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GORUCK ToughMesh Sun Hoodie // Compared to 5.11 Tactical Sulli UV Hoodie

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man wearing goruck sun hoodie on boat
GORUCK Sun Hoodie on a hot day on the water

You can watch my short review here, with a few more details not covered in this article:


I’ve owned both the GORUCK Men’s Sun Hoodie – ToughMesh and the 5.11 Sulli Hoodie for more than a year. Instead of just wearing them occasionally, I wanted to put both through a full summer of heat, sweat, rucking, workouts, and everyday wear.

My goal was simple: Which one is the toughest and most versatile? I wanted a hoodie I could work out in, ruck in, sweat in, get wet in, and still wear casually without looking like I just came from the trail or practice field.

After putting both through the test, I have a clear favorite for year-round wear.

Fit and Comfort

Both hoodies are comfortable, but they have noticeably different feels.

The GORUCK ToughMesh is extremely lightweight and breathable. It almost disappears when you’re wearing it, which is a big advantage when you’re moving in hot weather. The fabric stretches well and does an excellent job moving moisture away from your skin.

The 5.11 Sulli feels a little more substantial while still being lightweight. I really like the fit, and it works equally well for workouts, outdoor activities, or casual wear.

For me, the Sulli gets the edge because it feels a little more like an everyday shirt while still performing like technical gear.

How Do They Handle Water?

Both perform well when things get wet.

The GORUCK ToughMesh is particularly impressive because it dries incredibly fast. Even without much wind, the fabric can go from soaked to dry surprisingly quickly.

The 5.11 also handles sweat and moisture well thanks to its wicking finish. It does not dry as fast as the GORUCK Sun Hoodie.

If you’re looking for something that gets wet and dries quickly, GORUCK has the advantage.


Functionality vs. Aesthetic

This is where I think the two hoodies really separate themselves.

The GORUCK is designed around performance. The ToughMesh fabric breathes, wicks, stretches, and packs down incredibly small. It’s an excellent choice when you’re focused on rucking or working out.

The Sulli does all of those things while looking a little more like a normal everyday hoodie.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve found myself wearing the 5.11 Sulli year-round. It doesn’t look out of place whether I’m working out, traveling, hiking, or just wearing it around town.

Which One Is the Most Stretchy?

Both have plenty of stretch, but the GORUCK ToughMesh feels more flexible and lightweight.

Depending on the color, the GORUCK is made from either 80% nylon, 15% elastane, 5% polyester or 85% nylon and 15% elastane. The elastane gives it plenty of stretch while the ToughMesh fabric keeps it incredibly light.

The 5.11 Sulli uses 100% polyester pique with a wicking and anti-odor finish.

For pure stretch and freedom of movement, I’d give this one to GORUCK.

Sun Protection

Both offer solid sun protection, but 5.11 wins on paper.

  • GORUCK ToughMesh: UPF 35
  • 5.11 Sulli: UPF 50+

If maximum UPF protection is your priority, the Sulli is the better choice.

Material

GORUCK uses its ToughMesh fabric, which is designed to breathe and wick moisture aggressively. It dries quickly and packs down to practically nothing. The fabric is milled in the foothills of the Italian Alps and is one of the biggest reasons this hoodie feels different from a traditional sun hoodie.

The 5.11 Sulli uses 100% polyester pique with a wicking and anti-odor finish. It’s not quite as ultra-light as the GORUCK, but I think the material contributes to its versatility and everyday appearance.


My Pick

If you’re buying strictly for maximum breathability, minimal weight, stretch, longevity and fast drying, I easily choose the GORUCK ToughMesh Sun Hoodie.

If you want one hoodie that can handle some workouts, rucking, summer heat, travel, everyday wear, and year-round use, I’m choosing the 5.11 Sulli Hoodie.

After more than a year with both and a full summer and winter of putting them through their paces, the Sulli is simply the one I find myself reaching for more often, but I mostly use it for everyday wear, not for rucking or exercising.

If you know me, I rarely choose another brand over GORUCK, but in this case or this specific piece of clothing, I like the 5.11 over the GORUCK Sun Hoodie.

What about you? What is your preferred sun hoodie? There are lots of options, so what brand do you like? or is the GORUCK Sun Hoodie the best you’ve used? Or are you only interested in price? If so, 5.11 is the cheapest.

Affiliate Note:

I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK and other American companies.

