Fitness Enthusiasts' Guide to UPF: Winter Workouts and Gear Essentials
We all known that fitness enthusiasts will work out rain or shine in winter or summer! Whether that fitness enthusiast is you or someone you love, be sure to remember one of the most important parts of working out in the wintertime: sun protection.
It can be easy to forget to put sunscreen on or reapply it will out on the trails or skiing, but it's an absolutely crucial step to keeping your skin protected during the winter months. Remember, you can still get sunburned during wintertime!
UPF 50+ clothing helps you stay protected from the sun (although we also do still recommend wearing sunscreen too) in the event you forget sunscreen or can't reapply it as often as you'd like while working out during winter. Check out our suggestions on winter UPF 50+ gear, including some cool helpful tips on how to pair UPF clothing below.
Why UPF Clothing Matters During Winter
UPF clothing (UPF ratings are explained here in the event you need some additional information) is crucial during winter. That's because many of us forget that we need sun protection during winter months. Just because it's colder outside doesn't mean that you can't get sunburned.
In fact, fresh snow can reflect over 90% of the sun's UV rays, which means you get double the UV exposure! So, you need to be even more careful about UV exposure on colder days - especially days with snow.
What Should You Look for When Choosing UPF Winter Clothing
When it comes to winter UPF clothing there are a few tips we'd like to share with you to make sure you're choosing the right type of sun protection for winter. As a fitness enthusiast you also want to make sure that you're choosing reliable, breathable clothing too so you don't get too hot or uncomfortable once you start working out. Here are our suggestions:
- Find lightweight clothing that's easy to take on and off
- Look for breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant fabrics
- Invest in a reliable active UPF hat, neck gaiter, and gloves
Top 3 Sun Protective Items for Winter Fitness Enthusiasts
1. UPF 50+ Rated Long Sleeve, Breathable Shirts
If you spend a lot of time outside being active, whether you're running, hiking, cycling, or one of those ultra marathons, you will need a solid collection of sun-protective long sleeve shirts.
We suggest ones that are lightweight, breathable, and odor resistant (especially if you're going to be in them for awhile).
2. UPF 50+ Neck Gaiter
Neck gaiters are some of the most versatile activewear accessories, which we love. You can wear them as a headband to keep your hair out of your face while running, as a hat to protect to your head, or around your neck on long hikes to keep your neck and head protected from the sun.
3. Sun-Protective Active Shorts/Capris
Active shorts or capris are the perfect option for winter activewear. You can also pair them with tights or leggings on those extra cold days (and we have UPF leggings for women in our online store too!).
Tips and Tricks: How to Wear Your Winter UPF Gear
Here are some easy tips and tricks on how to make the best use of your winter UPF gear:
- Don't be afraid to layer
- Throw a neck gaiter on your neck - just in case (you can wear it as a hat to cover your head if needed)
- Remember your sun hat
- Look for words like "breathable," "moisture-wicking," "lightweight," and "odor resistant when picking out winter activewear
If you need more winter activewear inspiration or ideas, be sure to check out our fleece collection for the entire family.
