Columbia’s newest addition to its PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) lineup is the Terminal Tech Hoodie. Built to blend on-the-water comfort with technical performance, we took this shirt to Belize for season 2 of Coast 2 Coast. After a week of fishing in the tropics, it quickly rose to the top as one of the crew’s favorites. Follow along as we break down why angler Alec Lucas reached for this hoodie time and time again.
Columbia PFG Terminal Tech Hoodie
Materials
100% Polyester
MSRP
$60
UPF Rating
40+
Sizes
XS to XXL
Pros
- Excellent moisture wicking
- Full coverage hood
- Extended sleeves for added sun protection
Cons
- Best for spring and fall shoulder-season fishing
The Terminal Tech Hoodie is the newest sun hoodie Columbia released in its PFG lineup. The hoodie is packed with features like Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick, technologies that protect your skin from the sun and wick away moisture from your body. In addition, the Terminal Tech Hoodie is fully body-mapped, which creates a comfortable yet forgiving fit. Anglers also get a full-coverage hood and extended sleeves to maximize protection from the sun’s UV rays. Columbia retails this performance fishing shirt for $60.
How We Tested
Testing this sun hoodie involved heading to Belize for a week of fishing and filming Coast 2 Coast. The trip took place in early May, as temperatures in the tropics begin to climb. Along the way, the Terminal Tech Hoodie was used for boat days with guides as well as several DIY days deep in the mangrove lagoons of Northern Belize. Throughout the trip, we waded long flats, paddled and poled canoes, and even portaged boats over hundreds of yards of ground to find hidden waterways. In other words, we put this hoodie through some of the most demanding tests you can ask for.
On The Water Results
The Terminal Tech Hoodie was up to every task we threw at it. The trip began with a panga trip in search of permit. Standing on the bow in the sun searching for permit can take a toll on your body. But the Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technologies kept us dry and protected from the sun. When we did get shots, we were ready and focused—eventually catching the first permit of the trip. The material also has a soft, comfortable feel to it that is surprisingly durable. Something that can’t always be said for lightweight sun hoodies.
As we traveled deeper into Belize, our next leg of the journey was a DIY mission deep into the lagoons of northern Belize. This remote area of the country is not exactly forgiving. We encountered several long paddles and portages to reach the best water. These grueling days in the hot sun are when this shirt truly began to shine. The body-mapping and stretch fabric allowed us full range of motion no matter the task at hand. Whether we were fishing, paddling, or portaging, we were comfortable and ready for whatever was next.
Two nice features Columbia also included in this sun hoodie are the full-coverage hood and extended sleeves. Even when the UV index crept above 10 (yes, this is possible), the extra coverage and UPF 40 rating kept us protected from the sun. The only downside we found is that the material is slightly heavier than some of their other hoodies. While not a dealbreaker, on the hottest days another option like the Wild Cast Sun Hoodie may suit you better. Considering all these features and performance technologies, the fact that Columbia retails this hoodie for just $60 may be the most impressive part.
Our Final Say
The Columbia PFG Terminal Tech Hoodie is an impressive piece of apparel, at a very reasonable price. It’s packed with premium features that wick moisture, protect you from the sun, and aid in comfort. After fishing in some of the toughest conditions Belize had to offer, we can confidently say the Terminal Tech Hoodie is more than up to the task.
