If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you already know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. But despite what you may see in your feed, the best sunblock doesn’t come in a bottle. If you want reliable protection from the sun that you never have to reapply, you need to wear it. As a river-loving father of two adventurous daughters, Jim Sanco makes sure his whole family is outfitted with BlackStrap’s UPF-rated summer layers for protection against the sun and effortless cooling. Yes, he’s an expert on rafting and fly-fishing with kids, but as the vice president of innovation at BlackStrap, he also has a wealth of knowledge about the best products for summer fun. Here’s what he had to say.

　　Outside: Head-to-toe sun protection is essential for outdoor adventurers of all kinds. What products has BlackStrap introduced to help make summer fun safer?

　　Jim Sanco: With our product mix, regardless of the season, our focus has always been to develop products that are high quality, comfortable, and versatile. Our ultimate goal: help people spend more time outdoors with the right gear.

　　We’ve developed a range of lightweight sun shirts, neck gaiters, and headwear that block out 99.9 percent of UV rays, dry superfast, and breathe. The best part is they don’t look or fit like typical sun-blocking apparel. We focus on keeping our fits and styles universal, so you can wear our products to the lake, trail, gym, or around town without looking out of place. On top of that, our fabrics feature evaporative cooling properties that actively cool the body—all you have to do is get them wet. You should still take other precautions on hot days to care for your body, but our cooling fabric definitely helps with warm-weather endurance.

　　UPF-rated clothing is especially important for paddling and other on-water activities. How does BlackStrap make the best days on the water even better?

　　Every piece in our summer apparel and accessories collection boasts a UPF 50+ rating. ultraviolet protection (UPF) ratings in clothing indicate the level of UV ray blockage. It doesnt get better than UPF 50+, which with BlackStrap’s products means only 0.1 percent of rays can reach your skin. This rating paired with our lightweight fabric technology ensures the wearer’s skin is protected from the sun and water glare. BlackStrap sun shirts and neck gaiters have you covered from the waist up whether you’re paddling an SUP, rowing a raft, casting a line, or playing with your kiddos on the beach. Keeping your skin covered and your body temperature regulated is essential for summer fun on the water, and BlackStrap has the kit to do both.

　　Plus, BlackStrap helps protect the health of aquatic ecosystems. Unlike some sun-protection methods, our products are reef-safe and don’t release any harmful chemicals into the environment. All this just makes it easier to get on the water while being environmentally responsible.

　　Summertime recreation usually means more sweat. How do the products in this collection work to keep hikers and backpackers cooler?

　　BlackStrap’s summer collection is specifically designed with maximum breathability and lightweight fabric to help outdoor enthusiasts maintain thermoregulation as they move. Our SUNSOFT fabric is hydrophobic and wicks water, spreading it out so it dries faster. Plus, combining damp fabric with a breeze creates a natural cooling effect as wind passes through. When it’s a hot day on the river or trail, I like to dunk my Daily Tube Neck Gaiter or Headband in the water and put it back on to keep cool. My kids and dog love this feature, too. Another tip: dunk the sleeves of your BlackStrap top in the water—this really helps you stay cool and comfortable.

　　What is SUNSOFT Fabric Technology, and how does it benefit outdoor enthusiasts?

　　Now found in all of our summer apparel products, SUNSOFT fabric was developed, tested, and perfected in our home base of Bend, Oregon. Rooted in an outdoor recreation hub, we can easily test our products and fabrics on water, forest trails, and in the high alpine. SUNSOFT fabric is chlorine- and salt-resistant, UPF 50+ rated, and has four-way stretch with odor-free properties. Along with these features, SUNSOFT is also safe to machine wash and dry with no impact on the UPF rating, print, or fit of the garment.

　　BlackStrap makes sun-protection clothing for the whole family. Why are these products a must-have for parents? 

　　I’m a parent of two young girls who want to do what Dad does, and we find ourselves rafting and fishing on the water most of the summer. The BlackStrap sun-protection collection for kids has the same fabric, features, and functions as the adult products. There is no sacrifice for the kiddos! The UPF 50+ rating keeps their skin protected, but one of my favorite elements has to be the machine wash and dry capabilities—this makes it so easy to keep their gear smelling fresh and feeling comfy every day.

　　You and your family love to spend time together outdoors. Where are you excited to visit this summer?

　　My little family loves to spend time on the water in summer, running our raft on the Lower Deschutes River and floating around the high alpine lakes near Bend, Oregon, chasing fish, hot springs, and epic views. We also have a farm on the northern stretch of the John Day River that keeps us fishing, hunting, hiking, shooting photos, and working in the sun and dust all summer. BlackStrap apparel and neck gaiters are used daily for the whole family—even our dogs, Mister and Rio.

　　Founded in 2008, BlackStrap develops mountain lifestyle gear for every outdoor adventure. From the winter slopes to waterways and the trails in between, our mission is to build unrivaled gear that protects you from the elements and keeps you active and comfortable longer. We aim to bring innovative products to market with a mindful approach that focuses on quality and reliability within our responsible supply chain.