Jun. 25--Staying cool outdoors when the temperature keeps rising is no small feat. But there are lawns to mow, gardens to weed, laps to swim and miles to run. Sporting the right gear can make all those hot-weather activities a little less miserable.

Hydration Plenty of drinking water is essential in the summer heat. But, if buying plastic disposable bottles feels wasteful, it's time to switch to a reusable stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottle.

Klean Kanteen offers a variety of bottles made from fully recyclable, foodgrade stainless steel that's 100 percent BPA- and toxin-free. You can also purchase insulated totes for them to keep your beverages even cooler. They cost about $15 to $25 and are available at Whole Foods Market, 1401 E. 41st St.

Hats and shades Lovelace always dons a hat and sunglasses poolside because she's a dermatologist. But, she said, so should anyone who wants to avoid premature aging and skin cancer.

Look for hats with SPF built into the material, such as Tula's all-purpose outdoor and gardening hat, which happens to be stylish and SPF 50. It's $28 at tulsaworld.com/sunhat.

And you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to protect your eyeballs -- just look for any sunglasses labeled with a sticker that shows they offer maximum UVA/UVB protection, she said. We found several stylish pairs at Wal-Mart for less than $10.

Spray sunscreen Dr. Kelli Lovelace of Tulsa

Dermatology Clinic says some experts recommend applying lotion sunscreen before going outside for better protection.

As a mom of two young kids, however, she prefers spray sunscreens, such as Coppertone Sport or Neutrogena Ultimate Sport SPF 50 (about $8 to $10 at Walgreen's stores) -- they're easier.

And they're just as safe as lotion sunscreens, she said -- provided you apply a nice, even coating. They're not meant to be sprayed directly on the face -- spray some into your hands and then rub it on. Put it on at least 10-15 minutes before you head outside and reapply every two hours.

Sweat blocking Old-fashioned sweatbands have gotten a few makeovers.

Under Armour offers versions made of its popular Heat Gear materials for about $6 at sporting goods stores. And Halo fabric headbands have become favored by athletes and outdoor workers for their superior sweatstopping ability. Halo's sweatbands are made with moisture-wicking fabric and a small rubber seal which forms a "gutter" to channel sweat away from your eyes and down the sides of your face. They cost about $13 and can be purchased at tulsaworld.com/haloheadbands.

And for cooling down after sports or yard work, try Chill's cooling towels -- individually wrapped, terry cloth towels that are pre-moistened with a special cooling liquid -- available for about $35 per 12-pack at tulsaworld.com/chilltowels.

Cary Aspinwall 581-8477 cary.aspinwall@tulsaworld.com

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