[pct-l] Umbrellas

Tue Jan 22 13:41:06 CST 2008

Just another one of so many choices that make everyone different and their
hike and preferences unique to them.

Though I haven’t done any desert sections in the heat and therefore have not
had need for an umbrella, if I were to hike the desert when it’s hot I would
consider giving an umbrella (and hands-free holder) a try.  It’s astonishing
how much cooler it is in the shade when the sun is blazing hot.  If you’re
wearing a hat only, the sun beats directly on your head, albeit through your
hat, and you are essentially feeling all the heat because it’s directly on
you.  If you elevate that boundary, and keep the sun from actually reaching
you, you will not have the sun on your head at all and presumably be much
cooler.  And, as Wheeew said, heat can better escape from your head.  

Many hikers start without umbrellas, and we’ve had fairly large numbers of
hikers buying/making/outfitting mylar umbrellas at Hiker Heaven every
season.  There must be good reason for it, and it may be worth experimenting
with.  

L-Rod

   _____  

From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Patrick Beggan
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:46 AM
To: JOHNNY J FARBER; pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Umbrellas

What is this obsession with umbrellas? I mean, seriously, I'm not being a
troll here -- why do so many people like them? I tried it once and it wasn't
any different for me than a wide-brimmed hat and a good long-sleeve t-shirt
but considerably more weight since you generally need to still carry a hat
and a shirt anyway.

Most of the heat in the desert is reflected from the ground anyway so
overhead cover only helps the direct radiation. Doesn't seem worth it to me.

On Jan 22, 2008, at 1:02 PM, JOHNNY J FARBER wrote:

We followed the Jardine method of rubber banding the mylar to the umbrella
which worked great.  He recommended using the small rubber bands from an
orthodonist.  The wind turned our umbrellas inside out a few times, but most
of time they were lifesavers.  Campmor sells a metallic coated treking
umbrella 24.99--spf 50+--this is what we are using this year. 

JOURNELS---I would like to know the address of a user friendly journel site.
Despite the fear that all the comments have struck into my heart, I still
want to write a journel of our 2008 trip.  Just kidding about the fear--many
of the comments are helpful.  Besides I gave up fear (at least I don't let
it stop me) when I fought cancer in 2006.  Sharon "Free" (from fear &
cancer) Farber

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