This sun gear review has been in draft for quite a few months now and since when I first started putting notes together for this post a co-worker has continued to battle Stage IV skin cancer which is going on four years now and another friend found she had an area of melanoma (in her belly button area of all places) and went under the knife to have it cut out. What a scare and wake up call as well as a good reminder that you and I can never be to careful. In short, the sun can kill you.
Lately I'm trying to do my part to stay as UV free as possible when outside whether I'm on the river, in the pool, or on the mower. I've said it before but I don't tan. At all. Never have and likely never will. I've long stopped trying and now make every attempt to dress properly and stay protected from too much ultra violet light. It's just not worth getting burnt to up the chances of going through a bout of skin cancer tomorrow or years from now.
I did a similar but shorter sun protection review a couple years ago and the biggest change since then are the long list of new choices in sun protection gear from sun masks to shirts to pants. More and more companies are taking note and offering clothing items with amped up UPF ratings and there is really no reason to go outside and not be properly covered up.
This review is broken down by clothing type categories and please note that several of the items shown in the photos have been redesigned or are no longer offered. Typically improvements were made with a new offering that is linked directly in the review.
SUN SHIRTS
Truth told I live in some sort of long sleeve sun shirt eight or more months out of the year here in South Carolina. When I started wearing these sun shirts a few years ago it was hard to find them in any other color but white and most had a lot of screen print on them. Fast forward a couple years and sun shirts now come in just about any color you can think of and you can find relatively clean shirts without ink as well as sharp looking artwork screened on them depending on what your style is.
REDINGTON LOST RIVER TEE
I've had this shirt for a couple summers now and it's still one of my favorites. I probably wear this shirt more than any of the other sun shirts and it's held up great. The Lost River Tee is available in five colors and priced below most in this category.
HOWLER BROTHERS LOGGERHEAD SHIRT
This is a shirt with a few extra features that you don't find on most sun shirts like a two-button henley collar, thumb holes on the cuffs, and a stash pocket with a microfiber cloth to keep your glasses clean. Available in three color choices and overall a very nice sun shirt.
SAGE QUEST KEYS CREW
The Quest Keys Crew has a bit more fit to it than other shirts in this category with pre-shaped sleeves that extend past the wrist with a thumb hole to keep the shirt in place. Available in three colors and one of my favorites as far as fit in this category.
SIMMS SOLARFLEX SHIRT
The Solarflex shirt is available in long sleeve and also a hoody version for $10 more. This is an all around comfortable shirt that is available in five colors and part of a very extensive sun protection series of clothing from Simms.
BUG SLINGER SOLAR SHIRT
I've kind of moved away from a lot of the print sun shirts but still wear the designs that Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger creates. I dig his style a lot and the microfiber shirts that he prints on are made tough and long lasting in wear.
FREE FLY APPAREL LONG SLEEVE BAMBOO
This is one of the few choices made from something other than polyester and instead these shirts are a 70% bamboo/30% polyester mix which makes for a softer shirt that is very comfortable to wear year around. Warm in the winter as a layer and cool in the summer when worn alone. Available in eight colors and priced a little higher than the rest but these fabric is beyond compare for softness.
SKINNY WATER CULTURE MICRO SHIRTS
The SWC crew continues to produce some of the most through forward salt designs out there and it's really neat to see this company grow. I am especially fond of their microfiber shirts as they fit great and are very durable. Designs are always changing and their microfiber shirts are typically around $40 each.
WOMEN'S SUN SHIRTS
One of the biggest steps forward I've seen in sun protection clothing is the choices for women. The idea that women don't need the same protection from the sun that men do is silly. Luckily companies are offering some very sharp designs for the ladies as well.
It's been interesting to see how my wife, who used to tan each year, is now a lot more conscience about how much time she is in the sun as well. She has really enjoyed wearing all the shirts listed in this review and one goes along with her any time she is on the water.
