Beat the heat with hot weather walking items that will help you walk cooler. I start at the top - a good hat to keep the sun off my head, and a neck cooler. I use an anti-chafing product on my underarms and I'm prepared for foot blisters. Then I dress in fabrics that wick sweat away from my body. And I carry enough water and/or sports drink to stay hydrated.
1. Ultimate Direction Access Water-Carrying Fanny Pack
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This pack is ideal for carrying just enough on a fast endurance walk or run or on marathon day. The slanted access makes it easy to get to your water without breaking stride. The zippered pocket is small, best suited for keys and minimal ID. It comes in a single bottle or dual bottle version. The bottle has a kicker valve so it is easy to use with no leaks, and the mouth is big enough for adding ice.
2. BodyGlide
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Use BodyGlide anywhere you are likely to chafe - underarms, thighs, crotch, bra, chest, nipples. Chafing occurs when you sweat and then skin or clothing rubs against the area. It is extremely painful. It goes on like a deodorant stick and is petroleum-free.
3. Neck Cooler
Crystals inside these stylish bandannas absorb water and keep your neck cool through evaporation. A real walk-saver on hot weather walks.
4. Sunday Afternoon Hat
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Keep your head happy - cool, dry, and shielded from the sun - with the perfect hat for long hot walking days. The neck drape keeps you from becoming a redneck, and it is sporty enough for both men and women.
5. Blister Medic Kit
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The essentials you need to deal with the blisters, all packed up nice and small and ready to use.
6. Camelbak Podium Ice Water Bottle
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Water stays cooler longer in this high tech insulated sports water bottle. Camelbak claims it stays cool four times longer than regular bottles and twice as long as other insulated bottles, all without adding any weight or bulk. But I best appreciate Jet Valve that self-closes after you take a drink, plus the positive lockoff switch to ensure it doesn't leak. The bottle is BPA-free and touts being "taste-free."
7. Cool Point Hand Cooler
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This is an insulated frozen gel pack you wear on your hand to help cool your core temperature. It's light in weight and provides just the right amount of cooling.
8. Champion Double Dry Women's Shirts
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Stay cool and dry with tops that wick away the sweat. The Champion double dry line includes short sleeve, v-neck and sleeveless shirts and tanks. Go single-layered with the tank racer-back top that has a fully constructed motion-control bra built in. The nylon/spandex construction will wick away the sweat and keep you dry.
9. Roadrunner Sports Mens Sleeveless Technical Top
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Roadrunner Sports has quality runner and walker sportswear at bargain prices. The Dryroad fabric wicks sweat away from the body. Some styles have a back pocket for essentials.
10. New Balance Tempo Shirts - Men
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Sleeveless and short-sleeved shirts in a soft sweat-wicking fabric to keep you cool.
11. Brooks Pacer Shorts
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These shorts are quick-drying and ultralight. They have a 3-1/2-inch inseam and a notch on each leg to allow free leg motion. They come in sizes small to XL.
