When you are out hiking, apart from your regular hiking gear, a hat should be a top priority. You can never tell what the weather conditions will be like, no matter what the forecast. A good hiking hat can keep you shielded from rain, sun, and wind. The best hiking hats don’t just protect your eyes from the sun’s burning rays but also offer all-round protection for your neck, ears, and face. Hiking hats come in a whole range of options, tailored for style, comfort, and functionality. We’ve picked what we think are the 13 best-hiking hats, based on comfort, affordability, and style.
How To Choose The Best Hiking Hats
There’s so much that you need on a hiking trip that you want to be absolutely sure that everything functions well. Whether it’s the best hiking shoes or the best hiking backpack, your gear should be spot on.
Similarly, when choosing a hiking hat it’s important that it fits properly so you are comfortable and well protected. However, there are other features that you also need to consider.
Material
The material of the hat can make all the difference to your comfort and all-round protection from the sun. An important factor to consider is the UPF(Ultraviolet Protection Factor) which should be at least 30. Most good hiking hats are made from either Nylon or Polyester which allow the hats to be lightweight and well ventilated.
Ventilation
Generating a lot of body heat can be a problem while hiking if you don’t have the right hat. This makes ventilation an important factor when choosing a hat. Hats that have strategically placed vents and breathable fabric allow you to stay cool without having to take the hat off.
Comfort
Hiking hats work best if they are tailored to be comfortable, which include being lightweight, having a proper fit, and a good fabric feel. Hats that have adjustable size and style options allow you to customize how you want the hat to look. Sweat wick bands make sure your brow stays dry while also avoiding skin irritation.
Durability
How a hat fares in harsh conditions is another important factor. Choosing a hat that can be worn in rainy weather and on windy days without suffering damage allows you to be equipped to hike in all sorts of weather. Additionally, hats that fold and pack easily without losing their shape make excellent options.
Tilley Men’s Womens LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Airflo Bucket Sun Hat
13
The Airflo LTM6 Hat from renowned hat company, Tilley Endurables is an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts, affording ample protection from the sun and providing a good amount of ventilation. It’s definitely one of the best hiking hats with all its special features.
Its broad brim shields both your face and neck, while the nylon fabric is both lightweight and protective. It blocks 98 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, boasting the highest possible UPF rating (50+). The ¾’’ mesh strip around the crown also provides you with extra ventilation. While the under brim is dark for glare protection, the hydrofoil sweatband keeps your brow sweat-free.
This hat is also well equipped to deal with less than ideal weather, with chords that tie in windy conditions and a water repellent finish that also make the hat buoyant.
In addition to all of this, there is also a velcro-sealed, secret pocket in the crown in case you need to safely secure small items such as your driver’s license or emergency cash.
Pros:
- Ample sun protection
- Extra ventilation
- Water-resistant
- Secret pocket
- Available in a range of colors
Cons:
- Expensive
- Wind straps not very user friendly
Buy on:
Tough Headwear Fishing & Hiking Boonie Sun Hat
12
Get the ultimate sun protection with one of the best hats for hiking, the Tough Headwear Fishing & Hiking Boonie Sun Hat. The neck cover on this hat is ideal for protection from the scorching sun, as is the wide brim. In addition to this, the premium nylon fabric used is lightweight and dries quickly.
You won’t have to worry too much about packing this hat for your travels as it folds down flat. It cannot be crushed but is easy to pack and portable enough to fit into a small bag. The strap is a convenient addition as it will keep the hat on your head in windy conditions. Another great feature of this hat is the toggle on the bag which allows you to tighten the hat to fit.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Constructed from premium nylon fabric that dries easily
- Neck cover for added protection
- Easy to pack
- Toggle at the back to tighten the hat
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons:
- The brim is a bit too thin and floppy for windy conditions
Buy on:
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat (404)
11
Whether you’re out hiking or spend a lot of time outdoors, the best hiking hats like the Sombriolet Sun Hat from Outdoor Research provide the ultimate protection. This water-resistant hiking hat provides with just the right shade with its foam stiffened wide brim. The hat has a UPF 50+ rating which means that your face and neck are well protected. It also comes with a wicking headband that prevents sweat and water from collecting on your brow or trickling into your eyes.
With the side vents and external breathable panels you can be sure that your head will stay cool. The one-hand adjustable drawcord can be removed to suit your style. Another great feature of this hat is that it is extremely lightweight and can be easily packed away. The material used is highly durable and washable too.
