13 Best Hiking Sun Hats for Women

Where there’s an exciting hiking trail, there’s also the glorious sun. We love hiking with sunshine on our side, as it warms our faces and fuels our Vitamin D. However, it can also turn into a relentless foe, leaving us scorched and miserable. That’s why it’s important to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun. And if you’re here, we assume you’re looking for something to protect yourself from the sun’s cruel rays. You’re at the right place, as we’re about to show you the best hiking sun hats for women. They’re your shield against harmful rays and the key to a comfortable hike. Whether you prefer a wide brim, a flap in the back, or want something that rolls up small in your pack, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the best sun hats that offer protection, durability, and style for all your outdoor adventures.

Jane Shine Sun Bucket Hat

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The Jane Shine Sun Bucket Hat is a must-have hiking accessory that offers everything a lady hiker needs and more. Made of comfortable, quick-drying polyester, this bucket hat is designed to fit most heads thanks to its adjustable drawstring interior that customizes the fit. We loved how the chin drawstring allowed us to securely keep the hat in windy conditions without it flying off our heads – a useful feature for enjoying breezy days outdoors.

“This hat doesn’t disappoint for those looking for gear that pulls double duty. It packs easily into your bag and provides enough shade from the sun while hiking. Plus, it’s pretty!”

WOW Travel

With UPF 50+ coverage, this bucket hat provided excellent protection from harsh UV rays, keeping our faces and necks shaded. Meanwhile, the 3.12-inch wide brim offers ample coverage, while the breathable nylon mesh top prevents stuffiness in warmer weather. Despite having substantial sun protection features, this hat remains lightweight and packable enough to take with you anywhere.

Voilipex Cotton Boonie Hat

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Do you want to have sun protection and style on the go? The Voilipex Cotton Boonie Hat promises both, making it a tempting choice for hikers. While this hat has so many amazing features, we want to highlight its convertible design. With a quick unbuttoning of the two side snaps, we were able to transform the boonie into a stylish cowboy hat. It’s like getting two hats in one.

We were also impressed by the premium cotton fabric used in crafting this hat. It’s soft to the touch yet durable enough for repeated wear. The material also provided us with excellent breathability, keeping our heads cool. Moreover, the wide brim offers ample coverage, shielding not just the top of your head but also your face, ears, and neck.

Connectyle Safari Sun Hat

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The Connectyle Safari Sun Hat promises premium quality, sun protection, and comfort at an affordable price. As you can see from the picture below, the 3.15-inch brim is super wide, offering enough protection from the sun. Plus, the UPF 50+ rating can block up to 98% of UVA and UVB. But what made our experience enjoyable was the mesh panel and sweatband. They kept us from overheating, which was important since hiking made us sweat a lot.

We were also glad that despite its one-size-fits-most design, we could all wear the hat comfortably. It should be able to fit most head sizes easily, especially since it comes with an adjustable chin strap and back toggle. Also, this wide-brim sun hat is available in a wide array of shades. Those who want to show off their feminine side can opt for the pink or hot pink variant. But for something more low-key, choose the more neutral colors instead.

THE NORTH FACE Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat

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With a classic look, reliable sun protection, and amazing versatility, THE NORTH FACE Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat has easily made a name for itself. One of our most recent hikes was the perfect proving ground for this hat. The adjustable drawstring ensured a snug fit, no matter how bumpy the terrain got. Also, this hat stayed firmly in place, even when gusts tested its limits.

Made from ultra-soft, recycled nylon, it felt light and breathable, and the strategically placed mesh panels kept our heads cool and sweat-free. However, the biggest win was the wide brim. It shaded our faces and necks effortlessly. Because of this, we spent less time reapplying our sunscreen and spent more on enjoying the scenery. It truly lives up to its reputation, and we think it should be an essential part of your hiking gear.

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TDHDIKE Sun Hat

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Best for Ponytails. Styling your hair into a ponytail is a good way to keep your hair from annoying your eyes. But the thing is, not all hiking hats are ponytail-friendly. Enter the TDHDIKE Sun Hat! Yep; this hat comes with a dedicated hole at the back, accommodating messy buns or ponytails without tangles. Though it has a one-size-fits-most design, we were still able to have a comfortable fit thanks to the adjustable circumference and chin strap.

When it comes to sun protection, this hat offers a wide brim and UPF 50+ fabric to shield not only your face but also your ears and neck. Of course, during our hike, we sweated a lot. Thankfully, the hat was able to dry quickly thanks to the quick-drying polyester fabric. The internal sweatband also allowed us to hike comfortably without letting out a sigh every minute.

MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat

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Best Cooling System. The MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat is the perfect choice for when the temperature is unbearably hot. Among all the best women’s sun hats for hiking, this is probably the coolest one (both style and performance-wise). The MVP is the HydroActive Cooling Technology. By just wetting the hat, wringing it out, and waving it, we managed to activate the cooling effect. According to the brand, this technology can drop the temperature by a whopping 30 degrees below average body temperature in a minute. Though we didn’t know the exact number, the hat did feel noticeably cooler.

The rest of the features are what you’d expect from a high-quality hiking hat. The 3-inch brim is more than enough for most, and the fabric will protect your face and neck with its UPF 50 rating. Packing the hat was also a breeze. Since it’s foldable, we were able to stick it into our backpack’s back pocket. Oh, and unlike most sun hats, this one is machine washable.

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GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat

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With over 26,000 fantastic reviews on Amazon as of this writing, the GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat is one of the most popular hiking hats out there. Does it live up to the hype, though? Well, we’re glad to tell you it is. This hat boasts a UPF rating of 50+, which is the highest available for sun protection clothing. We also loved how the brim was wide enough to provide our faces, necks, and ears the much-needed shade.

Hiking is a strenuous activity, and we always sweat a lot whenever we go for a hike. Luckily, during testing, we were able to stay cool and comfortable. That was because of the hat’s mesh vents, which promoted airflow and prevented us from sweating too much. The quick-drying and water-resistant material is worth the flowers too. No more soggy hats!

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Scala Cotton Hat

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The Scala Cotton Hat is the answer when you want to combine sun-kissed style and cool comfort. Made from 100% cotton, this hat offers chic comfort perfect for those hot hiking trips. When we got this hat, we were almost fooled by the soft feel. Though soft, it’s still tough on the sun, boasting UPF 50+ protection to block harmful UV rays.

The star of the show, however, is the 2.5-inch brim. Unlike many other hats you find on the market, this hat comes with a foldable brim. This makes it a versatile option, as you can wear it around town or even to music festivals. We also love the effortlessly stylish design of this hat. No need for complicated styling.

Columbia Bora Bora II Booney

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Best Moisture-Wicking Technology. With the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney, you have nothing to worry about. For one, this is a Columbia hat we’re talking about. What’s more, it’s packed with tons of features with hikers in mind. This hat offers a UPF 50 rating, meaning it can effectively block UV rays and protect your face from sunburns. When we tested this hat, we were also blown away by its breathability. The Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh vent panel helped wick away moisture and kept our heads cool even though it was scorching hot.

If the wind is your number one enemy, you’ll love this hat even more. That’s because it comes with an adjustable chin strap and drawcord that promises a snug fit, even in windy conditions. Moreover, we could easily fold the hat when not in use and keep it in our backpack. Thanks to its packable design, it didn’t take up much space. For the full specifications, visit its product page!

Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat

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Outdoor Research is no stranger to making high-quality hiking clothes, and when it comes to sun protection, the Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat is arguably the brand’s best option. With a UPF 50+ rating, this hat can properly protect your face, neck, and ears from long-term skin damage. One of the main reasons why we enjoyed wearing this hat was because of its mesh-lined crown and side vents, which promoted airflow and prevented us from overheating.

Speaking of comfort, we have to talk about its quick-drying fabric, too. Together with the TransAction headband, they further enhance comfort, especially during outdoor activities like hiking. When we first received this hat, we were amazed by its design. This hat features a varied brim width. The wider brim at the back offers superior neck protection, while the narrower front brim ensures good visibility without obstructing your view. This design allows you to have sun coverage without sacrificing peripheral vision.

LLmoway Lightweight Safari Sun Hat

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Looking for a proper sun hat for ladies to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays? Check out the LLmoway Lightweight Safari Sun Hat! With a 2.7-inch front brim and 4.1-inch back brim, it provided us with ample shade for our faces and necks. Meanwhile, the polyester fabric has a UPF rating of 50+, meaning it can block 98% of UV radiation. Even though it was super bright and hot when we hiked, our skin remained safe from sunburn.

