Hats are always indispensable items for us on our hiking trips at any time and at any time. Because this kind of convenient item can protect you from terrible heat on hot days and strong winds or rains. This helps us avoid the negative effects of the environment on our health and comfort during our journey.
Table of Contents
Quick Recommendation
| RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  |
Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo
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| Best Budget |  |
Columbia Unisex Bora Bora
|
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| Best Ultra-Adventure |  |
Sunday Afternoons Unisex
|
|
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| Editor Choice |  |
OR Cloud Forest Rain Hat
|
|
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| Best Beach |  |
CAMO COLL Boonie Summer
|
|
Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
Price: $63.00 – $110.00
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 3.2 oz
Material: Superplex nylon
What we Like: 100% Superplex nylon, UPF 50+, Dual Drawstring closure
What We Don’t Like: Difficult to clean
Summary: The Tilley Endurables LTM hat is a popular choice for hikers and outdoorsmen. It is made of 100% Superplex nylon, which makes it lightweight and durable. The hat also features a UPF rating of 50+, making it an ideal option for sun protection. Additionally, the dual drawstring closure system ensures a tight fit to keep the hat from being blown away by strong winds. However, this hat can be difficult to clean if it gets dirty or wet.
Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat
Price: $56.94
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 2.4 oz
Material: Superplex nylon
What We Don’t Like: Sizing is a bit small, No Mesh in Brim for Ventilation
Summary: This is a great summer hiking hat that will keep you cool and protected from the sun. It’s made of 100% nylon which makes it extremely lightweight, but still durable enough to stand up against wind and rain. The brim has no mesh, so there isn’t any ventilation in hot weather like other hats out there today. The Cloud Forest does have a nice wire set in the brim so it can be shaped to your liking. It’s also not too huge in size, so it can be folded up for packing.
Outdoor Research Men’s Sombriolet Sun Hat
Price: $56.94
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 3.1 oz
Material: 86% nylon/14% ripstop polyester
What we Like: Comfortable, Durable, Good sun protection, Ventilation slot, Designed to allow moisture and sweat to flow out easily
What We Don’t Like: The rim may be too wide for some people
Summary: This sun hat is made of high-quality materials with good ventilation to keep your head cool during hot days. The brim can be snapped down in three locations for a customized look, and the chin strap has an adjustable clip buckle that locks into place well.
Also, we like the fact that it comes with a stuff sack for quick and easy storage. Furthermore, this hat is lightweight at just over three ounces, so you won’t feel too weighed down while wearing it all day long.
In short, we have no doubt about its quality or durability to last many years of wear and tear – perfect if you plan on using it often.
The downside of this hat is that the brim might be too wide for some people, causing it to stick out awkwardly from their heads. However, we think that this can easily be fixed by adjusting the snaps on the back accordingly.
Overall, we highly recommend this sun hat for its comfort, durability, and thanks to a combination of 86% nylon and 14% ripstop polyester in construction, the Outdoor Research Men’s Sombriolet Sun Hat offers both impressive comfort and durability.
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat
Price: $56.94
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 2.15 Ounces
Material: 88% Nylon, 12% Polyester Dobby
What We Like: Scallop rim design, UPF 50+, Durable, Lightweight, Breathable Material
What We Don’t Like: Sizing can be tricky, Not as stylish as other options, The brim is more short than expected
Summary: The Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat is a great choice for anyone looking for an outdoor sun hat. It features a scallop rim design that helps keep the sun off your face and neck, and it also has a UPF 50+ rating to protect you from harmful UV rays. This hat is extremely light, and it has an impressive set of auxiliary capabilities including a pocket and drawstring to keep your hat on during those breezy days.
This product does come with a higher price tag than the other options we reviewed here today; however, if you’re looking for versatility as well as style this is definitely worth considering. It’s not quite as stylish as some of the other hats on our list, but it’s a great choice for anyone looking for function over fashion.
Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney
Price: $30.00
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 3.68 Ounces
Material: Nylon
What we Like: OMNI-Shade, UPF 50+, OMNI-WICK, Lots of ventilation holes
What We Don’t Like: Too small for some head types, Not packable
Summary: The Columbia Bora Bora Booney is a very popular hat that has been widely acclaimed by customers. This hat is easy to pack and carry around due to its weight, OMNI-WICK fabric, and mesh lining inside the cap. The Omni Shade UPF system provides great sun protection for your head while you are out hiking or fishing which makes it a great choice for outdoor activities. The only downside of this hat is that it might be too small for some head types.
Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer 5310
Price: $22.25 – $75.57
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 6.4 Ounces
Material: 55% Polyester and 45% Cotton
What we Like: Comfortable, Durable, UPF 50+, Easy to fold and pack
What we Dislike: Adjustable strap is too long
What We Don’t Like: Not suitable on sunny days
Summary: Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer 5310 is made up of 55% Polyester and 45% Cotton for comfort while also being very durable. More specifically, thanks to the unique mesh design, the ventilation capacity of this hat is pushed to a new level that is perfect for hiking. Additionally, an added plus is the UPF 50+ rating which will protect your head and face from the sun’s harmful rays. The only downside of this hat is that the adjustable strap is a bit too long, but it can easily be fixed by folding it up or cutting it shorter to fit your head size.
Filson Tin Packer Hat
Price: $74.87 – $141.10
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 6.4 Ounces
Material: Cotton and Leather
What we Like: ComfortaSoft, Keep warm, Durable, Ventilation
What We Don’t Like: Not ideal for wet conditions, Can be hot in summer
Summary: This Filson Tin Packer Hat is fantastic for all types of outdoor activities. It’s made from cotton and leather, so it’s very comfortable. It comes with a leather strap and buckles closure, which allows you to adjust the hat for your comfort size. On top of all these features, it offers excellent sun protection (UPF 50+) as well.
One of the main reasons that this hat is so great for outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping, is because it’s very durable. During our testing process, we found that the hat held up well to all types of abuse including exposure to water (keep in mind though – not full submersion). It also kept us warm on cold days and allowed ventilation on hot days.
The only downside to this hat is that it’s not ideal for wet conditions – the cotton will absorb water and it will be quite heavy then. It can also get a bit hot in summer conditions, but overall this is an excellent choice for hiking hats.
CAMO COLL Outdoor
Price: $13.99
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 6.3 Ounces
Material: Polyester
What we Like: Multi-use, UPF 50+, Comfortable, Cheap
What We Don’t Like: The rope fastener is very easy to slip off
Summary: This CAMO COLL Outdoor UPF 50+ Boonie Hat is a great choice for anyone looking for a sun hat that can be used for multiple activities. It’s made of polyester, so it’s lightweight and comfortable. The hat also features a wide brim to help protect your face
Review: This is a great pick for hikers and campers who want a cheap but effective hiking hat. It’s made from 100% polyester so it’s extremely durable. Although the material isn’t as comfortable as leather or cotton, this does make up for its features by making it quite lightweight (only 0.08 pounds). In addition, it has UPF 50+ to protect you from the sun and its design helps keep your face cool as well.
The only downside is that the rope fastener is very easy to slip off. So, if you’re looking for a hat that’s going to stay put during strenuous activities, this might not be the best option. But for the price, it’s hard to beat.
LETHMIK Boonie
Price: $14.95
Style: Sun Hat
UPF: 50+
Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Material: Polyester
What we Like: Cheap, 100% Polyester, UPF 50+, Easy to calibrate, High mobility
What We Don’t Like: Difficult to wash, Material
Review: The LETHMIK Boonie is a very stylish and affordable option for those looking to protect themselves from the sun. The design of this hat provides great protection as it comes with an adjustable strap that allows you to calibrate the size of your head. It also has UPF 50+ fabric, which will protect you from harmful UV rays. The only downside of this hat is that it can be difficult to wash as the material does not absorb water well.