REDINGTON MARQUESAS HOODY
Certainly one of the strongest brands who have created a line up of ladies clothing has to be Redington and the Marquesas Hoody is a highlight of their offerings. The Marquesas Hoody features thumb holes to keep sleeves in place and over the wrists, pockets on both sides, and a ample hoody to cover the head and face when needed.
HOWLER BROTHERS LOGGERHEAD LONGSLEEVE
The lady version of the Loggerhead Longsleeve features a stand up collar and a more feminine fit along with the rest of the features of the men's shirt. Available in two colors.
REDINGTON CHELAN TEE
This shirt is one of the few items that have been discontinued since this review started. This was a great shirt and I'm surprised to see it gone from Redington's smart women's clothing line up. The shirt has a feminine cut, a well designed sleeve which fabric extended over the top of the hand for better sun protection.
PATAGONIA TROPIC COMFORT HOODY
The Tropic Comfort Sun Hoodie has quickly become one of my wife's favorites for it's fit, features, and the fact that at least last year's offering was available in a darker color. The Tropic Comfort Hoody is available in three colors and is of the long lasting quality that you expect from Patagonia gear.
BUTTON UP SHIRTS
If I'm not in a long sleeve sun shirt then likely I have a button up shirt on or even better a button up shirt over a sun shirt. Sun shirts make for a great layer under a button up shirt on cool mornings and I say the more protection the better.
HOWLER BROTHERS LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
Are you cool enough to rock pearl button snaps? Maybe I'm not but I wear several of the shirts offered by Howler Brothers and they rank as some of my favorite shirts without a doubt. This season Howler Brothers has released five different button up shirts in a mix of colors and patterns. Their snap button shirts are made of a lightweight poly-nylon blend and are as fitting on the water as they are at dinner or other event.
PATAGONIA ISLAND HOPPER SHIRT
The long sleeve Island Hopper shirts have been a mainstay in the Patagonia line up for years now and for good reason. These shirts fit and wear great and I like the genius behind access to the chest pockets as well. Along with this shirt there are several other long sleeve shirt offerings for this season that are worth a look.
REDINGTON CLEARWATER SHIRT
The folks at Redington have put a lot of thought behind their apparel offerings and the Clearwater Shirt is an example of that. This nylon shirt has mesh venting making it very comfortable in warmer temps. Available in three colors with large chest pockets to tuck a fly box and has a very comfortable fit.
PANTS
Who wears waders in the summer? I don't and for years have packed my breathable waders away for the duration of the warm months and instead wet wade happily all summer long until it really gets cool in the fall. Wearing lightweight nylon pants not only keeps the sun off my legs but wet wading in them is excellent as they are dry minutes after walking off the water.
THE NORTH FACE PARAMOUNT PEAK PANTS
I've had a couple pairs of the Paramount Peak pants for years and even though the heams are tattered and torn from long miles hiked and rivers walked I continue to wear them. These are rock solid heavy weight nylon pants that just won't quit.
PATAGONIA GUIDEWATER PANTS
Without a doubt the Patagonia Guidewater are my new favorite pair of pants as they are lightweight and beyond comfortable. Since this review started I've bought a second pair (third and fourth pairs arrived yesterday to prep for Beaver Island) and instead of just wearing them fly fishing they also double as perfect travel pants along with everyday wear as well. Work? Sure. Church? I've done that too. These are wear all the time pants that look great just about anywhere you'd put them on for.
MOUNTAIN KHAKIS GRANITE CREEK PANT
The Granite Creek Pant has a lot of neat features and are definitely built to last. These pants feature heavy weight nylon, cargo pocket, and a reinforced heel cuff. It might be just how they fit me but I'd suggest to try on before you buy or order a size up for the most comfortable fit.
PATAGONIA BEACH BUCKET
The Beach Bucket is a long time offering from Patagonia and one of my favorite caps for comfort and all day wear. This hat is as comfortable for lazy beach days as it is the river. Treated with DWR (durable water repellant) finish keeps water rolling off it along with a moisture wicking Coolmax headband.
