As temperatures rise and fun in the sun becomes more of a daily possibility, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and regulating your body temperature becomes more important than ever. Particularly in the face of increasingly severe effects from climate change, innovative technologies designed to help people stay cooler, safer, and more comfortable outdoors are gaining attention. Here are some of the brands and items to watch.
While sunscreen is an important staple for any outdoor time, it’s not the only way to guard against UV damage. To ensure you’re always prepared for extra rays wherever you go, stock your car or your backpack with a UPF 50+ umbrella like Davik’s Parasol (featuring an undercoat of Solarblok™ that blocks 99 percent of UVA/UVB rays and absorbs heat to deliver cooler shade), though you can also never go wrong with well-ventilated, well-constructed woven fabrics like four-ply wool (in Suit Supply’s Taupe Tailored Fit Havana Suit), which can hold up better in humid conditions. Also consider sunglasses that offer both 100 percent UVA/UVB sun protection and anti-reflective coating like MYKITA’s MR002. A UPF 50+ hat that offers significant coverage, like Solbari’s Ultimate Wide Brim Hat, is another great accessory to have on hand at all times. If you just carry one thing, though, make it Sony’s Reon Pocket 5—a quiet, wearable thermal device that can directly warm or cool the part of the body it’s in contact with.
For active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, managing heat stress begins before discomfort sets in. The CORE 2 Thermal Sensor continuously tracks core body temperature, helping athletes understand how heat impacts performance and endurance. Meanwhile, Omius takes a different approach with its Breathe Cap, which uses cooling pieces designed to reduce heat buildup around the head during exercise and outdoor activities. Ergodyne’s Chill-Its 6685 Evaporative Cooling Vest provides relief for outdoor workers, gardeners, hikers, and anyone spending extended time in the sun.
Recovery is just as important as staying cool. Hyperice’s X 2 Shoulder combines contrast therapy and compression to help temporarily alleviate pain and soreness, decrease inflammation, and support recovery after strenuous activity. For personalized comfort throughout the day, Embr Wave 2 delivers warming or cooling sensations directly from the wrist with a single touch.
As seasonal temperatures continue to challenge even the most dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, these innovative products offer practical ways to stay cool.
1 Parasol, Davek: $85
2 MR002 Sunglasses, MYKITA: $725
3 Ultimate Wide Brim Hat, Solbari: $79
4 Taupe Tailored Fit Havana Suit, Suit Supply: $928
5 Reon Pocket 5, Sony: $220
6 CORE 2 Thermal Sensor, CORE: $295
7 Chill-Its 6685 Evaporative Cooling Vest, Ergodyne: $55
8 Embr Wave 2, Embr Labs: $299
9 Breathe Cap with Cooling Pieces, Omius: $200
10 Hyperice X 2 Shoulder, Hyperice: $449
