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Hitting the beach this year? Stay protected with one of these swim shirts

Surfers, paddle boarders, swimmers, and even chillers all need a great swim top for hitting the beach

Water level view of man on surfboard.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If there's a better way to spend a relaxing summer day than hitting the beach with your buddies, your grill, and a cooler full of cold ones, then we'd like to know it. But in our hurry to make the most of the day, we often neglect to look after our bodies. Of course, we don't always know about it until the following day.

For surfers or paddleboarders, the abrasion from being up and down on your board can be like sandpaper against your skin, and we've all learned about the dangers of UV damage. We can layer up with the right sunscreen all we want — and you definitely should — but sometimes we need a little more protection. These swim tops and rash guards are the best choices for summer beach wear this year to protect your torso from the sun, wind, sand, and waves.

Quiksilver All-Time Short-Sleeve Rashguard
Quiksilver All-Time Short Sleeve Rashguard
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Rip Curl Wettie Logo Short Sleeve UV Shirt
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Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt
Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt
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O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard
O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard
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Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt
Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt
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NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt
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TYR SunDefense Hooded Shirt
TYR SunDefence Hooded Shirt
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Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt
Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt
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NRS HydroSkin 0.5mm
NRS HydroSkin
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Quiksilver Short-Sleeve Rashguard
Amazon

Quiksilver All-Time Short Sleeve Rashguard

Put your trust in a brand that knows a thing or two about delivering the best surfing gear on the market. This short sleeve rash guard has stood the test of time, protecting you against those harsh UV rays, as well as from your surfboard, wetsuit, any anything else you come up against.

Quiksilver All-Time Short-Sleeve Rashguard
Quiksilver All-Time Short Sleeve Rashguard
The Rip Curl Wettie t-shirt in white, being modelled against a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rip Curl Wettie Logo Short Sleeve UV Shirt

Now, we love a swim shirt that is as functional as it is stylish. The Rip Curl Wettie looks and wears like a normal t-shirt but is equally at home whether you're lounging on the beach or hitting the surf. The best part about the Wettie? It's UV protective, made for those long days under the big blue.

Rip Curl Wettie Logo Short Sleeve UV Shirt
Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt
Speedo

Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt

Speedo seems like a no-brainer when it comes to the best swimming gear out there, from your trunks to this handy and protective long-sleeve shirt built with UPF50+ protection. Wear it all day long to shield your skin from harmful rays. Consider picking up multiple options for your next beach getaway, too.

Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt
Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt

O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard

If you want a close-fitting, long-sleeve rash guard, then look no further than the O'Neill Hyperfreak. This UPF 50-rated rashguard is designed to help your body regulate temperature effectively when you're in and out of the water.

O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard
O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard
Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt
Vuori

Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt

There are any number of watersports you can engage in, from surfing to plain old swimming and, of course, boating or hopping on a jet ski. For a day on the water that involves a bit of everything, get this performance water shirt with an athletic fit and versatile design.

Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt
Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt

This polyester/spandex blended shirt is UPF 50+ protective, keeping you safe for long days out on the beach or paddleboarding. As a paddlesports brand, NRS has positioned the seams of the H2Core shirt in a way that reduces friction, whether you're swimming, paddling, or just having a chilled day on the beach.

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt

TYR SunDefence Hooded Shirt

It's not always tropical weather when you hit the beach, but you still need protection from those harsh UV rays. The TYR SunDefense Hooded Shirt is a break from your traditional rash guard, providing UV protection from a more relaxed feeling, super lightweight hooded top. This is a great choice if you're hitting the beach for your early morning workout.

TYR SunDefense Hooded Shirt
TYR SunDefence Hooded Shirt
Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Top
Patagonia

Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt

Patagonia is assuredly best known for trail-ready hiking and camping gear, but it turns out that it's quite useful to have a swim shirt from the legendary outdoor brand on your person as well. It offers plenty of mobility and weather-ready protection and comfort.

Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt
Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt
A man modelling the NRS Hydroskin rash guard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

NRS HydroSkin

This heavier-duty rash guard from NRS is made with a hydrophobic neoprene inner. This makes the NRS HydroSkin the ideal beach t-shirt of choice for those early-season days when the water is too warm to need a wetsuit but still has a bite to it.

