6 Key Items for Hiking Under the Sun
Why should you consider sun protection when hiking? Well, the same reason you want sun protection at the beach, during a sporting event, at a theme park, or any other place that involves being outside and exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.
If you’re new to hiking, we highly suggest you invest in some reputable hiking shoes first and foremost. Any of these 3 Adventure Ready Merrell Hiking Boots for Day Hikers will get you well on your way.
Now that your feet are covered let’s move on! Some exposure to sunlight is good and even necessary as it provides humans with the important vitamin D. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t actually take much time for sunlight to treat you from well to terrible.
As you can see by my mistake in the below photo. This was taken after hiking in the snow without any sun protection! 😬
In short, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can suppress your immune system, cause eye damage, sun burns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. It’s important to use sun protection for hiking and all activities done under the sun.
So What is UV Radiation?
The sun emits 3 types of UV radiation.
- UVA – 95% of radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface – causes premature aging (wrinkles, sun spots) and linked to skin cancer
- UVB – affects skin’s top layer – causes skin cancer and most sunburns
- UVC – never reaches the Earth – the ozone layer absorbs all of it
SUN PROTECTION FROM HEAD TO ALMOST TOE
In this article we’re going to review a comprehensive list of 6 different articles of sun protection for hiking. Each you can wear to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Head Protection
- Eye Protection
- Neck/Face Protection
- Torso/Arm Protection
- Leg Protection
- Hand Protection
6 PIECES OF SUN PROTECTION FOR HIKING
Add any or all of these articles of clothing and gear to your outdoor wear for maximum sun protection. Let’s dive in head first!
🌻 Our content may contain affiliate links. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. 💜1. Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat
In the U.S. hats have long lost their original purpose of sun protection and have become a staple in fashion. I mean that for myself included! But when I do remember the original intent behind a hat I’m always glad I have one on my noggin.
There are several types of hats with a surprising amount of features that go much further than your standard baseball cap or New Era lid. If you’d like a more comprehensive list of hats, check out my article 5 Awesome Hiking Hats for Men and Women. If you’re simply looking for the best, this is the one.
The wide brim of the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat not only provides protection for my eyes but my ears and neck too. A UPF of 50 virtually eliminates all harmful UV rays from the sun and keeps you cool when hiking in hot weather.
And when it’s not cool enough I just get the entire hat wet and throw it back on my head. A chin strap has kept this hat on my head more scenarios than I can count.
I know what you’re thinking, “What if you lose the hat in water?” Nope! It floats. Some frantic swimming may be necessary, but you’ll never have to worry about it sinking. Ask me how I know!
- Tilley guarantees for life that their hats will not wear out, shrink or fall apart
- Hat offers excellent UV protection with a UPF 50 rating
- Wide, stiff brim keeps the sun and rain off your face and neck
- Closed-cell foam in the top makes hat float if it goes overboard, making it a great companion for boating too
- Hidden hook-and-loop pocket in the crown for storage of I.D., hotel key or money
- Soft, comfortable Hydrofil® band wicks away perspiration
- Special cord wraps under chin and back of head to keep hat in place in high winds
- Machine washable, will not shrink; repels rain and mildew
2. Smith Guide’s Choice Polarchromic Sunglasses
Sunglasses are sunglasses right? Wrong. Sunglasses can get just as technical as any other piece of sun protection for hiking.
The Smith Guide’s Choice Polarchromic Sunglasses are the best of the best and for technical reasons. Polarchromic is a fancy word, but what the hell does it mean?
Polarchromic refers to the lenses, which are polarized and darken or lighten in response to the exposed levels of light. What? Yeah, I know. Once you put these on you will never go back.
On top of shade adjusting lenses you’re getting 100% UV protection while completely blocking out peripheral light.
- Premium Italian spring hinges
- Megol nose and temple pads
- Detachable Leash and Premium 8-base ChromaPop/Techlite Glass Lenses – engineered for those who live life outside
- Evolve frames and 8 base lens curvature offer medium to large fit with large coverage
- Antireflective and hydroleophobic lens coatings; hydrophilic Megol nose and temple pads
Who knew sunglasses could pack in so much useful tech? I’m sold.
3. Multifunctional Neck and Headwear
You may have seen the wildly colored, cool patterned cloth tubes people rock in a variety of styles ranging from a sun guard to a neck warmer, to a beanie, head band, and full blow face mask.
Hiking in hot weather, fully exposed to the sun makes me a literal hot head and the purple cloth keeps my bean cool by holding up all my thick hair.
They were first introduced by the brand Buff and now several companies have made their own iteration of this peculiar piece of sun protection for hiking.
Can you guess what Buff’s are made of? Yep. Merino Wool.
The Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Multifunctional Headwear is an invaluable piece of gear as it can accommodate so many situations based on it’s ability to morph into so many configurations.
I’ve used my purple Buff in almost every form primarily for warmth and you guessed it, sun protection for hiking.
4. UPF Rated Hiking Shirt
Wait, what’s UPF? And what does it have to do with sun protection? UPF is an acronym for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and it’s a standard used to rate the protection of clothing.
UPF ranges from 15 to 50, 50 providing the most protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This is especially helpful in hot weather or any general exposure to sunlight.
