Best UPF Sun Protection: Mask Review, Buffs, Gaiters, Gloves, Simms vs HUK

I have tried numerous buffs and gaiters over the years, some are vastly superior to others. Here's a comparison between the best UPF gear by Simms and HUK, some of the most comfortable and breathable sun masks I've used.
HUK TROPHY Gaiter: amzn.to/2BbUGpH
amzn.to/3hsKvh0
Simms Sun Gaiter: ebay.to/2AEg7zI
Outdoor Research Sun Gloves: amzn.to/2Dhp3sK
Columbia Sun Gloves: ebay.to/2Gpcw8N
Simms Solarflex Gloves: amzn.to/30SnXAe
*affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links

[@sampierson4159]

if the Simms mouth holes rip open, it'll fit your vape perfect LOL. I'ma order a Simms one probably

[@CookingandFishing]

Lmfao!

[@Beachnative42]

Im an avid pompano fisherman and have had skin cancer removed more times than I'd like to admit. I'm going through treatment right now using the acid past Flororousil to burn the precancerous cells off and can't fish now right in the middle of pompano season due to where I'm at in the process. Thank you for posting this !!! With health insurance I have spent out of pocket in one year $3400 . Skin protection is no joke!!!

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you for watching and hope you're doing better! Skin protection is super important when you're out there all day!

[@vitalityfox]

I wish more people would take this seriously. It's not until it starts to happen when you realize you fd up

[@curtisg.8671]

Roger, you hit great points here about the breathability. Everyone knows here that when your sunglasses fog up you just pull it down and now have no sun protection. I like how you pointed out the wearing out of the Simms. Saving people money here. Thank you!!

[@CookingandFishing]

Exactly! I wish the simms were more durable...they definitely use a more comfortable, stretchier material than the Huk. But as you can see they don't last.

[@rawrfishing]

protecting yourself from the elements is what i stress alot. if we want to live as long as we want doing what we love, we gotta prevent ourselves from getting cancer! good job

[@CookingandFishing]

ain't nobody got time for cancer lol

[@rawrfishing]

@@CookingandFishing u got that right.

[@theryliedog]

Great review. Thank you for putting it out there!

[@CookingandFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RiotFin]

🤙 Nice that you mentioned the Columbian gloves I've had mine for about 5yrs now. Just now getting into the face masks and I've got a 6 pack of off brand from Amazon, Im starting to see the different materials of what they're made of big difference for as stretch ability goes. But its a starter pack i guess lol

[@2216sammy]

I was a very early adopter of these gaiters and everybody would look at you like WTF but I never cared . If not for these gaiters I would never be able to stay out all day in the baking summer sun and surf fish like I do . They are a major game changer. I also use sun sleeves and sun gloves which are just as critical as head and neck protection . The tops of your hands take a devastating toll when out in the sun for hours on end so a good pair of sun gloves are critical . A note to sun protection manufacturers , make absolutely certain you don't go too short with the neck coverage , go extra long just to be absolutely certain everybody's neck is thoroughly covered . Nothing more annoying feeling that burn on your lower neck when using a head protection gaiter .

[@CookingandFishing]

I remember a decade ago wearing the mask/gloves/sleeves whole outfit walking down the beach fishing - mothers would gather their children when I pass them lol

[@GadgetAddict]

Those neck flaps are a clever idea!

[@westtexasconstruction]

Thanks for the review!

[@CookingandFishing]

:)

[@DavidSainez]

The only useful reviews are from people who really put their stuff through the ringer. Thanks!

[@ikashibimauler]

I bought some HUK last year after I saw this video. I love them and I will never go back to using the tube style again. Its a night and day difference for me since I have a xl head (7 5/8).

[@CookingandFishing]

Awesome! They're still the most comfortable gaiters I own...might try a couple different ones this year.

[@Reefahholic]

Great review! 👍🏼

[@CookingandFishing]

ty!

[@Reefahholic]

Cooking and Fishing - I went ahead and ordered the Simms. I got looking at your review and reading about their technology on the new “Sungaiter cool” and felt it was a solid choice due to the material, vented holes, tapered design, etc. Thx!

