How to Choose Sun-Protective Clothing for Hiking
When we think about sun protection, most of us reach for sunscreen first. But on long days outdoors, the clothing you wear can make a big difference too. Sun-protective clothing is designed to help reduce your exposure to UV rays, giving you reliable coverage on warm-weather hikes, travel days, coastal walks and exposed mountain trails.
The key term to look for is UPF, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A UPF-rated fabric has been tested to show how much UV radiation it allows through. The higher the rating, the better the protection. For example, UPF 30 offers good protection, while UPF 50 or 50+ is considered excellent.
Not all fabrics protect equally. Tighter weaves, darker colours and synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon generally offer better UV protection than light, loose or thin fabrics. Coverage matters too, so long-sleeve shirts, lightweight trousers, sun hoodies, broad-brim hats and neck-covering styles are all useful choices when the sun is strong.
For hiking, comfort is just as important as coverage. Look for lightweight, breathable and quick-drying fabrics that help manage sweat and keep you comfortable as you move. A looser fit can also help air circulate and prevents fabric from stretching too tightly, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Sun-protective clothing is useful for almost everyone, but it is especially important if you spend long periods outdoors, hike at higher elevations, travel in sunny climates, or walk near reflective surfaces like water, rock or snow. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still reach your skin, so protection is worth considering whenever you are outside for extended periods.
UPF clothing should be part of a wider sun-care routine. Wear sunglasses with UV protection, apply sunscreen to exposed skin, seek shade when possible and take extra care during the strongest part of the day. You can also shop our sun protection range for outdoor activity-specific sun creams that stay on while you move fast!
Some outdoor brands build specific sun-protection technologies into their clothing. Columbia, for example, uses technologies such as Omni-Shade and Omni-Shade Broad Spectrum across selected styles. You can learn more in our guide to Columbia sun protection technologies.
With the right clothing and a few simple habits, you can enjoy bright days outdoors with more comfort and confidence. Explore our range of sun-protective hiking clothing, including breathable shirts, lightweight layers, trousers, hats and accessories built for warm-weather trails and long days outside.
