UKC

I have sometimes seen photos of US climbers in hot places with a scarf or cloth which hangs down underneath the helmet and protects the ears, back of the neck and top of the shoulders from the sun. Are these home-made or can they be bought, and if so, then what are they called?

I just use a buff.

Alternatively the Rab Sonic baselayer has a hood, a lot of climbers use this for big walling in the sun

Google neck flap

I use either a hooded sunshirt or a soft mesh cap under my helmet. I really like having a bit of a soft bill so that I can actually see on sunny days, but it's not rigid like a baseball cap and so it doesn't usually get in the way. I don't have one of those so-ugly-they're-cool desert hats that have flaps for the side and back of the head, but that might help?

I've been known to drape my t-shirt over my head, but I'm sure there's a better design...

Another vote for a buff

I use a buff in the UK, but if you are going somewhere hotter and can fit a cap under your helmet, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner cap might be worth a look. It's intended for running, so the cap is very light with mesh at the sides and no seams, and the "curtains" are removable. I was trekking in a hot part of the world with some American friends last year who both had this cap and rated it, and I was jealous because I was finding my buff solution too hot.

There may be other alternatives as well, this is just the one I know about.

Bandana. 

Outdoor Research make a cap (without the little hard thing on the top) with a removable neck flap but they're very dorky. 

If you're near a source of cold water, and with a bit of luck some breeze, a well soaked t-shirt is ideal.

A peaked sun cap that includes neck protector flap, usually fits under a climbing helmet. Might need a pair of scissors to remove the chin strap and perhaps shorten the neck flap if desired 

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/mens-legionnaire-hat-p46261.aspx/light-be...

Try "sun shield". These things are common for construction workers in hot countries. All sorts of things are out there specifically (and not so specifically) designed to fit a hard hat.

The best one I'v ever seen was a sheet of cardboard with a hole cut in it kinda plonked over the top and squashed down tight. It seemed to work. 

Buff over my head/ears with the tail of it hanging down over my neck. 

A mullet baseball cap (like the legionnaire hat linked upthread but without the strap) is another option but I've only used that for walk ins in the Alps or Australia when it's been crazy sunny/ very high UV.

Handkerchiefs

https://www.safetecdirect.co.uk/products/pa08orr/portwest-pa08-neck-cover

You can get these for chainsaw/safety helmets, not a classy look though! 

All the big outdoor clothing manufacturers make something they market as a 'sun hoody'. Basically a really lightweight wicking top with a hood, usually in a light colour. I wear one pretty much every day in the summer for guiding, either just as my only layer or over a cotton t. Big helmet hoods keep the sun off and they're way more comfortable than weird helmet/hat combos. 

Okay, interesting. Does the helmet go on top of the hood or the other way around, and how well can you hear if the helmet is on the hood?

It depends on the brand, my Mountain Equipment sun hoodie goes under the helmet, but my Black Diamond one goes over it.

It's thin enough that neither setup blocks any noise besides a bit of wind in my experience.

I only got into Sun Hoodies this season and wow, totally converted. I'm not a fan of sun cream for a few reasons but I burn easily, so another solution was needed, this is it for me.

Many thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. I have now ordered myself both a sun hoody and a cap with neck protection (the OR Sun Runner recommended above) to try out.

Their latest new wearable tech?

I have sewn some velcro onto an old buff, the other bit of velcro is stuck to the inside of my helmet, leaving me with a nice neck protector which I can tuck into my t shirt in the wind, and also allows a bit of a breeze around my neck, which a buff worn normally would kinda prevent. 

Works a treat! And I look fabulous, if I do say so myself 😄

Sun hoody absolutely the way forwards, way way better than the various janky options.

I had a thread on here a while ago looking for one with a front zip. Think the only option then was the BD Alpenglow Pro, which is sadly expensive.

You don't want (imo) a tight fitting hooded base layer, need something with a loosish fit, so there's some space for air flow in hot weather.

Decathlon do one now, targeted at fishing, but don't see why it wouldn't work for climbing. Less than £20, https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/fishing-anti-uv-t-shirt-500-with-hood-blue/_/...

Yep sun hoodies are great. Started wearing them in Morocco, but have been just as valuable here on Skye this week, and sunny afternoons at Stanage.

Mountain Equipment Glacé is my choice, it’s great, have a couple now.

I have the decathlon one, it's great for the price, regarding the fit arms are quite close fitting and as usual with decathlon you'll probably need to size up

My ME one goes over my helmet?

I have the ME Glace, and it felt too tight trying to get it over my Edelrid Zodiac 3R. Maybe it would have gone if I had given it more beans? I was a little worried about damaging it to be honest

The Black Diamond Circuit slipped over it no problem though

Very timely post as it is Melanoma Awareness month. Climbers Against Cancer has published some "top tips" for climbers here:

https://climbersagainstcancer.org/melanoma-may-awareness-month/

If you are in the market for a "Buff-type" product, then the CAC neck warmer is just the job, with all profits going to fund Cancer Research and Support.

https://climbersagainstcancer.org/shop/neck-warmer/

Also, all profits from sales of any black item (the Melanoma Awareness Colour) during May, June and July are being donated to Melanoma UK. Purchase with Purpose!