It actually feels cooler than the REI Sahara hoodie by 2-3C, even though they're both the same weight. I think this shirt has better thermal conductivity. It also absorbs sweat faster which helps increase evaporation. You can check by dunking both shirts into a tub of water. I felt much more comfortable with this in 30-40C temperatures with high humidity. I can feel the difference under a helmet. It's more stretchy, and greater horizontally compared to vertically so you have to be careful not to stretch it too far in order to keep it's UPF protection so I wear a loose fitting size. The fabric isn't as durable as the REI Sahara, as it has more pilling after a few months of wearing 2-3 days a week. The wrists seem to be more stained. It has more facial coverage along the neck and side cheeks near the ear because it has a smaller opening for the face. It's a round opening so it sits fairly symmetrical compared to the REI Sahara which has an overlapping stitch at the neck that causes the hood to twist to one side. It doesn't have a drawstring but since the opening is smaller, the wind doesn't really blow it off, unlike the REI Sahara which needs it's drawstring to be cinched to resist the wind. The only benefit of the REI Sahara is possibly greater sun protection from the side rear angle due to how the hood drapes, but less protection from the side front angle; cheaper price; higher durability.
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