[@akaCamo]

Thanks for the review. I only wish this gear had been invented 50 years ago and that I would have been smart enough to use it. Better late than never. I'd like to see a video on the new HUK and Simms sun hoodies. Cheers.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah as a kid we never used any sun protection - definitely better late than never lol. I don't do hoodies I usually wear the button-down shirts from Columbia/Simms/Huk etc. The ones that feel more like crisp cotton than soft silk. I find those to be the coolest and most breathable when the temps go up.

[@jacksonvang3429]

U rock man. Nice videos

[@CookingandFishing]

thanks!

[@RichM0410]

Awesome... thinking about protection from sun. Funny you mention looking like cartel as I’m taking a quick break between episodes of Ozark! 😂

[@CookingandFishing]

And now we'd just look normal lol

[@josephhoward4010]

Just dropped $30 on the Huk gaiter. Thanks for the review. Looking forward to feeling more comfortable in the AZ sun!!

[@CookingandFishing]

Hope you like it!!

[@jefflee6459]

Good info thanks

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks!

[@mygodisgreater2112]

I am a Commercial Carpenter working outside in the hot West Texas sun, doing everything from concrete to roof work, and since I discovered the HUK brand gaiter I am definitely more comfortable and more protected from the sun.

[@CookingandFishing]

That's awesome!! we get a heat wave or two up here and it's news...you guys deal with that months out of the year haha

[@dragomegaman3711]

I like your humor 😂

[@brianfolding40]

Just found this vid and have been looking for something like this to cover my face and neck when I do lawn care. I tend to sling all kinds of debris, including poison ivy/oak/sumac when using a string trimmer. I need to be able to breathe during those brutal hot summer days here in NC. I also don't like sunscreen. I'm gonna give these a try, especially the HUK.

[@CookingandFishing]

Sounds like a perfect solution! Let us know how you like it...I can say the sun gloves won't stand up to real yardwork, but the masks will do fine.

[@brianfolding40]

@@CookingandFishing Oh I've got the gloves figured out. Buy a 3 pack of Wells Lamont Hydrahide work gloves at Costco for 20.00

[@sadaann17]

Using a cover up is fantastic! Try the Coolibar sun mask. They hold the mask snugly to your nose and face at the top edge but then hold the fabric away from your nose and mouth for easy breathing. It also has a fabric that's easy to breathe through but doesn't compromise the UPF. Just based on the looks of your first mask, the holes would certainly compromise the UPF and sheer fabrics in general do as well. But some cover up is better than none. There are women's sheer "cover-ups" for the beach and I always end up scratching my head when I see them. The Coolibar UPF 50 has been proven to do what it says in an independent study done by dermatologists. The UPF also lasts the lifetime of the garment unlike any other brands I've seen. The others I've researched last 1-2 years or a certain number of washes. Coolibar also follows the Australian guidelines for Sun Protective Clothing which is superior to those following American standards. They're more expensive, but certainly not more expensive than trying multiple brands or buying more than one item from the same company. They have far superior breatheability and can be worn with strenuous exercise like that of a marathon. They're the only company to have a confirmed independent study. The study wasn't done by the company and the company didn't pay off or give products to those doing the study. And again the best of all is that the UPF in their garments don't break down in the sun or wash. I'm not affiliated with the Coolibar company and they won't be paying me off in any way for making this comment although it would be nice to receive some free items from them. Ha ha ha! I'm just a woman with red hair and fair skin that burns easily and has quite a few risk factors for skin cancer. As a teenager, I burned a lot to the point of having small to open palm size blisters so I have to be incredibly careful with the many areas I've burned. I'm in no way saying that darker skin doesn't require sun protection, it does. Companies claiming that their products are UPF 30 for a certain period of time or washes could simply be washing the garments they sell in Rit Dye called Sun "something." I can't recall the exact second word at the moment. But please look into it. You can dye the garments already in your closet with this product. It's colorless and provides a UPF of 30, even to white cotton t-shirts, which are one of the worst materials and colors to wear out in the sun. You don't have to do anything special, just pour some into the washer and wash your clothes on warm or hot. I believe it's good for 20 washes or so but I don't recall the exact number or time I just wash my regular summer clothes in it 1-2x a Summer depending on how much I wear the items. And it's inexpensive, 7$ to 8$ a bottle on Amazon. I have a head full of sun protection info and could write this ×20! I enjoy researching a great deal, both medical research and researching competing companies that sell products that I or my friends and family are interested in. I hope this gives you some good info. It was like winning the lottery when I found out about and looked into the Rit Dye that makes your clothes UPF 30 because most of the summer I'm extremely hot and white t-shirts are my go to items for day to day wear to keep the heat away although I have some 100% polyester items as well. Have a nice day and remember some protection is better than none and just the fact that you're using a cover up is far above what most people do!