PETER GRIMM LIFEGUARD HATS
When a ball cap or a nylon wide brim hat just aren't wide enough to keep the sun off my face then I reach for a Lifeguard series straw hat from Peter Grimm. These take a bit to get used to wearing since they do have a mega brim but are perfect for long days on the water. Peter Grimm offers over twenty styles on their website and they are seemingly priced right as well.
COLUMBIA BORA BORA BOONEY
Columbia Sportswear has been in the forefront of sun protection clothing and their Bora Bora Booney hat is lightweight, comfortable, and long lasting. I think my wife and I have been sharing our booney hat for ten year or so and you could never tell by looking at it. The hat just doesn't fail and easy to roll up and stuff into a beach bag or backpack to always have handy when needed.
SUN MASKS
Sure, they make you look like a gangster about ready to rob a bank but worn correctly I don't think there is a better and more functional piece of sun protection clothing than the various sun masks offered by a growing list of companies. Like sun shirts you can find what you're looking for with solid colors and prints offered to match your style.
SKINNY WATER CULTURE STALKER MASK
The Stalker Mask has always been one of my favorites for a couple reasons. First, I've really enjoyed watching SWC grow over the past few years with killer designs that are just cool. Though not photoed in this review their Stalker Mask has been recently redesinged with a longer flap on the front and back to extend into your neck area to cover up that spot that most sun masks miss. Great designs and artwork in their offerings from an up and coming company as well.
BUG SLINGER BUFFS
You know what makes a Buff better? How about a collaboration with Rob McAbee for an ever evolving series of Bug Slinger Buffs that feature great artwork on a great product.
FREE FLY APPAREL SUN MASKS
There are three reasons that I really like the sun masks offered by Free Fly Apparel. First, the bamboo/polyester fabric used in all of their apparel items is ultra soft and comfortable on the skin. Second, this fabric is warm in the winter and cool in the summer making for 365 days of use. Third, their sun masks have a rolled over and sewn hem on each end and when you pull this sun mask over your cap it stay put and doesn't roll down.
GLACIER GLOVE SUN PROTECTION HOOD
One of the weirder offerings in this category may be the Sun Protection Hood but if you are looking for face, neck, ears, nose, and full head coverage then this is it. The Sun Protection Hood can be worn in several different positions and is vented in the mouth area as well. Weird...but strangely cool too.
SIMMS SUNGAITER
The Simms SunGaiter is sheer, lightweight, and made with a breathable stretch fabric. There are also laser cut breathing holes making this one of the more comfortable sun masks out there. Simms gets sun protection and this sun mask is a good example of that.
GLOVES, GLOVES, AND MORE GLOVES
Truth told there are a ton of choices now for sun gloves and not only are they being designed to protect from sun rays but some are also built with fly line stripping guards, padded and reenforced palms which are useful for paddling, poling, and protecting your hands while fighting big fish as well.
This part of the review will break down what I see as three styles of gloves which are available these days with the simple no frills sun glove, then a mid weight glove with typically has some added features such as a fabric palm and stripping guard fingers, and lastly there are several heavier weight gloves which feature suede and padded palms made specifically for big game angling, paddling, and poling a boat across the flats.
LIGHTWEIGHT SUN GLOVES
The bad thing (which really isn't a bad thing if you think about it) about sun gloves is that after a day of catching fish they are going to stink and just like sun masks it's always good to have a few pairs around so you don't have to start the day with stank hands. I always travel with one pair of lightweight or mid weight sun gloves for each day on the water.
SIMMS SUN GLOVES
I've had these sun gloves for years and they just don't seem die. Sure, they look a little rough but this design makes for a simple hand cover which has saved me quite a few times from a burn. This glove is no longer offered on the Simms website but you may find a pair at your local fly shop or discounted online.
