When choosing sun-protection clothing (UPF clothing) for camping, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have the best protection against the sun's harmful rays. Here are some tips to help you choose the right UPF clothing for your camping trip:
Look for High UPF Ratings: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates the clothing's ability to block UV radiation. Look for clothing with a high UPF rating, preferably UPF 50+. This rating provides excellent protection, blocking around 98% of UV rays.
Consider Fabric Type: The fabric type plays a crucial role in determining the garment's UPF rating. Fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and tightly woven materials like denim tend to offer better sun protection. Avoid loosely woven or lightweight fabrics that allow UV rays to penetrate easily.
Check for Certification: Look for clothing labeled with a UPF rating and certified by reputable organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation or the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). These certifications ensure the clothing has undergone testing and meets the specified UPF standards.
Full Coverage: Opt for clothing that provides ample coverage for the areas most exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Long-sleeved shirts with collars can protect your neck and shoulders, while pants cover your legs. Don't forget to protect your face, neck, and ears with a broad-brimmed hat or a hat with a neck flap.
Breathability and Comfort: Camping often involves physical activities, so choose UPF clothing that is breathable and comfortable. Look for lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics that allow air circulation and sweat evaporation, keeping you cool and dry in hot weather.
Color Selection: Darker colors, especially deep blues, and blacks tend to offer better UV protection. However, they also absorb more heat, so if you're camping in hot weather, consider lighter-colored clothing that reflects the sun's rays.
Consider Layering: Layering your clothing can provide additional sun protection. You can wear a lightweight UPF-rated shirt underneath a long-sleeved shirt or wear UPF-rated pants under shorts for added coverage.
Fit and Style: Ensure the clothing fits well and allows freedom of movement without being too tight or restrictive. Look for styles that suit your preferences and activities, whether it's hiking, fishing, or other outdoor pursuits.
Maintenance and Durability: Check the care instructions for the clothing and ensure it can withstand the rigors of camping. Ideally, choose clothing that retains its UPF protection even after multiple washes and exposure to outdoor conditions.
Accessories: Don't forget to protect other exposed areas like your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
By considering these factors, you can select appropriate UPF clothing that provides optimal sun protection during your camping adventures.
How to Choose Sun-Protection (UPF) Clothing
One of the great joys of being outdoors is basking in the soft, warm glow of the sun. But like so many of life’s pleasures, it’s best done in moderation. Sunlight includes rays of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and exposure to those rays can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
Choosing clothing that has been designed for sun protection and tested to confirm its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) will give you greater control over your total level of UV exposure.
This article will cover:
If you learn nothing else about UPF, consider this:
Always look for a garment’s lab-tested UPF rating (if it’s available) to evaluate its true UV protection level.
That said, if an item doesn’t have a UPF rating, there are a few things to look for when considering your options for sun protection:
UPF-rated clothing enhances everyone’s protection against UV-related health risks, but it is especially helpful for:
UPF is the rating system used for apparel. It’s similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the rating system used for sunscreen products. SPF pertains only to a sunscreen's effectiveness against UVB rays, considered to be the more damaging type of light. UPF gauges a fabric's effectiveness at filtering both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light.
When you shop, things are relatively simple: Look for a higher UPF rating number and greater skin coverage in order to get better sun protection.
UPF Rating |
Protection Category |
Effective UV Transmission (%) |
15 |
Minimum |
6.7 |
30 |
Good |
3.3 |
50+ |
Excellent |
2.0 |
A UPF rating of 30 indicates the fabric of a garment will allow 1/30th (roughly 3 percent) of available UV radiation to pass through it. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th (roughly 2 percent) UV transmission. Any fabric that allows less than 2 percent UV transmission is labeled UPF 50+.
Why you don’t see ratings below UPF 15: Fabrics rated below UPF 15 are not considered UV-protective. A typical white cotton T-shirt, for example, offers about a UPF 5 rating, which means that 1/5th (roughly 20%) of available UV radiation passes through it.
Factors that enhance UPF ratings: As a shopper, simply look for the UPF rating on garment hangtags or labels. Clothing makers will already have considered the following factors in trying to achieve that level of sun protection:
Factors that reduce the effectiveness of UPF-rated clothing: Whether you’re considering the UPF spec on new clothing or packing your favorite rashguard for a trip to the beach, be aware of the following:
How laundering affects UPF ratings: Washing your clothing can either increase or decrease its UPF, depending on several factors:
Ensuring you have UPF-rated clothing is important, but total UV protection requires a multifaceted approach:
Taking these precautions will keep your skin healthier. Be smart about the sun; it will be easier to soak up the fun outdoors.