Let’s lift the lid on an often-overlooked item in our hiking gear: the humble hiking hat. As a seasoned traveller and self-proclaimed “holistic health and fitness ninja”, we recognize the value of a good hat. It’s not just a chic accompaniment – it shields you from harsh UV rays, handles sweat like a pro, and braves the wind and rain to keep you comfortable and surefooted on the trails.
The struggle to find the perfect hiking hat can be real, with a sea of options out there that cater to different needs and preferences. And that’s where I step in. I’ve put countless hats to the test, in sunshine and storm, to deliver a roundup of the best pieces based on comfort, protection, durability and material quality.
So if you’re still on a head-scratching quest for that perfect trail hat, your search ends here. Stick with me as we explore the hats that protect, persevere and excel, surely making them standout companions for your outdoor adventures.
What is the Best Hiking Hat?
We have compiled for you the top 10 Best Hiking Hat in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with hats for hiking and having used several hiking hats you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about hiking hats.
1. Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 7.1 x 7.1 x 2 inches (18 x 18 x 5.1 cm) |
Established as one of the best hiking hats for hot weather, the Columbia bora bora Booney hat is a generic, all-purpose sun hat that is perfect for a day outdoors. Its Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 protects against 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also has a quick-drying technology that moves moisture into the fabric where it spreads out to evaporate.
Its non-UPF mesh vent panel allows ventilation. It is lightweight and you can fold it when not in use.
Pros
- Adjustable drawcord and toggle for a customized experience,
- Moisture management that is perfect for the fishing enthusiast,
- Sun protection that prevents long term skin damage,
- Good value for money,
- Unisex and stylish,
- Flexible material that makes it durable
Cons
- The brim gets floppy quickly
2. Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 16 x 12 x 3 inches (40.6 x 30.5 x 7.6 cm) |
The Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat, joining our list as a top contender, presents itself as a synergy of style, comfort, and function. Primarily composed of 100% nylon, this admirable accessory is a proud member of the renowned Airflo collection, bringing reliability to your outdoor ventures.
What sets it apart is the artisanal touch in its design. The hat features a slightly raised crown, ensuring a snug, yet relaxed fit for the user to carry it all-day without any discomfort. Its lightweight footprint makes for an easy wear, with no added pressure on your head.
The design’s main draw is its smart occasional mesh insertions, that work like a charm for ventilation. As the warm air dissipates, your head will thank you for the refreshing breeze that seeps in through the mesh. This unique aspect makes it stand apart from its counterparts, and justifies the added investment.
Remember, quality often trumps quantity. This hat might cost more than others, but if you’re looking for a dependable, breathable hiking hat that’s been meticulously designed, the Tilley LTM6 is definitely worth the consideration.
Pros
- Lifetime durability,
- Clever hidden pocket,
- Mesh-enhanced ventilation,
- Water repellent,
- Rich variety in sizes and colors,
- Dual drawstring for secure fit
Cons
- Price may be steep for some,
- Limited color options
3. Wide Brim Sun Hat with Neck Flap
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 24 x 8.5 x 4 inches (61 x 21.6 x 10.2 cm) |
Heading outdoors for an adventure and looking for the right kind of protection from the sun? Meet your match in the form of a men’s hiking essential – the Wide Brim Sun Hat with Neck Flap. This versatile piece is designed to wrap your face, ears, and neck in cooling comfort while keeping the harmful sunrays at bay. You’re sure to find this boon while hiking, fishing, golfing or even tending to your garden!
Crafted from top-notch nylon, this hat is meticulously tailored to offer durability along with optimal comfort. Its intelligent design incorporates a mesh side panel, thereby offering effective ventilation to keep you cool under the scorching sun. Additionally, its lightweight composition ensures it doesn’t weigh you down on your outdoor adventures.
A bonus feature of this hat is its quick-drying capability which eliminates any chance of discomfort from sogginess. Though designed specifically for outdoor adventures, this hat can conveniently fold into your pocket, making it highly portable and easy to pack.
