By: Stephanie Stuehler
Sunscreen Tips
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
- The Sun’s rays are strongest between 10AM and 2PM. This is a great time to take a break from hiking in the shade.
- When hiking on snow or even sand, the Sun reflects from the ground. This increases your chances of getting a sunburn.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your neck and ears! Those areas are often forgotten.
- Protect your lips with lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Reapply sunscreen about every two hours or according to the directions on the bottle.
- Carry enough sunscreen so you don’t run out on your hike. Use the sunscreen calculator below to estimate how much sunscreen you need to carry on your thru-hike or backpacking trip.