GLACIER GLOVE ABACO BAY SUN GLOVES
I've been wearing a light gray version of gloves for the past several summers and it looks like this year's version has added some print and fish skin color options for this basic, comfortable, and form fitting glove. One thing about the Glacier Gloves mentioned throughout this review is that they are priced right and wear excellent as well.
12WT. SUNwt. GLOVES
I like small upstart companies and 12wt. started early last year with just two different sun gloves with the SUNwt. glove as one of them. The SUNwt. glove is made from a lightweight poly stretch fabric and these really shine with the unique finger design that fit with just enough snug to keep them in place all day long. The color combination might not be for everyone but these are an extremely nice glove.
PATAGONIA SUN GLOVES
Like others in this category the Patagonia offering is just a simple open palm design glove which is lightweight and easy to always have a pair tucked into your gear bag for just in case.
MID WEIGHT SUN GLOVES
12 WT. WORKwt. GLOVES
Without a doubt these are one of my favorite gloves in this category as the film laminate in the palm and index finger are amazingly durable for as thin as it feels on your hand. These gloves also feature the same unique thought forward finger design as the SUNwt. glove.
GLACIER GLOVE ASCENSION BAY SUN GLOVES
There are a lot of choices from this company and the Ascension Bay Sun Gloves are one of my favorites. The palm side is a bit tacky for a solid grip on a fly rod or paddle and the backside is a very comfortable form fitting spandex.
BUFF SPORTS SERIES WATER GLOVES
I've been wearing these gloves since early last summer and like them a lot. They are a pretty basic glove with a bit of grip screened onto the balms and made of a fabric that will wear seemingly forever. These gloves stretch a bit but it takes nothing that a wash and dry to put them back into shape again.
SIMMS SUNGLOVES
When Simms redesigned their SunGlove they gave it some added features with reinforced suede like fabric in the fingers area and a snap that keeps them together when not in use. These gloves span the bridge between a lightweight and mid weight glove due to this redesign and are near the top of the list of favorite gloves in these categories.
HEAVY WEIGHT SUN GLOVES
BUFF PRO-SERIES FIGHTING WORK GLOVES
The Pro-Series Fighting Gloves are by far the most reinforced and badass glove in the mix. These gloves feature a padded palm for poling or paddling and fighting big fish on big reels of all sorts. These gloves are built to last.
GLACIER GLOVE STRIPPING/FIGHTING SUN GLOVES
This is Glacier Glove's heaviest weight offering which has a synthetic leather palm and a stretchable backside fabric. These gloves are a good buy as they are priced quite a bit lower than others in this category.
BUFF PRO-SERIES ANGLER GLOVES
These gloves are a good mix of excellent sun protection but also feature aquatic suede palms and reinforced finger areas too for stripping fly line all day. These gloves are available in a few color choices as well.
DON'T FORGET THE KIDS
Growing up I don't remember being slathered with sun screen and there certainly weren't long sleeve microfiber shirts to wear either. Fast forward twenty plus years and there are almost as many choices for kids sun protection clothing as adults. Most of your favorite outdoor clothing companies all have options. Heck, your Target kids section more than likely has a few long sleeve microfiber shirts for your son and daughter as well. There is no excuse not to cover up the kids as many skin cancers later in life were likely from over exposure as children and teens.
CHECK YOURSELF TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Covering up properly is important but having a better understanding of skin cell types and what to look for when doing self checks is important as well. It's also not a bad idea (I need to take my own advise here) to see a dermatologist from time to time for a check up especially if you have fair skins.
Check out the Skin Cancer Foundation website for more information. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you find a change in skin features that raise concern. Don't wait.
DISCLAIMER
Every item listed in this review was either bought at full price, on an industry/media discount, or sent by the respective gear company for review on T.F.M. As with all gear reviews that I post on this website I only mention products that I enjoy and believe are worth readers considering for purchase. If I don't like it then I typically don't talk about it. There is just to much good gear out there to waste words on junk.
Look for several shorter follow up posts of new sun protection clothing items that I'm using this spring and into the summer.