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

do you have an email baby girl? so we can discuss more about this topic?

[@amangurjar5051]

how many days or years coolibar upf lasts

[@mannyfishing1816]

Nice video 👍👍

[@CookingandFishing]

ty!

[@mrguppy1016]

Thanks pal

[@DedHedJosh]

Don't sleep on AFTCO gear. Basically all I get now. Haven't dived into the sims gear yet but it's the only other company that sparks my interest in gear for fishing. But definitely take a peak at some aftco stuff. Quality gear.

[@CookingandFishing]

I don't really look at brands, the Aftco masks last I checked used the laser cut holes similar to Simms - as mentioned in the video they don't hold up and start tearing after a couple of wash cycles.

[@jackiekangbousquin6109]

Thanks for the review! I got a huk gaiter. The fit is fairly snug. When I talk the fabric gets in my mouth a little. But it’s very breathable and comfortable. I kept forgetting to reapply sunscreen on the water. Hoping this is the solution!

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah just remember to check the mirror for any exposed skin - for me it's two strips around my temples and I just rub a little sunscreen there once or twice a day.

[@Bjork_a]

So.. which one is better ? 😊

[@dawndare3949]

Thank you

[@sector7676]

Have you tried the Buff uvx one? I heard it's a good one as well. Thinking of either that or this simms...

[@RangerRickTV]

Can you use this as a dust masks as well?

[@Weeble_Warbles]

Great video. I wish I had known a long time ago about this kind of apparel. I hate wearing sunscreen as well. Everyone thinks I look uncomfortably hot when I wear this stuff out on the lake, but it's really not. More comfortable than having sunscreen in your eyes, greasy palms from sunscreen or being burnt to a crisp the following day. I always offer my extra sun shirts and buffs to friends and family, but they always decline. Then they're bitching the next day about their sunburn. It's like Groundhog Day.

[@CookingandFishing]

lol exactly...it's also better for the environment, and imo orders of magnitude more effective than sunscreen. Pick the right sun gear, and it's something you don't have to think about at all throughout the day!

[@Weeble_Warbles]

@@CookingandFishing I hadn't even thought about the environmental factors, but there is research piling up regarding negative effects linked directly to sunscreen. Good point!

[@ventarfield7115]

Sunscreen is fish repellant. These shirts are the best thing that ever happened to me for being out in the sun all day!

[@CookingandFishing]

@@ventarfield7115 Fish repellent, you might be right!

[@ventarfield7115]

@@CookingandFishing guarantee friend. Think of being in the water and running in to all that oil and grease! Clogging up your little fish nostrils...and gills and such. Thanks for the cool informative video. Went with the huks.

[@binkwood]

I like the Huk (never tried the Simms) for comfort and breathability BUT there is one major flaw; not enough material to cover the neck, even with Huk shirts! Aftco is the best overall gaiter that I have tried considering; coverage, breathability, and comfort.

[@christianrodriguez9771]

Just wondering if you have tried out the Columbia omni freeze zero debating on what gaiter to buy ?

[@binkwood]

Christian Rodriguez i have not tried the newest Columbia. The newer Huk gaiter increased the material in the neck area so it now gives adequate coverage.

[@steve4321able]

Do the UV rays come through the holes and the mesh panels? The nose is very susceptible to exposure and skin cancer. Do the breathing holes and mesh panels provide UPF 50?

[@lukefromtexas]

Wish the Huk didn't have the branding so visible. I cannot stand branding being visible on my clothing. Thanks for the video. I was about to buy a Buff, but I think I'll go for the Simms instead.

[@CookingandFishing]

I don't disagree tho I don't really care either lol...simms is a good choice, Columbia has some new gaiters too that look nice - any of these are better than the tube buffs. Thanks for watching!

[@fjin1]

I have exactly same simms as you have

[@soundxcrash]

any guy wear upf long shirts or shirts do u feel a difference and if so do u have any links to the ones u recommend ? husband works alot in the sun basically all day

[@CookingandFishing]

I have a closet full of these: amzn.to/2WlFwmC They also have t-shirt styles: amzn.to/2I0hF8a And thin, wicking UPF pants: amzn.to/2MwwyDc Along with mask and gloves...your husband will look like a ninja...but he'll be cool and protected from the sun lol.

[@tarantulady8565]

How do you wash your Simms gaiter? Machine wash-n-dry or hand wash & air dry? I’m wanting to buy it, and I’m willing to hand wash to preserve it better. Checking to see what you did, tho. Thx!

[@CookingandFishing]

100% machine wash, cold/gentle cycle then air dry. I don't hand wash anything...though I would imagine it'd hold up much better if I did. Good luck, I'm a heavy user with a huge head lol

[@tarantulady8565]

Cooking and Fishing lol! Thanks! I think I’ll try it... I’ll let ya know if hand washing makes a difference in the life of the mouth/nose area. 👍

[@JoeyBass323]

@@CookingandFishing which brand would you recommend for a larger face/head?

[@zebur4170]

Tackle warehouse is running a sale and like most gaiters are 5$ right now I got a really nice Aftco one for 5

[@CookingandFishing]

I made a post on that sale a few weeks ago - now I have a gaiter for every day of the month lol

[@user-kg2sn9pb3y]

I take annual fishing vacations in tropical locations and am always looking for the best sun protection apparel after having several skin cancers removed from my face and neck a few years ago. Do you have any recommendations for comfortable, moisture wicking socks that provide high sun protection for exposed skin between the top of your shoes and the bottom of your pants?

[@CookingandFishing]

That's one of the places I apply a bit of spray-on sunscreen throughout the day - can't wear socks during summer while kayaking/walking the beach fishing.

[@user-kg2sn9pb3y]

@@CookingandFishing Thank you

[@dylon5x]

Found a company Anetik online that makes sun socks. I ordered a pair and will let you know how they are when they come in

[@user-kg2sn9pb3y]

Great@@dylon5x

[@dylon5x]

@@user-kg2sn9pb3yjust got them in today. I’m impressed. They’re super comfortable and breathable. I got the large at 5’10 and ~175 lbs and it fits up to about mid thigh. I’ll definitely be using these come next summer

[@Gypsyboy932]

Thanks!!!

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

I bought the Simms, you can breath better than other neck gaiters, but still makes you hot and is not even summer here in Florida. This may be ok for the fisherman who are only sitting or standing doing nothing, but for someone actually working outside, is not as comfortable as a face mask, the problem lies in there is no place for your skin to breath, everything is covered, the head and neck are not like other parts of the body, they get hotter than other parts even if covered by similar material, cause that's where you're breathing and your head and neck are always hotter cause the brain is there. I'll keep it for occasions where I forget sunscreen, but for all now I wear a coolibar face mask, this covers the face except the ears. I cover my neck with my shirt collar, and just wear a hat, sunscreen on everything under it. There is no fucking way you can keep that gaiter on for 8 hour shift on the florida sun, you would overheat like crazy, plus you'll have to remove it to drive and it FOGS UP the sunglasses regardless despite having those breathing holes, no matter how i placed it, it would still fog up my sunglasses

[@2216sammy]

Somethings wrong , I have been using these gaiters for many years , I was a very early adopter and I have never been hot using these . They keep you much much cooler than wearing just a hat or neck protection . Dip them in water they keep you very chill for hours on end.

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

Huk gaiters are by far my favorite.....tried them all and none has come close to Huk in terms of quality, breathability, comfort, etc.....

[@christianrodriguez9771]

Is it better than the Columbia Omni freeze zero as well or have you not tried it ?

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

Christian Rodriguez I have both columbia/huk gaiters, the huk material is unmatch due to the elasticity/spandex tats used......it feels much more comfortable than the Columbia which is all polyester

[@christianrodriguez9771]

DeltaProMaster Lauj which one keeps you cooler ?

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

Christian Rodriguez if wet or windy, the columbia will keep you cooler due to omni freeze material.....if there is very little wind/mist the huk will keep you cooler due to more breathability and softer spandex material

[@christianrodriguez9771]

DeltaProMaster Lauj Thanks bro guess I’ll get both

[@am_-pz4dl]

Have you tried the Aftco or Columbia Freezer Zero™ II Neck Gaiter?

[@CookingandFishing]

The columbia material is nice, but it's not cut to contour your face. Never tried the Aftco one, that looks like laser cut holes similar to the Simms? I've been happy with the Huk, once they wear out I'll try other ones and update this video

[@mchan6]

Hello Clarice

[@CookingandFishing]

I was walking down the beach and mothers gathered up their children...

[@paintballjunkie65]

😂😂😂

[@RustyReels]

I find the huk is too loose on my face. Is simms tighter fitting?

[@RustyReels]

Nvm you just answered it haha

[@mike3dr376]

Simms sold out on Amazon

[@iamfoolio34]

Would you recommend this for work also does it leave like a tan line from the “mask”

[@CookingandFishing]

If you work outdoors in the sun, why not - if you wear a hat and shades and make sure you pull the sides up no tan lines. But obviously if there's skin showing then you'll get tanlines

[@Mrgoresnake]

I just started a job Monday and was out there for 12 hours and got pretty burnt. I also extremely hate the feeling of sun screen

[@mariofranco2583]

What do you do for a living? Do you think those out doors gloves work for weed eating?

[@CookingandFishing]

If by weed eating you mean weed pulling...no. These are not work gloves and won't last doing yard work.

[@sportkim9923]

Cooking and Fishing weed whacking he means

[@CookingandFishing]

@@sportkim9923 Yeah I don't see why not. But again these are not work gloves...it'll keep the sun out but there are probably better options for yardwork.

[@user-nj9zk2ri1f]

What about sun hoodies? And wide brim hats?

[@CookingandFishing]

What about them?

[@joselemans49]

93 degrees is hot? Laughs in Arizona 120 degrees humid af

[@ikashibimauler]

Arizona is humid? lol

[@hameedullahjasat2560]

Could someone explain why light is able to pass through the neck gators, does it offer UV protection

[@CookingandFishing]

My feeling is even if the weave allows light to pass through when you hold it up against the sun, when wearing it your body movement creates enough shadows to block 99.9% of the light. I've certainly never caught a tan (let alone been burned) under the gaiters, ditto for UPF shirts/pants etc and you can see light through all of them.

[@victorm6176]

@@CookingandFishing hi what is main fabric for upf factor protection

[@VaporzSkins]

Go checkout UPRVR's sun mask!

[@amangurjar5051]

how many days upf lasts brother

[@CookingandFishing]

It's not a coating, it's the weave...so as long as the material stays together it will offer UPS protection.

[@dermlover1]

Have you ever gotten burned or tan through these masks?

[@CookingandFishing]

not at all.

[@dermlover1]

Cooking and Fishing sun doesn’t get through the small holes near the nose and mouth?

[@dermlover1]

Cooking and Fishing Have you ever tried Coolibar gaiters or face masks? I would love to know how that brand holds up in all day intense UV conditions.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@dermlover1 I've never been burned or even catch color wearing either the simms or Huk. I've tried a coolibar buff years ago, and the material is not that breathable and fogged up my sunglasses. I'm sure it'll do well blocking UV if you don't care about that.

[@bobcatdrums]

I'm leaning towards the simms to try out. I'm looking for sun ray damage protection of my face. Im 52 and work in the oil field truck driving so I'm outside half of the 12 hours a day. My main concern is premature aging on my face and neck. Would you recommend these masks or any others? Thank you

[@diegomaradona7896]

SIMMS👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@CookingandFishing]

good product for sure, and a solid company

[@PierFishingNewYork]

I like SA company great price and great products, also tons of different styles

[@CookingandFishing]

They are cheaper, that's about it. I couldn't wear one of those w/o pulling it down in the summer, fog city on my shades.

