Summer Gear Essentials to Keep You Cool and Protected

Unless you're spending your day hiding inside, staying sun-safe and cool can be tricky, especially during the predicted El Nino summer we have ahead of us…

If you're planning a big multi-day hike or just a day trip in the sun, you need to make sure you're prepared for the extreme heat conditions Aussie summer can have in store for us. That means keeping yourself protected from the UV radiation from the sun. Keeping yourself cool and hydrated is equally as important and having the right gear before you leave the house makes a world of difference. 

 

Clothing

It all starts with what you wear! Clothing can be an ultimate tool against both the sun's UV radiation and heat. Yes, that's right, covering your body can also help keep you cool. Choosing lightweight, moisture-wicking, UPF-rated clothing is going to be your best friend when adventuring in the sun. The UPF rating will help protect you from sunburn. Moisture-wicking fabrics will help wick away any sweat, and we all sweat in the sun. And, lastly, lightweight is always key to keeping you a little bit cooler. 

 

PATAGONIA SELF-GUIDED HIKE L/S MENS AND WOMENS SHIRT

 

 

The Patagonia Self Guided Hike L/S shirt was designed for pure performance. With a classic woven style and constructed of 100% recycled polyester ripstop 50+ UPF-rated fabric, the Self Guided L/S shirt also boasts adjustable roll-up sleeves that can be secured with a button for extra ventilation. Weighing it at around 170g, this shirt is perfect for a lightweight, high-performance hiking shirt with sun protection elite enough for you to almost touch the sun. 
 

SMARTWOOL HIKE CLASSIC EDITION LIGHT CUSHION SOLID CREW SOCKS

 

 

With hiking socks, you want to make sure you're wearing some sort of lightweight material like merino wool and the Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Solid Crew socks are the perfect hiking socks. Made with 69% merino wool, an elasticized arch for secure fit and a flat toe seam for additional comfort, the Hike classic combines both performance with a style that never goes out of fashion. 

 

Sun protection

Aside from clothing, it's always good to have a second line of defence against the sun. Things like sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and UPF-rated sleeves are some perfect options to have handy as a second line of defence. 

 

SUN BUM SPF 50+ MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION

 

 

There is nothing worse than putting on sunscreen and having that greasy feel all over your skin. It just doesn't seem to rub in properly, no matter how hard you try. Well, say goodbye to that feeling with the Sun Bum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. The non-greasy, lightweight formula makes life so much more comfortable to be sun-safe and comfortable. 

 

SMITH EMBARK POLARISED SUNGLASSES

 

 

Introducing the Smith Embark Polarised Sunglasses! Yes, I know they look like a standard, fashionable pair of sunglasses, but looks can be deceiving. Equipped with ChromPop polarised lenses to help eliminate glare and enhance colour grading, Anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings for clear optics and easy cleaning and an Evolve bio-based frame material for a lightweight and durable design. What more do you need in a pair of sunnies?

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ADVENTURE HAT

 

 

The Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat takes fashion to a whole new level, oh, and it's built for extreme conditions as well. Not only does the Afternoons Adventure hat feature a wide, 360-degree 4” brim, but it is also equipped with a large 7” back flap to protect your neck. Constructed with 100% nylon that is 50+ UPF breathable rated for that extra piece of mind. 

 

SPARMS SUN PROTECTION ARM SLEEVES

 

 

A special mention for a second line of defence goes to the SParms Sun Protection Arm Sleeves. Perfect for when you're wearing a short-sleeved shirt, these arm sleeves are UPF 50+ rated, blocking out 98.5% of UVA and UVA. The microfiber and spandex composition make these super comfortable and create a cooling effect to help you in the heat. 

 

Bug Control

Keeping the bugs away is just as important as keeping the sun off your skin. The irritation of mosquitoes flying around your face is enough to send anyone mad and paired with the heat from the summer sun, well that's just a recipe for pain. 

 

SEA TO SUMMIT MOSQUITO NET

The summer night can get a little warm, which opens up the opportunity to sleep under the stars. The downside to sleeping under the stars is that you leave yourself at the mercy of the swarms of bugs that come out to play at night. The Sea to Summit Mosquito net will make your life so much easier by creating a barrier between you and the bugs. The 50D black mesh netting allows for extra clear visibility so you can gaze at the stars until you nod off to sleep. 

 

FLEXTAIL MAX REPEL S 2-IN-1 RECHARGEABLE MOSQUITO REPELLENT

 

 

The Flextail Max Repel S 2-in-1 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is a creation that will rule the hiking world. This compact, water-resistant device weighs only 213g and is smaller than an iPhone and can be attached to your bag, put in your pocket or hung around your neck with the attached lanyard. Oh, and did I mention the Max Repel S also doubles as an emergency power bank with a built-in 9600mAh high-capacity lithium-ion battery? 

 

Hydration

Lastly, let's talk about hydration. You're going to sweat. There is just no way around it. Replenishing those lost fluids will keep you feeling fresh. Keeping the water cold will also help when you need that refreshing burst of joy. And there are a number of ways you can do it. 

 

HYDRO FLASK 2.0 HYDRATION WIDE MOUTH INSULATED WATER BOTTLE

 

 

A water bottle that will keep your water ice cold for up to 24 hours! Seems impossible right? Wrong! The Hydro Flask 2.0 Hydration Wide Mouth Insulated water bottle was created with unique double wall vacuum insulation to keep water cold for hours or, if you need it for the colder hikes, piping hot for hours. The almost 1L capacity means you can stay hydrated and refreshed all day. The wide mouth makes it super easy to refill, add ice or whatever else you wish to put inside. Not to mention the materials are BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free and dishwasher safe. 

 

OSPREY HYDRAULICS 3L HYDRATION BLADDER

The more water you can carry, the better off you're going to be, especially on those longer hikes when the sun is beating down on you. The Osprey Hydraulics 3L Hydration Bladder is the perfect size to keep you hydrated for multiple days and the slide seal top makes it super easy to refill at a tap or a freshwater stream you might come across. The Hydrostatic backer plate provides structure so that you can shove a full reservoir into a fully loaded pack and it will maintain a flat profile.

 

OSPREY TALON PRO 20 HIKING DAYPACK

 

 

Now, to carry all that water and equipment, you need a lightweight and breathable pack that still gives you freedom of movement. Look no further than the Osprey Talon Pro 20 Hiking Daypack. With an external reservoir pocket and dual zipper access to the main compartment, it makes storing and accessing all your gear a breeze. Speaking of breeze, you'll be able to have great airflow on your back with the Airscape suspension back panel.

 

Are you ready for some fun in the sun? Visit us in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

 

About the contributor: 

Chris Anderson is the graphic artist for Wild Earth. When he isn't getting creative behind the computer screen he's behind the camera lens hunting for that next epic landscape shot. You'll often find him hitting the trails and chasing waterfalls or jetting off to new places around the globe to surf, snowboard and just searching those hard to reach places for unseen beauties.
Follow his adventures on Instagram.