DANGEROUS WATERS
As anglers, we often immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature while pursuing our passion. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the hidden dangers posed by the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Knowing the significance of protecting ourselves against the sun's rays is vital, especially for avid anglers. Understanding the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and how it can safeguard us during our outdoor pursuits is important.
UPF measures the level of UV radiation blocked by fabrics, indicating their effectiveness in shielding our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Often we only focus on sunscreen; however, UPF-rated clothing plays a crucial role in protecting against UV radiation during extended periods outdoors.
Your skin, the largest organ in your body, has no transplant possibility if damaged beyond repair. Therefore, protecting against the sun's harmful rays should be at the forefront of every angler’s mind.
DEFINING UV RAYS
UV rays that can reach the Earth’s surface are classified into UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging. In contrast, UVB rays cause sunburns, can increase the risk of skin cancer, and diminish your body’s ability to fight against disease.
The mental health benefits of a good day on the water are indisputable. However, it can come at the cost of healthy skin if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, infects over five million people annually.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS UPF?
UPF clothing is a physical barrier against UV radiation, providing reliable and consistent protection throughout the day. Unlike regular clothing, UPF-rated garments undergo rigorous testing to ensure their effectiveness in blocking harmful rays. At the end of their testing, a UPF-50-rated long-sleeve shirt will reduce solar radiation that reaches the skin by 98%, reducing the danger to a negligible level.
It's important to differentiate between UPF and Sun Protection Factor (SPF). While SPF measures the effectiveness of sunscreens in protecting against UVB rays, UPF focuses on the sun's overall UV radiation, including both UVA and UVB rays. By combining UPF-rated sun-protective clothing with broad-spectrum sunscreen, anglers can establish a comprehensive defense against the sun's harmful effects.
The main benefit of UPF clothing is protection from harmful UV rays in a comfortable and maneuverable material that allows for a range of activities under the sun. Fishing gear is specifically designed for long days on the water, while still allowing for a full range of motion for casting, catching, and cleaning. Added benefits include the ability to be quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and providing a lot of breathability for hot days.
WHAT HUK CAN DO TO HELP
At Huk, we take pride in being a leading brand in angling apparel, and we understand the importance of sun protection for anglers. Our line of UPF protective fishing clothes for men, UPF clothing for women, and kids, provides maximum coverage and comfort while on the water. Many fishermen love to get lures and gift cards for holidays and birthdays. Why not help them avoid skin cancer and sunburns by gifting them something from Huk Gear? From UPF shirts and pants to sun hats and accessories, Huk performance fishing gear offers a huge selection that enables anglers to protect themselves from harmful UV rays with up to 50+ UPF protection.
The Huk Icon X, designed for anglers by anglers who are tired of the sun’s rays wearing them out after days out on the water, provides a standard for all other fishing clothes to be graded by. Our Icon X line has various styles, from old-school camo patterns to innovative crew neck hoodies. No matter the style you settle on, you don’t have to worry about them fitting like spandex. Instead, they will all loosely catch the wind and keep you cool even in the hottest lake or oceanside conditions.
For those who seek the very best in performance gear, look no further than the A1A collection. This full line of clothing features the most breathable and functional fishing shirts, shorts, guide pants, hoodies with built in neck gaiters, and headwear. Pro tested custom features on each item ensure a comfortable, yet complete fishing experience. Clothing items in this line feature up to 50+ UPF sun protection as well. Our A1A fishing gear is truly built for any task.
The Pursuit collection is designed for those chasing a fun day on the water. With long sleeved shirts that feature unique designs, hoodies, and volley shorts, this line of fishing gear aims to protect anglers from sun damage during both casual and intense days fishing under the sun. Armor the whole family against UV rays with up to UPF 50+ vented clothing for men and women, and showcase some creative designs while you’re at it.
Our most comfortable and sustainable collection, Waypoint, includes a myriad of performance fishing clothing items that are all made from recycled yarns. Waypoint is truly built for any outdoor excursion, as the collection not only features items like long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, shorts, and polos, but also wading pants, hoodies, and packable insulated jackets. Waypoint will keep anglers protected from the sun in hot and cold environments year round, with up to 50+ UPF protection on outerwear and shirts. Sun protection and breathability come standard with this green-friendly clothing line designed for men and women looking to make the catch.
