Sunday, March 2, 2008

Ray blockers


Sun protective clothing is fast becoming a staple offering from outdoor and fishing retailers. Consumers are more aware of the dangers of UV exposure and see the benefits of UPF rated gear. The Sun Mask (UPF 15) and Sunshade Shirt (UPF 30) are both pictured above on Craig Amacker (Fontana Sports Specialties) while on recent a trip to Ascension Bay. Click on the bold text for more details. One word of caution though, if you wear the Sun Mask for activities other than fly fishing or if you walk into your local gas station or convenience store with it on be ready for some strange looks. On an environmental note, both the Sun Mask and Sunshade Shirt are recylable through the Common Threads recycling program and the Sun Mask is made of 100% recycled polyester.

Photos courtesy of Craig Amacker

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Big fan of the sunshade shirts. They are so much better than the old school collared fly fishing shirts in intense heat. Never tried the balaclava but it could be good for drive-bys.

Murdock said...

I wonder how that balaclava would work for me on a Carolina trout stream? As I sit here with a face that is red and stinging on the right side and pale white on the left I am guessing it would have come in handy today.

El Pescador said...

Pete, the original Sunshade Shirt fabric got an update in Spring 2008. The hand is softer and the overall shirt feel is lighter. Have you tried it?

Lee, definitely try a Sun Mask. I think you'll notice a difference.

Anonymous said...

I haven't tried the 08 shirt, but I wear the old version fishing in Florida all the time--along with similar shirts from some other brands (sorry man.)I'll buy the 08 one, for sure. These style of shirts are just so much more comfortable to wear, in my opinion. I've been intrigued by the bandit mask, as well, but I'll save that for out on boats. I don't think too many homeowners on the canals and lakes I fish would be thrilled with the site of a guy in a balaclava with a rod tube on his back walking through their backyard. Most of their dogs already don't like me as is.

bota said...

how does this beast perform compared to a buff?

Anonymous said...

From May through October, I'm on the water and wear the mask four to six times a week. November through April, between 2-4 times per week. Locations = south Florida and Caribbean. I like the flare at the bottom that helps cover the collar line (which the buff and others don't have), and that the edges don't roll (as occurs on buffs and other masks). I also like that the material flexes to be form fitting while being worn, and returns to the original shape and size by the next day. It's easy to breathe through and is breathable, moreso than other masks on the market. It also takes longer to get grimey than the other masks. This mask has become standard gear for me when I’m on the water.

Anonymous said...

I love the mask. I used to just use a bandana or cut off tee shirt sleeve. Your mask is a better fit and breaths better too. I've even been wearing it snowboarding, snowmobiling and hiking in the snow. After years of sun abuse, i just got over rubbing oily sun screens on my face. Especially while fishing. A few years ago, you looked kind of like a gangster, but now it's standard issue around here. Still not rocking it on the trout streams, but i'm sure it's next.

Mikey

Anonymous said...

sun mask is good, just got one. no surprise it is better than others out there but lose the tag on the inside.

El Pescador said...

Mainstream press on UV clothing protection - http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-sunscreen-clothes-20110606,0,2959502.story