How to Protect Against the Sun When Hiking

One of the greatest dangers facing hikers on trails around the world is the sun. Hiking enthusiasts may anticipate wild animals, trail construction and fellow hikers without thinking about adequate protection against the sun. You need to think of ways to protect your body against the sun that accounts for every part of your body.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hat
• Bandanna
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses

1. Fight the temptation to wear shorts, and instead wear pants while hiking to protect your legs from the sun. The area between your ankles and the back of your knees is exposed to heavy UV rays while wearing shorts.

2. Wear a large-brimmed hat as a simple method for sun protection while hiking. A hat with a thin strap tied under your chin can provide mobile protection against sun rays while accounting for jostling and heavy breezes.

3. Wrap a bandanna around your neck to fight against perspiration and sunburn. You should tie the bandanna with the knot under your chin and spread out the material to provide maximum coverage to the back of your neck.

4. Choose clothing and gear made out of breathable fabrics to help deal with the effects of the sun while hiking. A cotton shirt in dark brown or olive green along with matching accessories allows slight breezes to cool off your body while protecting against skin damage.

5. Apply sunblock every hour to deal with the sun on hiking trails. The level of perspiration reached while hiking will diminish the effects of sunblock without frequent application.

6. Carry a pair of sunglasses with wide-spectrum protection when you hike during a sunny day. Choose sunglasses designed for outdoor sports to find UVA and UVB protection along with durable frames.

7. Wear a pair of light hiking shoes instead of sandals to protect your feet from the sun. Hiking shoes constructed of lightweight composite materials allow you to trek through water without sacrificing sun protection.

8. Stay in the shade of dense trees, bushes and other natural coverage to deal with the sun when hiking. Pick spots along a hiking trail where tree cover is particularly thick to veer off the path for a little relief.

Tips & Warnings

• Ease the stress of your hiking backpack to help you protect against the sun when hiking. The burning effects of the sun are compounded for hikers who lose plenty of fluids due to a heavy backpack. Take frequent breaks with your backpack off along the trail while drinking plenty of fluids.

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