Best Hiking Sun Hat in 2022 (Helpful Buying Guide)


Hiking Sun Hat

Sun hats are one of the most crucial components of anyone’s hiking apparel. Whether you’re effortlessly hiking your favorite trail, trekking a challenging mountain, or training for an upcoming mountaineering event, protecting your face, eyes, neck, and scalp is vital to ensure that your skin won’t get damaged.

We have used different manufacturers to see which provided the most comfort, breathability, protection, and durability. We’ve ask people who used them in high mountains, plush landscapes, and even down in the lakes, where the sun and rain can directly hit us.

In this article, you’ll find our best overall pick, best sun hats for men, women, and kids. Plus, some additional information on how you can choose the perfect sun hat for you.

 

Best hiking sun hat: our quick answer

 

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Best overall hiking sun hat

1. Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.6oz
Size of Brim: 3.25”, with 6” neck cape
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 88% Nylon, 12% Polyester Dobby

We gave our best overall hiking sun hat pick to the Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat because it has everything that you need from a hiking hat. From breathability to sun protection, comfort, added features, and lightweight, you surely won’t regret bringing this baby in all your adventures.

What we like about the Ultra Adventure is that it was able to fully cover our head, face, and neck from the harsh rays of the sun. With its 3.25” Reverse Split Brim and 6” long neck cape, we were comfortable enough to wear it the entire day without even realizing that we didn’t take it off.

Additionally, even if we were paddling our way to our camp, the dark-colored brim material reduced the reflective glare from the water. Out of all the products we’ve tested, this sun hat provides the best ventilation and breathability.

Thanks to its nylon and polyester material, mesh panels, and the sweatband that covers the entire area of the hat, you won’t feel any sweat trickling down your brow because it wicks it away. With the additional tapered cape, you’ll feel additional airflow onto your neck.

What makes the Ultra Adventure stand out against its competitors is the small, but well-thought features. You’ll find a chin cord for you to tighten the hat and not let it get blown away by the wind. The Sunglass Lock feature lets you bend over without worrying that your sunglasses might fall off.

Durability-wise, this sun hat is made with the Reverse Clamshell Brim, which enables you to fold it in half and store it inside your pack. We tried folding the hat in a different direction, but the brim itself bounced it back and resulted in some minor creases.

We honestly couldn’t find anything wrong with the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure sun hat. Perhaps, the only thing that this hat lacks is style. Although, the design is not something to be embarrassed about, and we understand that the brand focuses on the technicality and functionality of the hat rather than styling it.

Read our in-depth review of this product.


 

Choosing the right footwear for your hike is very important. Wearing the wrong footwear could lead to sore feet and blisters which will prevent you from enjoying your hike to the fullest. Lucky for you, we have a list of the best hiking shoes for men, women, and children all in one article.

 

Best sun hats for women

2. Outdoor Research Women’s Oasis Sun Sombrero

Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sun Sombrero

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 3.4oz
Size of Brim: 3.25” front/sides, 4.5” back
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 86% Nylon, 14% Polyester, Double Weave RipStop Mainshell

If you’re looking for sun protection on your quick day hikes, the Outdoor Research Oasis Sombrero could be the best sun hat for you. With its wide brim, sweatband, and stylish design, we’re sure you’ll love wearing this anywhere you go.

What we like about the Oasis Sombrero is that it provides great protection against the sun. It covers 3.25” for the front and sides, and 4.5” on the back area to provide you with extra coverage for your neck.

Compared to the other products we’ve reviewed in this category, this sun hat has a stiffer brim that could stand up against gusty winds. Although, because of this stiff brim feature, we felt that it’s a bit snug and can sometimes dig into the forehead when worn too long. We suggest, if you choose to buy this product, to go one size above to ensure that you’ll feel more comfortable.

The nylon and polyester material makes the Oasis Sombrero sun hat lightweight and somewhat breathable. Also, the sweatband effectively absorbs sweat away from your forehead, which is perfect for a hike under the sun.

Since the Oasis Sombrero is a new version, we’re pleased to see that it’s more durable than its previous version. It retained its shape even though we tried to keep it on a ziplock bag when we were traveling. We didn’t find any permanent creases, which is a big plus compared to its direct competitors.

What we didn’t like about the Outdoor Research Oasis Sombrero is that it’s not as breathable as other products. We were surprised to see that there were no mesh panels or vents in the entire hat.

