Best Hat for Hiking – Top 10 Review and Buying Guide

Last Updated: October 12, 2021

Summer is here. And you know what that means.

It’s time to hit the streets or lay at the beach. Or plan some fun outdoor activities with your friends! But if hiking is on your schedule for the summer, then you might want to consider buying the right gear first. What you need to be hunting for, therefore, is the best hiking hat around.

This may sound trivial, but a hiking hat is rather useful. With the right one, you’ll be able to spend as long as you want out in the sun, without having to worry about the sun burning your skin.

The best hiking hats are comfortable, durable, breathable, waterproof, adjustable, and stylish.

So, you must be wondering where you can find the perfect hiking hat for your trip that will meet all of these requirements. Don’t worry though; because we have got your back.

Best Hiking Hat – Top 10 Review

You must be thinking: “I just have to buy a hat; how hard could it be?”

Honestly, it’s actually more complicated than you think. There are many factors to take into account before you even get the chance to think about personal preference and style. It is even more challenging to pick one when you don’t know what you’re looking for and where to start.

To make your life easier, we have put together this list of the best 10 hiking hats you can find in the market right now.

1. Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat

The Tilley Endurables hat earns its top spot with its remarkable quality. Its pure nylon material makes it a comfortable and long-lasting choice. What’s more is that it has certified UPF 50+ protection, which means the scorching heat of the sun cannot pass through when worn.

The colors may range from light to neutral, but this is a perfect stylish head cover for individuals who love to mix and match clothes with their hats. Even on a hiking trip you can look fashionable.

It has a dual drawstring closure, however, since it is made of nylon, it is only suitable to be hand washed.

This piece is very simple and does its job in a standard manner. No added fanciness or features, but it is definitely on the expensive side.

2. Columbia Bora Bora Booney

The Columbia Bora Bora Booney is a classic take on a hiking hat. Made of pure nylon, it has UPF 50 protection that blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and avoid skin damaging effects of the sun. It also has a moisture-absorbent wick so the moisture from your skin can quickly spread across the surface and evaporates instantly. It ensures your sweat doesn’t drip down your face on very hot days.

It is fashionable and long-lasting too and has an adjustable strap, drawcord, and toggle. This means you can change up its structure depending on what aspects of it you need. However, it is not waterproof.

3. Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer

Aussie Breezer’s strength is probably its comfortability and the coolness it may bring you when wearing it. Made from 100% cotton with a mesh net on its crown, it may be your best friend when you want something lightweight and easy to wear.

It has a classic 3” brim with an adjustable self-chin cord. Some parts are made out of 55% Polyester and 45% Cotton.

It has a very stylish design, so if you are looking for a hat that will get the job done while also impressing your friends with your fashion choices, this is the one for you.

Unfortunately, it can only be dry cleaned because it’s made of cotton.

4. Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat is a must especially when you hike on a hot summer day. Made from 88% nylon and 12% polyester, the design was carefully crafted.

Just like most top hiking hats, it offers UPF 50+ rating so you are sure to get a full protection from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. It has a 31/4” folding clamshell brim that lets your front vision clear from the bright sun.

It has a unique design with a sunglasses lock, which will keep your sunglasses in place while you are moving out and about. It is also very durable and can be folded up when carrying around. It is also water and stain resistant which is a plus.

5. CAMO COLL Outdoor Boonie Hat

The CAMO COLL boonie is pretty much straightforward with no confusing features and added fanciness. Made from 100% polyester with a standard drawstring closure so you can be sure that it is sturdy and secured when worn.

It is comfortable with a 7.5 inner and 13.5 outer diameter, and also excellent for protecting your face and skin from the sun’s rays because of its UPF 50+ anti-UV feature.

It also is vented, so it is airy and breathable, which will make you avoid feeling suffocated when you are out in the heat.

It is suitable to be used for variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing or gardening. However, it is not waterproof, so you should keep this in mind, especially if hiking somewhere where rain is expected.

6. SUN CUBE Hiking Hat

The best hiking hats commonly offer great sun protection without having to give up on comfort and quality. The SUN CUBE is no exception. It is a proper hat with good sun cover while doing its function well.

It is made out of quick dry nylon with a 24 inch head circumference and a 3.7 inch brim with adjustable cords for a perfect fit. It has a UPF 50+ rating for an effective UV ray protection of your face, ears, and neck when you are out hiking or just doing any outdoor activities.

The mesh side panels provide comfort and breathability, and its adjustable chin strap ensures that the wind does not blow it away on windy days.

It’s easily packable, so light it won’t add any extra weight to your hiking gear.

7. Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

This Helios sun hat is a classic hiking hat that is true to its size, made from 86% nylon and 14% polyester. It features a double weave rip stop main shell that is made from 100% supplex nylon and a plain weave under brim.

It has nothing much to offer aside from its basic UPF 50+ sun protection feature basically seen in most outdoor hats for hot weather. But the materials are of high-quality and the design is sleek.

It has a pull-on closure and is extremely comfortable and light. Being made of water-resistant material is a bonus because it can start raining on your hiking trip.

However, if you are on a budget and do not want to splurge on buying a head gear on the higher-end, then this one is a topic for another day.

8. HLLMAN Super Wide Brim Sun Hat

If you are into wide brims type of fishing hats, this one might be perfect for trekking too. Moreover, if you happen to be skin conscious on not wanting your skin or face to be overly exposed under the harshness of the sun, the super wide brim would be great for you.

It is made from 100% nylon with a 5.5” wide front/side floppy brim. It is certified UPF 50+ and crafted with lightweight materials making it comfortable to wear. Plus it is soft, moisture absorbent and breathable because of the mesh panels that will keep your head nice and cool while out in the heat.

