Hiking hats are essential when preparing for an outdoors expedition, however big or small. They are versatile in that they protect your skin and head from harmful UV rays and keep sweat at bay while making you look stylish.
If you wear a good hat for hiking, you are sure to get shelter from weather conditions including rain and wind. It will also help to regulate your body temperature.
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What is the Best Hiking Hat?
To find the absolute best hiking hat we have searched through most of the available hats for hiking and read all the comments left by people who bought and used them. Then we compiled the list of the top 10 hiking hats based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users. Feel free to use the results of hours of our research now and thank us later in the comments.
Oh, and just so you know, there are also Buying Guide and FAQ sections below the top products that provide a handy overview of things you may need to know before and after you buy your new hiking hat.
1. Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 16 x 12 x 3 Inches (40.6 x 30.5 x 7.6 cm) |
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The Tiley LTM6 is the best on my list because its material is 100% Nylon. It is a part of the Airflo collection that is made for versatility and functionality in every outdoor adventure.
The hat is handcrafted and its crown is made a bit higher so that the top does not sit on your head. It is lightweight so it rests on your head comfortably and is designed with mesh to make it breathable. This means that it allows your head to vent as warm air escapes and cool breezes flow through the mesh.
Pros
- Designed to last a lifetime,
- Secret pocket to keep small objects safe,
- Incorporates mesh for ventilation,
- Water-resistant,
- Multiple sizes and colors to choose from,
- Dual drawstring closure
Cons
- Costs significantly more than others on this list
2. Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 7.1 x 7.1 x 2 Inches (18 x 18 x 5.1 cm) |
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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
3. LETHMIK Boonie Hiking Hat
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 15 x 14 x 3.9 Inches (38.1 x 35.6 x 9.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
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
4. 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) |
See it in your local store:
Here’s another of men’s hiking sun hats that does a great job at protecting you in the outdoors. The wide brim sun hat with neck flap is designed to protect your face, ears, and neck. It provides comfort when you are hiking, fishing, golfing, or gardening.
The hat is made from quality nylon materials and has a mesh side panel for ventilation and cooling. It is lightweight and dries quickly, ensuring that there is no sogginess while you are outdoors.
Pros
- Wide brim and neck flap for complete sun protection,
- Water and stain-resistant,
- Budget-friendly,
- Adjustable and lightweight,
- Easy to pack and can fit in your pocket,
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Not stylish and you can only wear it for outdoor adventure,
- Not suitable for windy conditions
5. UV Protection Hat Wide Brim Safari
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 23.6 x 8 x 3 Inches (59.9 x 20.3 x 7.6 cm) |
See it in your local store:
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) |
See it in your local store:
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) Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 22.6 x 7.5 x 3.2 Inches (57.4 x 19 x 8 cm) |
See it in your local store:
The Ushake sun cap comes with a detachable neck flap and breathable face mask that keeps you safe from harsh weather conditions. By ditching the flap and mask, the sun cap easily transforms into a baseball cap.
It is convenient for care and use as you can adjust it to your hat size. It has a breathable network on both sides of the hat. The hat is made from soft and comfortable fast-drying fabric. It also has a neck strap to keep the hat on in the higher wind.
Pros
- Neck flap with breathable face mask,
- Buckle closure to keep flaps in place,
- Solid and made durable by stitch crimping,
- Ultra-light,
- Perfect for windy and desert areas,
- Water-resistant so it is useful for light rainy days
Cons
- Doesn’t fit well on smaller heads
8. Solaris Wide Brim Boonie Hat
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 23.8 x 3.7 Inches (60.5 x 9.4 cm) |
See it in your local store:
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: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 24 x 4.7 x 4.3 Inches (61 x 11.9 x 10.9 cm) |
See it in your local store:
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) Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 13.7 x 13.7 x 3.7 Inches (34.8 x 34.8 x 9.4 cm) |
See it in your local store:
The LETHMIK Outdoor Waterproof Boonie Hat offers you style and quality at a reasonable price as it achieves a perfect balance between beautiful and functional. It is made from a soft, lightweight, breathable, and durable material. It offers total protection for your face from damaging sun rays.
It is versatile in that the brim can be worn folded up or down without losing its shape. It is also foldable and you can carry it inside your bags or put it in your pocket to save space.
Pros
- Crushable so it fits any space,
- Sleek style means it can be worn for any outing,
- Cool colors,
- One size fits most,
- Waterproof polyester fabric,
- Lightweight and ventilated
Cons
- Cold water hand wash only
Verdict
We went through most of the hiking hats available today and considered what people who used them are saying about these hats for hiking. We also looked closely at their pricing and specs to find that Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat is the overall best hiking hat out there.
However, LETHMIK Boonie Hiking Hat is a very good affordable alternative for those who want to get one of the budget hats for hiking.
For those who need the absolute best of the best, regardless of the price, Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat is the premium pick.
Questions and Answers About Hiking Hats
What should I wear on a long hike?
On a long hike, it is best to wear hiking boots. Your shirts, bottoms, and socks should be made from breathable wicking materials to keep sweat off your skin. Avoid cotton totally! Also, go for lighter colors as they absorb less heat and can keep you cooler on sunny days. Of course, do not forget to bring a hiking/sun hat.
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 a 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 additional quick drying.
What are the best hats for sun protection?
The best hats for sun protection are made from nylon or polyester. I recommend the Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Hat.
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 the flow of cool air, making you cool for long.
Do hats protect from the 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 best looking sun hats for sun protection are made from tightly-woven cloth materials. Most of the hats in my top 10 list achieve a blend of style and functionality.
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?
Lighter colors are best for a sun hat as they absorb less heat and cool you much faster.
1 thought on “Best Hiking Hat”
my head is so big. which size4 is the best for me ?