Get Ready for a Day of Hiking
Summer is our favorite hiking season. The weather is great, the sun is out and the days are long. Here are a few simple things that will keep you from getting too much of a good thing.
7 Min. Read | Hiking
Group of friends hiking near the top of a mountain, a beautiful valley below.

1. Sun-Blocking Clothing

The sun can burn skin in as little as 15 minutes, so it’s important to cover up. We recommend wearing clothing rated to at least UPF 30. Our SunSmart clothing is rated UPF 50 and is designed to keep you cool, dry and protected from the sun. The specially designed fabric breathes well, wicks moisture away from your skin and blocks about 10 times more UV rays than a white cotton tee, so you can stay outside longer.

SHOP NOW

SunSmart shirts with the SunSmart logo.

A women stepping over roots while hiking in the woods.

2. Sun-Blocking Accessories

A L.L.Bean trucker hat and bucket hat

HATS

A full-coverage, UPF-rated hat will do a nice job of protecting your face, ears and head from the sun. They’re built from lightweight, quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric that also helps keep you cool.

MEN'S

WOMEN's


SUNGLASSES

You’ll need to protect your eyes from the sun. A good pair of polarized sunglasses that wrap around your face is the best choice. They’ll block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, keeping your eyes protected.

SHOP NOW

L.L.Bean sunglasses

L.L.Bean buffs

FACE COVERINGS

Some hikers like to wear a face covering such as a Buff, especially in sunny, hot settings like the southwestern US. They cover just about everything except your eyes and are made of super-lightweight, moisture-wicking materials. They’re usually rated UPF 50+ for maximum sun protection.


3. Hydration

A conservative estimate is that you should drink half a liter of water per hour of moderate exercise. You should carry a minimum of two liters of water on most hikes. A couple lightweight 1-liter water bottles will do the trick.

SHOP NOW

L.L.Bean Nalgene water bottles in various colors.

Friends drinking hot tea on top of a mountain as the sun begins to set.

4. Other Necessities

Always apply sunscreen that’s rated SPF 30 or stronger to skin that’s not covered. And don’t forget UPF-rated lip balm for your lips; they can also burn very quickly. Make sure you reapply often, especially if you’re sweating a lot.