Watch the Intro

Course Details

Explore the essentials of sun safety in this comprehensive webinar, which delves into the scientific underpinnings of UV exposure, dispels prevalent myths, and offers expert guidance on selecting appropriate sunscreens, protective clothing, and eyewear for enhanced outdoor protection.

Enrollment Information

Duration: 90 minutes

Access to this education course is FREE for Unlimited Members. Gain access to Backpacking Light’s entire online education course library with an Unlimited Membership (Learn More).

together with:




Shop Ombraz and Jolly Gear at Garage Grown Gear and Stream2Sea at their website.

Course Curriculum

Module 1

Sun Protection and Exposure (Main)

An Introduction to Sun Exposure

  • What is sun exposure?
  • What are the benefits and risks of sun exposure?
  • Vitamin D, skin damage, and cancer risk

Background Science & Medicine

  • The role of UV radiation and its impact on DNA damage and skin cancer risk
  • An overview of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma
  • Vitamin D synthesis, benefits, and the role of sun exposure
  • UV exposure, eye health, cataracts, and macular degeneration
  • State of medicine: sun exposure injuries: prevention and treatment (heat rashes, sunburns, epidermal dehydration)
  • Myths and misconceptions (cloud cover, base tanning, dark skin, sunscreen water resistance, vitamin D deficiency, and more)

Sunscreens

  • Chemical vs. physical sunscreens: mechanisms, ingredients, and suitability
  • Detangling the concept of SPF and creating guidelines for application and reapplication

Sun Protective Clothing

  • Sun protective clothing technology: materials, fabrics, and design strategies
  • How fabrics block UV light
  • Fabric weave, color, breathability, and UPF ratings
  • Clothing recommendations

Sun Protective Gear

  • Headwear design and recommendations
  • Handwear / Sun Gloves
  • Umbrellas
  • Sun Tarps & Awnings

Optics

  • Guidelines for contact lens wearers
  • UVA vs. UVB protection, lens categories, colors, and finishes
  • Frame and fit design

Consumer Education

  • How to read and evaluate product labels and manufacturer claims
  • Skin examinations and professional skin health consultations

Q&A