If you have any questions please feel free to send me an email at thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.
Lately I'm trying to do my part to stay as UV free as possible when outside whether I'm on the river, in the pool, or on the mower. I've said it before but I don't tan. At all. Never have and likely never will. I've long stopped trying and now make every attempt to dress properly and stay protected from too much ultra violet light. It's just not worth getting burnt to up the chances of going through a bout of skin cancer tomorrow or years from now.
I did a similar but shorter sun protection review a couple years ago and the biggest change since then are the long list of new choices in sun protection gear from sun masks to shirts to pants. More and more companies are taking note and offering clothing items with amped up UPF ratings and there is really no reason to go outside and not be properly covered up.
This review is broken down by clothing type categories and please note that several of the items shown in the photos have been redesigned or are no longer offered. Typically improvements were made with a new offering that is linked directly in the review.
SUN SHIRTS
Truth told I live in some sort of long sleeve sun shirt eight or more months out of the year here in South Carolina. When I started wearing these sun shirts a few years ago it was hard to find them in any other color but white and most had a lot of screen print on them. Fast forward a couple years and sun shirts now come in just about any color you can think of and you can find relatively clean shirts without ink as well as sharp looking artwork screened on them depending on what your style is.
REDINGTON LOST RIVER TEE
I've had this shirt for a couple summers now and it's still one of my favorites. I probably wear this shirt more than any of the other sun shirts and it's held up great. The Lost River Tee is available in five colors and priced below most in this category.
HOWLER BROTHERS LOGGERHEAD SHIRT
This is a shirt with a few extra features that you don't find on most sun shirts like a two-button henley collar, thumb holes on the cuffs, and a stash pocket with a microfiber cloth to keep your glasses clean. Available in three color choices and overall a very nice sun shirt.
SAGE QUEST KEYS CREW
The Quest Keys Crew has a bit more fit to it than other shirts in this category with pre-shaped sleeves that extend past the wrist with a thumb hole to keep the shirt in place. Available in three colors and one of my favorites as far as fit in this category.
SIMMS SOLARFLEX SHIRT
The Solarflex shirt is available in long sleeve and also a hoody version for $10 more. This is an all around comfortable shirt that is available in five colors and part of a very extensive sun protection series of clothing from Simms.
BUG SLINGER SOLAR SHIRT
I've kind of moved away from a lot of the print sun shirts but still wear the designs that Rob McAbee of Bug Slinger creates. I dig his style a lot and the microfiber shirts that he prints on are made tough and long lasting in wear.
FREE FLY APPAREL LONG SLEEVE BAMBOO
This is one of the few choices made from something other than polyester and instead these shirts are a 70% bamboo/30% polyester mix which makes for a softer shirt that is very comfortable to wear year around. Warm in the winter as a layer and cool in the summer when worn alone. Available in eight colors and priced a little higher than the rest but these fabric is beyond compare for softness.
SKINNY WATER CULTURE MICRO SHIRTS
The SWC crew continues to produce some of the most through forward salt designs out there and it's really neat to see this company grow. I am especially fond of their microfiber shirts as they fit great and are very durable. Designs are always changing and their microfiber shirts are typically around $40 each.
WOMEN'S SUN SHIRTS
One of the biggest steps forward I've seen in sun protection clothing is the choices for women. The idea that women don't need the same protection from the sun that men do is silly. Luckily companies are offering some very sharp designs for the ladies as well.
It's been interesting to see how my wife, who used to tan each year, is now a lot more conscience about how much time she is in the sun as well. She has really enjoyed wearing all the shirts listed in this review and one goes along with her any time she is on the water.
REDINGTON MARQUESAS HOODY
Certainly one of the strongest brands who have created a line up of ladies clothing has to be Redington and the Marquesas Hoody is a highlight of their offerings. The Marquesas Hoody features thumb holes to keep sleeves in place and over the wrists, pockets on both sides, and a ample hoody to cover the head and face when needed.
