Are you planning a backcountry trip and worried about encountering bears?
Indeed, protecting your head and neck from the damaging sun rays is crucial in intensely hot weather. Taking the best sun protection hats when hiking is crucial to enjoying outdoor activity. These hiking hats keep your skin guarded against the sun and help you enjoy nature’s beauty. In addition to protecting you from the hot sun, a good sun hat also protects you from rain splash.
There is an overwhelming range of hiking hats available on the market. Here we have enlisted the six best-hiking hats, all having different shapes and features. Let’s check their features in detail to know which suits you the best.
Top 6 Best Hiking Hats on the Market
1. Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure hat is our top-rated hiking hat, best-suited for outdoor’ sunny activities. Additionally, this brand has gained massive popularity among the masses by providing exceptional hats and other accessories.
Sunday Afternoons has a wide range of hats for every season. Whether you are looking for a winter or sun hat or need protection in the rain, there is a hat at Sunday Afternoon’s store for you. The brand has recently launched the meridian thermal beanie, Quinn hat, northerly merino beanie, Joslyn hat, and outbound cap.
Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat exhibits many exciting features, making this hat one of the most popular customers’ choices. This hat features a reverse clamshell folding brim. As the term indicates, the folding brim makes packing this hat in the backpack easy. You can sneak this hat inside your pack without worrying about harming the design, shape, or structure.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure hat also has hidden integrated sleeves, serving as the locked pocket to keep your sunglasses. Hence, this hat gives you a secret place to protect your shades.
One of the most highlighting features of this hat is its six inches long neck cape. This neck cape gives your neck excellent coverage and protection against harmful UV rays. Additionally, the brim of the Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat is 3.5 inches wide, making it one of the best wide-brim hats available on the market. The exceptional sun protection from the front, sides, and back makes this hat one of the best for hiking.
In addition to offering excellent protection from the sun, the Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat also feels comfortable and easy to wear. This hat uses lightweight material, a mix of Nylon and Polyester. The hat has mesh panels on the crown, making it breathable and airy.
- Integrated sleeves to keep sunglasses
- The presence of a reverse clamshell folding brim makes packing easy
- The external size adjuster makes it perfect for everyone
- Great hiking hat with UPF 50+ sun protection
- The chin strap keeps the hat from blowing in the wind
- The neck cape offers neck protection
- Available in six exciting colors
- Lightweight, comfortable and durable
- Lacks aesthetic appeal
- It doesn’t feature a removable neck cape
2. Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat
Tilley Endurables is one of the industry’s highest-rated and most popular hat brands. Alex Tilley founded this Canadian hat company in 1980, and after decades of delivering the best outdoor apparel worldwide, Tilly Endurables has gained global recognition.
You can also check out the brand’s bed and bath products online. However, hats have remained the top-selling category of Tilley Endurables. The company has categorized its wide collection of hats based on styles into brimmed, bucket, straw, caps, sun, and winter. So no matter in what weather you are going outdoors, Tilley Endurables has the perfect hat for that weather and adventure.
Tilley LTM6 Airflo is one of the best-selling hats of the brand. In addition to being one of the best sun hats, this hat also looks stylish and attractive. So, why not look smart and fashionable when you go on a strenuous hike or trek wearing this hat?
The brim of the Tilley LTM6 Airflo hat measures 3 ½ inches from the front and the back and 2 ½ inches from the sides. This wide-brim measurement makes it an excellent sun protection hat. A slight tilt in the brim increases the hat’s aesthetic appeal.
The design and construction of this hat are amazing. A double cord system on the front and back of this hat secures the hat on your head even in extremely windy weather. However, if you lose the head’s grip on the water, the hat will keep floating and will not sink. A closed-cell foam structure around the hat’s inner side maintains its shape and keeps it floating.
Additionally, this hat has a mesh around the crown, which increases airflow, improving the breathability of the hat. Also, this hat features a sweatband that absorbs sweat and keeps it away from your face.
