Outdoor Research Echo vs Black Diamond Alpenglow: Sun Hoody Comparison
How we did this: we compared what Outdoor Research and Black Diamond publish on their own product pages, checked on 29 Sep 2026: sun protection rating, weight, fabric, features and price, for the men’s versions. We have not field-tested these hoodies.
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie and the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody both get bought as sun hoodies, but only one is rated like one. The Echo is UPF 15 to 20; the Alpenglow is UPF 40+. The Echo is lighter and $24 cheaper.
Outdoor Research Echo vs Black Diamond Alpenglow: the verdict
For desert, high altitude or long exposed days, buy the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody: UPF 40+ and a cooling treatment, for $109. For a light, all-season layer with some sun protection, buy the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie: 5.29 oz and $85.
| Men’s | Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie | Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody |
|---|---|---|
| Sun protection | UPF 15 (light colors), UPF 20 (dark colors) | UPF 40+ |
| Weight | 5.29 oz (150 g) | 245 g (8.6 oz); BD also lists 221 g and 291 g |
| Price | $85 | $109 |
| Fabric | 100% recycled polyester, bluesign approved | 87% polyester, 13% elastane stretch knit, 140 gsm |
| Cooling / odor | AirVent design; ActiveFresh odor control | BD.cool mineral cooling; Polygiene odor control |
| Hood | 3-panel hood | Under-the-helmet hood |
| Other | Thumb holes, raglan sleeves, flat seams | Underarm gussets |
| Center back length | 28 in | 27.5 in |
Sources: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie page; Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody page.
Why UPF 15 vs UPF 40+ matters
UPF says how much UV a fabric lets through: UPF 15 lets through about 1/15 of it, UPF 40 about 1/40. On a short day in the trees the Echo’s UPF 15 to 20 is plenty. On an exposed ridge, in the desert or at altitude for hours, the Alpenglow lets through less than half as much UV: about 2.5% against 6.7%. Dark Echo colors (UPF 20) are the better choice if you want the Echo for sun.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
- 5.29 oz, the lighter of the two
- $85, $24 less than the Alpenglow
- Thumb holes and a 3-panel hood
- UPF 15 to 20 only
- No cooling treatment listed
- No stretch fiber listed
Outdoor Research calls the Echo a four-season base layer and puts the numbers plainly:
“stretchy and breathable bluesign®-approved materials and UPF 15 sun protection to create an ultra-comfortable, ultralight, anti-odor, 4-season specialist base layer.”
Outdoor Research, Echo Hoodie page
It is 100% recycled polyester with ActiveFresh odor control, flat seams, raglan sleeves, thumb holes and a 3-panel hood. Dark colors are rated UPF 20.
Check price →Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
- UPF 40+
- BD.cool cooling treatment
- Stretch knit with underarm gussets
- $24 more than the Echo
- Heavier: 245 g against 150 g
- Black Diamond lists three weights without naming the sizes
Black Diamond builds the Alpenglow for sun first. In Black Diamond’s words, it keeps you cool
“with UPF 40+ and BD.cool mineral based in-fiber cooling technology, which reflects 71% of near-infrared rays, reducing the perceived temperature.”
Black Diamond, Alpenglow Hoody page
The fabric is a 140 gsm stretch knit of 87% polyester and 13% elastane, with Polygiene odor control, underarm gussets and a hood that fits under a helmet. It comes in sizes S to 3XL.
Check price →Which should you buy?
- Desert, alpine or all-day exposure: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody, UPF 40+.
- Light, cheap, all-season layer: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, 5.29 oz and $85.
- Climbing with a helmet: Black Diamond Alpenglow, with its under-the-helmet hood.
- Echo for sun anyway: pick a dark color, rated UPF 20.
FAQ
Is the Outdoor Research Echo a sun hoody?
Which is lighter, the Echo or the Alpenglow?
How much do they cost?
What is BD.cool?
Do both control odor?
The bottom line
The Black Diamond Alpenglow is the sun hoody: UPF 40+ for $109. The Outdoor Research Echo is the lighter, cheaper all-season layer at UPF 15 to 20 for $85.
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