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The best hiking gear under $55 that offers UV protection

Shannon Cooper
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There’s nothing quite like spending the day out in the sun, hiking and enjoying nature. But before you head out to the woods, it’s important to ensure you have proper sun protection. It’s no surprise that spending too much time in the sun can cause irreparable damage to your skin; not only can the sun’s rays cause premature aging, but they can also lead to more serious medical problems like skin cancer. To protect yourself from the sun’s rays on your next hike, here are six great pieces of hiking gear and clothes with UV protection.

Patagonia Women’s Seabrook Jacket

Patagonia built its brand by offering high-end, long-lasting gear and promoting environmental sustainability, but it wants to take care of its customers too. The Seabrook Jacket offers 50+ UPF protection. The material is super soft, moisture-wicking, and 89% recycled polyester. Plus, it’s Fair Trade Certified sewn! The Seabrook jacket comes in a stylish oyster white with a sleek and feminine shape. You can wear it as a outwear jacket for cool summer days or a mid-layer when it gets chilly on the trail.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-seabrook-jacket/53570.html?dwvar_53570_color=OYWH

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Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Having a great, high-SPF sunblock is essential for UV protection. Sun Bum is an all-natural, chemical-free version. The zinc-based sunscreen sits on top of the skin and blocks UVA and UVB rays. Sun Bum is also hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and totally vegan. This sunblock should keep you protected for about two hours before you need to reapply, making it perfect for short day hikes.
https://www.target.com/p/sun-bum-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50-3-fl-oz/-/A-75562487

REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt

The REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt provides UPF 30 sun protection, making it an ideal t-shirt for sunny hikes. It’s made of a fast-drying, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial poly-spandex blend. The shirt is ultra-soft and stretchy, so it’s comfortable for longer hikes and backpacking trips. Plus, the tee has a stylish scoop neckline and comes in cute colors like heather blue, cedar, and sage gray.
https://www.rei.com/product/163984/rei-co-op-sahara-t-shirt-womens

Athleta Breeze Reversible Bucket Cap

Bucket hats are super on-trend, and this reversible one from Athleta is a great option. The rim of the cap helps keep the sun out of your eyes. And, the material is rated UPF 50+ for even more sun protection. The hat is also water-repellent, offering protection against light mists. You can choose between two sizes, S/M and M/L, and two reversible color combos, medieval violet/Palermo pink and ecru/tequila green. Customers say the Breeze Bucket Hat runs a bit small, so you may want to order a size up.
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=656897022&vid=1&tid=atpl000049&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2NyFBhDoARIsAMtHtZ4Q1j9WqyCPT-lu2YYpcw3u56LT0pc7pHoSnKkhis7uaW93ko_nWUgaAkyAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#pdp-page-content

EyeBuyDirect Safari Round Dark Tortoise Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for bright-day hikes. All of the sunglasses from EyeBuyDirect offer UV protection, and those with tinted lenses have UV400 protection. The company also allows customers to add a prescription to their frame for an affordable price, so glasses-wearing hikers can enjoy the same sun protection as everyone else. The Safari frames are one of their best-selling options, thanks to the stylish shape and cute colors and patterns. You can also choose to add polarized coating, progressive lenses, a reading prescription, and more.
https://www.eyebuydirect.com/sunglasses/frames/safari-tortoise-m-20043

LL Bean Women’s Vista Camp Shorts

These LL Bean camp shorts may be the perfect bottoms for outdoorsy women. They are super lightweight and comfortable while still being very durable. The Vista shorts are made of a nylon and spandex blend with UPF 50+ protection. The fabric is abrasion-resistant, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying. These shorts also feature a stretchy elastic waistband and a midrange inseam of six inches. The Vista Camp Shorts are available in six neutral colors and both regular and plus sizes.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/120739?page=womens-vista-camp-short-misses&bc=&feat=upf%20women-SR0&csp=a&searchTerm=upf%20women&pos=6

From hats and sunglasses to shirts and shorts, this is the best hiking gear to protect your skin from the sun. With these pieces, you won’t have to worry about sunburns and other skin damage. Instead, you can just enjoy a beautiful day in nature.

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