it was the perfect opportunity to test out some of Outdoor Research’s sun-protective layers.
I have the kind of skin that burns before lunch if I’m not careful, so I’m always searching for layers that keep the UV off without making me overheat. Spoiler alert: the lineup I brought delivered exactly that. Here’s a rundown of the pieces I used and how they fit into the rhythm of the weekend.
Trail Running Gear
Swift Ultra Light Cap
A minimalist’s dream. This cap is featherlight, breathable, and designed to disappear on your head. The laser-cut vents kept air flowing during a hot afternoon run, and the fit stayed snug—even on descents where gravity had other ideas. The Swift Ultra Light Cap is easy to stash in a vest or pocket when not needed.
Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
The Astroman Air Sun Hoodie was my go-to layer when the sun felt relentless. It’s made with a super-lightweight, stretchy fabric that breathes better than any sun hoodie I’ve worn before. Built-in UPF 30+ protection, a generous hood with a soft brim, and thumb loops make it an ideal choice for high-output days when you want full coverage without trapping heat. For trail running or long exposed efforts, this will stay in my regular rotation.
Hiking Essentials
Ferrosi Shorts
My goldilocks hiking short. Not too tight, not too floppy—just enough structure to feel solid, with all the stretch I want for scrambling, striding, and sitting by the creek. The Ferrosi fabric is durable, breathable, and quick-drying, and I really appreciate the deep, functional pockets (dog treats, lip balm, snack bar—check).
ActiveIce Spectrum Long Sleeve Tee
This long sleeve layer has just the right amount of weight. Heavier than a featherweight tee, but still airy enough for active hikes in warm weather. It uses OR’s ActiveIce™ technology, which cools as you sweat (magic, right?), and the soft feel made it an easy pick when I wanted extra sun protection on a ridge trail with no shade in sight. Think: sun shirt meets cozy long sleeve.
Around Camp Comfort
Ferrosi Pants
A camp classic. Same stretchy, breathable Ferrosi fabric as the shorts, but with full-length coverage. Perfect for bug hour, sitting around the fire, or heading out for a sunset wander. They’re trim-fitting without being tight, and they move beautifully—whether I’m crouched by the stove or curled up with the dogs.
Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
A step up in structure from a hoodie, this Astroman Sun Shirt snap-up shirt quickly became one of my favorites. It looks casual but performs like a technical layer, with UPF 50+ protection and a breathable, quick-drying fabric. I loved being able to throw it over a tee in the evening or wear it buttoned up in full sun while still feeling cool and covered.
ActiveIce Ubertube
Small but mighty. I used this for neck protection mid-hike and as a headband while prepping breakfast at camp. The cooling material and versatility make it a staple for any outdoor day—plus, it weighs next to nothing and dries super fast.
For Just About Everything
Echo T-Shirt
If I had to pick one piece to wear all weekend, this might be it. The Echo T-Shirt is ridiculously breathable, with quick-dry fabric and built-in odor control that made it ideal for trail runs, hikes, and as a base layer in almost any situation. It never felt clingy or damp, even after a full afternoon in the sun. I’ll definitely be bringing this shirt on everything from weekend hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor Research nailed the balance between protection and performance with this collection. I didn’t have to constantly reapply sunscreen, and I stayed cool and comfortable whether I was sweating on the trail or sipping tea at camp. Each piece brought something valuable to the weekend—and none of it felt like overkill or extra weight.
If you’re looking to build a sun-smart kit for shoulder season trail runs, warm weather hikes, or laid-back camp trips, I can’t recommend these layers enough. No burns, no bulk—just comfort, coverage, and gear that works as hard as you do.
Happy adventuring,
Courtney