For performance fishing and casual wear, our Tide Point line of shirts cater to both men and women who need sun protection, functionality, and also an extra “out-on-the-town” shirt. With both short and long sleeve options in several colors, the Tide Point offerings feature breathable, quick drying perforated material with 30+ UPF sun protection, a meshed back chest pocket, and interior eyewipe fabric. These shirts protect anglers during a full day on the water, and are wearable for a day under the sun running into town or working in the yard. Tide Points durable and versatile clothing items will armor fishermen against the sun for many days to come.
For serious anglers, investing in sun-protective clothing is not just a luxury but a necessity. It serves as an additional layer of defense against the sun's harmful rays, reducing the risk of sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. Don’t go fishing in a nonprotective short sleeve t-shirt again. Instead, wear a high-quality performance shirt from Huk Gear. By prioritizing UPF clothing, anglers can enjoy their time on the water while safeguarding their long-term skin health.
As passionate anglers, it's vital to prioritize our safety and well-being during waterside pursuits. By understanding the importance of sun protection and harnessing the power of UPF-rated clothing, we can minimize the risks associated with harmful UV radiation. Remember to choose quality UPF clothing, complement it with sunscreen, and enjoy your fishing expeditions with peace of mind. Stay protected and happy fishing.
For those who seek the very best in performance gear, look no further than the A1A collection. This full line of clothing features the most breathable and functional fishing shirts, shorts, guide pants, hoodies with built in neck gaiters, and headwear. Pro tested custom features on each item ensure a comfortable, yet complete fishing experience. Clothing items in this line feature up to 50+ UPF sun protection as well. Our A1A fishing gear is truly built for any task.
The Pursuit collection is designed for those chasing a fun day on the water. With long sleeved shirts that feature unique designs, hoodies, and volley shorts, this line of fishing gear aims to protect anglers from sun damage during both casual and intense days fishing under the sun. Armor the whole family against UV rays with up to UPF 50+ vented clothing for men and women, and showcase some creative designs while you’re at it.
Our most comfortable and sustainable collection, Waypoint, includes a myriad of performance fishing clothing items that are all made from recycled yarns. Waypoint is truly built for any outdoor excursion, as the collection not only features items like long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, shorts, and polos, but also wading pants, hoodies, and packable insulated jackets. Waypoint will keep anglers protected from the sun in hot and cold environments year round, with up to 50+ UPF protection on outerwear and shirts. Sun protection and breathability come standard with this green-friendly clothing line designed for men and women looking to make the catch.
For performance fishing and casual wear, our Tide Point line of shirts cater to both men and women who need sun protection, functionality, and also an extra “out-on-the-town” shirt. With both short and long sleeve options in several colors, the Tide Point offerings feature breathable, quick drying perforated material with 30+ UPF sun protection, a meshed back chest pocket, and interior eyewipe fabric. These shirts protect anglers during a full day on the water, and are wearable for a day under the sun running into town or working in the yard. Tide Points durable and versatile clothing items will armor fishermen against the sun for many days to come.
TO SUM UP
What is UPF clothing, and how does it differ from regular clothing?
UPF stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor," and UPF clothing is specially designed to provide enhanced protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Unlike regular clothing, UPF clothing is made with specific fabrics and construction techniques that block a higher percentage of UVA and UVB rays, offering better sun protection.
How does UPF rating determine the level of sun protection in clothing?
The UPF rating indicates the level of protection a fabric provides against UV radiation. For example, a UPF 50+ rating means the fabric blocks at least 98% of UV rays, while a UPF 30 rating blocks around 97% of UV rays. The higher the UPF rating, the more effective the clothing is in shielding your skin from the sun.
Can I rely solely on UPF clothing to protect me from the sun?
While UPF clothing provides excellent sun protection, it's essential to complement it with other sun safety measures. Wearing UPF shirts, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on exposed skin, will offer comprehensive protection against harmful UV rays during outdoor activities.
What type of fabric is used in UPF shirts, and is it comfortable for outdoor activities?
UPF shirts are typically made from tightly woven fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex, which offer excellent sun-blocking capabilities. Some brands also incorporate moisture-wicking and breathable properties to ensure comfort during outdoor activities, making them ideal for fishing, hiking, and other adventures.
Do UPF shirts lose their sun protection over time or with washing?
UPF protection in clothing is designed to be durable, but it can gradually diminish over time with repeated use and washing. To maintain the garment's sun-blocking capabilities, it's essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, such as avoiding harsh detergents or fabric softeners that may reduce UPF effectiveness.