- Mesh-paneling and built-in sweatband improves breathability
- Stylish and appealing outlook
- The use of closed-cell foam maintains the perfect shape and structure
- Available in ten sizes
- Sweatband absorbs moisture and keeps your head cool
- High-quality manufacturing material
- Lifetime guarantee
- Expensive compared to similar products
- You need to make sure you order a size up as the size chart is not accurate
3. The North Face Sun Stash Hat
The North Face is an American company that started its business in 1968 in San Francisco, California, by Doug Tompkins, a young climber. Interestingly, this company was named after the most challenging side of the mountains to explore. And the company’s main vision was to provide American climbers with a unique place to shop.
Within a couple of years, the company expanded its business and started offering all sorts of backpacking and mountain climbing products to adventurers. The North Face is a reputable and trustworthy name in the business. Hence, if you are looking for the best hats for hiking, you can have full faith in the exemplary quality of The North Face. The brand offers an alluring range of summer and winter hats.
The Sun Stash hat perfectly displays the company’s commitment to providing excellent quality. One of the best-selling features of this hat is its built-in envelope closure. You can enclose the hat within this pocket, making it quick and easy to pack in your bag. The hat is made with 100% polyester and has a water-repellent finish. So, you can wear this hat under the sun or in the rain. This hat will protect you from the intense sun, and you can easily wipe off the water splashes.
The manufacturers have thoughtfully designed this hat to be used in all sorts of outdoor activities. Whether hiking, trekking, boating, fishing, camping, or playing beach games, you can wear the Sun Stash hat. The North Face Horizon Breeze hat is another great option to get when going for a hike.
Another great feature of Sun Stash hats is that they are easy to clean. The material of this hat does not absorb water or attract dirt and dust. Hence, you can clean the hat using a damp towel.
- The presence of built-in envelope closure makes packing easy
- Manufactured using premium, durable, and lightweight fabric
- Durable water-repellent exterior
- Stylish and functional
- Versatility with reversible design
- Easy to clean
- Lacks a neck cape and chin cord
- It does not offer enough coverage
4. Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
Outdoor Research is a trusted brand for creating premium quality equipment, accessories, and apparel to stay outdoors. The brand is popular around the globe among adventure enthusiasts for its well-researched and peculiarly designed products. Outdoor Research follows the industry’s high-quality standards, which are set and approved by the most trustworthy organizations. Hence, you can have full faith in the best quality of its products.
The Helios sun hat truly depicts the exemplary quality of Outdoor Research’s products. This hat features SunShield construction, which offers UPF-50+ sun protection. The manufacturers have used UV-resistant material to manufacture this hat, ensuring the wearer’s protection from the harmful UV rays from the sun. So, you can easily trail and trek wearing this hat under the hot sun.
The design and stitching quality of this hat are also excellent. A headband on the inner side of the hat keeps the moisture or sweat from going near your brows and eyes.
The most highlighting feature of the Helios sun hat is its foam-stiff brim. This brim offers plenty of shade, guarding your face against the sun’s intense heat. Also, because of the foam material of the brim, it floats in the water. The hat itself is quick-drying. So, whether you have washed it or got soaking wet in the rain, the hat will quickly dry.
This hat also has long, adjustable drawcords, which help keep the hat in place during the long hours of trekking and hiking. Overall, the Outdoor Research Helios sun hat is one of the best full-brim hats for being lightweight, water-resistant, and quick-drying.
- Made using water-resistant fabric
- Adjustable drawcords for size adjustment
- Lightweight and quick drying
- Offers UPF-50 sun protection
- Availability of various colors
- All sizes fit perfectly
- Ventilation holes are not available
- Lightweight fabric makes it difficult to wear on windy days
5. Outdoor Research Sun Bucket
The Sun Bucket Hat is another excellent gem among Outdoor Research’s creations. The design experts and researchers of this award-winning apparel and accessories brand have mastered the art of producing awesome products for outdoor enthusiasts. This Outdoor Research Sun Bucket Hat is breathable, protects from harmful sun rays, and is water-resistant.
The Sun Bucket is an excellent option for ultralight adventure. If you are packing as little stuff in your backpack as possible, go with the Outdoor Research Sun Bucket hat. The hat retains its original shape and design after unpacking.