The high-quality, water resistant material means you won’t need to buy another hiking sun hat for a long time.

9. Quiksilver Bushmaster Bucket Hat

The Quiksilver bucket hat is made from 100% cotton and features a pull on closure and adjustable strap in matching fabric with a unique design embroidered on the front.

Although, there is nothing fancy, as it is a simple bucket hat providing enough sun coverage, if you wanted to have a reliable hat, made by a known brand, then there is a reason this one is commonly used by hikers and outdoor lovers.

It has enough floppy brim length to protect and shield you. Some might be comfortable wearing this because of its style and sleek design, but the function is pretty much basic and frankly, it does its job pretty well.

The only drawback is that cotton may be susceptible to wear and tear and it can only be washed by hand.

10. LETHMIK Sun Boonie Hat

This LETHMIK boonie hat is a good multi-purpose option. Having a sleek style, it is made out of 100% quality polyester.

It is excellent in sun protection having a UPF 50+. This fashionable piece is also super helpful, as it is waterproof , very lightweight and easy to store – because of its fold-up brim material.

With the adjustable wind cord, you can be sure that it will hold its place in case aggressive winds struck. The complete adjustability means it will fit both men and women without any issues..

Factors To Keep in Mind When Looking For a Hiking Hat

Hiking hats are commonly taken for granted and were not often considered to be worn during hiking trips. This should not be the case always. The best hiking hats are offered by reputable companies to ensure that hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have enough protection and safety during their adventures.

There are a few main categories that we have taken into account, which are comfort, size, breathability, waterproofness, and adjustability.

To get a little bit more familiar with exactly what product you want to spend on, here is a small guide on some of the factors that we have based our evaluations on.

This guide will help you determine precisely what you are looking for and help you make the right choice.

Size

Of course, finding the right size should be taken into consideration because there is no point of getting a hat which does not fit you well. More so, a good wide brim can help protect you from the sun better. It is always better to protect yourself as a precaution.

Comfort

Some might give up comfort for style, but comfort should not be forgotten because outdoor activities are already tiring and strenuous, so the least you could do is make your accessory comfortable.

Because you need to be out in the sun for long periods, having a comfortable hat is necessary. The ones made of polyester are the most comfortable. This is because, unlike nylon, it is more breathable and will make you feel less sweaty. Cotton is comfortable too but is not very practical because it is not long-lasting.

Breathability

Breathability is also an essential factor that should be taken into account. It just means there is air flowing through your hat so that you don’t feel suffocated. Breathable hats have vents and adjustable straps.

Durability

No one wants to carry extra weight when they are going to be walking for days. This is why durability is essential when considering a hat for your hikes. It will ensure that you can easily carry it around when you are not wearing it, as the ideal hat for hiking can easily be stuffed into your pocket.

Price

Sometimes, cheaper ones tend to be cheaper in quality as well because they used poor quality materials. It is always good to purchase from good, known brands to be guaranteed of the quality. This goes the same with buying overpriced hats – it is not always a good buy, or the materials are not always reflective of the price.

Sun protection

By wearing hats specifically made to withstand extreme heat and prevent harmful rays to penetrate through should be considered. Hats are worn to protect your head, face and neck from the harshness of the sun or any irritants that may come with the blowing of the wind. It is better to be careful than sorry.

Style

Hats are extension of your wardrobe and can accentuate your style more, so the better the design, the more appealing will it be. There are companies who offer wide array of color variations just so the users can have many options and can pair it up with their other clothing.

Affordability may come to mind, but you also have to remember that sometimes, cheap or inexpensive hats are also made from cheap, poor quality materials that can affect the effectiveness and comfort.

Some would mind their fashion and style on whether the hat would be a perfect pair for their outfit as a whole. If you are interested in getting a hiking sun hat for yourself, these are some tips that you should keep in mind:

• Consider the material it was made from – The most common misconception when choosing hats would be to pick on a high-priced one made from expensive materials. Sure, you are getting the quality that you want, but the most important features are commonly not offered by these expensive hats. Choose on whether it is nylon, polyester or cotton.
• Design and specific measures – You will surely not buy a hat that has a shorter, narrower brim because it will obviously give you a poor sun protection. Always opt to buy one with larger, wider and longer brim, or those which have back flaps. The very purpose of hats in general is to protect you from the blazing heat of the sun or sometimes, to keep away any obstructions from getting in to your view. So the larger or wider the brim is, it can provide you enough protection. It is an extra layer of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a hat when I go hiking?

A hiking hat is an essential piece of equipment when you go out in the sun. First, it protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These rays could burn and cause irreversible damage to your skin, which is why it is essential to wear the necessary protective gear. Ideally, you should make sure you get an outdoor hat that will protect your head, neck, and ears.

Do I need to wear a hat when I go hiking in the winter?

Well, it depends. If you are going hiking in a place covered with trees and there is a lot of shade, having a backpacking hat may not be essential. But if your trail is exposed, wearing it may be beneficial because you wouldn’t want to get a sunburn.

Although, it is advised that you wear it in winter too because invisible ultraviolet rays could damage your skin too, even in the winter.

Conclusion

Now that you have reached the end, we are certain you must have a little bit more clarity on the hiking cap that you would like to get.

The best hiking hats vary in every person’s need, it is as if you are choosing the perfect shield before going to a battle.

After a careful evaluation, it is clear that the Tilley Endurables hat is the one that meets most of the factors that make for the perfect sun hat for hiking. It is comfortable, durable, breathable, long-lasting and has various sizes and colors to choose from. All of this is in addition to its excellent sun protection with UPF 50+. So now you can go on your hiking trip without worrying about anything but making memories.