Hiking Sun Protection Options for the Kokoda Track – Best Sun Protective Clothing and Sunscreen
Introduction
Trekking the historic Kokoda Track is an exhilarating and challenging experience, immersing trekkers in the rich wartime history of Papua New Guinea. As you prepare for this unforgettable journey, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety, especially when it comes to sun protection. The Kokoda Trail presents diverse weather conditions, and the intense sun can be a formidable companion throughout your hike. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sun protection options, from clothing to sunscreen, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the elements.
Understanding the Kokoda Sun
The Kokoda Track is renowned for its hot and humid weather, making sun protection a top priority for trekkers. The trail exposes hikers to high levels of UV radiation, necessitating comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Clothing Choices
1. Long Sleeve Shirts with UPF
Investing in high-quality, long-sleeved shirts with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating is paramount. Brands offer cutting-edge options, providing optimal protection against harmful UV rays. These shirts are made from breathable polyester, ensuring comfort during your trek while effectively preventing sun damage.
2. Wide-Brimmed Hat
A wide-brimmed hat is your shield against the harsh sun, offering protection for your face and neck. The REI Sahara Shade Hat is an excellent choice, combining style with functionality. Ensure your hat provides ample shade to keep you cool and safeguarded from the sun’s rays.
3. Long Pants
While the heat may tempt you to don shorts, opting for long pants is a wise decision. They offer extended coverage, protecting your legs from direct sun exposure and potential hazards along the trail. Columbia Silver Ridge pants are a popular choice, providing comfort and durability.
4. Sun Sleeves
Sun sleeves are a versatile accessory, allowing you to adapt your clothing to changing weather conditions. Easily worn with short-sleeved shirts, these sleeves offer an additional layer of protection for your arms against harmful UV radiation.
Sunscreen Application
5. SPF 50 Sunscreen
Regularly applying sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is non-negotiable on the Kokoda Track. SPF 50 sunscreen, ensures robust protection against the intense tropical sun. Remember to reapply every two hours to maintain an effective barrier against harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from UV radiation is often overlooked. Invest in high-quality sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Your eyewear should provide adequate coverage to shield your eyes from all angles, preventing discomfort and potential long-term damage.
Factors to Consider
1. UPF Protection of Clothing
When selecting your hiking attire, pay attention to the UPF rating. Aim for clothing with a UPF of 50 for maximum protection against UV radiation. This ensures that your garments act as an effective barrier, significantly reducing the amount of sun reaching your skin.
2. Reapplication of Sunscreen
In the challenging conditions of the Kokoda Track, sweat and environmental factors can compromise sunscreen effectiveness. Commit to reapplying sunscreen every two hours, without fail, to guarantee continuous protection throughout your trek.
3. Backpack Considerations
Choose a backpack with a design that prevents excessive sun exposure on your back and shoulders. Look for features like a built-in sun hood or strategic placement of straps to ensure the least amount of sun contact.
Conclusion
As you embark on the adventure of trekking the Kokoda Track, prioritizing sun protection is vital for your well-being. Whether it’s choosing the right clothing, diligently applying sunscreen, or investing in quality eyewear, these measures will keep you comfortable and safeguarded against the challenging elements. Stay protected, embrace the history, and make the most of your outdoor adventure on the Kokoda Trail.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the best sun protection options for hiking?
A: The best sun protection options for hiking include sun shirts, sun hoodies, hats with wide brims, UV protective clothing, and hiking sunscreen with a high SPF.
Q: How important is sun protection when hiking?
A: Sun protection is very important when hiking, as prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, and other harmful effects of UV radiation.
Q: What is UPF and why is it important for hiking sun protection?
A: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and it measures the UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. It is important for hiking sun protection as it indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays.
Q: What are the best sun protective clothing options for the Kokoda Track?
A: The best sun protective clothing options for the Kokoda Track include lightweight sun shirts, sun hoodies, and breathable sun shirts with a high UPF rating, such as UPF 50+.
Q: How can I protect my eyes from the sun while hiking?
A: You can protect your eyes from the sun while hiking by wearing sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes from direct sunlight.
Q: What are the most important features to look for in sun protective clothing for hiking?
A: The most important features to look for in sun protective clothing for hiking include UPF rating, breathability, lightweight material, and coverage for areas prone to sun exposure such as the neck and arms.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen when hiking?
A: You should reapply sunscreen every two hours when hiking, and more frequently if you are sweating heavily or swimming.
Q: Can I wear regular clothing for sun protection when hiking?
A: While regular clothing offers some level of sun protection, it is recommended to wear specialized sun protective clothing with a high UPF rating for the best sun protection during hiking.
Q: What are the potential risks of not having sufficient sun protection during a hiking trip?
A: The potential risks of not having sufficient sun protection during a hiking trip include sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Q: How can I protect my face and neck from the sun while hiking?
A: You can protect your face and neck from the sun while hiking by wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck, and by wearing a sun shirt or hoodie with UPF protection to cover your neck and arms.