An exposed track, a few hours at the crag or a day beside the water can mean plenty of time in the sun. A little preparation before you head out makes it easier to keep covered and comfortable once you’re underway.
Clothing, a suitable hat, sunglasses and sunscreen all have a part to play. Add regular shade breaks and enough water for the route, and you’ll be better prepared for a long day outdoors.
Sun protection is needed whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above. Check the UV forecast as part of your trip planning, even if the day looks cool or cloudy.
Where your route allows, start earlier and plan a shaded lunch stop to reduce the time you spend exposed around the middle of the day. Check the UV forecast as well as the weather forecast. A cool breeze or cloud cover can make the day feel comfortable while UV levels still call for sun protection.
Sun protective clothing: cover up comfortably
When you’re walking in the open for hours, lightweight long sleeves can make managing sun exposure simpler. They cover your arms and shoulders throughout the day, leaving fewer areas that need sunscreen reapplied.
The key is finding something comfortable enough to keep on when you’re working hard. Look for breathable, quick-drying fabric, room to move and a clearly stated UPF rating. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and describes the protection provided by clothing. It’s different from SPF, which is used for sunscreen.
A hood and thumb holes can extend that coverage to your neck and the backs of your hands. The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie brings these features together in both men’s and women’s styles, with UPF 50+ fabric and an ActiveIce treatment designed to help cool your skin as you sweat.
Whichever style you choose, try it with your pack on. Reach overhead, move your arms and check that the sleeves and hem stay where you need them. Consider lightweight long trousers for leg coverage too. Even a highly rated fabric only protects the skin it covers, so use sunscreen on exposed areas and around any gaps.
Sun hats: think beyond the peak
A cap shades part of your face, but leaves your ears and neck exposed. For more coverage, look for a broad brim or a cap with a neck flap. Think about where the shade falls across your face and neck, rather than choosing on brim width alone.
Comfort matters here too. Breathable fabric and ventilation help when you’re climbing steadily, while a secure, adjustable fit is useful on exposed sections of track. Check that the hat works with your sunglasses and doesn’t catch against the top of your pack when you look up.
A lightweight, packable option such as the Outdoor Research Swift Lite Brimmer Hat is easy to carry between uses. The women’s Swift Lite Brimmer extends further at the back, giving you another option if added neck coverage is a priority.
If you prefer the fit of a cap, a legionnaire-style hat adds a fabric neck flap to cover the back and sides of your neck. It’s a useful option for exposed tracks where a standard peak leaves too much skin uncovered. The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap has a removable neck flap, so you can adjust the coverage, along with mesh side panels for ventilation. Check how the neck flap sits around your ears and neckline, particularly when you turn your head.
You’ll still need sunscreen on exposed skin and sunglasses that provide UV protection. Look for sunglasses labelled as providing protection against UVA and UVB, with a close-fitting or wraparound shape for coverage around the sides. When you stop for lunch or a rest, make use of shade where it’s available.
Sunscreen: cover the gaps and keep reapplying
Once you’ve sorted your clothing and hat, sunscreen covers the areas left exposed. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF30, and apply it generously to clean, dry skin 20 minutes before heading outside.
Remember the easy-to-miss spots: ears, the back of your neck, backs of hands and exposed lower legs. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Water resistance doesn’t remove the need to reapply, and sunscreen shouldn’t be used to extend your time in the sun.
Choose a format that makes thorough application straightforward. A lotion such as Dermatone Sport SPF30 Sunscreen Lotion is useful for spreading over your arms, legs and other larger exposed areas. Its 89ml squeeze tube also fits easily into a pack for reapplication.
For smaller areas such as your face and neck, a twist-up option like the Dermatone Mineral SPF50 Sunscreen Stick can be handy, particularly when you want to avoid lotion on your palms before handling walking poles or climbing gear. Follow the label directions carefully so you apply enough for even coverage.
Keep your sunscreen somewhere you can reach without unpacking everything. A short stop to reapply is easier when it’s close at hand. Check the expiry date before leaving and store it according to the label.
Hydration: make drinking part of the day
Keeping hydrated belongs alongside your preparations for warm weather, though it doesn’t protect your skin from UV. Drink regularly and allow for the extra fluid you may need when it’s hot or you’re working hard.
Start by looking at the route. How long will you be out, how exposed is the track, and where are the reliable refill opportunities? Plan your water supply around those details, with some allowance for delays.
Then choose a carrying setup that makes drinking easy. A bottle is simple to refill and lets you see what’s left. A reservoir lets you drink through a hose while walking, which can be useful when your pack’s bottle pockets are difficult to reach. Either way, keep your water accessible.
For longer or harder efforts, particularly when you’re sweating heavily, an electrolyte drink can be useful. Options such as PURE Electrolyte Hydration sachets and Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, contributing energy as well as supporting hydration. Sachets are convenient for carrying measured portions, while a larger pouch lets you measure out what you need before leaving home. Mix according to the packaging directions.
Make time to stop, drink and eat along the way. If the day is warming up, ease your pace and use shaded spots for breaks where you can.
Before you head out
- Check the UV forecast and plan your timing and shade breaks.
- Choose clothing that provides comfortable coverage.
- Pack a suitable sun hat and sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
- Apply sunscreen before leaving and keep it accessible for reapplication.
- Fill your water supply and plan reliable refill opportunities.
If you’re choosing a sun layer or hat, talk it through with the Bivouac team and try a few options to find a comfortable fit.