HOWLER BROTHERS LOGGERHEAD LONGSLEEVE
The lady version of the Loggerhead Longsleeve features a stand up collar and a more feminine fit along with the rest of the features of the men's shirt. Available in two colors.
REDINGTON CHELAN TEE
This shirt is one of the few items that have been discontinued since this review started. This was a great shirt and I'm surprised to see it gone from Redington's smart women's clothing line up. The shirt has a feminine cut, a well designed sleeve which fabric extended over the top of the hand for better sun protection.
PATAGONIA TROPIC COMFORT HOODY
The Tropic Comfort Sun Hoodie has quickly become one of my wife's favorites for it's fit, features, and the fact that at least last year's offering was available in a darker color. The Tropic Comfort Hoody is available in three colors and is of the long lasting quality that you expect from Patagonia gear.
BUTTON UP SHIRTS
If I'm not in a long sleeve sun shirt then likely I have a button up shirt on or even better a button up shirt over a sun shirt. Sun shirts make for a great layer under a button up shirt on cool mornings and I say the more protection the better.
HOWLER BROTHERS LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
Are you cool enough to rock pearl button snaps? Maybe I'm not but I wear several of the shirts offered by Howler Brothers and they rank as some of my favorite shirts without a doubt. This season Howler Brothers has released five different button up shirts in a mix of colors and patterns. Their snap button shirts are made of a lightweight poly-nylon blend and are as fitting on the water as they are at dinner or other event.
PATAGONIA ISLAND HOPPER SHIRT
The long sleeve Island Hopper shirts have been a mainstay in the Patagonia line up for years now and for good reason. These shirts fit and wear great and I like the genius behind access to the chest pockets as well. Along with this shirt there are several other long sleeve shirt offerings for this season that are worth a look.
REDINGTON CLEARWATER SHIRT
The folks at Redington have put a lot of thought behind their apparel offerings and the Clearwater Shirt is an example of that. This nylon shirt has mesh venting making it very comfortable in warmer temps. Available in three colors with large chest pockets to tuck a fly box and has a very comfortable fit.
PANTS
Who wears waders in the summer? I don't and for years have packed my breathable waders away for the duration of the warm months and instead wet wade happily all summer long until it really gets cool in the fall. Wearing lightweight nylon pants not only keeps the sun off my legs but wet wading in them is excellent as they are dry minutes after walking off the water.
THE NORTH FACE PARAMOUNT PEAK PANTS
I've had a couple pairs of the Paramount Peak pants for years and even though the heams are tattered and torn from long miles hiked and rivers walked I continue to wear them. These are rock solid heavy weight nylon pants that just won't quit.
PATAGONIA GUIDEWATER PANTS
Without a doubt the Patagonia Guidewater are my new favorite pair of pants as they are lightweight and beyond comfortable. Since this review started I've bought a second pair (third and fourth pairs arrived yesterday to prep for Beaver Island) and instead of just wearing them fly fishing they also double as perfect travel pants along with everyday wear as well. Work? Sure. Church? I've done that too. These are wear all the time pants that look great just about anywhere you'd put them on for.
MOUNTAIN KHAKIS GRANITE CREEK PANT
The Granite Creek Pant has a lot of neat features and are definitely built to last. These pants feature heavy weight nylon, cargo pocket, and a reinforced heel cuff. It might be just how they fit me but I'd suggest to try on before you buy or order a size up for the most comfortable fit.
HATS AND HEADWEAR
Ball caps work with sun masks but there are times when a full 360 degree coverage hat is needed to keep the sun off the face for the day. Nylon and straw make up the best choices in this category and there are a lot of choices out there besides the few listed here.
PATAGONIA BEACH BUCKET
The Beach Bucket is a long time offering from Patagonia and one of my favorite caps for comfort and all day wear. This hat is as comfortable for lazy beach days as it is the river. Treated with DWR (durable water repellant) finish keeps water rolling off it along with a moisture wicking Coolmax headband.
