There’s nothing like hiking trails on a bright and sunny day when you can bask in gorgeous natural landscapes in all their glory. However, the sun’s UV rays can be incredibly damaging, especially for backpackers spending hours trekking and exploring new and familiar trails alike.
According to webmd.com, going without sun protection when hiking can set you up for discomfort, pain, and even long-term health issues. Fortunately, sun protection isn’t difficult, and you don’t need to shell out on dozens of products to stay safe.
Whether you’re gearing up for a Yellowstone hiking tour or tacking Glacier National Park, here are the sun protection essentials backpackers need for every hike:
Sunglasses
Your eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body when it comes to sun damage. Whether you’re a beginner backpacker or a seasoned veteran on the trails, you’ll be exposing your eyes to UV rays that can reach all the way to the backs of your eyes.
Going too long without sun protection can thus cause short-term issues like eye sunburn. Also known as “snow blindness,” it occurs when sunlight bounces off reflective surfaces like water and snow and can potentially see you experiencing temporary vision loss on the trail.
Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can also gradually damage your eyes over time, raising your risk of developing a slew of blindness-causing diseases ranging from cataracts and macular degeneration to eye cancer.
Therefore, sunglasses are non-negotiables for every hike. Not just any pair will do, either. You need a pair labeled “UV400” to ensure they will provide the optimal level of UVA and UVB protection. Otherwise, you may end up using dark-tinted sunglasses that dilate the pupils and heighten your exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
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You’ll also want more durable, high-quality frames. Models made of flexible and impact-resistant materials like nylon and polycarbonate will allow them to withstand drops or dirt without breaking easily.
The sunglasses you’ll find on eyebuydirect.ca show that many of these sturdy and protective frames also come in stylish designs, which can improve their versatility so you can wear them both on and off the trails. Options like Eyebuydirect’s Safari or Nevada frames are fashionable and functional.
Aside from their style, they also offer UV protection, polarized lenses to block glare from reflective surfaces, and the option to add the wearer’s prescription for clear vision. Keep your shades on regardless of the weather or season, as UV damage can occur under various conditions.
Sunscreen
Aside from your eyes, your skin is susceptible to UV damage, from sunburns to skin cancer. That makes sunscreen another must-have for your hike. These either use physical ingredients like titanium dioxide or chemical compounds like oxybenzone to block or absorb the sun’s UV rays before they get the chance to deeply penetrate the skin.
Many also come with hypoallergenic and moisturizing properties to protect your skin while keeping you comfortable on the trail. Though this particular sun protection tool may seem like a no-brainer for any hike, it can be easy to get lazy about applying it or finding the most effective option for your needs.
Ideally, you’ll want a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF (sun protection factor) 30 sunscreen with a protection grade of UVA or PA+ rating is the standard. For backpackers who spend longer hours under the sun, however, those with a higher SPF, like 50+, and a PA+++ rating will provide protection for longer.
Facial sunscreens are good options for the face as many provide gentler, moisturizing ingredients and feel lightweight. In particular, this source notes that the Sun Bum Daily 50 SPF PA+++ line is great for daily use and can feel comfortable as you hike thanks to its use of lightweight, non-greasy formulas. Apply a generous amount to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or more frequently, especially after you work up a sweat.
UPF Clothing
You may be familiar with sunscreen’s SPF, which indicates how long the sun’s UV rays will take to cause a sunburn, but there’s also an equivalent for clothing. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) tells you how much UV radiation can travel through a particular fabric and reach your skin.
Wearing UPF clothing on your hike can lower your chances of getting a nasty sunburn by blocking most of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
While sunscreen is a big help for protecting exposed skin, covering your body up with as much clothing as possible will offer longer-lasting protection. Opt for a long-sleeved UPF shirt that covers your chest, back, and shoulders rather than pieces like tank tops.
If you’re worried about the heat, look for moisture-wicking and breathable options like polyester to help you stay cool. You can also find UPF clothing that can be comfortable enough for an active lifestyle while also looking stylish for other occasions, with pieces that showcase how UPF 50+ clothing can be worn for hiking and beyond.
Some outdoor apparel promises sun-blocking potential with a value called Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. Does the number really matter? How high do I need to go? Here’s everything you need to know. https://t.co/aLyMxAT7J6
— Backpacker Magazine (@BackpackerMag) June 27, 2024
UPF fabrics can even boost the protection you’ll get from sunglasses. The right sun hat can shield more than just your nape and ears by blocking sunlight that you may be exposed to when hiking at noon when it’ll come down at an angle even the best sunglasses can’t cover. That said, you’ll want a hat with a wide brim that’s at least 4 inches wide.
You’ll find that brands like Solbari will offer some of the best options for your hiking needs. Aside from using UPF 50 fabric and wide brims that angle downward for further protection, models like the Outback Travel Hat provide an additional cape at the back to protect your nape and boast adjustable chin straps to ensure they stay on even in windy hiking conditions.
Want to hike your favorite trails safely? Sun protection is a must. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and UPF clothing are all essentials you’ll want to have in your backpack. Make sure they use the right ratings to ensure they can effectively safeguard your health on the trail.
