Summer & Sun
Hiking list: shoes, sunscreen, & electrolytes.
While not officially summer yet, Memorial Day and the closing of May always seem like the ceremonial start to the season.
In that spirit, I’m thinking of my perfect summer day which includes escaping to a mountain town and soaking up the daylight hiking. A few recommendations below if this is also your idea of fun.
Hiking Shoes
It took me a while to break in my On hiking boots, but they’re now my go-to pair. The style I have is no longer available, but I’m eyeing this newer version below (I personally like the colorway in both the women’s boot and the men’s shoe). Salomon is also a trusted brand for me, easily taking you from the trail to a casual lunch.
Sunscreen
I acknowledge the contradiction here, but I believe in the powerful benefits of sun exposure (especially at certain times of the day); I also religiously apply sunscreen to my face, décolleté, and the top of my hands. I’ve included a few clean mineral options for wherever you lie on this spectrum.
SUNTEGRITY SPF 50 Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray
My current favorite with its subtle iridescent glow. It smells slightly tropical with natural mango and papaya fruit extracts but isn’t overpowering. The light spray glides over your skin with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the main mineral actives.
SALT & STONE SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This one definitely does the job, but does have a white cast to it. That said, it’s not thick and applies easily. I like that it’s unscented and uses non-nano zinc oxide.
BABO BOTANICALS SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
I’ve not tried this particular product of theirs, but appreciate that it’s Environmental Working Group (EWG) verified, fragrance-free, and made with zinc oxide.
Electrolytes
Some replenishing options after an active day in the sun.
If you don’t mind the taste of actual seawater, you may love Quinton as much as I do. The company “extracts raw, nutrient-rich marine fluid from a plankton-rich bloom off the coast of France.” The liquid comes in a glass ampoule and something about this presentation evokes its French origin versus some lesser container. The liquid mineral supplement helps support detoxification and cellular and electrolyte balance, among other benefits.
The company produces both Hypertonic and Isotonic ampoules with the main difference being: “Isotonic has similar mineral concentration to that of human blood. Isotonic is an ideal long solution and can be used on a daily basis for those with sensitive constitutions. Hypertonic is three times the mineral concentration of blood.”
ANCIENT LAKES Magnesium Essential Electrolyte Mineral Balance Salt Supplement
I tried this salt for the first time after a flight and quickly felt hydrated and energized. I now mix a small scoop with filtered water and drink first thing each morning. A word of caution: a little goes a long way, especially for those less drawn to salty flavor profiles. I also really like the Magnesium Pure Natural Enriched Salt for cooking.
I recently learned that LMNT has a Raw Unflavored version that doesn’t contain stevia like their other flavors. I know this brand is popular and I encourage your own research, but I steer away from stevia after heeding warnings about its adverse effects on gut bacteria.
Two additional products I’ve not used yet but were recommended to me by an active, mountain biking friend:
Synerplex® Revive Electrolyte Powder
Another sugar-free, powder option.
ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops
Infused with minerals harvested from Utah’s Great Salt Lake, drops can be added to water or food. Also sugar-free.
Final Thought
A beautiful reminder that summer – and all seasons – are temporary, “even the best of it, especially the best of it.”
Author: Brianna Wiest
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I’ve been wanting to try Quinton.