I don’t like the sun.

…let me qualify that statement: I am very thankful for the  gravitational, thermodynamic, and myriad of other benefits that the sun provides to me and every other organism on this planet. However, I certainly don’t like sunburn and I’m not that fond of UV rays in general. Add to that the fact that I loathe sunscreen. I don’t like how it smells, feels, and stops working without warning. There might be detrimental health concerns for the stuff, too. That isn’t my top concern, but it isn’t helping it’s case.

That is quite the predicament for someone who enjoys fly fishing and the outdoors, isn’t it?

I want to stay outside, but I don’t want to get fried. I want to stay comfortable, but I realize that it is going be a relative comfort if I’m out in the elements.

So what do I do? Here’s five things. You know, in case you also have a hate/love relationship with the sun:

The Right Clothes

Clothing with UV protection has become widely available. Whether it be materials, weave patterns, or treatments, there are clothes out there that will work for you. It doesn’t have to be the top-end stuff, either. That being said, 50 bucks for a nice shirt isn’t ridiculous. Often times the kind of gear that is going to be lightweight and offer some sun protection is also going to keep you cool and stink free. That is worth $50, if you ask me.

Long Sleeves

This is perhaps the most important thing to me. I’d rather get hot from moving and activity then hot from the sun beating down on my bare arms. This might just be the way I am wired, but a long day exposed to the sun takes a lot more out of me than a long day of simply being hot. I almost exclusively wear long sleeves when I’m on the stream, in the mountains, or on the beach. Additionally long sleeves keep bugs off of me. (I don’t like bugs, either.)

Hoods

What is better than a long sleeve shirt with SPF? A long sleeve shirt with SPF and a hood. All my favorite spring, summer, and fall fishing shirts have hoods. It protects my neck ears and part of my face from the sun and from insects. Lightweight, warm weather hoods are significantly under-appreciated in the outdoors clothing world.

Buffs, Gloves, Hats, & Beards

For all the game I’ve been talking, I usually only go with the buff and hat. For the kinds of fishing that I do, I usually don’t wear gloves. But if I was out on open water more often I would probably consider adding a pair or two. Your face, neck, and hands are the most susceptible to the nasty effects from that prolonged UV exposure. Of course, growing a beard is an economical and attractive way to save your face.

Sunscreen

I don’t like it, but I need it. Parts of my face are going to be exposed. It might just be from right underneath my sunglasses to right above my beard, but I am going to apply some thick SPF 50 to my cheeks and nose. I’ll put some on the back of my hands and wrists. If I’m wet wading, I’ll cover my legs and ankles. But I go all out and buy the industrial-strength stuff. Dense and sweat-resistant isn’t comfortable, but it is going to give me more time outdoors and in the water.

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In all seriousness, skin cancer is no joke. I’ve had plenty family members who have had little things removed over the years. that’s not something I want to go through if I can avoid it. Plus, I’m pretty happy with covering up as much as possible. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on being “out in the sun,” and I actually feel cooler when I am covered up and a little bit protected.

Do you have any sun safety practices? Let me know in the comments below: