When Holly and I were contacted by a team member of the outdoor clothing company Kuhl back in April, 2024, we were thrilled. As it turned out, Kuhl wanted to send us some trekking gear to try out, and we were more than happy to oblige.
The timing was great, because only a month later, I was heading to Ecuador for a high-altitude trek while Holly was visiting Tanzania for a two-week safari, thus providing an opportunity to put our Kuhl items to the test. (She will report in about her hiking pants.)
Sun protection was key
For me, the test subject would be the Kuhl Engineered™ Hoody. Frankly, this was the perfect choice, because in my younger, more reckless days — often spent in tropical locations — I had overcooked myself in the sun more often than I care to admit. To nobody’s great surprise, this has led to multiple and reoccurring skin issues in my 50s, so sun protection is now a big deal for me.
NOTE: According to years of data collected by the Center for Disease Control, 36.48% more men than women in the US were diagnosed with melanoma, and the mortality rate from melanoma among men was 61.74% higher compared to women. This shows that men are more impacted by skin cancer. Check out Kuhl’s revealing article about this HERE.
OK, back to my story. The high-altitude Andes mountains of Ecuador was the perfect proving ground for this shirt. Keep in mind that, per its name, Ecuador is situated along the equator, meaning the sun is more intense there than in most places. Then, add the thinner, closer-to-the-sun atmosphere of 10K-feet-plus altitudes, and you’ve got some serious UV rays going on, thus requiring serious protection.
I wore the Engineered™ Hoody (here “driving” a vintage school bus in Quito, and at the top overlooking the Toachi River Valley) during the first two days of the Quilotoa Loop trek, a three-day hike in the Cotopaxi region and roughly 23 miles from Sigchos (9,350’) to the Quilotoa volcano (12,467’).
Incidentally, the trek was outrageously awesome. The Toachi River Valley, through which most of the trek took place, was incredible, as was the Quilotoa crater lake and, later, majestic Chimborazo volcano. (We will be debuting this and other amazing adventures in Ecuador, very soon!)
Just like a thermos
So, what made the garment particularly well-suited for this trek was related to the ever-changing weather of the Andes — alternately hot and sunny and cool and overcast. The lightweight KuhlDry® polyester fabric provided UPF 30+ sun protection in the high-risk areas during the sunny parts of the hike, and I was able to use the thumb holes to pull the material further down to protect my wrists as well. The moisture-wicking properties kept me dry, and because of the odor resistance of the fabric, I was able to wear the hoodie on consecutive days without grossing everyone (including myself) out.
But here’s the really interesting part, and the thing I didn’t expect: When the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped, everyone else was breaking out their extra layers — except me. The same fabric that was keeping me comfortable and protected from the sun was also providing cozy warmth in cool conditions! I assumed that I would need to don my fleece vest over the hoodie, but never did.
Honestly, the Kuhl Engineered™ Hoody reminded me of a thermos; it simultaneously kept me cool and warm, regardless of the weather. I can’t recommend it enough. And with an upcoming trip to Colombia, I know that I’ll be covered — both figuratively and literally — on those sunny, tropical trails. Many thanks, Kuhl!
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