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I can't even think of the right thing to Google,/post...
I'm after something to keep my head, neck and shoulders and upper arms in the shade when belaying in the sun and when hikeabiking.
But it needs to be much bigger than the Sun Runner to provide coverage. I'm really shit in hot weather and burn easily due to medication so I want a proper respite on those alpine belays.
Essentially a small tent, hanging off my head.
Obviously I'd rather not be ( seen to be ) appropriating headwear with significant cultural meaning, and some of the Google results looked horribly thrudark.
Any suggestions?
A wide brimmed hat, neckerchief and a long sleeved shirt with a collar. Sorted
- A wide brimmed hat, neckerchief and a long sleeved shirt with a collar. Sorted
That is indeed the obvious option, which I have used before, but it's not ideal. For starters it's too hot, constricting and sweaty secondly the hat doesn't play well with the helmet. And also the hat doesn't provide enough shade.
Have a look at sun hoodies, together with a lightweight peaked cap they keep your whole upper half from getting burned and you don't need to use suncream, so you feel less sticky. Just did the GR20 in Corsica with that setup and it worked perfectly in 30°C+ temps.
What about a proper hot-weather trekking shirt? I got one for when I was in Africa for a bit, it's vented across the shoulders, it's a pretty baggy fit so not constricting, and the collar is 'double folded' so if you have it up it's really tall to keep the sun off your neck.
You're welcome to borrow it and try it out, it lives at the top of the wardrobe doing nothing.
@steezysix any particular sun hoodie you would recommend as I am planning to do the GR20 starting mid-May and well aware it can get v hot so thinking lightweight.
Black diamond alpenglow is my go to. Rab and ME and others do versions too. I basically live in mine when outside in the summer
Good selection here https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/sun-hoodies/
Im a big proponent of sun hoodies. Being half-ginger and with a UV allergy, they have massively improved any time I spend out in the sun!
I have ones from Mammut, RAB and Black Diamond.
A guy on our local gravel rides uses one of these (for sun and rain) or perhaps a similar brand:
https://bikepacking.com/gear/da-brim-review/
In terms of tops, I've been looking into Sun Hoodies but a lot of people also recommend Fly Fishing shirts? I'm not sure if this is partly for hipster points but they do seem light.
I do keep being advertised Orion Ride "Gravel Shirts" but without being able to see & feel the material in person it's not something I've taken a punt on as certain materials make me really hot & uncomfortable regardless of temperature.
Aye, sun umbrellas are a thing again nowadys. Some pretty fancy ultralight options on the market now too
Not much cop for HaB but would work well for hiking in non-windy locales
In terms of tops, I've been looking into Sun Hoodies but a lot of people also recommend Fly Fishing shirts? I'm not sure if this is partly for hipster points but they do seem light.
The fishing tops are exactly the same thing as other sun hoodies but usually a lot cheaper. Same thing as the rash guards/swim suits that surfers use, just with a hood
I’ve got a couple of the ME sun hoodys. Like above worn with a cap then I don’t have to use much sun cream.im not great in sun/heat and I reckon I probably stay cooler than in a t-shirt.
I had a Rab Force hoody and an Arcteryx Cormac, both nice but ended up lending the Arcteryx one to my friend as he had only brought a merino wool hoody for the hike. He chose... Poorly 🤣
The Rab top was great, managed to rinse/wash it every day so it didn't get too stinky. It's a little shorter in the sleeves and body than I would prefer, but would absolutely recommend for a hike like that!
Thanks for all the suggestions above 👍