Gear Shed: Top Sun-Protection Picks

Summer is here: Play longer and safer outside with sun-protective goodies from the ML Gear Shed.

All Good Mineral Sport Sunscreen

All Good sunscreen is one of the best choices you can make for your skin health and the health of marine ecosystems. With strict criteria for chemicals, additives and particulates, All Good’s broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance go the extra mile. The biodegradable ingredients are non-greasy and actually hydrate and repair skin. www.mec.ca

Arc’teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt

Inspired by runners and refined to offer the versatility to handle a wide range of high-output activities in the heat, the Cormac is designed for performance, sun protection and all-day comfort. The 100 percent recycled and soft-next-to-skin Phasic LT fabric wicks moisture, breathes, provides UPF 40+ protection and is treated for odour resistance. Plus: The fit maximizes airflow and moves with your body, the low-profile collar layers comfortably and the seam design minimizes friction. www.arcteryx.com

Arc’teryx Taema Hoody

Designed for ultimate freedom of movement, comfort and protection, the Taema Hoody will keep climbers, hikers, paddlers and campers shielded from the sun while wicking away moisture on hot days. Its hood fits over a helmet, thumb loops hold sleeves in place and low-profile merrow-stitch seams are comfortable under a pack. And with a DAO (Durable Anti Odour) finish, this is a hoody for the long haul: perfect for off-grid summer trips when you can’t do laundry. www.arcteryx.com

GCI Outdoor SunShade Backpack Beach Chair

This foldable/portable chair really does have it all. You can deploy the adjustable UPF 50-rated canopy, recline to four positions, stash essentials in the large back pocket, stow your tipple in the built-in beverage holder and carry it comfortably on your back to and from the beach, backyard, park or outdoor concert. With durable armrests and excellent back support, you can enjoy more time outside with fam and friends while protecting yourself from the sun. (The SunShade can’t be removed, but can be rotated back.) www.gcioutdoor.com

Luno Window Screens

Luno’s Window Screens for cars, camper vans and 4Runners easily slide over your vehicle’s doors to welcome airflow, block insects, minimize UV rays and increase privacy. This practical car-camping essential sets up in seconds and makes a world of difference to your comfort levels. Check out all sorts of solutions you didn’t know you needed to turn your vehicle into a rolling palace at www.lunolife.com.

MEC Blaze Technical Shirt

From stall hopping in sweltering markets far away from home, to summer trail days in your local woods, the Blaze Technical Shirt will help keep you cool and sun safe while adding a dash of timeless style. Crafted from a light and tough nylon blend, the Blaze excels equally on sun-drenched trails or boulevards. www.mec.ca

MSR Thru-Hiker Wings

The Thru-Hiker Wings offer essential ultralight protection for minimalists and long-haul backpackers, with minimal impact on your pack weight. The 70 Wing accommodates one to three people and weighs just .38 kg (12 oz), while the 100 Wing offers ample room for three at a weight of only .49 kg (1 lb 1 oz). You can use a wing shelter by itself on a fastpacking trip or as a daytime go-anywhere shelter from rain or sun. Or, pair one with the Thru-Hiker Mesh House 2 or 3 (sold separately) for added protection on a longer-haul trip along the West Coast Trail. www.msrgear.com/ca

Smith Hookset Sunglasses

The new Hookset‘s ChromaPop lens tech delivers enhanced colour, clarity, contrast, glare reduction, depth perception and definition across a variety of tints. The wraparound design with wide temples and extended brow detail reduces light leakage while providing full coverage—especially valuable in a highly reflective on-water environment. The lightweight and durable Evolve bio-based frame material includes strategic lower “chamfers” and if you don’t know what that is, we looked it up: It’s another name for a groove (or a channel) that moves moisture along the bottom rims of the eyepieces, to minimize fogging. Also, the grippy temple and nose pads react to moisture for a non-slip grip. For added reassurance, the included PivLock leash retainer seamlessly attaches to the frames to keep them safe in rough waters. The lenses are highly scratch-resistant, offer peerless optical clarity and include smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning. Clearly, life on the water is better with the Hookset. www.smithoptics.com

Tilley x MEC Packable T1 Hat

A packable version of a classic, the T1 is a recent refresh of the hat that made Tilley a household name in Canada and beyond. Made from a light-but-tough recycled blend, this hat dries quickly and offers excellent sun protection and timeless style. Tilley hats have been the go-to headwear for discerning travelers and adventurers for decades and the tradition continues. www.mec.ca

Zeal Confluence Sunglasses

Marking the convergence of sleek styling with sport and angler-driven details, Zeal’s Confluence redefines what sport sunglasses can be. The extra large-fit provides maximum wrap coverage for long days on the river, trail or around town. Generous hits of grippy ProFlex on the temples and nose bridge keep them in place, and temple-tip grommets for DIY lanyards or clips ensure they don’t wind up in the waters they’re named for. Crafted with Zeal’s plant-based Z-Resin frames and premium Japanese Ellume Polarized and Auto Sun lens options, Confluence’s footprint is light, while its performance and style is anything but. www.zealoptics.com

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