[pct-l] Umbrellas and desert heat

[Brett]

Trail brollies are probably best intended to handle rain, of the sort 
where the winds aren't significant, and the temps are mild enough to 
allow primarily upper-body protection from the storm. The umbrella lets 
you keep the rain jacket or poncho in the pack for when truly necessary, 
thus permitting maximum ventilation, preventing moisture accumulation in 
your clothing layers, and allowing you to more easily regulate core body 
temperature.

A solar umbrella is primarily a form of sunscreen, moreso than a "heat 
shield." Fixed shade, like underneath a tree, is much cooler than mobile 
shade like beneath a brolly, because both the air and ground in a large 
fixed-shade environment have had ample time to radiate away stored heat. 
That said, hiking beneath an umbrella *can* be cooler than otherwise, 
because you aren't forced to wear a sun-protective hat or clothing, and 
since any exposed skin above the waist isn't being bombarded with IR rays.

- blisterfree


>
> If you're in the hot desert, try standing out in the sunlight.  Then 
> try standing in the shade.  Which do you think will feel warmer.
>
> The umbrella fellas are just trying to take that shade with them, all 
> day long.
>
>
>
> Patrick Beggan wrote:
>> 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.
>>
>>
>
>
> </div>