ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 29, 2021 7:00:06 GMT -8
I have been looking at what I carry. For sunscreen I have been carrying partial cans of Neutrogena spray sunscreen. It is what we use otherwise for the twins and ourselves so there are usually partial cans around. Partial does reduce weight some.
I like the spray. It's easier to put on and it's 70 SPF. I can put some on and not get it on the palms of my hands if I want. But maybe lotion is the way to go instead.
I was wondering what others here do for sunscreen when out backpacking.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 29, 2021 7:14:11 GMT -8
Without manual spreading I’d be concerned I’d not get the even coating needed at high elevation to avoid burns, unlike with bug spray that largely blocks chemical sensors by evaporating at blocking the insects before they land so even doesn’t matter. So a vote for lotion. As to the type, I’ve been looking into the reef safe newer formulations with the finding in Hawaii (who has banned many sunscreen formulations) and elsewhere that some of the main ingredients in most sunscreens are pretty toxic to aquatic life. Being mineral based in some ways it’s a harken back to zinc oxide! tropicsport.com/www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sunscreen.htmlREI on spray: “ Spray sunscreens: The FDA recommends against using sprays on kids because of the likelihood of inhalation and respiratory problems like asthma. In addition, sprays encourage the application of too little sunscreen. Sprays can be handy for applying over thinning hair, though a hat is still your best bet there.” Fwiw my current one is from Badger but that’s since my local independent shop sells it… and no high elevation experience so far.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 29, 2021 7:22:36 GMT -8
Without manual spreading I’d be concerned I’d not get the even coating needed at high elevation to avoid burns, unlike with bug spray that largely blocks chemical sensors by evaporating at blocking the insects before they land so even doesn’t matter. The first application we heavy spray with manual spreading for the reason you stated but when reapplying just spraying makes it quicker and easier. Not applying enough sunscreen can also arise from not reapplying often enough particularly if you are sweating a lot. For the girls faces we do spray some on their hands then rub it into their faces. Although not recommended I do just close my eyes and hold my breath and spray my face with it. I do think of spray paint being able to completely and evenly cover a surface so this should be able to as well. If it is very windy spray is difficult to use. In my research I have been seeing the Hawaii approved products. Does anyone have any experience with these products in the field? Also how much do you carry and in what kind of container? A full retail tube seems like too much.
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Post by nickhowes on May 29, 2021 7:35:36 GMT -8
I've been using Blue Lizard lotion for many years.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 29, 2021 7:41:44 GMT -8
TBH these days a lot of my “sunscreen” on hikes are clothes. So I can get by with a few ounce retail bottle or tube since it’s just the back of my hands and under my nose ( mostly for snow travel), nose, face area, ears and back of my neck.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 29, 2021 8:00:21 GMT -8
Gloves, long sleeved shirts, and long pants are my go to. I then carry a clear zinc oxide lotion for my face and the back of my neck.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2021 17:46:38 GMT -8
zinc Oxide cream. Blue Lizard works great, but I use the Dermatone for BP trips. Small tin weighs less than an ounce:
Because its Zinc Oxide, works great for "Monkey Butt" as well but that is an entirely different topic!
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 5, 2021 14:15:38 GMT -8
So based on the helpful input here I bought some Blue Lizard. I also bought some 10 ml tubes. Filling them with the included syringe was straight forward. When completely full they weigh 15 grams. Empty 2g. Now I just need to use them to determine how far 10 ml goes.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 5, 2021 14:44:38 GMT -8
Because its Zinc Oxide, works great for "Monkey Butt" as well but that is an entirely different topic! Actually if my sunscreen can do more than one thing that is sort part of this topic. The Blue Lizard has zinc oxide in it also, enough to act as a sunscreen but is it really enough to treat, let's say, topical fungal/bacterial infections ("Monkey butt")? Now that I have the tubes I may partially fill one with A&D if there is any chance of developing the nether region affliction. I have carried travel tubes of Desitin but that really makes you smell like fish which isn't the best idea especially in bear country.
Edit: Just looked it up. A&D is %10 zinc oxide and Blue Lizard %9.7. A&D does have one more active ingredient, Dimethicone , and other skin soothers like coconut oil and vitamin D. I know that A&D does the job.
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Deleted
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Sunscreen
Jun 5, 2021 15:21:04 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2021 15:21:04 GMT -8
I use both sunscreens, and have used them to treat both conditions.
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Post by bradmacmt on Jun 5, 2021 15:33:22 GMT -8
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ErnieW
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I want to backpack
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 5, 2021 16:07:34 GMT -8
I didn't know who ewg was so I looked them up on wikipedia: I may with go with something like Consumer Reports. They put the SPF 30 Badger Balm at #4 of 40 tested. That's good. Blue Lizard was not tested. After I run out of this Blue Lizard I may try the Badger SPF 30. It is twice as expensive though. You would need a CR account to access more than the first page and get to the ratings. www.consumerreports.org/cro/sunscreens/buying-guide/index.htm
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Post by bradmacmt on Jun 5, 2021 17:29:05 GMT -8
I’ve got a CR account, but it pays to weigh all kinds of sources. CR is good in many ways, but I’ve also found it lacking.
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Post by hikingtiger on Jun 8, 2021 10:56:47 GMT -8
Does anyone have any experience with these products in the field? I've used reef-safe products when in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific. Bought it in Hawaii as it wasn't available in any local stores. Worked as advertised. Used lotion on the face and spray elsewhere.
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Post by backpackal on Jun 10, 2021 5:37:16 GMT -8
Just cover up. Sunscreen is a scam that contributes to skin cancer. It blocks the bodies natural warning system. It slows the "burn" allowing you to spend more time than you should in the sun
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