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Top 10 Hot Weather Walking Essentials

By , About.com Guide

Updated February 28, 2009

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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

Ultimate Direction Access 2X PackPricegrabber ©
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

Body Glide© Pricegrabber
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.
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3. Neck Cooler

Neck Cooler Wrap
Crystals inside these stylish bandannas absorb water and keep your neck cool through evaporation. A real walk-saver on hot weather walks.
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4. Sunday Afternoon Hat

Sunday Afternoon Sport HatWendy Bumgardner ©
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

Blister Medic© Pricegrabber
The essentials you need to deal with the blisters, all packed up nice and small and ready to use.
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6. Champion Double Dry Women's Shirts

Champion Double Dry Top© Pricegrabber
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.
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7. Roadrunner Sports Mens Sleeveless Technical Top

Roadrunner Sports Sleeveless Mens Top© Pricegrabber
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.
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8. New Balance Tempo Shirts - Men

New Balance Tempo Top© Pricegrabber
Sleeveless and short-sleeved shirts in a soft sweat-wicking fabric to keep you cool.
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9. Zoot RUNfit All Sport Shorts

Zoot shortsPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
I really like the look and design of these shorts. They have a beefier waistband than most sports shorts, with contrasting lacing. The back zip pocket is very useful for small essentials, and you won't risk hooking your thumbs on side pockets when you are using good arm motion while walking. It has a liner so you can choose to wear additional undies or not.
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10. Brooks Revelation Pacer Shorts

Brooks Revelation Pacer Shorts© Pricegrabber
Quick-drying and ultralight. They have a 3-1/2-inch inseam and a notch on each leg to allow free leg motion. Sizes small to XL.
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