Warm weather face cover?
 

Due to a cycling related accident I was involved in my doctor advises me to stay out of the sun, but I can't not ride my bike. I really only need to cover my chin and have been using a bandana but I find it to be uncomfortable, especially in the hotter weather. I've been trying to look for some sort of balaclava, neck gaiter or weatherneck sort of face cover but am not sure what would work best and be the most comfortable on long rides. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I need sufficient UV coverage and it needs to be breathable/lightweight for warm summer weather. Below are some options I was considering.

https://www.amazon.com/Weatherneck-S.../dp/B01N1M6TVM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0718YXLL5...v_ov_lig_dp_it

maybe modify a facekini?

Bike tourists, especially recumbent , have a broad brim add on for bike helmets :they can buy..


Da Brim :: Products :: Cycling :: Classic


http://www.dabrim.com/images/product..._Recumbent.jpg

Look up UV balaclava or summer neck gaiter or try a different uv bandana. The snow focused ones will probably be way too warm. (If it says perfect for skiing or snowboarding, it's not for you.)

-mr. bill

I've been thinking about something like this myself after riding through a couple clouds of gnats on my favorite trail. I've got a few of the thin microfiber Buff-style headbands, similar to the second link jfracer posted. I think they might get too hot, though, so I was thinking of using a big cotton bandana, the way the outlaws wore them in old cowboy movies. Don't want to suck in a gnat.

The cotton might get sweaty and cling, though. Maybe combine strategies: use a loose piece of microfiber and tie it on like a bandana. You could probably buy a yard of it at a fabric shop and get at least four out of that.

Just curious, what's wrong with sunblock?

Your local Bass Pro or Cabelas will have light weight sweat-wicking neck gaiters. They'll come in all kinds of splendid colors too! They'll be in the section where fishing clothing is displayed.


Like this handsome chap:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ef75004956.jpg

Okay, I just tried the bandana trick with one of the ordinary printed handkerchiefs I have. Fold catty-corner, tie on above the nose ... and just standing still, it felt like it was suffocating me, and when I breathe in through the mouth, it gets sucked in against my face. So, nix that. No cotton; one layer only.

I'm not going to scissor up one of my buffs as an experiment, but if I'm near a fabric shop, I may look. I think that fisherman's gaiter would still be too hot.

Exactly. I got one for my century last August and it was great. Between that, gloves, and a long sleeve breathable jersey I ended up not using sunblock at all, though I should have used something between the end of my shorts and my knees.

Granted I looked like a dork. But seeing what I was riding that was beside the point. If you are riding fast or in windy conditions that could be an additional concern.

The one thing I didn't like was that it's a bit ungainly when not in use - it can be folded up but doesn't seem to like it. I ended up sewing on some extra tie points and wearing it on my back before dawn and after dusk.

If you are in a situation with extended visibility to the horizon early or late in the day, I could see that being a problem for your concern still, as while it is a very wide brim (especially the classic model) it is ultimately shading from above. My rail-trail route had enough surrounding ridges, bounding forests, and winding turns that the brim seemed enough on average.

For my particular case, the more UV protection I have on my chin the better. Sunblock just won't work as well or last as long.

Based on everyone's recommendations so far, I think I'm going to look for a lightweight neck gaiter.

Beard. No need for sunblock. Keeps you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Truth.

As mentioned already, fishermen are starting to become very sun exposure aware so there are all kinds of clothing targeting them.

Neck gaiters

I used to wear these in the summer when my head was sticking out of a tank turret. Works great to keep dust and dirt out. Still breaths well. Doesn't overheat you.

This is what I'm talking about...not idea if this specific model is any good. I just took the link of the first one on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Terra-Kuda-Fa...=ATDYYJUGFUMCU

They'll cover you lower face, neck, back of the head, basically anything between the bottom of the helmet and your shirt collar. Thin materials might let enough sunlight through to still be a problem for you though. So investigate properly before buying.

Coolibar


"UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is the rating given to clothing for its broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays"

I use Da Brim. It makes my helmet look like a firemans hat

How about this:

https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/sc...019237-product

I had to use some silicone tape on an injury for 3 months and it stayed on even in the shower.

so many clever suggestions lol

Something like this.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Suns...814797551.html

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2e2229656e.jpg