Sun protection
Overview
Sun protection encompasses clothing, equipment, and behavioral strategies used to reduce UV exposure during outdoor travel.
Key points
- Includes clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and UV-aware travel timing.
- Critical in high-elevation, desert, or snow-reflective environments.
- Reduces risks of sunburn, dehydration, and long-term skin damage.
- UPF-rated clothing provides reliable passive protection.
- Sunscreen requires reapplication to remain effective.
- Hikers adjust exposure by seeking shade and timing travel.
Details
Sun protection is a multi-layered approach to managing ultraviolet exposure, involving both physical barriers and behavioral choices. Clothing with high UPF ratings, wide-brimmed hats, sun gloves, and sun hoodies provide passive protection.
Sunscreen supplements clothing in exposed areas but requires regular reapplication. Eye protection through UV-rated sunglasses prevents retinal damage, especially in snow environments where reflectivity is high.
Timing travel to avoid peak UV hours, taking shaded breaks, and monitoring forecasts help reduce cumulative exposure.
Related topics
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