Also, this hat is super cozy and comfortable to wear outdoors. This hat uses stretchable, breathable, and lightweight fabric, making it easy and comfortable to wear. A detachable cinch cord on this hat goes around your neck. You can adjust this cord to keep the hat in place in windy weather.
The brim of this hat measures 12.5 inches around, which is the perfect width to protect you from the sun’s rays. Another great quality of this brim is its slight slant. So, this hat will keep you protected no matter the time of day or from which direction the sun’s rays are hitting your body.
Also, a band inside the hat absorbs sweat and protects your forehead and eyes from moisture during trekking. However, you will not notice any sweat stains on the hat.
One of the best-selling features of the Outdoor Research Sun Bucket Hat is that you can wear it for multiple outdoor activities. Whether hiking, boating, camping, fishing, kayaking, or playing tennis, put on this hat, and you are all protected from the harsh weather.
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner cap, Outdoor Research Swift cap, and Outdoor Research Sombriolet hat are also great options among the best hiking hats by the brand.
- Manufactured using 86% Nylon and 14% Polyester
- Quick-drying and water-resistant
- TransAction headband
- Available in five sizes
- One-handed drawcord adjustment
- Availability of removable chin cord
- It only has two holes on the sides, reducing the breathability
- May not offer enough sun cover due to brim size
6. Frogg Toggs Pilot II Waterproof Boonie Hat
The tagline of Frogg Toggs’ is “Own the Best, Ignore the Rest.” And the company truly delivers the best products that make you a loyal customer, forgetting about any other company.
Fogg Toggs believes in manufacturing premium quality products with innovative features, excellent design, and superb construction. Also, the researchers and experts at Froo Toggs test all products’ construction, usability, and durability. Any product that doesn’t meet the quality standards is instantly removed from the online and retail stores. This brand’s best-selling feature is that consumers enjoy high-standard products at the most affordable prices.
The Frogg Toggs Pilot Boonie Hat is one of the most highly recommended and popular hats among outdoor adventurers. The manufacturers have used the company’s signature Dri Pore Gen2 Pilot material in making this hat, combining different high-quality materials.
This pilot fabric has three layers, outer, middle, and inner layer. The outer layer is polyester, making the hat soft, supple, lightweight, durable, and abrasion-resistant. Next, the second layer of DriPore Gen 2 is ultra-breathable, ultra-flexible, and water-resistant. Finally, the third layer is of micro-textured tricot fabric that is soft, smooth, and cool. Combining all these layers makes the Boonie hat lightweight, smooth to the touch, and water-resistant.
The design and construction quality of this hat are commendable. All the seams are perfectly hidden, making the hat’s design look more appealing. The hat weighs 2.5 ounces, is a minimal weight to pack and travel with, and is also worn for long hours of hiking.
This hat is available in only one size. You can adjust the hat’s fit using the adjustable cord locks available on the chin strap and the hatband. The water-resistant feature and the 3-inch measuring brim make this hat a perfect pick to wear in the rain and under the sun.
- Manufactured using Frogg Toggs Dri Pore Gen2 Pilot material
- One of the best wide-brim sun hats with a 3-inch brim
- A crushable hat that can fit easily in your luggage
- Waterproof
- Breathable and comfortable to wear
- Lightweight
- Entirely sealed seams
- Available in three earthy colors
- It does not look appealing
- Available in only one size that may not fit perfectly on everyone
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Hat
There are countless hat brands on the market offering various hiking hats. The overwhelming range of hats, varying in shape, material, and usability makes it difficult to choose the one. To make your shopping experience a bit easier, the most crucial thing you need to consider is when you will wear that hat.
Remember the weather conditions, the duration of your stay outside, and the type of terrain or trail you will be hiking. Having a clear idea of all these features will help you pick the right hat for your adventure.
Below, we have enumerated significant features to consider based on your outdoor adventure’s requirements.
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Material
One of the first things to consider when choosing the best hiking hat is its material. Typically, trekking hats are manufactured using lightweight fabric that is easy to dry. Also, the construction and seam design offer extra sun protection. Nylon is one of the most common materials for manufacturing sun protection hats. However, a mixture of fabrics makes the best outdoor hats.