Pros
- Full sun protection owing to wide brim and neck flap,
- Resistant to water and stains, enhancing longevity,
- Lightweight and adjustable for tailored comfort,
- Quick-drying feature eliminates discomfort
Cons
- Limited fashion appeal, with its optimal use confined to outdoor activities,
- Struggles to offer optimal protection in windy situations
4. LETHMIK Boonie Hiking Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 15 x 14 x 3.9 inches (38.1 x 35.6 x 9.9 cm) |
LETHMIK Boonie hiking hat is one of the waterproof hats for hiking that is great for men and women seeking style and comfort. It is made of 100% polyester fiber and has a super cool and sport style design. The hat has a wide brim that keeps the sun from your face and neck which guarantees complete protection from the sun. It comes with snaps that hold up the brim on both sides.
Pros
- Wide brim covers the back of the neck from the sun,
- One size fits most adults,
- Adjustable wind cord that is perfect for windy days,
- The wide brim can be folded up and down to achieve cute styles,
- Lightweight so it won’t weigh you down,
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Hand wash only,
- Comes at a high price
5. UV Protection Hat Wide Brim Safari
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 23.6 x 8 x 3 inches (59.9 x 20.3 x 7.6 cm) |
The UV Protection Hat Wide Brim Safari is proof that men’s hiking sun hats can be functional and stylish. It comes as a 2-in-1 hat with a foldable neck flap that easily transforms into a baseball cap. It offers complete protection for your head, ears, and neck; making it perfect for any outdoor activity for all-season use. It is breathable and ultra-light so that it can sit on your head for hours or days.
Pros
- Foldable neck flap so it can be worn as a baseball cap,
- Built-in seat band to keep your head dry and cool,
- Comfortably sits on your head for a whole day,
- Adjustable rear drawstring to keep it snug,
- One size fits most adults,
- Foldable design so it is convenient to carry and keep
Cons
- Not perfect for windy conditions
6. EINSKEY Sun Hat
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
The EINSKEY Sun Hat offers protection against all weather conditions. It has a wide brim that protects you from the sun and the water-repellent fabric makes it perfect for drizzling rain.
It comes with mesh vents on both sides that help to keep your head cool all day. It has an adjustable drawcord and chin strap that offers you a customized experience. The brim is semi-rigid so that it does not get flappy but the hem on the side allows for folding if necessary. It is one of the best hiking hats women’s because of its ponytail hole.
Pros
- Waterproof polyester material that is ideal for rainy weather,
- Ponytail hole for women,
- Brim stays in place in windy condition,
- Lightweight and foldable,
- One size fits most as it has an adjustable cord,
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Handwash only
7. USHAKE Sun Cap
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 22.6 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches (57.4 x 19 x 8 cm) |
Introducing the innovative USHAKE Sun Cap, a versatile headwear choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed with functionality and comfort in mind, this hat promises to shield you from the elements while offering a comfortable fit.
Constructed with a breathable network on both sides, it ensures good airflow, keeping you comfortable even on warmer days. Moreover, it comes equipped with an adjustable neck strap, ensuring a secure fit even on windy days. Perfect for those sporadic showers during your hiking expeditions, you’ll appreciate the hat’s water-resistant properties.
But what truly sets the USHAKE Sun Cap apart is its detachable neck flap and breathable face mask. These additional components offer excellent protection against harsh external conditions. If you’re not in dire need of these, you can easily transform the hat into a neat baseball cap.
Made with high-quality, fast-drying fabric, this hat ensures a smooth feel against your skin. The buckle closure further ensures a snug and secure fit. You’ll find this hat super easy to care for too, making your outdoor experience a breeze.
Pros
- Detachable neck flap with a breathable face mask,
- Convenient buckle closure securing flaps,
- Crafted with resilient stitch crimping for longer durability,
- Lightweight design for optimal comfort,
- Ideal for desert and high-wind areas,
- Water-resistant fabric perfect for light showers
Cons
- Size may not fit smaller heads well,
- Lack of color and design variety
8. Solaris Wide Brim Boonie Hat
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 23.8 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches (60.5 x 9.4 x 9.4 cm) |
Solaris Wide Brim Boonie Hat is one of the best outdoorsman hats for a comfortable experience. Its wide brim protects your face and neck from the sun, while its lightweight material means that it is comfortable to wear.
When you remove the cover, it has a mesh on top that keeps you cool and refreshed for long outdoors. It has an adjustable under-chin strap that helps to keep it in place in any condition. Its in-built sweatband absorbs sweat quickly so it’s not dripping down your face.
