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Nose/face covering for sun protection at high altitude
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Hey folks, I'm finally getting out of the lower 48 and into my first 6000m peaks in a few weeks, but I'm a little concerned about how I'm going to protect my nose and upper lip from the sun. I sweat buckets which doesn't work well with sunscreen so I always burn bad on climbs, to the point where I already have pretty noticeable sun damage at the age of 18. I know some sunglasses come with built in nose guards but I've already got a pair of glacier glasses (leather nose guard broke off before I had them). I wear a hat under my helmet most of the time, and I keep a sun hood on for my ears and neck, but below the eye line protection is still a challenge. So, whats your strategy? Buff, sunscreen every 60 minutes, balaclava, have skin that doesn't burn? I'd love some input. If you have any advice for a first high altitude climb I'd take that too! |
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I absolutely HATE sunscreen and have never found any that doesn’t make me feel slimy and gross (triple gross waking up the next morning still covered in it) and what works for me is using old school lifeguard style opaque zinc stuff on my nose and a buff to cover the rest. There’s great buffs these days that don’t make you feel hot and sweaty and the zinc can just be globbed on and then wiped off with a napkin at the end of the day, and it is thick enough that it doesn’t run when you sweat.
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"I always burn bad on climbs, to the point where I already have pretty noticeable sun damage at the age of 18." It can be tough to comprehend health issues at the invincible age of 18, but if you already have noticeable sun damage (especially on your face), then I'd recommend reading up on skin cancer prevention and causes. Some good places to start: You might want to try a variety of products to find what works best for you. Sunscreen isn't fun. I've been using Badger mineral sunscreens on my face, because at least it doesn't bother my eyes/mouth when sweating: Hoodies and caps are a good start for protecting your head and parts of your face. I've been happy with some of the OR hoodies (Echo, Astroman). I've been using the Pack Speed Visor from Buff to easily fit under hoodies/helmets and not interfere with sunglasses: I haven't tried it, but the faceGlove looks like a good start: What has worked for me for my nose/checks/eyes is good sunglasses and products from Beko Xtreme Gear (https://bxgear.com/our-products/). A warning, I don't know what the deal is with this company, but they take forever to ship (like 4-6 weeks). I've always gotten the products eventually though. I've been using their Cheekito product for spring backcountry skiing. They also make nose coverings and full face coverings. There are a variety of attachment methods, but I've been liking the wire frame holes (the Cheekito has these). I can attach the Cheekito or their nose covers to my Smith sunglasses (using the nose pads that can be removed). I'll attach a photo from this spring: the sunglasses are the Smith Momentum, Cheekito for nose/cheek protection, OR Echo and Astroman hoodies, Buff Pack Speed visor, Badger sunscreen and lip balm. After having some skin cancer removed from my ear this past winter, using these sun protection products plus sunscreen has made me feel comfortable getting back out into high UV situations like spring skiing.  |
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Started wearing one of these, not as suffocating as the pictures make it look https://www.florencemarinex.com/products/long-sleeve-hooded-upf-shirt |
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I started wearing a Cheekito and I'm so much happier for it. Best accessory I've ever bought.  |
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If you are worried about sticky skin, this will be tough for you... |
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Anyone have any patterns/material suggestions for a DIY version of these face coverings? |
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I do a 10-min climbing tape job and contour a bit with scissors over nose and cheeks nowadays. Does not look pretty, but does the trick. Still gotta slather up the bottom side of the nose. |
Matt Schilowitz wrote: Like Ryan says, you can just take some tape (or paper to use for your pattern) next to your nose and cut it out. Half moon on your cheeks, triangle for your nose is going to be the general shape. I usually make them in the mirror - don't over think it.  |
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I use a NozeKon and glacier glasses with a hat and sun hoodie that has integrated face coverage. I like the airblaster glacier glasses because they’re really inexpensive but do the job. |
Stiles wrote: Helps if you're Polish |
 This also can be worn during strenuous outdoor activities in the sun. Or rain! Doubles as bivy shelter. You dont ever have to take it off. |
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If you already have a "buff" why bother spending money on an extra accessory: Buff, glasses & s hat will protect your entire face. If you are at that altitude buff will keep you warm too unlike the cheek & nose cover suggested above. |
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Facekini en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fac…; |
giraud b wrote: I don't like having to breathe through something. (And this Buff is itself an extra accessory). I've used a heat exchanger mask in cold weather with varying amounts of success. This Buff would be a bad choice for that job - it most likely will freeze/clog/become filled with nose crap.
The nose and cheek coverings are nice as they DON'T keep you warm. High altitude does not always equal cold temps. Tho covering your nose and cheeks with KT Tape is a trick used by winter Olympic athletes to prevent frostnip, while also not requiring them to have some huge balaclava on their face. |
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I like buff and have no problem using it. It all depends on the person as you suggested using tape. https://gearjunkie.com/apparel/outerwear/buff-thermonet-headwear-cold-weather-performance Too hot because of the sun? Quickly get your sunscreen from your pack and apply it on your face and lower your buff. Fog/blizzard/ shows up? Let the buff do its job. It's a very handy piece of equipment. |
giraud b wrote: You may have noticed in the photo of me in violet, I'm also using a buff, (tho it's an OR tube with Echo fabric which is much more breathable). Having something on my mouth is less than ideal. Personal choice and all, but I'm usually breathing pretty heavy from moving briskly. I think the beard helps take on a lot of what the job is for the buff, since covering my lower face is already handled. |
Stiles wrote: ..until the squeeze chimney. On second thought maybe it could be used for chimney aid/pro More on topic, Ive used this version and was very pleased, I like the grey color and the attachment is way more bomber than the beko nozkon which always felt like it was going to fall off https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0871XT2TN?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title |
' ' wrote: Yeah it’s super easy, it loops around the bridge of the sunglasses and you pull the Y shaped tab through the hole to take it on or off. It’s silicone, think like a flexible phone case |