PETER GRIMM LIFEGUARD HATS
When a ball cap or a nylon wide brim hat just aren't wide enough to keep the sun off my face then I reach for a Lifeguard series straw hat from Peter Grimm. These take a bit to get used to wearing since they do have a mega brim but are perfect for long days on the water. Peter Grimm offers over twenty styles on their website and they are seemingly priced right as well.
COLUMBIA BORA BORA BOONEY
Columbia Sportswear has been in the forefront of sun protection clothing and their Bora Bora Booney hat is lightweight, comfortable, and long lasting. I think my wife and I have been sharing our booney hat for ten year or so and you could never tell by looking at it. The hat just doesn't fail and easy to roll up and stuff into a beach bag or backpack to always have handy when needed.
SUN MASKS
Sure, they make you look like a gangster about ready to rob a bank but worn correctly I don't think there is a better and more functional piece of sun protection clothing than the various sun masks offered by a growing list of companies. Like sun shirts you can find what you're looking for with solid colors and prints offered to match your style.
SKINNY WATER CULTURE STALKER MASK
The Stalker Mask has always been one of my favorites for a couple reasons. First, I've really enjoyed watching SWC grow over the past few years with killer designs that are just cool. Though not photoed in this review their Stalker Mask has been recently redesinged with a longer flap on the front and back to extend into your neck area to cover up that spot that most sun masks miss. Great designs and artwork in their offerings from an up and coming company as well.
BUG SLINGER BUFFS
You know what makes a Buff better? How about a collaboration with Rob McAbee for an ever evolving series of Bug Slinger Buffs that feature great artwork on a great product.
FREE FLY APPAREL SUN MASKS
There are three reasons that I really like the sun masks offered by Free Fly Apparel. First, the bamboo/polyester fabric used in all of their apparel items is ultra soft and comfortable on the skin. Second, this fabric is warm in the winter and cool in the summer making for 365 days of use. Third, their sun masks have a rolled over and sewn hem on each end and when you pull this sun mask over your cap it stay put and doesn't roll down.
GLACIER GLOVE SUN PROTECTION HOOD
One of the weirder offerings in this category may be the Sun Protection Hood but if you are looking for face, neck, ears, nose, and full head coverage then this is it. The Sun Protection Hood can be worn in several different positions and is vented in the mouth area as well. Weird...but strangely cool too.
SIMMS SUNGAITER
The Simms SunGaiter is sheer, lightweight, and made with a breathable stretch fabric. There are also laser cut breathing holes making this one of the more comfortable sun masks out there. Simms gets sun protection and this sun mask is a good example of that.
GLOVES, GLOVES, AND MORE GLOVES
Truth told there are a ton of choices now for sun gloves and not only are they being designed to protect from sun rays but some are also built with fly line stripping guards, padded and reenforced palms which are useful for paddling, poling, and protecting your hands while fighting big fish as well.
This part of the review will break down what I see as three styles of gloves which are available these days with the simple no frills sun glove, then a mid weight glove with typically has some added features such as a fabric palm and stripping guard fingers, and lastly there are several heavier weight gloves which feature suede and padded palms made specifically for big game angling, paddling, and poling a boat across the flats.
LIGHTWEIGHT SUN GLOVES
The bad thing (which really isn't a bad thing if you think about it) about sun gloves is that after a day of catching fish they are going to stink and just like sun masks it's always good to have a few pairs around so you don't have to start the day with stank hands. I always travel with one pair of lightweight or mid weight sun gloves for each day on the water.
SIMMS SUN GLOVES
I've had these sun gloves for years and they just don't seem die. Sure, they look a little rough but this design makes for a simple hand cover which has saved me quite a few times from a burn. This glove is no longer offered on the Simms website but you may find a pair at your local fly shop or discounted online.
GLACIER GLOVE ABACO BAY SUN GLOVES
I've been wearing a light gray version of gloves for the past several summers and it looks like this year's version has added some print and fish skin color options for this basic, comfortable, and form fitting glove. One thing about the Glacier Gloves mentioned throughout this review is that they are priced right and wear excellent as well.