Pros:
- Durable, washable material
- Extremely lightweight and easy to pack
- Foam-stiffened brim with a UPF50+ rating
- Wicking headband keeps sweat and water away from your brow
- Removable drawcord
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons:
- The brim collapses if there is a strong breeze
Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer 5310
10
Henschel Hats are another trusted company in the hat-making business with a wide variety of hats for different purposes. You can be sure that you’ll be investing in one of the best hiking hats if you go with this brand. The Aussie Breezer 5310 Cotton Mesh Hat is perfect for the outdoors.
The large 3 -inch brim with its UPF 50+ rating offers excellent protection from the sun. You can be sure that you’re not going to end up with sunburn with this one. It will even protect you from the wind as it has a chin cord to keep it in place even with a strong wind. Packing this one is easy as the hat is crushable and can be folded to fit into small spaces.
Pros:
- Wide brim UPF 50+ rating
- Chin cord
- Crushable which makes it easy to pack
- 100% Cotton Mesh
- Wide range of colors to choose from
Cons:
- The sizing is a bit off
Buy on:
Ordenado Waterproof Sun Hat
9
If you’re looking for an affordable hat, the unisex Ordenado Waterproof Sun Hat is one of the best hiking hats with an affordable price tag. Made from high-quality windproof polyester fiber cotton, the casual style has a snug and cozy fit with an adjustable chin strap. You can use this hat for various outdoor activities including hiking and fishing.
It’s easy to store this hat as the top is completely soft and collapsible. You can pack it flat in your suitcase or fold it into your backpack. The double fabric design with partial mesh is sure to keep you cool even on the hottest day. Added to this, the high-crowned hat with wide floppy rims is perfect against the hot sun.
Pros:
- Ultimate sun protection with UVF 50+ rating
- Breathable mesh panels
- Moisture-wicking headband
- Lightweight and dries quickly
- Adjustable chin strap
- Money-back guarantee
- Waterproof
Cons:
The chin strap can feel a bit scratchy
Buy on:
Lenikis Unisex Outdoor Activities Sun Hat
8
Featuring UPF 50+ rating, the Lenikis Unisex Outdoor Sun Hat gives you excellent protection from the sun. This affordable hat sits at the top of our list of best-hiking hats for its great features. Crafted from lightweight, quality polyester the hat dries easily. It’s also water-resistant and stain-resistant.
What’s great about this hat is the neck flap which protects your neck and ears from the scorching sun. It has a breathable mesh on the side panels which keep your head cool. An adjustable back band allows you to adjust the hat to your size while the chin strap keeps the hat firmly on your head.
Pros:
- UPF 50+ Protection
- Neck flap
- Breathable mesh on side panels
- Adjustable back band for sizing
Cons:
- The neck flab is a little shorter especially for taller people
- A wider brim would make this hat even better
Buy on:
USHAKE Mosquito Head Net Hat, Safari Hat Sun Hat with Hidden Net from Insects
7
For those planning a hike into insect infected territory, the UShake Mosquito Head Net Hat is the perfect solution. The net that measures 13.4’’, is tightly woven while still allowing you to breathe easily and stay cool. To keep insects from flying in, there is a toggle closure at the bottom.
Cleverly designed to conceal the net when not in use, is a snap-closure compartment between the brim and the crown. Besides the mosquito protection, the UPF 50+ certified hat also has a large brim to screen you from the sun, with a drawstring to hold it in place.
Crafted from 100 percent nylon fabric, you can be sure that your hat will dry quickly in tropical weather. Another great thing about the hat is that it comes with a 12 month guarantee that promises a full refund if you have any issues within the first year.
Pros:
- Mosquito protection
- Good sun protection
- 12-month guarantee
- Clever design
Cons:
- Could do with an adjustable headband
Buy on:
DDYOUTDOOR 07-281 Fashion Summer Outdoor Sun Protection Hat
6
This DDYOUTDOOR 07-281 Outdoor Hat doubles up to meet both your fishing and hiking needs. With a detachable flap and a large bill, it gives you complete protection from the sun.
The hat is made from nylon fabric that not only makes it waterproof but also allows you to dry it quickly. The fabric also makes it extremely portable as it collapses easily while packing. Along with a good amount of ventilation, the hat also offers you a UPF 50+ sun protection. What’s also great about this hat is that the neck flap can be removed when you want to use the hat for daily use.
