Wesley Littlefield 07.23.26
Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie This has quickly become one of my favorite shirts as it fits well, is comfortable and keeps me cool, but there is clearly room for improvement in a few areas. Keep reading this Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie review to find out how it handled the sweltering Oklahoma heat and the constantly changing Michigan heat for two weeks.
Specifications and Materials
- 70% bamboo / 30% polyester blend for natural comfort and performance
- Extremely lightweight 149 gram fabric is ideal for hot, high-risk days
- Natural UPF 15 sun protection for long periods of time on the water
- Moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties help manage sweat and odor
- Naturally regulates body temperature for all day comfort
- Built-in hood for additional sun protection
- Lycra-bound cuffs and hood opening for a secure, stable fit
- Internal Lycra thumbhole for optional coverage
- Flatlock seams for scratch-free, close-to-skin comfort
- athletic fit
- Size: SM, MD, LG, XL, 2XL, or 3XL
- Color: Olive, Blue Bell
- MSRP: $80
test conditions
I have fished from my kayaks, boats, and shore wearing this hoodie in many of Oklahoma’s lakes and ponds. When I went to Michigan for a couple weeks to spend family time and go fishing, I also packed this shirt. All my testing has been done in late spring and throughout the summer, but weather and temperatures have ranged from sunny and hot to rainy and cool.
fit and comfortable
The Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie is one of the most comfortable sun hoodies I’ve ever worn. It feels great on my skin and is lightweight. I love that I can wear this shirt and almost forget I’m wearing it. However, I’m not a fan of the thumb hole; They’re tight (and I have small hands). While the athletic fit reveals more of my dad’s body than I expected, it also reminds me of going to the gym and it’s not as bad as some of my other shirts.
Rating: 9/10
Breathability and moisture management
I’ve fished wearing this hoodie on some hot days (mid to mid 90’s) and have been as comfortable as possible in the heat as it breathes really well. It also does a great job of wicking sweat away from my body, keeping me cooler than I expected on muggy mornings.
Rating: 9/10
Warmth and Versatility
Because this shirt is so breathable, I got cold while fishing on a cool Michigan morning, but it made a great base layer when I wore a jacket over it. I wouldn’t want to rely on the Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie for warmth, but it’s not a trick either, as I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it throughout the spring, summer, and fall months in Oklahoma.
Rating: 7/10
Durability and construction
One day while wearing this shirt, I noticed that a scratch had started to form on the sleeve cuff. At first, I thought it was a seam coming loose, but upon closer inspection it turned out to be a crack. Other than that wear and tear, the rest of the shirt has held up well through multiple washes, fishing trips, and days at the lake. I don’t know how long this will last after the feud was discovered last week.
Rating: 7/10
Odor Control & UV Protection
Bamboo material has natural antimicrobial properties that help manage and reduce odor even during prolonged use. I’ve worn this shirt for days in a row, and it hasn’t smelled bad even after my fishing trips. I like the built-in hood because it covers my neck and ears, and its natural UPF 15 protection helps protect me for long days in the sun.
Rating: 9/10
Style and everyday use
To be honest, I’m no fashion expert, but I think it says a lot that my teenage daughter isn’t embarrassed when I wear this shirt while running errands in public. Maybe he’s gotten used to my outerwear by now, but I think this shirt is great for more than just fishing. I wear it while mowing the lawn, working in the yard, and relaxing around the house.
Rating: 8/10
price and competition
At $80, it’s more expensive than some of my synthetic sun shirts, but its price compares to other premium sun hoodies I own. I don’t think its price is ridiculous as there are much more expensive shirts on the market, but it certainly isn’t cheap either.
Rating: 8/10
Overall Rating: Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie Review
After a few months of wearing this shirt, I’m still impressed because the Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie is comfortable, keeps me cool and looks good. However, it’s not as durable as I’d like from an $80 shirt, and don’t expect it to keep you warm (it was designed to release heat, not trap it). That’s why it’s currently one of my favorite shirts, but I don’t know how much longer it will last.
Rating: 8.14/10
Wesley Littlefield
| Christian husband Father Outdoorsman | Freelance Outdoor Writer & Content Creator | @KayakKid on YouTube |