For instance, some manufacturers apply a water-resistant coat on top of the material, which proves to be highly beneficial in unpredictable weather conditions. Also, some hat brands use mesh panels with nylon that improve the hat’s breathability in hot temperatures.
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Price
You may see a wide price range for hiking hats. However, a higher price doesn’t automatically guarantee the best features. You may find a good-quality sun hat having all your required features in an affordable price range. Therefore, instead of buying the most expensive hiking hat, go for the most comfortable hat offering maximum sun protection and breathability.
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Shape
Another important factor to consider when choosing a hiking hat is its shape. Generally, hiking hats come in three main shapes, sun hat or wide-brimmed hat that has all-around shade; flap or caped hat, which is the most protective hiking hat, the baseball cap which is the most versatile and is also the most popular choice. All these hats look and feel great, and you can choose any one based on personal preferences.
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Sun Protection
Protection from harsh weather conditions is one of the major concerns when going out on an adventurous hike. Therefore, choosing a hiking hat that guards you against harmful UV rays is advisable.
Typically, mesh-paneled nylon hats work as UV-resistant sun hats and protect your skin from UV rays. This combination of the material decreases the effect of UV rays before they touch your skin.
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Comfort and Breathability
The hiking hat must be made with a breathable fabric and mesh design. Hiking under the sun will surely make you sweat and may cause hyperventilation. Therefore, the best hiking hat allows the air to pass through and is breathable.
Additionally, the hiking hat must be a good fit to remain in place even in windy weather. So, opting for an adjustable hat that fits perfectly and feels comfortable for long hours is advisable.
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Portability
When choosing the hiking hat, ensure its design, material, and size are flexible and portable. Typically, when packing for a hiking adventure, you need to compress things on top of one another. The hiking hat should retain its original shape when you unpack things.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need a good hiking hat?
A hiking hat is necessary to protect yourself from the intense heat of the sun. The sun has a compilation of ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. Moreover, these radiations can penetrate your skin and damage the skin cells. One of the most obvious damage types caused by UV rays is oxidative stress. After absorbing your skin cells, UV rays destroy the cells’ normal function, causing pigmentation, skin darkening, wrinkles, and fine lines. Therefore, it is crucial to take a good hiking hat outdoors.
2. How can I wash my hiking hat without ruining its quality?
You can check out the care and maintenance instructions on the hiking hat’s packaging. It is advisable to follow the care instructions properly to maintain the quality of the hiking hat. But if you are outdoors and can’t find all the required items, you can follow a simple procedure to clean your hiking hat.
First, take a zip lock bag big enough to hold the hat, and fill it with water. Keep the hat soaked in the water for a while. Then vigorously shake the zip lock bag to remove the dust from the hat. After that, remove the hat and scrub it off with your hands. Here, it is preferable to be gentle when scrubbing off the brim to keep it in its original shape. Rinse the hat with clean water and let it air dry.
3. Is there the best color for a hiking hat?
The hiking hat brands offer hats in various colors. However, if you are buying a hat especially to go on a hike in the hot summer, it is best to choose a light-colored hiking hat. So, wear white, cream, or any lighter shade for the hat. The white color will reflect the sun’s rays, whereas the dark color will absorb the UV rays. Absorption of the UV rays in your hat’s fabric can cause harmful effects on your skin and eyes.
4. What is the best material for manufacturing hiking hats?
Most manufacturers use Nylon and Polyester to make hiking hats. The reason behind their use is that these are lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and quick-drying.
5. What is meant by UPF 50+ sun protection?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Thus, the hiking hat labeled with UPF5 50+ rating means that the hat has been tested to block the penetration of more than 50% ultraviolet radiation.
This UPF system is specifically designed to measure the quality and efficiency of sun-protective clothing. So, it is preferable to buy hiking hats with UPF 50+ ratings. It is noteworthy that UPF is different from SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which determines the efficacy of sunscreens.
Conclusion
Good sun protection is crucial during outdoor activities to protect your body from the harm of the hot sun. Therefore, keeping a breathable hat is also essential in the backpack, along with hiking clothes and other accessories.
All these the best six hiking hats promise quality and sun protection. And you can choose any hat based on personal preferences.
