UPF Gear Research: Born from a Need to Stay Outside

 

This guide started out of necessity. Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with melanoma. While I was treated successfully, the advice I received at the time was daunting: stay out of the sun. 

As a young mother with two boys who lived for soccer and nature, staying indoors wasn’t an option. I wasn't prepared to give up our family adventures, so I began a decades-long quest to find sun protection that actually worked for a real, active life.

​

Over the last 20 years, I have tested countless UPF fabrics, "invisible" mineral sunscreens, and cooling gear across high-UV climates—from the soccer sidelines to the coastal trails of Portugal and the heat of Andalusia.

​

50 UPF Guide is the result of that journey. I bridge the gap between technical science and real-world performance, decoding the jargon to find the gear that is truly breathable, lightweight, and effective. You shouldn't have to choose between being safe and being comfortable. I’m here to show you how to live a vibrant, active life in the sun without the burn.

​