I am not a 5.11 Tactical affiliate. I applied to be one, but they turned me down. This review has nothing to do with whether I’m an affiliate or not–I like testing out gear and clothing and these shirts are two that I wear often in different environments.

https://www.thadforester.com/gr-sun-hoodie

https://www.511tactical.com/sulli-uv-hooded-long-sleeve.html?sku=888579720471&country=us&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Shopping_Brand&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7dm-BhCoARIsALFk4v-BC-FXwca_78xM48BqLLyXBoDePGGT7cHTYF_gfn6oU8lowLdzzGUaArjmEALw_wcB

GORUCK Field Full Zip Hoodie Review

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This is my in-depth, to-the-point review of the GORUCK Field Full Zip Hoodie jacket. These are things I’d want to know if I were considering ordering it or if I wasn’t sold on GORUCK apparel already. In addition to my written review, you can watch my video review below:

Sizing:
Take GORUCK’s advice on this. The Field Full Zip is an athletic fit, we recommend one size up from your usual size. I agree 100% with this. I’m normally a large. I got a large in this, but probably should have gone up to an XL. I’m a 42 suit jacket and 34-35 sleeve length, if that helps you.

Dries Fast:
Material is 90% polyester and 10% cotton. It’s very soft on the inside. Dries very fast. Overnight is more than enough time (hang dry only).

Neck/Throat Coverage:
Zips up higher on the neck to protect from wind. I’ve never had a hoodie zip this high, but I really like it when in cold/windy weather.

Hood Size:
A simple feature that may or may not be intentional is the hood isn’t so big that it bulges out on the sides and blocks my view–especially peripheral view. It also isn’t too small where it restricts head movement. Small thing, but very noticeable to me.

goruck field full zip hoodie

Zippered Pockets:
Both of the outside pockets have zippers. There are also two pockets on the inside, just opposite where the outside pockets are, that are deep. These do not have zippers.

Elastic on Wrists and Waist:
About 50% of the circumference of both wrists has elastic. And most of the waist has this. I show it in my video review. GORUCK says it’s half elastic, half self-fabric cuffs and hem for comfort. I haven’t seen a positive or negative for this so far. The good thing is when the hoodie is zipped up and I raise my hands above my head, it doesn’t pull up and show my belly. This means the elastic band around the waist isn’t tight, which I like.

Not Stretchy:
This is a different kind of material than the other GORUCK items I wear. It doesn’t stretch much. If you want to slide or pull up the sleeves, they just won’t do that. It’s possible the sleeves would be a little looser if I’d gotten the XL, so know this material, other than the wrists and waists, isn’t very stretchy.

Interesting and Random Fact about this hoodie:
The zipper insert is on the right side, which means it’s made for a left-handed person (I think). I don’t really know if this means anything, but my guess is since it’s made in Madagascar, that’s why it’s opposite all other shirts and jackets I’ve ever owned–whether GORUCK or any other brand. Maybe GORUCK wanted to mix it up, or maybe they never specified to the manufacturer. If you know, share with me. But, I also recognize it’s an almost meaningless observation.

Conclusion:
The GORUCK Field Full Zip hoodie is a great-looking hoodie. I wore it to coach my sons’ basketball games today. I wear it rucking, around the house and to work. It’s warm and provides great cover around my neck and head. Last week, it was low 30’s and I used this for my hoodie instead of a beanie. It was perfect.

Check it out here. It’s currently $75 on GORUCK’s site. If you use my link, it will not cost you any extra, only gives me a small commission. This helps me buy more GORUCK gear so I can try to look cool and not die while working out in the elements!

Thanks for taking the time to read. If this wasn’t helpful enough, let me know what I missed.

GORUCK 24.7 Commando Pullover Review – Merino Wool Hoodie

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The GORUCK 24.7 Commando Merino Wool Hoodie is a simple, lightweight and versatile pull-over that is great to wear by itself or as a base layer. I often wear it as a base layer under the GORUCK Polartec Grid Fleece if it’s under about 40 degrees and especially if it’s windy.

GORUCK has added a layer of their Indestructible training fabric to the shoulder and elbow area that won’t pill under any circumstances. Along with abrasion resistance, this layer also provides additional structure to help the shirt hold its shape under long periods of stress, like with a ruck sack. It’s not stiff or rough feeling.

For more details, see my YouTube video review here:

I’ve loved wearing the Merino Wool Hoodie this winter. I wore it as a base layer while rucking a steep incline in 35 degree weather. By the time I got to the top of the 500′ climb, my hoodie was a little wet from sweat. By the time I descended to the bottom, it was dry. Merino wool is surprisingly warm considering how thin this hoodie is.

It’s comfortable b/c it’s thin and has incredible stretching ability; additionally, it looks good.

Wearing as a base layer under the GORUCK Polartec Grid Fleece-Half zip

Sizing:

I wear a large in almost all tops, and this one seems to be the same. I have a large and it fits well, only a little snug. I’m 6′ 1″ and the torso length is good.

You can read more about it here and/or purchase.

And it comes with the GORUCK Scars Lifetime Guarantee. There is no better apparel guarantee out there. Period.

More on Merino Wool from GORUCK’s site:

Merino wool is a natural material, it doesn’t come from man made plastics or synthetics. It’s lightweight, breathable and soft to the touch. It wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps regulate body temperature. Merino wool shirts are the best answer to base layer and travel clothing in the world – they’ve been in use for hundreds of years and have proven themselves over and over again.