Fishing in the tropics requires the best in terms of lightweight and breathable sun apparel. The Wild Cast Sun Hoodie from Columbia’s PFG line is designed to handle just that. This ultralight sun hoodie was created to tackle the hottest days on the water while keeping you cool and comfortable. On our recent trip to Belize, filming Coast 2 Coast, angler Alexandra Nicole made this a staple in her wardrobe. After a week of exploring some of the country’s most remote fisheries, here are her thoughts on the Wild Cast Sun Hoodie.
Columbia PFG Wild Cast Sun Hoodie
Materials
91% Nylon, 9% Elastane
MSRP
$70
UPF Rating
50
Sizes
XS to XXL
Pros
- Lightweight and moisture wicking
- Extended coverage hood blocks out the maximum amount of sun
- Cooling technology keeps you comfortable
Cons
- Hood design may not be for everyone
The Wild Cast Sun Hoodie is a true technical fishing hoodie from Columbia. It’s packed with features designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the water. Omni-Wick sheds extra moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable, while Omni-Shade keeps you protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But Columbia didn’t stop there: Omni-Freeze is a patented technology that transfers heat away from the fabric, leaving the fabric notably cooler. In addition, a full coverage hood and built-in thumb loops provide added sun protection. The Wild Cast Sun Hoodie is available in men’s and women’s sizing, retailing for $70.
How We Tested
The testing ground for this sun hoodie was the remote waters of Northern Belize. Over the course of a week, Alexandra and the crew poled oceanside flats, waded coral outcrops, and paddled deep into the backwater lagoons. The trip this past May coincided with rising temps and high sun—the perfect testing ground for a lightweight sun hoodie.
On The Water Results
The run-and-gun style of filming and fishing on Coast 2 Coast meant the entire crew was constantly on the move. As a result, lightweight and breathable apparel was essential. The Wild Cast Sun Hoodie was up to this task, being one of the lightest sun hoodies we’ve ever worn, thanks to its nylon construction. As temperatures climbed into the 90s daily, the lightweight feel quickly bumped this hoodie to the top of the crew’s favorites.
Paired with Columbia’s Omni-Wick and Omni-Freeze technologies, we also noticed the notable cooling feeling of the fabric. This kept us both dry and comfortable on the water. When fishing, this kept us focused on shots at fish no matter how hot and humid it was. The hoodie also dries fast, making it a viable option for wet wading on flats. As an added bonus, Columbia makes this hoodie in both men’s and women’s models, as well as a variety of sizes and colors, so every angler has a hoodie that fits their needs.
Our favorite part of the Wild Cast Sun Hoodie is the full coverage hood. Unlike traditional hoods, this one extends up under your chin. This serves two-fold, keeping the sun from reflecting off the water onto you and also synching down for long runs in a boat. The hoodie also comes with two thumb loops that extend the sleeves over the backs of your hands to prevent them from burning.
In addition to the hood and gloves, the Wild Cast Sun Hoodie has a UPF 50 rating, which is more than enough for fishing in the tropics. Despite the impressive amount of features, the hoodie retails for just $70. For that price, it’s hard to find a more capable sun hoodie for warm weather fishing.
Our Final Say
Columbia’s Wild Cast Sun Hoodie checks all the boxes for tropical technical apparel. It’s lightweight, offers ample sun protection, dries fast, and has a cooling fabric that keeps you comfortable during long days on the water. We wore this on practically all of Coast 2 Coast, from the boats to the flats and everywhere in between. After a week of adventure, it’s safe to say the Wild Cast Sun Hoodie earned its spot in our wardrobe.
