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Got Shade?
Summer is an odd season. So much anticipation. When the weather is cold, I find myself snuggling up to a warm fire and cup of cocoa more frequently than heading out into the frigid elements. I fanaticize about hot days with the sun on my back, sweat rolling off my brow like hot butter. But when the thin red line on the thermometer races to triple digits, the first thing I think about is staying cool. Here are some ways to help beat the heat.
Kaenon Soft Kore Sunglasses
The Soft Kore sunglasses are ideal for smaller faces but the design doesn't limit itself to being a women's only frame. New polarized lenses help cut glare - on the trial, road or water. Kaenon makes high-quality frames that are made specifically for high-movement activities - they stayed on like Gorilla Glue even on bumpy single track. The optics are super-clear and don't distort the landscape, with excellent visual clarity, no distortion of depth perception and an unbelievable ability to reduce glare. The glasses I reviewed have the amber C12 lens - it was great for everything from spring skiing to rides with intermittent cloud cover. While the frames and lenses are ultra-light, the package is surprisingly durable. Wear them climbing, paddling, running, biking and hiking, and although it has become a clich���©, even going to the coffee shop. I like the Soft Kore's totally performance-driven design with a frame that's casual enough for everyday wear. $239, kaenon.com
Alite Monarch Chair
For those hot days when shade is a premium, a lightweight camp chair helps you keep your cool. Perfect for bringing along on day paddles, climbing trips and overnights, the light, super packable Alite Monarch chair makes picnicking and camping comfortable. I've used the Alite Monarch as a belay chair . . . as the sun moves, so do I! The Monarch weighs just over a pound and packs down to water bottle-sized bundle. Since the chair has only two legs, I prefer using mine with a tree as a backrest. If you use it freestanding around a campfire, the rocking motion keeps your back and legs from stiffening. $59.99, alitedesigns.com
Elemental Herbs All Good Lips
There is little that is more painful (or unsightly) as sunburned lips. But the remedy is so easy - just get used to carrying along a small tube of lip balm. All Good Lips organic lip balm is infused with organic healing herbs and essential oils - it goes on smooth, with a thin layer of protection that stays in place (no clown-lips here). The lip balm was reformulated this year - the chemical oxybenzone was removed - to make the balm even more face and earth friendly! With an SPF of 12, the formula provides more than 90 percent coverage from the sun's harmful rays. My favorite is the sweet tangerine flavor but the original and cool spearmint are both awesome. $3.50, elementalherbs.com
Columbia Girl's Splash Guard Long-sleeve Tee
You won't want to leave home without one. A splash guard is a stretchy, quick-drying top designed to provide extra coverage when you are on the water. Surfers wear them all the time - and fortunately, many companies are now making them for kids. Any mom knows that children + sun + water generally = sunburned shoulders. But with the Columbia Splash Guard, you'll cut your sunscreen bill in half - not to mention the savings in dermatology fees. The colorful top has great stretch and allows for full mobility - and my daughters like it enough that they automatically pack it along with their swimsuit and goggles. Columbia's proprietary Omni-Shade has UPF 30 protection and you can't beat the price. $29, columbia.com
Tilley Organic Cotton Airflo Hat
Possessing a Tilley Hat is like owning a classic car or expensive watch - it becomes a part of your identity that gains value and sentiment over time. Tilley is definitely the Porsche or Rolex of the hat world. The Organic Cotton Airflo Hat comes with Tilley's lifetime guarantee (if you lose the hat, you can buy the replacement for half-price!). In addition to the soft, durable, eco-friendly fabric and technological design, the hat is extremely lightweight (3.7 ounces!), breathable (with discreetly placed mesh vents) and very comfortable! The organically grown cotton uses no toxic chemicals, synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, so not only are you protecting your head and face from the sun, you're attracting good karma in general. My favorite feature is a secret pocket, but I also like the fact that the hat is machine washable, and it floats! $77, tilleyendurables.com
I/O Bio Women's Contact Top Merino Wool Sports Bra
This might be my favorite find this spring. The I/O Bio Merino Contact Top is the best in its class. You'll wear it around the house and for casual wear, but its true calling is for runs (for up to B cup size), climbing, hiking and other high-aerobic sports. The moisture management of the merino wool is excellent, and the knitting is so fine that there are no places that rub or itch. The support of the bra/top is even, with no pinching or riding up in the back or front. Plus, the colors and design are cool enough you can strip down to the single layer on hot days, or use it as a base under a T-shirt or long-sleeve midlayer. $30, io-bio.com
Tecnica Viper Low Shoe
My husband slipped these puppies on and sighed with relief. With a superior fit and no hotspots, the Viper Low is a multi-sport shoe built for running, hiking and cruising around town. Part of Tecnica's new Lightspeed collection, the Viper Low has a neat "rolling system" that eliminates the deadspot that exists between the bottom of your foot and most other running shoes. When you run, the TRS (Tecnica Rolling System) improves energy transmission by allowing the shoe to adapt to the roll. John, who has tested hundreds of shoes over the years, was impressed with the grip of the soles and the shoe's stable platform on rugged terrain. The outsole features multiple densities of rubber for an excellent grip. The upper is a combination of open-cell mesh and nylon that is quick-drying, breathable, and easy to keep clean! $110, tecnica.com
Tyr Tracer Racing Goggle
Eye protection is especially important when you're swimming in an outdoor pool or lake. Tyr's new metalized Tracer Racing goggle has a polycarbonate lenses that cuts glare and protects eyes from harmful UV rays. The sleek, low profile lens reduces drag - plus giving you better underwater and peripheral vision. I've logged a half-dozen miles in my review pair of goggles and can attest to their water-tight seal. An easily-adjustable head strap and five choices of nose bridges make for a custom fit - and one that won't leave you with Raccoon-indentations around your eyes! $18, tyr.comPost a comment
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