Initial Impressions

The Nebu Summit Gimlet Sun Hoodie is a lightweight, breathable sun shirt designed for outdoor activities where sun protection and ventilation are important. I've worn the XL in Forest Green for about a month of mountain biking, and it's quickly proven to be a versatile piece of outdoor apparel. The comfortable fabric, good coverage and thoughtful details make it useful for much more than just riding. I'd also consider it a great option for hiking, fishing and other sunny outdoor activities.

Specs

• Material: 100% polyester
• Sun Protection: UPF 30+
• Fabric: Lightweight perforated grid construction
• Features:  Four snap closures, full coverage hood, sleeves with thumb loops/watch passthrough
• Fit: Relaxed
• Colors Available: Forest Green, Iron Sage
• Size Tested: XL

Design, Comfort & Fit

The XL fits me well across the shoulders and waist, with good sleeve length and plenty of room for movement. I can comfortably wear a breathable T-shirt underneath without the shirt feeling bulky or having excess material. The overall length is also good for mountain biking, providing coverage when I'm bent forward over the bike.

Nebu Summit Gimlet Sun Hoodie, water spots were from me drinking poorly from pack

The fabric is soft against the skin, with no irritation, and has a decent amount of stretch. Its lightweight, perforated construction gives it a comfortable feel without weighing me down.

There are several practical design details that make this shirt stand out. The sleeve openings have thumb holes that also serve as a passthrough for a watch. I primarily used them for the watch opening, allowing me to check the time while keeping my wrist protected from the sun. The hood provides good coverage with or without a helmet and is particularly useful when riding or spending extended time in direct sunlight.

The four snap closures allow you to adjust ventilation as needed. I generally kept three or four snaps fastened, but it's nice having the option to open them up when additional airflow is needed.

Nebu Summit Gimlet Sun Hoodie

Performance

The Gimlet Sun Hoodie has worked well across a fairly broad temperature range. I wore it mountain biking in Moab in the upper 80s and have continued using it as fall temperatures have dropped into the mid-50s. In the warmer conditions, the sun hoodie alone was sufficient, while in the 50s I needed a breathable T-shirt underneath for additional warmth. It's been a comfortable and versatile layer across both ends of that range.

Breathability is one of its strongest features. The fabric allows plenty of airflow, and direct sunlight doesn't feel as intense when wearing it. The hood and extended sleeve coverage are especially useful when spending a lot of time exposed to the sun.  The Gimlet isn't a windbreaker, but the fabric does provide some protection from a breeze and helps take the edge off wind chill.  Having a backpack on over this shirt isn't an issue and the breathbility is still there.

Nebu Summit Gimlet Sun Hoodie

Although I've primarily used it for mountain biking, I can see it working equally well for hiking, fishing, climbing and other outdoor activities. The comfortable fit and lightweight construction make it easy to wear for extended periods, while the added sun coverage is useful in a variety of settings.

After a month of use, the shirt still looks great. I haven't noticed any pulls, pilling or other signs of wear even when wearing back or hip packs.

Care and Maintenance

Nebu recommends machine washing cold with like colors and hanging to dry. Avoid fabric softener, bleach and ironing. Fabric softener is particularly important to avoid because it can clog the fabric's grid construction and reduce its moisture-wicking performance.

Closing Thoughts

The Nebu Summit Gimlet Sun Hoodie is one of those pieces of outdoor apparel that simply works. It's comfortable, lightweight, breathable and provides excellent coverage for long days outside. I've found it dependable for mountain biking, and it's versatile enough for hiking, fishing, casual settings or everyday outdoor use. The fit, fabric and design details all work well, and honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. If you're looking for a reliable sun hoodie that performs across a variety of outdoor activities, the Gimlet is an easy recommendation.