This hat is made of 100% polyester, which can be a downside as it’s difficult to wash. However, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives in this case. Overall, we highly recommend this hat for anyone looking for a cheap and stylish sun hat.
How To Choose a Hiking Hat
Here is some useful information that you will need to keep in mind when choosing a hiking hat.
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF): A hiking hat will protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for a hat that has an SPF rating of 50 or higher.
- Weight: The weight of your hat will play a large role in how well you enjoy hiking. A heavy hat can be uncomfortable, leading to neck strain and headaches. Look for hats that are lightweight but still durable enough to protect you from the elements.
- Color: The color of your hiking hat is a personal preference and can be based on the type of terrain you will be hiking in. For example, if you are hiking in a desert area, it might be a good idea to choose a tan or light-colored hat to help deflect the sun’s rays.
- Size Of The Brim: For sun protection purposes, look for a brim size of at least three inches. For colder weather, a brim of four inches or more will help you stay warm.
- Fabric: You’ll want to choose a material that is breathable and comfortable on your skin. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon with mesh lining. A synthetic weave is lightweight but durable enough to keep up with the demands of hiking.
- The Shape Of The Hat: A hat that is too tight or loose can cause discomfort. Look for a hat that has an adjustable strap so you have the option to tighten it as needed.
- Style: There are many different styles of hiking hats available on the market today, but this doesn’t mean all of them will work well with your style of hiking. You’ll want to look for hats that are breathable, lightweight, and comfortable on your skin. Also, be sure to choose a hat that is in keeping with the current fashion trends.
- Breathability: This factor will affect how comfortable you are while hiking. If the hat does not breathe well, it can cause discomfort and even headaches. Look for hats that feature mesh panels to allow heat and moisture to escape easily.
Other Considerations
- Gender: Sometimes hats are marketed towards men, so if you’re looking for a hat that isn’t too masculine, look for one specifically designed with women in mind.
- Waterproof Fabric: If you plan on hiking in wet or humid environments, look for a hat that is made with waterproof fabric. This will help keep your head and hair dry.
- Summer Designs: There are so many different styles and designs to choose from when it comes to a hiking hat. Keep in mind that you’ll want to look for hats with an adjustable strap, moisture-wicking fabric, and breathable design.
- Winter Designs: When choosing a winter hat, you’ll want to look for one that is made of a warm and insulating fabric like wool. The brim size should be at least four inches to help keep your head and ears warm. You may also want to consider hats with ear flaps or a hood to keep you extra cozy on those cold winter days.
Face Shape
In addition to the factors listed above, you may also want to take your face shape into account when choosing a hiking hat. Some hats are designed with specific face shapes in mind, so it’s important to find one that will fit well and look good on you.
- Long face: If you have a long face, look for hats with a short brim. This will help to balance out your features and make you look more proportionate.
- Round face: If you have a round face, look for hats with a wide brim. This will help to elongate your face and give you a more angular appearance.
- Oval face: If you have an oval face, you can wear any type of hiking hat. Just be sure to choose one that is comfortable and fits well.
- Triangular face: If you have a triangular face, look for hats with a long brim. This will help to create balance and reduce the appearance of your forehead.
- Diamond face: If you have a diamond-shaped face, look for hats with a short brim. This is great if you want to wear something that’ll cover up your high forehead or give yourself some extra shade under the sun.
- Square face: If you have a square face, look for hats with an angular brim. This will help soften your facial features and make you appear less masculine.
- Heart Face Shape: If you have a heart-shaped face, look for hats with long brims. This will help to offset your more narrow chin and make it seem wider.
Features Explained
- Brim: The brim of a hat is the fabric that extends out from the crown. This part of the hat can be curved, squared off, or angled.
- Crown: The crown is the part of the hat that sits on your head. It’s usually made from a stiffer material like cardboard or plastic to help it keep its shape.
