As a seasoned thru-hiker, ‘Jolly’ of Jolly Gear noticed fellow hikers would choose between wearing either a sun hoodie or a full button down shirt on the trail. But, why not incorporate the protection of the hood with the ventilation of a button down, Jolly thought? And, in true thru-hiker fashion, why not use patterned fabric as unique, fun and colorful as the person wearing it?
When reinventing the ultimate hooded button-down hiking shirt, Jolly Gear thought of everything: quick dry, breathable, sun-resistant fabric; discreet zippered pockets; and comfortable thumb holes. Then, add a hood that has a hair hole, cinches tight in the wind and tucks away when you don’t need it. No detail was overlooked and the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Hoodie easily got my approval.
SPECIFICATIONS + FEATURES
- Button-down for ventilation
- Hood with vent/hair hole
- Cinch cord with cord lock on hood
- Collar for neck protection and panache
- UPF 30+
- Thumb Holes
- Antimicrobial, smell resistant fabric
- Quick dry fabric using with Dry System technology
- Machine washable
- Fabric: 86% Polyester 14% Spandex
- Weight: 8.1 ounces (Women’s Small)
- Colors: Patterns vary and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
WHAT I LOVED
Fun Patterns
Perhaps the most noticeable Jolly Gear difference is the fun and wild fabric. No more monochromatic khaki, blue or gray hiking shirts. The unique, colorful, thrift-store fashion truly delivers joy with each shirt. As Jolly said, it’s hard to have a bad day wearing a Jolly Gear shirt. The one I’m modeling here is a pattern exclusive to GGG designed by Teton Valley artist Abby Broughton.
Breathable Fabric
It’s lightweight, stretchy and just feels good on the skin. I didn’t give it an honest 2,000+ mile-thru-hiker test, but its antimicrobial properties are said to be odor resistant, too.
Thumb Holes
Every shirt needs ‘em in my opinion, and these ones are stretchy, reinforced, fit well, and eliminate any need for sun gloves. If you’re like me, thumb holes are also comforting to have on cold mornings.
Hood
A button down shirt with a hood? This is where the magic lies with Jolly Gear. The hood is equipped with a cinch cord and cord lock perfect for those cold and windy days. Its design includes a thoughtful vent in the back that not only provides air flow but also allows your hair to flow outside of the hood preventing a bulky hood of hair. The hood even tucks neatly into the collar if you want to class it up with a collared shirt look.
Zippered Pockets
Having a secure pocket is clutch on any adventure. The shirt’s two zippered chest pockets are unassuming and discreet, and are the perfect spot to stow sunglasses, earbuds, or a small wallet.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
Limited Edition
Ultimately, Jolly Gear’s inventory is limited, and when they sell out of a design, they’re gone forever. The exclusive GGG Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down is worth jumping on now if it’s a pattern that you like. On the flip side, knowing you have a limited edition Jolly Gear shirt is pretty neat, too.
VERDICT
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Shirt includes everything you need and nothing you don’t. It brings together fun and function from trail to town. It’s thoughtfully designed, carefully made and is trail tested and thru-hiker approved. Best of all, it delivers joy and cheer through its festive and colorful patterns to not only you as the user, but also anyone you might meet.
2 comments
Amy Hatch
Michelle, I believe it’s a women’s small. Cheers, Amy
Michelle
What size are you wearing here?