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.