Pros
- Removable crown design to keep your head cool,
- Blocks out more than 97% of harmful UV rays,
- After-sales service by manufacturers,
- Windproof as the under chin strap keeps it in place,
- One size fits most adults,
- Shields the face and neck
Cons
- Does not have an adjustable crown
9. Lenikis Unisex Outdoor Activities Hat
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.24 pounds (0.11 kg) Size: 24 x 4.7 x 4.3 inches (61 x 11.9 x 10.9 cm) |
The Lenikis Unisex Outdoor Activities Hat is the best survival hat that offers double protection. It has a wide brim that protects from the sun while its water repellent fabric protects against drizzling rain.
It has a sweat-wicking band and mesh vents that keep sweat away from your face, leaving your head cool all day. It is lightweight, foldable, convenient to carry, and saves space. It is a great choice for daily use and outdoor activities including research and sports.
Pros
- Functional as it is great for any outdoor activity,
- Flaps do not sit close to your head,
- Drawstring closure for a perfect fit,
- Long brim for good shade covering,
- Has an adjustable cord for a customized fit,
- 100% polyester so it’s more durable and water-resistant
Cons
- A flexible brim that flaps in windy conditions
10. LETHMIK Outdoor Waterproof Boonie Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 13.7 x 13.7 x 3.7 inches (34.8 x 34.8 x 9.4 cm) |
Expand your adventure attire with the LETHMIK Outdoor Waterproof Boonie Hat. This hat is your ticket to achieving a synthesis of style, comfort, and resilience, all at a pleasing price point. Crafted using a fusion of soft, well-ventilated fabric, it’s a joy to wear on long hiking trails. Its lightness further adds to the ease without compromising durability – truly a mark of excellent craftsmanship.
Indispensable during the scorching summer hikes, the hat offers exclusive protection from the harmful solar radiations that can damage your face. The brim is an additional boon that lends versatility to the hat. Wear it folded up or down to match your look of the day, without the fear of it losing shape.
Carrying it around is a cinch, thanks to its foldable feature, which allows the hat to fit into any pocket or bag, saving you precious space.
Pros
- Crushable makes for easy packing,
- Chic style suitable for various occasions,
- Features multiple appealing colors,
- Universal size accommodates all,
- Constructed with waterproof polyester,
- Comfortable, lightweight, and provides ventilation
Cons
- Requires handwashing in cold water only,
- No customizable size options available
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of hiking hats and decided that 10 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Hiking Hat is Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Wide Brim Sun Hat with Neck Flap is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
Questions and Answers About hiking hats
What should I wear on a long hike?
During your extended hike, opt for hiking boots for optimal foot support. Choose tops, pants, and socks that are crafted from sweat-wick material to prevent excess moisture. Steer clear of cotton as it retains moisture. Light colors are preferable as they don’t soak up as much sun, remaining cooler. A hiking or sun hat is also a critical piece!
What should I look for in a hiking hat?
A good hiking hat should provide at least 30% protection against harmful UV rays. It should be made from polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Apart from good ventilation, a good hat should also have quick drying performance.
What is the best fabric for a hiking hat?
The best fabric for hiking hat is nylon because it is durable, water resistant, and less likely to tear. It moves sweat quickly to the fabric’s outer space and feels smooth. Polyester is also a great material for hiking hats with many similar properties and an additional quick drying.
What are the best hats for sun protection?
For excellent sun protection, you can’t beat hats crafted from nylon or polyester. On top of my list is Tilley’s LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat, which effectively shades and cools.
What is the best hat to wear in hot weather?
The best hiking sun hat is the Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat. It has mesh on both sides that guarantees flow of cool air, making you cool for long.
Do hats protect from sun?
Yes, hats protect from the sun. Wearing a hat increases your total sun protection by at least 10%.
What type of sun hat looks best?
The sun hats that look the best typically utilize a combination of closely knit material for optimal sun safety, alongside a sleek design. This fusion of form and function is common amongst the hats featured in my top 10 list.
Is a hat better than sunscreen?
Yes, wearing a hat to reduce skin exposure to harmful UV rays is better than sunscreen. Hats are more effective in reducing the risk of skin cancer and the aging effects of the sun.
What is the best color for a sun hat?
Opt for a sun hat in a light hue as it reduces heat absorption, thus providing quicker cooling.