Read our in-depth review of this product.


 

3. Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat

Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 3.6oz
Size of Brim: 3.25” front brim and 3.5” back brim with floatable foam core
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Nylon

Experiencing unexpected rain while you’re hiking can be a bit troublesome. But thanks to the Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat, we were well protected from the rain, gusty winds, and the sun afterward. Although, we’d recommend the manufacturer to improve their mesh panels, and to adjust their sizing because it’s always a bit too short for the given size.

What we like about the Charter Hat is that it has everything that you need from a sun hat. The 3.25” front brim and 3.5” back brim provided enough protection from the harsh rays of the sun while we were hiking. However, it’s not as wide as the other products we’ve reviewed, so this is not its strongest point.

The nylon material is lightweight and breathable on its own, but we find the mesh panels kind of useless. While we were climbing to our campsite, some of our campers noticed a build-up of sweat on their head. We tried blowing through the mesh panel and were surprised that we not feeling any air passing through it.

What compromises this downside though is the wicking sweatband that covers the entire sun hat. Plus, we were able to test out the water-resistance of the Charter Hat when a light rain welcomed us. We also loved the fact that it’s stain-resistant and floats in the water, which is great when you plan to go boating.

Other features you’ll find in the Charter Hat include the Sunglass Lock, an interior crown pocket for you to store IDs or other papers, a chinstrap with a cord lock to ensure that it won’t get blown off, even in strong winds, and an interior adjustable sizing.

What we didn’t like about the Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat are the mesh panels, which can definitely be improved, and the sizing. In almost all the reviews we’ve found online, users have complained about the weird sizing chart and have recommended sizing up.


 

4. Tilley Women’s T3 Wanderer Hat

Tilley Women's T3 Wanderer Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 5.4oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾” front/back and 2 ⅜ sides
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Cotton Duck with Enzyme Wash Finish

Known by many people as one of the most durable, stylish, and technical sun hat, the Tilley T3 Wanderer Hat is pre-washed to make it look like it already traveled a thousand miles with you. Most of our hikers thought this hat was one of the best sun hats for women because of its well-thought features.

What we like about the T3 Wanderer is that it’s specially made for light hiking, beaching, or boating trips. It has the smallest brim, which measures 2 ¾” on the front and back, and 2 ⅜ on the sides, which is why you can’t expect it to be as protective as the previously mentioned products. However, the good thing about this product is that it has a front and back wind cords system that effectively secures the hat onto your head, and prevents it from being blown away by the wind.

Additionally, the 100% cotton material provides all the comfort that you need. This comes along with a Hydrofil sweatband that wicks away your sweat before it drips onto your eyes. We especially liked the grommets, which provide the ventilation and breathability of the entire sun hat.

Packing and storing the T3 Wanderer is not a problem either because the brim is versatile enough to be snapped on both sides without having to worry about creases. Other features you’ll find in this sun hat are the extra storage underneath the hat, its water-repellant feature, and its ability to stay afloat when you drop it in the water.

The only thing that we didn’t like about the Tilley T3 Wanderer Hat is the small brim coverage. But, we’ve found some reviews online from users who, when they received their hats, realized that they were smaller than what was mentioned in the description.


 

5. Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.8oz
Size of Brim: 2.75” brim, 7.25” neck cape
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Supplex Nylon, Plain Weave

Out of all the sun hats for women in this review, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap has the best protection and the most versatility. Its lightweight design, removable neck cape, and price make this one of the most sought out hats on the market.

What we like about the Sun Runner is that you can wear it on almost all your outdoor adventures. With the 7.25” neck cape on, you’ll be completely protected from the harsh heat of the sun. If you choose not to put on the cape, you can wear it like a baseball cap thanks to the small 2.75” brim to enjoy more breathability.

Because of the 100% Supplex nylon material, this sun hat is the lightest choice in the women’s category. Not only that, but it’s also so comfortable that it allows us to use it well enough to see our peripheral vision when looking up.

Compared to the previous hats we’ve reviewed, you don’t have to worry about the sizing of the Sun Runner because it’s equipped with a Velcro strap. Thanks to this feature, you can adjust the sizing to get a custom fit.

Outdoor Research is well-known for its durable sun hats, and the Sun Runner is no exception. At times, we stuffed it in our backpack and didn’t notice any damage at all. You should, however, make sure that you don’t fold it in a different way to avoid damaging the brim.

