Bottom Line
The Outdoor Research Echo (men’s / women’s) sun shirt is an excellent and comfortable choice for casual and demanding adventures. For years, it’s been a top pick for CleverHiker gear analysts for its outstanding combination of sun protection, fit, light fabric, and versatility.
However, it provides the least sun protection in our best sun shirts review. Other sun shirts provide more sun protection, with the Echo providing UPF 15 (blocks 93.3% of UV radiation) for light colors and UPF 20 for darker colors.
The trade-off for less sun protection is incredible performance on the trail. The shirt itself—at least in the light colors we tested—is see-through. This light fabric allows air to pass through easily and dries very quickly. In fact, this is probably the quickest-drying sun shirt CleverHiker has ever reviewed. These qualities make it great for year-round wear, ensuring that this shirt earns its value for adventurers who take on demanding treks.
How We Tested
We tested the OR Echo over multiple adventures in all kinds of temperatures and weather. It was tested as a base layer under a fleece while hiking and as a gym shirt for workouts like weight-lifting sessions. At the end of any sweaty adventure, we tracked how long it took the top to dry and how smelly it got on the trail.
Quick Specs
Outdoor Research Echo Sun Shirt Hoodie
Best Ultralight Sun Shirt
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $75
Weight: 5.2 oz. / 4.2 oz.men’s / women’s
UPF Rating: 15
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
Pros
- Ultralight
- Great value
- Breathable
- Full coverage
- Very comfortable
- Inclusive sizing men’s / women’s)
- Wicking
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Not the best sun protection
- Light colorways are see-through
Comfort
The Outdoor Research Echo rated highly in comfort because of its great fit, pleasant handfeel, and good stretch.
This shirt drapes and hangs well on the body. Because of its light fabric (3.94 oz), it feels almost naked-like. The fit is relaxed, and the material has good stretch. A minor gripe: It hugs our upper arms.
Innovative features like raglan sleeves enhance the fit, ensuring room around the shoulders to move. The generous length covers everything we need it to, but that doesn’t matter too much because of how see-through it is.
The fabric is recycled polyester that is bluesign® approved, which we love because it feels better for the environment and because polyester is a durable fiber that can withstand a lot of time on the trail. This helps because the ultra-light fabric feels delicate when handling. Past CleverHiker gear analysts note it won’t be as durable as other sun shirts in this review, so “you’ll want to treat it with care to ensure it lasts for years.”
Sun Protection
The trade-off for such a light, breathable fabric is the sun protection. Unfortunately, the Echo’s UPF rating (15-20) does not qualify for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommendation for sun protection. It does still provide 93.3% UV radiation and includes a hood, neck, gaiter, and thumbholes for maximum coverup
The shirt includes a hood and thumb holes, which improves its sun protection score. The hood fits well and also has a slot for ventilation or ponytails. The thumbholes are little slits within the cuff which doesn’t pull as much of the cuff over the hand as we wanted to have when out on the trail. We did, however, find the thumbholes comfortable, even when stretched.
Breathability & Wicking Power
This shirt has got to be the most breathable and wicking shirt on the list. Not only does the ultra-lightweight fabric contribute to these qualities, the shirt is also made with AirVent™ technology that enhances airflow and moisture management.
When wearing this top on a hike, it can get a little moist, especially where the pack presses the shirt into the skin. Impressively, with those sweaty spots, the shirt didn’t hold on to that moisture long. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the shirt felt dry again.
For other hikes, we layered this shirt under a fleece. With the fleece on over it, some sweat accumulated on the fabric, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, stuffy, or humid. It still felt like it was wicking and breathing really well, even under the fleece. For that reason, I think it would make a great base layer in colder months.
Versatility
This shirt tested so/so for versatility. While it can work well throughout the year (solo in the summer and layered under jackets and fleeces in the winter), it isn’t the most stylish for working on the trail and in town easily. Some colorways are see-through, and it smells a surprising amount for a shirt that lets so much air circulate.
While this shirt is holding up to weight-lifting workouts, hikes, and everyday wear, previous CleverHiker gear analysts have warned that it isn’t as durable as others. Like any ultralight gear, we’re cautious about recommending it for hikers who tend to trash their gear.
Despite its tenuous versatility, this shirt offers tremendous value. Former analysts also mentioned that it is one of their most valued shirts, accompanying many of their adventures year-round.
Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Echo Sun Shirt?
If you love working out without a shirt and are looking for an ultra-lightweight shirt that provides some sun protection, this is a great top for you. Though it only has a UPF rating of 15-20, it still blocks 93-95% of UVA and UVB rays and features a hood to cover your neck and head.
This is also a great shirt for someone looking for a technical base layer to wear during intense winter sports. This breathes, wicks, and dries so incredibly fast that we think you’ll be comfortable for sweaty climbs and chilly descents.
Because this shirt has the lowest UPF rating of any sun shirt in our review, it is certainly not for someone seeking maximum sun protection. There are plenty of options that provide breathability, wicking, and drying powers, with UPF ratings recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
What Other Sun Shirts Should You Consider?
Before you put all your adventures into the Outdoor Research Echo basket, make sure to check out the complete best sun shirts gear guide.
Arc’teryx Taema / Cormac Review: This is the most direct comparison to the Outdoor Research Echo. Both have great, technical fabric that performs well on its own and layered under jackets and fleeces. While not quite as light as the Outdoor Research, the Arc’teryx provides better sun protection and better odor resistance.
Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down: A technical, breathable option that would make a great backpacking and thru-hiking shirt is the Jolly Gear. This shirt has better sun protection and a fabric that feels less delicate (but still super silky and pleasant).
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody Review: This knitted sun shirt provides excellent sun protection and a light, airy finish. For a knit, it breathes and wicks well, though it does not dry nearly as quickly as the Outdoor Research Echo.