Fortunately, comfort isn’t sacrificed for protection with this hat. The lightweight 1-ply fabric is breezy, preventing overheating. There are four ventilation eyelets in the crown to allow air to pass through, keeping the head cool all the time. Also, Despite the thin fabric, this hat was able to dry quickly during our test. Whether hiking, traveling, or spending long days outside, this hat has you covered – literally!

THE NORTH FACE Class V Brimmer

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Best Material. A popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts who want something comfy and protective, THE NORTH FACE Class V Brimmer should rank high on your list. This hat boasts a UPF 40+ rating, blocking harmful UV rays and earning a Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. Pretty cool, right? Also, with this hat, you can finally say goodbye to sweaty discomfort. The FlashDry fabric’s magic combo of quick-drying and sweat-wicking kept us cool and collected during testing, leaving us energized for the trek. No clammy headbands here!

When you’re hiking, the wind can be unforgiving. But you won’t find yourself chasing your hat with this one. That’s because the sturdy toggle closure refused to budge, even when gusts tried to play tug-of-war. When we were out there, we could focus on the scenery, not wrangling our headwear. The adjustable chin strap also provided us with unwavering security without feeling restricted. Read more reviews about this hat here!

Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat

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Best Overall. No more stuffy, uncomfortable hats. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat should be your new go-to. So, what’s so special about it? First of all, it breathes like a champ, thanks to the vents and packability. However, it still snuggled up comfortably on our heads. This packable sun hat has been around for so long, and it took the best parts of the old model and made it even better. Now, it’s lighter, comes with a UPF 50+ fabric, and has a sleeker silhouette.

Furthermore, the Ultra Adventure’s clamshell brim was able to shield our faces perfectly without blocking our view. Even when the wind whipped up, the brim stayed put, protecting us from those sneaky sunbeams. Love to wear sunglasses? Perfect! That’s because this hat also features sunglasses holes to hold your favorite shades. What more could you ask for? Take a closer look at this hat by watching its official product video!

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Our Verdict!

Different hikers have different needs and preferences. Regardless, we think the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat is the best overall choice. It ticks all the boxes and is a tried-and-true option. Aside from that, we also think some hats stand out more compared to the rest, especially in the following categories:

• Best Material: THE NORTH FACE Class V Brimmer
• Best Moisture-Wicking Technology: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
• Best Cooling System: MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
• Best for Ponytails: TDHDIKE Sun Hat

How To Choose The Best Hiking Sun Hats for Women?

Choosing the right hiking sun hat is crucial for a comfortable and safe outdoor adventure. Here are the key factors to consider:

Sun protection

First, choose a hat with a UPF rating of at least 30+. This protects your skin and reduces sun damage and skin cancer risks when spending long days exposed while hiking. The higher the UPF, the better. In addition, you should also consider the width of the brim. Wider brims will be able to shield not only your face but also your neck and ears.

Breathability

Moreover, you’ll want a hat that’s made of lightweight, breathable fabric to allow ventilation and moisture wicking as you exert yourself on the trail. We don’t recommend hats made purely of plastic or vinyl materials, as they’re not breathable and will only make you suffer.

Fit

Your hiking hat should fit snugly but comfortably on your head without being too tight or loose. It shouldn’t slip off easily in windy conditions as well. Also, having some kind of strap or cord that allows you to secure the hat under your chin is important, especially on windy trails or during active movement when the hat could otherwise blow off.

For more hiking gear, check out our lists of the best hiking socks with liners, hiking shorts for women, and hiking backpacks for women!

What hat to wear when hiking?

It depends. When the weather is sunny, you’ll want a hat with a wide brim and adequate UPF for sun protection, like the ones above. For rainy days, choose a waterproof hat instead. And for colder days, opt for a warmer, insulated hat that can keep you warm.

Is it bad not to wear a hat in the sun?

If you’re exposed to the sun for a long time, you should consider wearing a hat. Hats, especially those with wide brims, can significantly reduce your exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This helps protect your face, ears, and neck from sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

What is the best color for hiking hats?

In the end, it depends on your preferences. But if you’re confused, you should know that dark and light colors offer you different benefits. Darker hiking hats reflect the least amount of sunlight, offering the most UV protection. However, they can also absorb more heat, making you feel warmer. Lighter hats, on the other hand, reflect more sunlight, keeping you cooler, but offer slightly less UV protection.