Pros
- Suitable for both fishing and hiking
- Easy to carry
- Great sun protection
- Waterproof
Cons
- Plastic snaps are difficult to use
Buy on:
Dorfman Pacific Men’s Outback Hat with Chin Cord
5
A ruggedly handsome hat built for functionality is the Dorfman Pacific Outback Hat. This hat crafted from a combination of cotton and polyester is cool and strong. While the 52 percent cotton offers excellent breathability, the 48 percent polyester makes it tough as well as tear-resistant.
Built for all sorts of conditions, the hat is designed to protect you in all weathers and seasons, with added protection from ultraviolet rays with a UPF 50+ rating. Additionally, the hat features lining and a smooth browband that prevents wick moisture and skin irritation. The hat comes in six specific tailored sizes and is non-adjustable.
Fashionable as well as practical, the broad rim is flexible, allowing you to create a variety of looks. The weathered brown or black the colors offset the rustic charm of the hat. On the downside, you can’t do much hiking in hot climates with this hat as there aren’t any ventilation panels.
Pros:
- Rustic charm
- All-weather functionality
- Strong material
- Fashionable
- Flexible rim.
Cons:
- Can’t do much hiking in hot climates with it
- The sizes on the chart are incorrect so you may need to buy a smaller size
Buy on:
Muryobao Women’s Outdoor Hat
4
Another hat that isn’t a traditional hiking hat is the Muryobao Women’s Outdoor UV Protection Foldable Mesh Wide Brim Hat. This wide-brimmed sun bucket hat offers a good amount of protection for your face and neck from the sun’s damaging rays.
Made from breathable polyester that dries quickly with UPF, it is extremely light and has a mesh side panel to allow ventilation and keep you cool. The visor adjusts on the back and is also open which means it will fit a ponytail.
The casual style is also adjustable as the buttons on the side can be buckled to turn it into a Western Cowboy Style hat. This hat is very convenient to carry around as it is lightweight and can be rolled or folded and still maintain its shape.
Pros:
- Extremely light
- Portable
- Regains shape easily
- Open at the back for a ponytail
- Can change styles
Cons:
- Very little room for sizing
Buy on:
Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney
3
Although not traditionally a hiking hat, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney is another lightweight, extremely popular, outdoor hat. What makes this hat an excellent hiking hat is the wide-brim that offers great protection from the sun as well as the signature wicking fabric.
The Omni-Shade material is soft on your skin and UPF 50 certified. Even in the bright sun, the hat keeps you cool and dry as the material allows the moisture drawn from your skin through the Omni-Wick to quickly evaporate.
At the top of the hat, there is also a mesh vent panel to keep hot air away from your head. Along with this, there is an adjustable toggle at the back to customize the fit, as well as a chin strap for windy days.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quick moisture absorption
- Portable
- Customized fit
Cons
- Tends to flop down on a hot day due to moisture
Buy on:
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat
2
With increased efficiency, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is perfect if you have long exposure to the sun.
It doesn’t matter what direction the sun is shining from, the ¾’’ reverse clamshell brim along with a 6′ neck cape protects your neck from every side. Both, the hat’s fabric and ventilation mesh on the crown of the hat offer a UPF 50+ protection. The nylon-polyester fabric is also resistant to stains and water.
The hat also includes multiple other features such as after dark visibility due to reflective detailing, an adjusting buckle at the back, a sweatband to wick moisture, and integrated sleeves on top of the hat for attaching your sunglasses. To top it off, the hat is more stylish than most neck cape hats due to its slim fit and wide range of colors.
Pros:
- Advanced protection for longer exposure to the sun
- Water and stain-resistant
- More stylish than other caps in this category
- UPF 50+ protection
Cons:
- Difficult to adjust
Buy on:
Camo Coll Outdoor Boonie Hat
1
One of the best hiking hats is the affordable Camo Coll Outdoor Boonie Hat. This highly affordable hat despite being much cheaper than most of the hats on this list has some great features for the outdoors.
Lightweight and made from 100 percent polyester, the quality fabric makes it comfortable to wear and easy to pack. While the hat is one size fits all, it does have a bungee cord for adjusting the fit.
The Camo Coll Outdoor Boonie Sun Hat is well ventilated with UPF 50+ sun protection and is also wide-brimmed. With 12 colors to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice with this hat.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Good sun protection
- Packs easily
- Good range of colors
Cons
- Problems with the bungee cord
Buy on:
