Years ago, I started wearing hiking sleeves in summer. I was tired of starting at sunrise when it was chilly at the trailhead (in the 30s), and within an hour, I was so hot as the sun came up over the ridge.
Before, I found that I’d be in a long-sleeved top to stay warm at first but have to carry a short-sleeved top to change into once it warmed up. That was excessive weight in my pack, but I also had to change on the trail. On some trails, there wasn’t any privacy to do that.
Around 2011 or 2012, I came across a brand called Wild Skins. My memory says it was a lawyer who liked to sew on the side and was a trail runner. I eventually had 2 pairs, and wore them constantly in summer. I could start off in summer wear, and my arms were warm, then if I got too hot, I’d take them off and have a hiking partner toss them in my upper pocket on my pack.
They were loud but functioned well enough. I found them a bit tight, but not too tight. That was how they stayed up, on one’s bicep. No elastic or gripping at the top; it used the stretch of the material.
Disco gold with sparkles. Extra fabulous.
They served multiple purposes, from keeping warm to keeping the sun off. Also, I did not seem to get bit so often by mosquitoes or black flies on my arms, so that was a real bonus.
As the years passed, I stopped wearing them as they got old. I missed them, though.
Then I came across Farmer’s Defense protection sleeves. I kept seeing their ads on Facebook; as a small-scale farmer/homesteader, I am their target audience. But wary of it being a scam, I didn’t try it. Then, they started carrying them locally at our local Ace Hardware in the garden department. The color/print/size choices were aimed at females (their target audience locally), but now I know they are a real company and not a scam on social media. I picked up a pair in Monarch Butterflies, which Amazon carries a few of the prints. They are sold on Amazon, with Prime Shipping as well, in primary colors, one of which is high visibility and great for road running.
The fabric used offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is machine washable/dryable. The fabric is Repreve, using recycled water bottles.
The sizing chart:
For many females, the lower two sizes will fit best, and the upper two sizes will fit many men. Of course, there are overlaps in sizing, but that is my take on measuring in general. And the sizing is generous. I bought the L/XL and could have gone to S/M. It is more comfortable having the extra bit of room, however. It is less likely to be too tight on a hot, hot day.
What I like about the Farmer’s Defense sleeves:
- The fit is stretchy, not tight.
- Fabric breathes.
- The back-of-the-hand coverage is longer than that of other brands.
- Generous thumb hole on hand.
- The silicone grip stays up on your bicep.
I weighed my old Wild Skins versus the Farmer’s Defense:
- Wild Skins 52 grams
- Farmer’s Defense 62 grams
At 2.19 ounces, it is a very light addition to a backpack for when you need extra warmth or sun protection.
And if you also garden, that would be a double bonus.
~Sarah
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