12WT. SUNwt. GLOVES
I like small upstart companies and 12wt. started early last year with just two different sun gloves with the SUNwt. glove as one of them. The SUNwt. glove is made from a lightweight poly stretch fabric and these really shine with the unique finger design that fit with just enough snug to keep them in place all day long. The color combination might not be for everyone but these are an extremely nice glove.
PATAGONIA SUN GLOVES
Like others in this category the Patagonia offering is just a simple open palm design glove which is lightweight and easy to always have a pair tucked into your gear bag for just in case.
MID WEIGHT SUN GLOVES
12 WT. WORKwt. GLOVES
Without a doubt these are one of my favorite gloves in this category as the film laminate in the palm and index finger are amazingly durable for as thin as it feels on your hand. These gloves also feature the same unique thought forward finger design as the SUNwt. glove.
GLACIER GLOVE ASCENSION BAY SUN GLOVES
There are a lot of choices from this company and the Ascension Bay Sun Gloves are one of my favorites. The palm side is a bit tacky for a solid grip on a fly rod or paddle and the backside is a very comfortable form fitting spandex.
BUFF SPORTS SERIES WATER GLOVES
I've been wearing these gloves since early last summer and like them a lot. They are a pretty basic glove with a bit of grip screened onto the balms and made of a fabric that will wear seemingly forever. These gloves stretch a bit but it takes nothing that a wash and dry to put them back into shape again.
SIMMS SUNGLOVES
When Simms redesigned their SunGlove they gave it some added features with reinforced suede like fabric in the fingers area and a snap that keeps them together when not in use. These gloves span the bridge between a lightweight and mid weight glove due to this redesign and are near the top of the list of favorite gloves in these categories.
HEAVY WEIGHT SUN GLOVES
BUFF PRO-SERIES FIGHTING WORK GLOVES
The Pro-Series Fighting Gloves are by far the most reinforced and badass glove in the mix. These gloves feature a padded palm for poling or paddling and fighting big fish on big reels of all sorts. These gloves are built to last.
GLACIER GLOVE STRIPPING/FIGHTING SUN GLOVES
This is Glacier Glove's heaviest weight offering which has a synthetic leather palm and a stretchable backside fabric. These gloves are a good buy as they are priced quite a bit lower than others in this category.
BUFF PRO-SERIES ANGLER GLOVES
These gloves are a good mix of excellent sun protection but also feature aquatic suede palms and reinforced finger areas too for stripping fly line all day. These gloves are available in a few color choices as well.
DON'T FORGET THE KIDS
Growing up I don't remember being slathered with sun screen and there certainly weren't long sleeve microfiber shirts to wear either. Fast forward twenty plus years and there are almost as many choices for kids sun protection clothing as adults. Most of your favorite outdoor clothing companies all have options. Heck, your Target kids section more than likely has a few long sleeve microfiber shirts for your son and daughter as well. There is no excuse not to cover up the kids as many skin cancers later in life were likely from over exposure as children and teens.
CHECK YOURSELF TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Covering up properly is important but having a better understanding of skin cell types and what to look for when doing self checks is important as well. It's also not a bad idea (I need to take my own advise here) to see a dermatologist from time to time for a check up especially if you have fair skins.
Check out the Skin Cancer Foundation website for more information. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you find a change in skin features that raise concern. Don't wait.
DISCLAIMER
Every item listed in this review was either bought at full price, on an industry/media discount, or sent by the respective gear company for review on T.F.M. As with all gear reviews that I post on this website I only mention products that I enjoy and believe are worth readers considering for purchase. If I don't like it then I typically don't talk about it. There is just to much good gear out there to waste words on junk.
Look for several shorter follow up posts of new sun protection clothing items that I'm using this spring and into the summer.
If you have any questions please feel free to send me an email at thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.
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