I Found the Secret to Staying Cool in Triple-digit Temps — and It's $20 at Amazon Right Now

“You should shave him.” That’s what people say when they see my 110-pound. long-haired Leonberger panting. But the truth is counterintuitive. His long, shaggy coat is his built-in air conditioning that "keeps him from overheating in the summer," according to the ASPCA. It also offers UV protection. If you think about it, my dog's fur is basically a sun shirt, something that this travel writer is a big fan of wearing during outdoor summer adventures. 

As I've gotten older, I've become a big fan of wearing long sleeves during the sunnier, warmer months. Of course, as someone who also tests clothing and travel gear for a living, I know material matters — and not just any old long-sleeve top will do. For example, take the best-selling Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Shirt, which is up to 44 percent off in select colors. I added it to my wardrobe a few months ago, and since then, it’s become a staple, even on triple-digit days.

Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirt

This versatile layer is made of a moisture-wicking polyester that offers some serious sun protection. It boasts UPF 50+ fabric, which means it will block more than 98 percent of the sun’s harmful UVA rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing that offers this level and type of protection is often tightly woven and/or has a special coating. I think in the case of this top, it’s the latter because it’s extremely lightweight and has a looser fit.

Currently, I’m cruising Europe's Rhine River with Riverside Cruises. Our boat, the luxurious Debussy, has a beautiful sun deck and this shirt was a must for lounging. And if I fall asleep and wake up in an afternoon shower (or if I spill my cocktail on it), I know it will dry in a matter of minutes. I also love that I can toss it in the guest washing machines. Another perk of the polyester material? It doesn’t really wrinkle. 

Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirt

It also feels comfortable even when it’s wet. And many shoppers — more than 700 shirts were bought in the last month alone, per Amazon — purchase it solely for swimming. When I was in Tropical North Queensland earlier this spring, it was perfect for wearing in the Coral Sea. I was visiting a part of the Great Barrier Reef with stingers. It basically doubles as a rash guard (although I wouldn’t use it while surfing on a waxed board because it’s not thick enough). 

Of course, I’ve also been wearing this shirt while hiking at home in Montana. Like my favorite Lululemon apparel, it features flatlock seams that prevent chafing or discomfort, even when I’m sweaty and wearing a backpack. Because it actively wicks away sweat and moisture.

it also keeps me cool and dry. In fact, the other weekend, I was wearing it in the Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone National Park’s backyard. The weather changes rapidly at that high altitude. However, this shirt performed well in the heat and sun and the clouds and cold. And of course, I could have sported it if I was brave (or dumb) enough to take a polar plunge in an alpine lake. 

Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirt

The only downside of this shirt is it’s so popular I expect to run into another traveler wearing it. With nearly 17,000 five-star ratings, it’s a best-seller on Amazon’s list of Women’s Activewear T-shirts. It comes in more than 20 colors and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. It’s also available in a sporty half-zip style. Don't miss your chance to get the classic version of the Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Shirt on sale for up to 44 percent off. 

Did you know that sun shirts come in a variety of styles — and price points?  Keep scrolling for 14 more sun-protective options I found that I’d personally love to pack on my next trip. 

Shop More Hiking-friendly Sun Shirts at Amazon:

Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirt Hoodie

If you want a sun shirt with protection, or warmth, for your head and neck, I recommend this hoodie. It’s also from Baleaf, although, unlike my shirt, this one has a flattering rounded hem that covers your bum, so it’s perfect for pairing with leggings. 

Hanes Women's Sport Cool Dri Performance Long-sleeve Tee

This top-selling top — it has more than 26,500 five-star ratings — features Hanes’ Cool Dri Technology, making it ideal for the traveler who tends to overheat. I swear, even when I took my dad on a Hurtigruten expedition to Antarctica, he was a walking furnace in his men's version of the popular shirt. It also has FreshIQ advanced odor protection so it can go days between washes before starting to smell. 