NRS HydroSkin 0.5mm
NRS HydroSkin
Tom Kilpatrick

A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as an adventure sports guide. This took Tom on cross-Scotland canoe trips, white water adventures in Nepal, sea kayaking in Norwegian fjords, mountain running in the Alps, and many more adventures. Tom is currently living back in the Scottish Highlands, spending as much time as possible exploring the endless rivers and ridgelines that make the country so special to him.

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Pirelli unveils the Scorpion XTM AT, its most extreme all-terrain tire ever
Ultra-aggressive, advanced, and 3PMSF-rated, it's the pinnacle of more than 25 years of Pirelli tire design
Ford Bronco driving through the desert on Pirelli Scorpion XTM all-terrain tires.

Forget rooftop tents and hi-lift jacks and fancy LED light bars, there's arguably nothing more important to a properly kitted-out overlanding rig than a good set of tires. After all, your truck's tires are the only part of the vehicle that maintains constant contact with the ground. That's why you need a tire that balances easy, on-pavement driving with meeting the demands of more extreme off-road conditions. Enter: Pirelli's new Scorpion XTM all-terrain tire.

"XTM" stands for "Extreme" performance, so it's no surprise that this is Pirelli's most extreme all-terrain tire ever. It features ultra-aggressive styling, a high-void tread pattern, and more advanced technology that's purpose-built for truck and off-road enthusiasts looking to explore deep into the North American backcountry. The large-tread-block design extends into the upper sidewall for improved traction and durability. It's a design that excels in the gnarliest off-road conditions most overlanders are likely to encounter, such as mud, dirt, sand, or gravel. Plus, reinforced shoulder technology adds protection from obstacles, including sharp gravel and jagged rock overhangs. One especially clever feature is the Scorpion XTM's built-in "rock ejectors," which are designed to automatically shed rocks embedded in the tire's deep treads.

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Should you go hiking in sandals? It depends
Hiking in sandals: When to do it and how to find the best fit
Man hiking in sandals

Have you ever trudged through a trail, feet sweaty from unbreathable shoes? I certainly have. Believe it or not, sandals aren't just for the beach. They're actually a legit hiking option if you have the right pair and use them in the right scenarios. Honestly, I'm more of a trail running shoe or hiking shoe kind of gal, but there are specific scenarios when I might be tempted to trade them for a pair of sandals. And there are times when wearing sandals while hiking makes sense and times when they don't. Here's everything you need to know about hiking in sandals and how to find the best pair for your hiking needs.
Here's when hiking in sandals makes sense
Warm and dry conditions

When I lived in Arizona, hiking with my hiking boots or even my precious trail running shoes was a bit uncomfortable. For one, warm and dry conditions left my feet feeling confined and, ultimately, gross. One of the best parts of the day was heading home and washing my feet. That's when I was first introduced to the idea of hiking in sandals. Sandals will keep your feet ventilated, letting sweat evaporate fast. You may even find that you get fewer blisters throughout the season. Just make sure that you apply sunscreen so you don't get an unintentional tattoo of your sandal straps.
Wet conditions
While there's nothing wrong with wearing good water-repellant shoes while hiking in wet conditions, they can get soggy and take forever to dry if you end up accidentally stepping in too deep a puddle. Sandals tend to dry much faster than hiking boots or sneakers, so bring them on trails where you can expect stream crossings or coastal paths.
Low-impact trails
If you're planning on going on a low-impact hiking trail, particularly a paved one, you won't need heavy-duty hiking shoes. Sandals will be lighter on your feet, and the trail is easier, so there's less of a need for support or protection.
Here's when wearing sandals for hiking doesn't make sense

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Tired of packed campgrounds? Farm camping might be your new favorite getaway
The camping alternative that's gaining popularity
Chickens in the grass in front of a white tent

Camping's popularity continues to grow, and outdoor enthusiasts are seeking less crowded solutions, from off-grid dispersed camping to luxury glamping. As a full-time traveler, I can attest that farm camping strikes the perfect balance between the two. I've camped in a lavender farm nestled in the California hills, an apple orchard in the heart of New England, and in an Airstream in Washington state's lush rainforest. These alternatives offer the natural respite of a campsite with the authentic charm of farm life.
Are you wondering how to find the perfect farm camping stay and what to expect once you get there? Here's everything you need to know to find and book the perfect farm-side experience.

What is farm camping, and what should you expect?

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