I seem to burn easier than in the past and wonder why.
The desert is certainly an easier burn the beach and high elevations, too. I take my sarong, which is wrapped around the waist, like a kilt at the trailhead. Then it is into the back pack, but more often folded and placed over my shoulder, or shoulders. It cushions the water bottle and camera strap and the backpack straps. It keeps the direct sun off of my shoulders. The rest is generally okay nude. It can be whetted to cool off. It can be sat upon for comfort, when squatting gets old, or I want to meditate.
A pancho of any kind has always gotten grabbed by branches and prickers, like regular clothing and worse. I have a wonderful alpaca pancho from Columbia. It weighs a lot. I have worn it at night when it gets cold, even freezing, in the snow and chilly days with wind. I like to just sit in it. I use it for a bed blanket mostly in the winter. Panchos, ruanas, tend to fly out when the wind catches them and they are sometimes difficult to grab. The "Fist Full of Dollars" look does have a fun-ness to it. Perhaps a long tunic, ala a Greek model. Open on the sides, but tied together on the sides. Tunics can be as light weight and breathable as the material that they are made from.
Both DF and I like our medieval wool cloaks, with hoods. We take them to the hot springs regularly. They supplement the sleeping quilt when we sleep. If we open them facing a fire, like a flasher, the heat gets trapped as it rises and wraps around our nudeness. They are nearly calf length, so they are like a warm blanket to tuck in while sitting, a mini tent, or teepee. The clasp at the neck makes an easy on and off adjustment. The hood is added, It works in the rain. It is ghoulish and fun at gatherings. It can be worn as open as we feel. It does get caught in brambles, bushes, etc. It can fly aloft a bit in a wind, if you don't pull it tight. That mini tent thing travels with us as we walk. We can wrap each other up in them, a private little nudist shelter, in a moment, our arms around each other. They can be tossed open, secured over the shoulders, revealing the body to the elements.
The sarong can be laid on the shoulders so that it projects out shading the arm from the sun, but not covering the arms from the breeze.
Desiring a more nude experience, a hiking umbrella can save from sunburn and the heat. It can be placed in front of the body as a shield, in an instant. It can be a pokey weapon. One may work out better than many broad brim hats, or a sombrero to go with your pancho.
Jbee
