Gear Review: Marsh Wear Buxton Tech Hoodie

May 27, 2025 By: Rick Mikesell

The author at the oars, wearing the Buxton Tech Hoodie. Photo: Austin Campbell

The Marsh Wear Buxton Tech Hoodie just works. It’s one of those pieces you throw on without thinking and can wear all day. It’s comfortable, fits right, and has enough useful features that it makes sense for pretty much any day on the water.

Right out of the gate, it’s soft. Rather than that stiff, rough feeling some sunshirts have, this fabric is gentle and feels good against the skin. I tested it in a size Large, and it fit as expected—snug but not tight, with a longer cut that stayed put even when I was moving around a lot. No bunching or riding up, whether I was casting or just wading.

Here are a just a few of the available colors and patterns.

Performance for Long Days on the Water

On warm days—in Denver it’s already hitting the 80s—the hoodie breathes nicely. It’s lightweight and quick-drying, so I didn’t feel overly hot or sweaty, but it is more than adequate for cool mornings. It offers solid UPF40 protection, and the hood is big enough to shield your face and sides from the sun and glare. For sight-fishing, that coverage really makes a difference.

The little details are useful, too. The thumb loops keep the sleeves in place and give a bit of extra protection for your hands if needed, but they don’t feel intrusive when you’re not using them. The DWR finish works as advertised. While fishing with friends at a carp pond, I couldn’t spot fish from the rower’s seat, so I decided to try poling the raft from the rear swivel seat using an oar as a makeshift pushpole. It actually worked great—for a little while. But when one of the other anglers shifted their weight, I lost balance, swiveled right off the seat, and flopped into the water up to my armpits. My shoes and pants were soaked, and everything in my pockets had to be dried out. But the Buxton? The water beaded right off. It didn’t saturate, and my top half stayed dry and comfortable—just as it should.

The integrated thumb loops are there when you need them and unobtrusive when you don’t. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Color choices are solid, with some pretty versatile camo and other options that blend well or stand out, depending on your style. The fabric stays wrinkle-free and looks good straight out of the pack, even if stuffed into a pocket or bag. Price-wise, it’s pretty hard to beat. At $59, you’re getting a hoodie that balances features, durability, and value.

Minor Drawback: The Chest Pocket

The only thing I’m not sold on is the chest pocket—an open, snapless one that doesn’t really add much function. A style choice more than anything else, it does not negatively impact the overall performance or fit.

Final Thoughts

The Buxton Tech Hoodie is a solid, ultra-comfortable option for anyone spending time fishing in the sun. It has proven durable so far, and I look forward to many more days on the water with this stylish, functional, and highly breathable sun hoodie.

Check Out Marsh Wear’s Sun Hoodies and Other Great Sportswear Here