Sun block - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

is sun block needed on the AT? SPF 15, 30, 45? help please.

Anthony

#2

depends on how likely you are to burn. in yo-yo’s case, he would have done well with a little SPF 15 on his ears!

seriously, you can probably do with SPF 15 for the bits of trail that are not under cover from the trees, once the leaves have come out. also for those lazy afternoons that you might want to spend on summits or outcroppings in the sun or lounging on the edge of a swimmable water source.

zero

#3

Early in the year, before the leaves are out (pre-May) sunscreen can be necessary. For the most part, for the rest of the time you are in the trees most of the time and will get little direct sun. I barely got tan, much less burned.

Ginny

#4

Hi folks…a good natured but real nudge & concern about this; Please consider using @ least a 30 & a good kind of “screen”…I use “Bullfrog” 30SPF. It’s in a small container; packs well & lasts a long time. It’s also not as gooey as other kinds . Why take chances…Burns are no fun, & that of course, is the least serious of longer term consequences. Happy hiking all…

liz

#5

There are areas… I burned through my frequently applied 45 SPF sunblock for a couple days in New Jersey. Really friend my skin.

There, you are walking though some open areas (fields, some rocky tops, a nature preserve around a swamp) and on open boardwalks (Pochuck). Very pretty wih much wildlife, but rough on the epidermis.

I found myself wishing for a Go-Lite umbrella; instead, I cut a leafy switch for a little traveling shade. Good for swatting swamp bugs too!
:wink:

Jan LiteShoe

#6

Really FRIED my skin (which is my friend…)
:wink:

shoe

#7

When backpacking, I am a big fan of longsleeve shirts and a wide hat. I do not like sunscreen for overnight trips (or longer) due to the “Greasy feeling”. With my wide hat and long sleeves, my neck, face and arms are protected. No need to carry a tube of sunscreen.

I do not use sunscreen on my legs (have an “olive” complexion, so I tend not to burn too badly), but more fair skinned people may want to wear long pants as well.

YMMV.

Mags

#8

Carry a small bottle of it; & Wear it; even if you aren’t in the sun a whole lot; it’s easy to get a burn out there.

Leah