I Can Sweat Buckets and This (Backpacker-Tested) Sunscreen Won’t Run

I live at a high elevation and spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. Most of my activities are in the blazing sun, whether I’m backpacking along open ridgelines or kayaking on local rivers. I’ve worn plenty of sunscreens, both chemical and mineral, from ubiquitous brands like Coppertone and Neutrogena, as well as outdoor-specific ones like ThinkSport. While they’ve done the job, I’ve watched some of those sunscreens slough off during sweaty hikes. Others, meanwhile, seem to clog my skin, creating a sticky layer that makes it harder for my body’s natural cooling system to do its job.

Avid backpackers like myself know Sawyer for its reliable water filters that are ubiquitous on trails because they weigh just a few ounces and easily screw onto water bottles. Sawyer also makes highly effective insect repellents — one of which, for mosquitos, may be familiar to Strategist readers. Contributor Maureen O’Connor wrote that its “less greasy” formula lets her “skin breathe more easily” — which is exactly how I feel about the brand’s Stay-Put Sunscreen, a product I started using about a year ago and have since turned many in my backpacking crew on to because of how well it works in the sweatiest of situations — from all-day hikes, to kayak outings, to full days working outdoors.

If your interested in reading more on Sawyer's Stay-Put Sunscreen, continue reading Maggie Slepian's article by clicking here.

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October 24, 2024

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Whether for gardening, mowing or warm evenings outside, we found Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent to be an excellent choice in every setting.

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The efficacy of DEET without harsh chemicals. Sawyer Picardin Insect Repellent is our go-to skin protection against mosquitos and ticks. We prefer the lotion to the spray-on, which lasts 8-14 hours.

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