Most people know what SPF is. SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it is the rating system for sunscreens and sun blocks. SPF is a measurement of time it takes for skin to burn from exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. UPF is another story; few people know what UPF stands for, and what it is used for.
UPF is the rating that fabric manufacturers use to designate how much of the sun’s ultraviolet rays are absorbed by a piece of clothing. That’s right, it is possible for clothing to provide sun protection much the same way that sunscreen does. For example, a UPF rating of 60 means that only 1/60th of the sun’s damaging ultra violet rays can penetrate the fabric. For sun protection clothing for hiking or other performance activities, it is important for clothing manufactures to balance UPF with breathability and weight. For example, a thick, winter winter parka would have a high UPF rating, but it would be useless during a summer trail run.
General Tips for Choosing Sun Protection Clothing for Hikers
In general, all clothing provides some level of UPF. A thin white t-shirt provides a UPF of 7 (it blocks 1/7th of the burning UV rays), while a thick denim shirt has a rating of 1700 (complete sun block).
Hold up a fabric to the light, the more you light you can see through it, the less SPF it provides. Tightly woven, synthetic fabrics work best.
Color also plays a role in UPF ratings. Darker colors provide more sun protection than lighter colors do. The UPF rating of a white t-shirt would be 10 if that same shirt were dark. You must balance the UPF factor of colors with a color’s natural tendency to absorb heat.
If you are going to be hiking, running, or enjoying another outdoor performance activity, look for clothing made especially to provide sun protection to hikers. Companies such as ExOfficio, Patagonia, REI, and Lands End provide clothing designed specifically to provide breathable, high UPF, light and moisture resistant clothing for hikers. For an excellent selection visit a local outdoor adventure store such as REI or Bass Pro Shop.
Hiker Sun Protection Clothing from Head to Toe
Here is a sample outfit designed to provide high sun protection for a hiker.
You need to start off by protecting your head. Your scalp burns easily and collects heat. If you do not provide a lightweight, breathable hat for your head, it can cause both discomfort and overheating. A convertible sun protection hat such as the Sunday Afternoons Convertible Ball Cap from REI will provide you all of the protection you need. The Convertible Ball Cap features a UPF of 50+ and a removable sun shade for your neck.
Your shirt choice is also very important. Most of your body’s natural cooling system is located in your upper body, and if you do not allow that system to work, you can suffer heat stroke or other heat related illness. The Patagonia Sun Tech Shirt is an excellent choice. This sun protection shirt for hiking is lightweight and provides a UPF of 30+. It also has stretchable side panels that offer ventilation and a full range of motion. Also ,the sleeves roll up and secure with button-closure tabs; this is important to help protect you for unexpected changes in weather while hiking.
For your legs, you should consider convertible pants such as the ExOfficio Convertible Amphi Pants. Convertible pants feature zip off legs. This allows you to regulate your temperature as well as protect you from the elements. Like other sun protection clothing for hikers, these pants are lightweight nylon. They have also been treated with Teflon so they are quick drying, wrinkle, stain, and static-resistant. They are rated 30+ UPF for excellent UV protection.
Your feet probably will not be exposed to the sun due to your hiking boots, but they still need protection from the elements and a lightweight, breathable cover. I recommend Thorlo Hiking Crew Socks. I use Thorlo socks for all performance activities. They are quick drying and very comfortable. When hiking, you can never be too kind to your feet.
If your hiking is taking you to extremes, you will also want to consider accessories such as gloves and a jacket. Hand coverings such as the REI Sunscreen Glove can protect you from unexpected sun or wind burn on your hands. They have a UPF of over 50 and are fingerless to provide you the manual dexterity necessary for hiking. While not a piece of sun protection clothing, a lightweight nylon jacket is a great tool because it can protect you from unexpected shifts in the weather and provide you with shelter in a pinch.
Do it Yourself Sun Protection Clothing for Hikers
If you can’t afford high-tech gear from Patagonia or REI, you can make your own. You can purchase detergent additives such as Sun Guard, which contains the sunscreen Tinosorb. When washed into clothing, it will provide a UPF factor of 30+ in all clothing for up to 20 washes.
Whether you go high- or low-tech, sun protection clothing is a must for hikers. Sun poisoning, heat stroke, and other heat related illnesses can ruin a vacation or a hike; they can even be fatal. Provide protection from the sun while avoiding overheating and exposure to the elements while you are hiking so you can get the most out of your summer outing.