[@PierFishingNewYork]

Cooking and Fishing yea that’s my only complaint besides that I love em

[@CookingandFishing]

@@PierFishingNewYork I would argue that that's a pretty serious design flaw, since then you'd have to use sunscreen on your nose and cheeks...which is the whole point of dressing up like a Halloween ninja: to avoid using sunblock at all lol.

[@PierFishingNewYork]

Cooking and Fishing I agree with the flaw and I hope they come around and fix it but I like their products very much and I love their designs, it makes it fun and makes for a nice photo at the end of the day. I like the video, I’m probably gonna check those two companies out and try them out for myself. Thanks bud

[@CookingandFishing]

@@PierFishingNewYork thanks mang! Yeah try one of these out, let us know how you make out!

[@jaimemedrano1788]

So which has more neck coverage the huk??

[@CookingandFishing]

honestly, all the masks I've used will leave a gap at an open neck line somewhere at some point during the day. I button w/e shirt I'm wearing to the top and that solves the problem.

[@jaimemedrano1788]

Cooking and Fishing see i think that's my problem i just wear long sleeves

[@CookingandFishing]

@@jaimemedrano1788 yeah if the neck on your shirt is reasonably tight/high, there shouldn't be an issue. On a button down shirt like the columbia PFG shirts, I have to button all the way up.

[@jaimemedrano1788]

Cooking and Fishing which shorts do you recommend do a video

[@CookingandFishing]

@@jaimemedrano1788 haha I just wear the columbia silver ridge pants? Any of the quick dry pants are good. I hate sunscreen so I'm covered head to toe!

[@austenazevedo6078]

Don't the glasses fog up?

[@CookingandFishing]

Not if you position your face holes correctly :)

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

What about S.A. co?

[@CookingandFishing]

The ones I've tried have been pretty shitty tbh...just a tube with not-very-breathable fabric. They are cheap, so there's that, but the coverage and breathability is awful. Just my opinion.

[@JsRacingS2k]

FYI, Huk is pronounced HOOK

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks, didn't know that, but I doubt I'll ever say that word aloud again...

[@ErfanKhan-go3zo]

Where is the buff face mask teview

[@CookingandFishing]

I've never tried one, it looks like it'd work well (if you're talking about the full contoured face mask) but the Huk one featured here has been pretty close to perfect.

[@scarlettisrael7209]

Omg

[@sammydavis991]

The Huk front is not UPF with that mesh

[@lmontreze]

I wanna get one but I feel like it’s gonna fall off my face

[@CookingandFishing]

It won't lol

[@lmontreze]

@@CookingandFishing thank you cooking and fishing 😊

[@niaday8093]

I get the impression you deliberately use lighter gear at times to keep it interesting.

[@CookingandFishing]

hmm...to what do you refer? Certainly not the sun gear!

[@christyherbert8935]

Hello, i'd like to invite you test and review other brand neck gaiter, may i have you email?

[@CRM1997]

nowadays you cant wear one of these on your boat without looking like a covid obsessed germaphobe.

[@CookingandFishing]

Lol the day I care what people think about my head gear...

[@Justin.Hawkins]

Have friends make fun of me wearing a mask on a boat myself 😂 😂. Told then fisherman have been wearing these for years

[@willcannizzo3995]

Huk is pronounced hook

[@CookingandFishing]

I guess they can pronounce it any way they want since they made up the word lol...duly noted, thanks!

[@willcannizzo3995]

Thanks for the info tho

[@ronisjacked7507]

Bruh this a mask for a bank robbery lol 😂 stop it

[@drholt2]

Tried "literally every brand on the market"? That's when I quit watching

[@George-um2vc]

Why?

[@jbstuff]

@@George-um2vc because he must be superior to everyone.

[@George-um2vc]

@@jbstuff today I learned the true meaning of the phrase "people will argue and be upset over ANYTHING on the internet"

[@jbstuff]

@@George-um2vc You're not kidding.

[@George-um2vc]

@@jbstuff 🤣

[@suckafree3273]

Another thing, you wouldn’t look as much like a goofy if you would put your hat on top of it. If you had a bird brain you’d fly backwards…😜