Toumett Women's UPF 50 Long-sleeve Safari Shirt

My next big trip is to Singita Explore in Tanzania, where my daily uniform will be this button-up shirt with a UPF 50 rating. I love that there are tabs on the arms, so I can roll up the sleeves if I get too warm or want a different look. The two chest pockets are also practical as well as stylish. 

G4Free Women’s UPF 50+ Half-zip Workout Top

While in Tanzania, I’m also going to cycle in the inaugural Wagora Serengeti MTB Ride to raise money for anti-poaching scouts and conservation. I plan on wearing this workout top, which, in addition to providing UPF 50+ protection, also offers a four-way stretch. The secret? In addition to polyester, it’s also made with spandex.

G4Free Women's UPF 50+ Long-sleeve Top

This top is also from G4Free, but it has a traditional crew neck and features flattering side slits designed to trim your waist and make your legs look longer. Despite being fashionable, the highly functional top supports free movement and wicks away moisture. One shopper who wore theirs on a hiking trip to Arizona says it made their hot, sweaty hikes “much more enjoyable.” 

Vapor Apparel Women's UPF 50+ Long-sleeve Top

Made with microfiber polyester, this sun shirt is slightly softer than its counterparts. It also has a looser fit, approximately half a size bigger compared to the other shirts on this list. Featuring cooling technology and an anti-odor treatment, it’s designed for active travelers who like to take an exploratory run around town before diving into the breakfast buffet. 

Naviskin Men's Rash Guard Shirt

In October, I’m taking my boyfriend on MSC Cruises’ seven-night Mediterranean Voyage for our anniversary. This shirt will be part of his gift, and I expect him to wear it while swimming in Greece, exploring ruins in Ephesus, and hiking along the Amalfi Coast. I think he’ll love the look of the raglan sleeves and the feel of the flatlock seams. 

Columbia Women's Alpine Chill Zero Short-sleeve Tee

The Columbia Freezer Dress has traveled with me to all seven continents, so naturally, I gravitate toward this short-sleeve sun shirt made with the same Omni-Freeze Zero fabric. Like my favorite Cozy Earth bamboo sheets, it literally feels cool to the touch.  

Columbia Women's Printed Tidal Deflector Long-sleeve Shirt

This Columbia sun shirt, meanwhile, boasts a really neat technology that deflects light to keep you even cooler. And, while most of the shirts on this list only come in solid colors, this fun piece is available in faded, ombre, and camo prints. 

REI Co-op Women's Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top

REI also has tons of sun shirts including this short-sleeved base layer made with a polyester and spandex blend. With its gusseted underarms, it’s ideal for activities like volleyball, pickleball, and yoga where you need a wide range of movement in the arms. 

Carve Designs Women's Lake Sun Shirt

With its full zip, hand pockets, and standup collar, this sun shirt is more of a jacket than a top. Still, it packs down to practically nothing. I’m visiting Graubünden, Switzerland next week, and I could see myself wearing this while hiking in the Alps and sightseeing from Rhaetian Railways’ open-air cars. 

Vuori Women's Daydream Crew Top

I’m a Lululemon loyalist, but I’m also a big fan of Vuori, a brand that makes this cozy crew with UPF 30 protection. Like most of Vuori’s pieces, it’s super soft, so you’ll even want to wear it indoors while curling up on the couch. It has an impressive 4.8-star rating at REI and comes in three neutral colors that pretty much pair well with anything. 

Free Fly Women's Shade Hoodie II

Featuring viscose made from bamboo, this hoodie is also a comfy, lightweight layer. It offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and the fabric is “temperature-regulating,” so it adjusts to your environment. I like that it has thumbholes, and the roomy hood is big enough to cover a cap. 

Prana Women's Sol Searcher Long-sleeve Top

This sun shirt from Prana also features thumbholes. Personally, I like the raglan sleeves, and the side ruching is a fun, flattering detail. Like all of the tops on this list, it offers sun protection, in this case, UPF 50+.

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