Somebody already mentioned wetting a t-shirt, I do this straight out of my water bottle on job sites (construction laborer, yes, outside in the heat all day long), not only does it do just as good as a mist bottle, but it's one less gadget to carry (or lose or forget), and it's money that can be spent elsewhere. While I'm at it, in the worst of the Summer heat, I sleep without A.C. for the reason already mentioned, it makes the days out in the heat tolerable (sp?). Don't be afraid to SWEAT, and drink PLENTY of water and/or gatorade, the bottles would be hard to send, but they make powdered mix you could send in a care package. Most "NEW" or "AMAZING" gimicks aren't either one.

Troy

One thing to remember is that by wetting your t-shirt you lower it's ability to block the burning rays of the sun to almost nothing. So while you will feel cooler, you are exposing yourself to the dangers of sunburn and skin damage. Something to remember when you are working in the sun every day.
Our prayers and our gratitude are with him

You mean to say that I can get a sunburn through a wet shirt?

Brian; The short answer is yes. Different fabrics have different levels of spf ("sun protection factor" the same numbers you find on sunscreen), thin cotton like a t- shirt only has an spf of about 5 and this number goes way down when the fabric gets wet. the reason is that more uva and uvb rays can penetrate the wet fabric. Granted wearing a wet t-shirt is better than nothing but not by much. This is why a lot of tournement fishing pros have started wearing clothing specificaly designed to have a higher spf number. There is a really good article about this in the June 05 issue of Field and Stream. Now don't get me wrong I still go out in shorts and t-shirts and I still ocasionaly get a little sunburn but I try more now to use more protection when I know I am going to be spending alot of time in the sun. Some survival techniques are for short term survival and some are for long.
hope this helps answer your question

I have spent many summers in Phoenix, Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Del Rio and whole lot of other places where 100 degrees in the shade and 60 days of hardly a cloud in the sky is no exageration and have never gotten even a tan, let alone a burn on any part of my body covered by even the thinnest cotton t-shirt. I'm not denying what you say at all.... just pointing out why I find it so interesting. For all I know I may be somewhat immune to bruning this easily since I have lived in hot, sunny environments most of my life.

Brian; As I said in my last post you don't have to belive me. There are plenty of other sources for you to look. The field and stream article for one, also check out retailers such as Campmor, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro shops etc... look at all of the clothing items they sell in which they specify the spf ratings. These items are especialy being produced for people who spend a lot of time on the water because of the added reflection of sunlight. So no hard feelings, I just wanted to share a little info regarding the latest findings regarding skin damage and skin cancer prevention.

Sorry, Blade, but my experience is identical to Brian's. And I have spent a lot on time on the water. And I have red hair and the skin that goes with it. And I spent most of my life ranching.

That merchandise is being specially produced with more money than sense and a poorly developed BS detector.

Again; You don't have to belive me. Here is an article from the american cancer society, maybe they will have more credibility than I do. This was not my opinion, I was just stating the scientific data as it is understood today. I don't think the american cancer society is out to help sell gimicks for unrelated companies. but that is just my opinion. It's funny, in the article the discuss the fact that most americans do not follow the safety guidelines that they recomend.


american cancer society

Dave.
This months issue of Consumer reports had a piece on it
and they say it works. have been thinking about it as well.

Lee

Oh I completely believe what youre saying and I have looked at campor as an additional source and I know youre completely on the level. I just wonder if this isnt a marketing gimmick. More of our great american retailers selling us things we dont really need. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />