"I am a professional guide and wear it almost every day."
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Some of the most-anticipated Memorial Day sales from brands like Huckberry, Backcountry, and Merrell are now live, but it's REI's Anniversary Sale that's turning the most heads thanks to a robust and well-rounded selection of deals on bestsellers. With discounts on everything from sleeping pads to e-bikes and top-rated products from brands like Arc'teryx, The North Face, and Saucony, there's truly something for all types of adventurers. But there's one single product on sale from REI's own Co-op brand that's a can't-miss for everybody this summer, and it's on sale right now for less than $40.
Right now, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is on sale for an astoundingly affordable $35—a 30% discount on the normal $50 price. These protective layers have earned over 400 five-star ratings from shoppers who use them for everything from summer ridge walks to day-long fishing trips and also just to travel comfortably. Of the 10,000-plus products featured in REI's Anniversary Sale, it's a top 5 bestseller and makes the perfect addition to any adventurer's arsenal. It's available in eight awesome colors and comes in sizes small through 3XL with some tall sizes available.
This hoodie is part of REI Co-op's Sahara collection, which features styles specifically designed to breathe, shield skin from the sun, and keep you comfortable in warm temperatures. What makes this piece so important is the material. It's made from a blend of polyester and spandex that's UPF 50+ protective against harmful UV rays while maintaining optimal ventilation, wicking away sweat, and providing ample stretch for enhanced range of motion. That means you can wear it as your sole top, even on full-day excursions, and stay mobile, shaded, and dry at the same time, even if you're sweating. It has a three-panel hood that easily fits over a cap and thumbholes to keep the sleeves comfortably over your hands so they don't burn.
There's so much to love about this hoodie, but the most critical is that it feels good enough to wear for hours. "Supremely comfortable," one shopper said. "Good sized hood with awesome hidden drawstring. Using that in conjunction with the long sleeves is very effective in preventing mosquito bites and not having to use any sprays or lotions. The thumb holes are handy features—they keep the sleeves down if you choose to sleep in this shirt…I hate it when sleeves work their way up in your sleep! I have four of these bad boys."
Others swear by the Sahara Shade Hoodie in the hot summer sun. "This is a must-buy," another shopper urged. "The material is so soft and comfortable and breathable. It dries quickly and has become my base layer of choice…I wear this shirt nearly every day, from hiking in hot 90-degree-plus weather to protect from sun to cold weather as a base layer."
Even professionals say it's a good investment. "I am a professional guide and wear it almost every day," another shopper exclaimed. "It looks great, doesn’t smell bad very fast, and most importantly, keeps the sun off you. I work on a glacier many days, and the sun can reflect, making it very easy to get burned. So far, I haven’t been burned yet! The hoodie is also very comfy and acts as a great base layer. The hood can be a little finicky, but overall this is an amazing piece of gear."
There are hundreds of phenomenal gear deals featured during REI's Anniversary Sale, but the Sahara Shade Hoodie is one of the best in both performance and price. The sale wraps up on May 27 so make sure to get one (or more) for yourself soon.
