We make Merino wool gear that works as hard as you do, whether you’re climbing mountains or going through daily life. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Solstice Pro Sun Hoodie (pictured above) this summer—the next evolution of our bestselling, lightweight Solstice Sun Hoodie.
Our original Merino wool sun hoodie has earned a place in countless hiking and backpacking outfits over the years, and the new Pro version adds a few key features dreamed up by our team and our customers. Whether you’re climbing, trail running, hiking or just trying to avoid sunburn on a hot summer day, a Solstice hoodie is what you need for the journey.
Hikers wearing original Solstice Sun Hoodies: Men's / Women's
Key Differences: Solstice Sun Hoodie vs. Solstice Pro
The Solstice Pro Sun Hoodie has the same cut and fit as the original Solstice Sun Hoodie, plus some added features for the most demanding users.
We added a half zip with an ultralight YKK zipper and puller so you can dump heat without having to shed the layer and face the sun. The hood fits a bit more closely than our original Solstice’s hood, and it has a new low-profile hood cinch (instead of drawstrings) to keep the hood in place but not leave anything dangling, making it great for climbing and mountaineering.
The Solstice Pro Sun Hoodie features a half zip, lightweight pocket and streamlined hood fit and cinch.
We also added a lightweight, breathable chest pocket. It’s made from air-permeable Pertex Quantum Air fabric and can stash a car key, a credit card/ID, chapstick or a small sunscreen, or an energy gel or small bar. While it can fit a smaller phone, the lightweight pocket material and sun hoodie fabric don’t have a lot of structure, so we don’t recommend it as a phone pocket.
The Solstice Pro is the same fabric weight of the original Solstice, so it’s ultra soft, breathable, odor resistant, temperature regulating and moisture wicking, plus all colors of both Solstice versions have at least 30 UPF. The original Solstice has a slightly looser fitting hood with drawstrings to tighten it when needed.
Picking Your Solstice Hoodie
In an ideal world, we’d all have an original Solstice Hoodie as well as a Solstice Pro. The original Solstice Sun Hoodie has a purposefully clean, simple design. It’s a great sun hoodie, exactly what you need and nothing more.
We developed this sun hoodie with our ambassadors and athletes and launched it in 2019. Since then, it has been featured in GearJunkie, Adventure Alan & Co., Switchback Travel, Treeline Review, The Trek, Men’s Journal and more.
For simplicity, a non-technical style that looks good for everyday wear, and a hood with plenty of room, you’ll want an original Solstice Sun Hoodie. We wear our Solstice Sun Hoodies to work, to drinks with friends, on cross country flights and road trips.
The original Solstice Sun Hoodie has a less technical, more everyday look.
When you want to head out without a backpack and with leggings or shorts that don’t have zippered pockets for a car key or credit card, the pocket on the Solstice Pro is handy to have. The Solstice Pro’s hood cinch allows easier hood fit adjustment on the go, like when you’re climbing. And the half zip is great for mountain biking, fast hiking and trail running where your temperature changes as you transition from uphill to downhill. The Solstice Pro makes a great addition to your sun hoodie lineup.
Mac at Halfway Anywhere has long been a Solstice Sun Hoodie fan and recently reviewed the Solstice Pro. Here are a few of his takeaways:
“I’ve been wearing [The Solstice Pro] for a while now and can confidently say that it delivers as well as I would hope a follow-up hoodie to the Solstice would be able to.”
“The Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Hoodie fits exceptionally well and is incredibly comfortable. I’ve worn it hiking, biking, running, snowboarding, skiing, at the gym, casually—even sleeping in it—and it’s never let me down. There is no itchiness, annoying seams, or scratchy tags (not even the zipper or pocket). Too hot? Pull up the sleeve or zip down the half zip. Too cold? Put on the hood, zip the front to the hood, and cinch the hood’s drawstring down. It’s been a go-to layer for just about everything.”
“The Solstice and the Solstice Pro both have their own strengths. There are activities and conditions where I would prefer the (original) Solstice, and other situations where I would prefer the Solstice Pro. It’s not the case that I would always choose the Solstice Pro over the Solstice.”
“You can’t go wrong with either the Solstice or the Solstice Pro.”
Close-up view of the Women's Solstice Pro Sun Hoodie's hood cinch, half zip and pocket
Built on What Works
The Solstice Pro builds on what people already love about the Solstice Hoodie—its lightweight feel, year-round versatility and the ability to wear it for multiple days without stink or discomfort—with a few more technical features for people who’ve been wishing for them.
Pick the one that sounds good for you or, better yet, pick up one of each so you always have the right sun hoodie to reach for.