Let’s see what the fuss is all about when it comes to these hiking shirts.
MEN’S COLUMBIA PFG TAMIAMI II LONG SLEEVE SHIRT
Despite being a long sleeve shirt, the Men’s Columbia PFG TAMIAMI II Long Sleeve Shirt is actually lightweight and keeps you cool and dry. Thanks to moisture wicking fabric sweat and moisture is pulled away from your skin all while protecting you from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
- UPF 40 Protection from the Sun
- Lightweight and Highly Breathable
- Quick Dry Moisture Wicking Fabric
- Odor Reducing Antimicrobial Finish
- Vents at Shoulder Blades for Cooling Airflow
- Multiple Chest Pockets for Trail/Travel Essentials
- Sleeves Securely Roll Up with Button Closure Tabs
WOMEN’S COLUMBIA SILVER RIDGE LITE SHIRT
You guessed it! The Women’s Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Shirt also keeps you dry and cool all while giving you maximum protection against the damaging rays of the sun. Pair that with a more pleasing fit and you have a hiking shirt that’s both form and function.
- Omni-Wick™ Fabric pulls moisture away from the body so sweat can dry quickly
- Rated at UPF 40, Omni-Shade™ fabric blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage
- Antimicrobial Treatment helps prevent odor in fabric
- Venting at back shoulders promotes airflow to keep you cool
- Roll-up Tabs keep sleeves out of the way
- Zip Pocket secures small items
I think we can both agree that your casual button down isn’t going to offer features like these while you’re out on the trail.
5. UPF Rated Hiking Pants
Next, let’s talk about hiking pants and how they perform differently than any other pair of pants. Hiking pants share many of the same attributes as hiking shirts, but with a few more bells and whistles.
I’m referring to deep webbed pockets, cargo pockets, zippered pockets, and even removable legs converting your pants into shorts.
MEN’S COLUMBIA SILVER RIDGE CONVERTIBLE PANTS
The Men’s Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants have positive reviews in the triple digits and it’s no surprise when you look at their value to function ratio. Just look at all of these ridiculous features in just ONE pair of hiking pants! Especially the 50+ UPF rating, providing incredible sun protection for hiking.
- Zippered Security Pocket
- Zip Off Legs for Instant Shorts
- Partial Elasticity for Secure Fit
- Enjoy Full Mobility with Detailed Gusset
- Integrated Adjustable Waistband (no belt needed)
- Omni-Wick Fabric keeps you dry and comfortable
- UPF 50 Sun Protection (no sunscreen necessary here!)
- Ripstop Nylon Prevents Holes from Turning Into Tears
WOMEN’S COLUMBIA SATURDAY TRAIL PANTS
And for women, yes there is a pair of hiking pants that aren’t completely and utterly ugly. The Women’s Columbia Saturday Trail Pants maintain some flattery while boasting all the features you want in a pair of women’s hiking pants.
- Omni-Shield™ repels water and stains
- Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection
- 2-way stretch, gusset and articulated knees free up your legs
- Zippered thigh pocket
- Hand pockets; rear pockets have hook-and-loop closure
- Roll-up legs convert pants to capri length
- Straight-leg styling
Sorry, but denim pants have NO place on the trail! Avoid cotton at all costs as it’s heavy, stays wet, and keeps your body sickly cold or sticky hot.
For the same price of denim or cotton material pants, you can have a pair of high tech hiking pants that will serve you not only on hikes, but during travel and in all kinds of harsh environments too.
6. Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves
When you’re hiking in hot weather you may not think much about your mitts, but truth be told they can be just as susceptible to damage as any other exposed part of your body. Many people also find these useful for long distance driving and travel.
The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves are a comfy, lightweight, breathable pair of gloves that keep the harmful rays away. Not only do these block sun, but they literally cool your hands with crystal tech and have textured palms for a secure grip.
- Anti-Slip Palm Prints Enhance Dexterity
- Made from Durable Polyester and Spandex
- Long Gauntlets Add Protection Above the Hands
- Fingerless – keep tactile functions for touch screens, cameras, gear etc.
- ActiveIce Fabric Technology – xylitol crystals actually cool skin as the fabric wicks away sweat
Hike with The Ultimate Sun Protection
While we still recommend sun screen for exposed areas of skin, these 6 articles of sun protection for hiking will save you from virtually any of those nasty burns.
A proper wide brim hat, long sleeve shirt, and pants with a high UPF rating will make you practically impenetrable to the sun. Technical shades will adjust to the amount of light that’s outside while comfortably covering and protecting your eyes and face. A merino wool buff will protect everything from your neck, neck, and ears.
Last, but not least, ActiveIce sun gloves keep the sun off your mitts and even cools them when they begin to sweat.
Now you know about the potential dangers of exposure to the sun along with all the incredible sun protection you can use for hiking. Use this information and gear to help you get outside safe and more often.
With this gear you’re fully prepared against the sun, but are you prepared for cold? You can round out your seasonal gear and check out these 12 Articles of Cold Weather Clothing to Keep You Warm.
Did we miss a piece of sun protection? Do you own and love anything on this list? We’d love to know in a comment below!
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