If I learned a crucial lesson on my hikes it’s this: Never underestimate the power of a good hat.
A sun hat is an investment. And it’s one that will stick around longer than your favorite hiking boots. It will be there, come rain or shine, until the day you lose it (that’s a heartbreak of its own).
Obviously, they shield your face from sun rays and keep you cool, but I also love them because they make for a stylish hiking accessory too!
Here, I’ve shortlisted the best sun hats for hiking to give you an idea of which ones make into the cart. They are top-rated, durable and will give you the most value for your money.
What Are the Best Hiking Hats?
Best Wide Brim Hiking Hat: Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat | Check Price
Best Bucket Hiking Hat: Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat | Check Price
Best Hiking Trucker Hat: Patagonia P-6 Logo LoPro Trucker Hat | Check Price
Best Straw Hiking Hat: Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat | Check Price
Honorable Mention: REI Co-op Sahara Paddler Hat | Check Price
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
This hat is like a shady refuge on your head and keeps you cool even in 90-100+ degrees temperatures. I genuinely think it’s the best wide brim hiking hat available, as it provides total sun protection and is lightweight and quick-drying.
It weighs only 3 ounces but carries a TON of features. It’s made of durable, water-resistant Supplex nylon with a UPF 50 rating which firmly keeps sun rays at bay.
Its feature-rich design also includes a long cape at the back to protect your neck and has large mesh side panels that let a cooling breeze come in. I dare you to find any other hat that does a better job at beating the heat!
The brim is another aspect I absolutely love. No matter what, the brim never loses its shape. It’s reliable, shading the entire face without fail.
The hat has a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on REI, and it’s easy to see why. Apart from the features already mentioned, it has an attached chin strap. It’s a little life saver when it gets windy but the hat has a tendency to fly away if you don’t use it.
Fashion lovers might argue that this is not the most fashionable option and I agree. But when I’m hiking through the Grand Canyon under a scorching sun, fashion ALWAYS comes second to comfort and sun protection.
Verdict
In my years of hiking, I’ve yet to encounter a better companion than the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat.
At $46, it might seem like an investment but in this hat, literally every dime goes toward premium protection. In the long run, it’s a small price to pay for comfort, safety, and the joy of uninterrupted hiking.
Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Cotopaxi Tech is my favorite bucket hat for hiking and, I bet, soon to be a favorite of yours.
It’s a bucket hat, simple yet highly functional. The recycled nylon fabric has a woven patch graphic that adds a touch of style to it. The hat is not only eco-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing.
The brim of the hat, measuring a decent width of 2.5 inches, is designed just right, neither too wide nor too floppy. This allows for great protection against the sun’s rays, without obstructing your vision or making you feel uncomfortable.
This hat remains steadfast in high winds, all thanks to the chin strap that can be tightened and loosened as needed. It also comes in handy when you don’t want to hold on to your hat while climbing up steep trails.
One of the best attributes I love about this hat is its versatility. It’s perfect for beach days, fishing trips, and, of course, hiking. The hat’s band is bent upwards and downwards in just the right parts, offering ideal shading and comfort.
Let’s not overlook the stylish color combination Cotopaxi offers! It adds a sense of fun while out on your trails and many hikers actually complimented me on it.
Although it comes in one size, I find it fits pretty well. But of course, everyone is unique, and so are our head sizes! This may be a downside for some, but the adjustable chin strap helps to secure it in place.
The long drawstring provides convenience so you can easily take the hat off and wear it on your back when you don’t need it.
Another bonus? It’s packable! Yes, you can fold it neatly into your backpack without worrying about it losing shape. Ideal for travel or when you’re moving between different hiking locations.
Verdict
Is it the best bucket hat I’ve ever bought? Hands down, YES. Priced at a reasonable $40, it’s a stylish and functional hat. The best part is that you’re not only investing in a great hat but also supporting sustainable and ethical practices with the use of recycled materials by Cotopaxi.
Patagonia P-6 Logo LoPro Trucker Hat
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Patagonia P-6 is the best hiking trucker hat, as it provides excellent sun protection and is versatile in its use while making you look good on Instagram photos!
The hat is made of organically grown cotton mixed with recycled polyester. This combination gives a super soft feel on the head and durability that withstands all your hikes. How many hats do you know that do that?
The 6-panel design gives the hat a structured fit, meaning it stays put even in gusty winds. Topped with a canvas headband, it keeps the hat comfortably secured around your head without causing discomfort.
One size fits all, thanks to its adjustable snap closure. No more guessing your head size or worrying about the hat being too tight or too loose.
This hat is built well and has survived many exposures to water without any deformation. A bit stiff at first, but after a few hikes, it breaks in quite nicely.
However, what I noticed is that the fabric tends to hold onto sweat marks after a few uses. It’s pretty much the only drawback I’ve spotted so far.
Verdict
Priced at $40, The 4.9 out of 5 stars rating on REI only proves that the Patagonia P-6 trucker hat is a favorite among hikers. It delivers on its promises and offers excellent value for your money.
Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat is hands down the best hiking straw hat I’ve ever owned.
It’s made from 90% paper and 10% polyester. The fabric composition makes it durable but not very lightweight.
With a brim width of 2.75 inches, you get enough coverage to protect your face from the harsh sun with a UPF rating of 50+ included.
Moving on to its size, it could be a bit larger than what you’re used to but the internal adjustable sizing allows it to fit snugly on your head, eliminating the fear of it blowing away with the wind.
The decorative hatband is an eye-catcher, adding that touch of style to your hiking outfit. The wicking sweatband is another great feature, keeping your forehead sweat-free during strenuous hikes.
Despite being a tad heavy, this hat does not cause fatigue. You can wear it for long hours without feeling a strain on your neck or head.
The flexible style of this hat is yet another tick in the box. You can mold it into various forms to suit your style and need – a feature I’ve loved experimenting with!
Verdict
Planning a trip to the sunny beaches of Hawaii, or preparing for a challenging hike across the Appalachian trail? The Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat should be your go-to accessory.
Priced at $40, it’s a reasonable ask for its range of features and the benefits it offers.
REI Co-op Sahara Paddler Hat
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
It’s not only the most breathable hiking hat in our ranking – it’s flexible, light, yet sturdy. You don’t have to worry about it flying away, even in a strong breeze of 30 mph!
The REI Co-op Sahara Paddler uses polyester fabric, which is exceptionally breathable. With ventilation around the crown and vents on top, it’s the perfect companion for warm weather hikes.
You know as well as I do how much of a hassle it can be when your hat keeps flying off. The good news is this hat has a chin strap to keep it secure, and the foam insert ensures your hat floats if it ends up in the water.
Sun hats often get a bad rap in the style department. But with the Sahara Paddler, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s not just functional but also stylish, fits well, and is a perfect accessory to your hiking outfit.
Although there’s only one color available (gray fin), it’s a versatile and classic hue that will blend perfectly with any outfit.
Verdict
For a moderate price of $40, you get a perfectly designed, comfortable, and efficient hiking hat. When you wear it, you can focus on your journey, discover new trails, and experience the joy of hiking without worrying about the sun beating down on you.
Should You Wear a Hat When Hiking?
Yes, you should wear a hat while hiking because it serves multiple purposes. The primary purpose of a hat is to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can cause severe sunburns and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
A good hat can also:
- Keep the rain off
- Help you avoid bugs
- Reduce glare
Every hiker has their own unique style and preference. Some of us can’t step foot on a trail without their baseball cap, while others prefer the feeling of the wind in their hair. But the benefits of wearing a hat while hiking go way beyond just personal style.
So, should you wear a hat when hiking? I’d say absolutely. Not only does it protect you from the elements, but with so many stylish options available nowadays, it can also add a fun touch to your hiking outfit.
How to Choose a Hiking Hat?
Step 1: Define Your Hiking Hat Needs
Ask yourself important questions about your hikes.
- How long are they?
- What weather conditions will you be braving?
- Do you need sun protection, water resistance, or perhaps, insulation for colder climates?
Each feature serves a purpose and the right combination will depend on your specific needs.
Step 2: Be Picky About Materials
We want durable and weather-ready options that’ll stand up to rugged trails. Consider materials like
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Leather
- Cotton
These can resist everything from stains and tears to sun fades.
Step 3: Don’t Skimp on Sun Protection
Check the hat’s UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. This measures the amount of UV radiation blocked by the fabric.
Pick one with a UPF of 50+. Better yet, opt for hats with wide brims or neck flaps for that extra shield against the sun.
Step 4: Weather Matters
Hot weather hikes call for lightweight, breathable hats – those that wick away sweat and keep your head cool. Hats with cotton sweatbands or UV resistant materials work great.
For chillier climates, hats made of wool or weathered cotton work best for their warmth and insulation.
Step 5: Weight Can Tip the Scales
Planning long hikes? A hat that feels light as a feather is a must. Materials like polyester are both lightweight and durable.
If you’re a winter trail blazer, remember, warmth trumps weight.
Step 6: Comfort is King
Make sure your hiking hat feels like a perfect fit. It shouldn’t be so tight it leaves a mark, nor so loose it slides around. Look for features like adjustable straps or chin cords for additional security.
Step 7: Flaunt Your Personal Style
There’s a variety of styles to choose from – Boho, fedoras, bucket hats, even more. Pick the one that not only protects you but also makes you look good doing it!
Conclusion
Once you’ve experienced the sheer joy of a hike with a hat that’s got UPF 50+ protection, breathability, and quick-drying features, you’ll understand why I’m such a fan of hiking hats.
These hats may be a bit pricier than your regular cap, but you’ll forget all about that pretty quickly once you’re on the trail, with your head protected and comfortable.
Treat yourself to a hat that’s up for the challenge and will last you for years to come.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