- Adjustable Strap: An adjustable strap is a must-have feature on any hiking hat. This will allow you to tighten or loosen the hat as needed, depending on the weather conditions.
- Mesh Panels: Mesh panels are used in hats to help increase breathability and ventilation. This is a great feature to look for if you plan on hiking in warm or humid weather.
- Moisture Wicking Fabric: Moisture-wicking fabric is designed to absorb and evaporate sweat as you go about your day, so it’s a great choice if you plan on hiking in hot or humid climates. It also helps with breathability by allowing heat and moisture to escape easily from the inside out.
- Hydrofoil: Hydrofoil is a special fabric that’s used in some hats to help keep you cool and dry. It works by wicking moisture away from your skin and quickly evaporating it into the air. This is a great feature to look for if you’re hiking in hot weather.
- UPF Rating: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is a rating system used to measure how effective a fabric is at blocking UV rays. Look for hats that have a UPF rating of 50 or higher to ensure you’re getting the most protection from the sun.
- UV Rays: Ultraviolet rays are the same wavelengths of light that can cause sunburns and skin damage. They’re harmful even when it’s cloudy or overcast, so you need to be sure your hat has enough protection from these damaging rays.
How To Measure Your Head Size
To measure your head size, you’ll need a tape measure or ruler. You can use either imperial or metric measurements, whichever you’re more comfortable with.
Take the measurement around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Make sure to keep the tape measure snug, but not too tight. If you don’t have a tape measure or ruler, you can also use a string to take an approximate measurement.
Inches: Inches are the most common unit of measure for head sizes in North America and Europe. They’re usually measured from around one inch below your eyebrow hairline to just past your earlobe on either side.
Centimeters: Centimeters are the most common unit of measure for head sizes in Europe. They’re usually measured from around one centimeter below your eyebrow hairline to just past your earlobe on either side.
FAQ
Q.Are Hiking hats worth it?
A. Absolutely – Not only do hiking hats help protect you from the sun and wind, but they can also keep you warm on those cold winter days. Plus, they’re a great way to show your love for the outdoors.
Q.How do I know if a hat is right for me?
A.There are a few features you need to look for in order to get the most out of your hiking hat. These include an adjustable strap, mesh panels, moisture-wicking fabric, and hydrofoil technology.
Q. How often should I wash my hiking hat?
A: You can clean your hats by simply rinsing them with warm water and letting them air dry. If you do this frequently, it won’t be too difficult to keep your hats looking new and fresh for longer periods of time.
Q. Where should I store my hiking hat when not in use?
A: It’s best to store your hats in a cool, dry location. If you do this, they’ll stay looking new for longer periods of time and won’t get damaged or crushed during storage.
Q. Will my hiking hat protect me from the sun if it gets wet?
A: Some hats are designed to protect you from the sun even when they get wet. This is a great feature to look for if you plan on hiking in humid or rainy conditions and want your hat to continue providing protection throughout the day.
Q: How do I know if a hat fits me properly?
A: A good way to test if a hat fits you properly is to put it on and then bend down. If the hat falls off, it’s too big. If it stays in place, it fits well. You can also adjust the strap if needed to get a snugger fit.
Q: What kind of fabrics are best for hiking hats?
A: There are a variety of different fabrics that can be used in hiking hats. Some of the most popular choices include cotton, polyester, and nylon. Each fabric has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for your needs.
Q: What’s the difference between a bucket hat and a fedora?
A: The main difference between a bucket hat and a fedora is the shape of the brim. A bucket hat has a wide, curved brim while a fedora has a narrower, more curved brim. Additionally, bucket hats are typically made out of cotton or polyester while fedoras are usually made out of wool or cashmere.
Q: Are hiking hats gender-specific?
A: Some hats are designed specifically for men, while others are made to be worn by women. You can usually tell what type of hat a specific brand makes by reading the product description or looking at customer reviews.
