A large pump bottle of Sawyer sunscreen.
A large pump bottle of Sawyer sunscreen.

Claycomb: The Cause of Sunburns

Sometimes if you listen to your elders, you can save yourself some headaches. I’d suggest today that you listen to me on today’s subject matter. For numerous decades I’ve gotten sunburned on the first sunny day of summer. After much research and trial and error, I have determined that getting sunburned has a direct correlation with being out in the blazing sun without any sun tan lotion and/or proper clothing.

After discovering the cause, I then had to decide what to do about it. As a kid, I always worked outside on farms, ranches, and later construction. I don’t know if I even knew of anyone who wore sun tan lotion back in the day.

Continue reading to learn more about the cause of sunburns, written by Tom Claycomb.

Media Mentions

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Zoe Gates
Editor at Backpacker

Media Mentions

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
Hiker

Media Mentions

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker