Think you already know my opinion of this lens - it's the best walkaround zoom lens for a crop Canon. Simple.
Re: hoods - I got a 3rd party one off eBay. No dramas, does the job, and a lot cheaper than the genuine Canon brand one. Not quite the same quality, but hey, all you're after is something to protect the front of your lens and block stray light. It doesn't have that felt stuff on the inside like the Canon ones do either, but doesn't seem to be an issue.