The only thing that we didn’t like about the Outdoor Research Sun Runner is that it does not effectively let air in. Even though it has mesh on the sides of the cap, it was slightly covered by the neck cape. Additionally, if you choose to wear the neck cape throughout the entire trip, you may feel hotter when the cape touches your skin.


 

When you venture out into the wilderness for a hike, it’s important to arm yourself with items that will protect you from the elements. One of the items that you should always have with you is a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you want to get a pair that is perfect for hiking, check out our best hiking sunglasses recommendations. 

 

Best Sun Hats for Men

6. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 3.1oz
Size of Brim: 4” front/back, 3.25” sides
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 89% Nylon, 11% Polyester Double Weave RipStop Crown, 100% Supplex Nylon

The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Hat is a great choice if you’re looking for a sun hat that provides outstanding sun protection, can withstand strong winds, and has good anti-glare protection. Not only that, but it’s breathable compared to its women’s counterpart, the Oasis Sombrero.

What we like about the Sombriolet is that it has a stiff brim. You’ll find a 4” brim on the front and back, and a 3.25” brim on the sides that can protect your neck and ears from the sun. Although it doesn’t have a neck cape, we were surprised by how well it covered us while we were hiking or boating.

Out of the many sun hats we’ve tested, the Sombriolet’s brim is one of the stiffest. It was able to withstand strong winds. Additionally, there’s a drawcord that you can tighten around your head for a more custom fit and to get extra protection. When the wind gets too tough, you can remove the chin cord as well.

As for the sizing, we chose one size larger than the size of our head, and thanks to this, we felt very comfortable. We recommend you to do this as well to avoid the brim burying itself into your forehead. It has a mesh-lined crown that provides breathability and great ventilation.

Since the brim was stiff, we somewhat expected to have trouble packing it into our backpack. We inserted it in a ziplock bag and stuffed it in our backpack. After preparing our tent and gears, we let the hat out again and it bounced right back with minor creases.

We didn’t find any drawbacks from the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Hat. But, like what we’ve mentioned earlier, we suggest that you size up to ensure maximum comfort. You don’t have to worry about the fit because the chin cord will allow you to adjust the sizing to your head. These are the reasons why we chose the Sombriolet as one of the best sun hats for men.

Read our in-depth review of this product.


 

7. Tilley LTM6 Airflo Bucket Sun Hat

Tilley LTM6 Airflo Bucket Sun Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 3.2oz
Size of Brim: 3 ½” front/back, 2 ½ sides
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Supplex Nylon; 100% Polyester Mesh

If you’re looking for the complete package in a sun hat for men, then you should check out the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat. It’s comfortable to use, provides great protection, is breathable, stylish, and most importantly, durable.

What we like about the LTM6 Airflo is that it provides great protection even if its brim is not as wide as its competitors’ sun hats. Tilley has boasted that this is their widest brim. It is 3 ½” on the front and back, and 2 ½” on the sides, but as you might notice, compared to the other products in this review, this is already one of the smallest brims. Nonetheless, the features of this sun hat are what make it one of the best.

The manufacturer has assured that this hat won’t be blown away while you’re on the move. The double wind cord system on the front and back of the hat allows you to tighten the hat whenever you need to. Plus, Tilley stated that this hat can float.

Breathability-wise, the polyester mesh you’ll find on the side of the hat creates the ventilation that you need. To avoid getting sweat into your eyes, the sweatband works very well to wick away the moisture.

Tilley is well-known by almost anyone who’s into outdoor adventures for providing quality and durable products, and the LTM6 Airflo is no exception. We packed and stored it in our backpack for a long time, and it still retained its original shape when we were about to use it.

What we didn’t like about the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Bucket Sun Hat is that it is somewhat different in terms of sizing. We suggest that you go one size higher to ensure that you’ll feel comfortable. Some people that typically use small-sized hats, but ordered the medium size on this model, still felt a minor headache when they wore it for too long.


 

8. Filson Summer Packer Hat

Filson Summer Packer Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 3.9oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾”
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 9-oz. Dry Finish Shelter Cloth

Out of all the products we’ve reviewed, the Filson Summer Packer Hat is one of the best options if you don’t like the feeling of your hat touching your backpack. With its narrow brim, the protection from the sun is minimal, but the comfort is at its highest.

What we like about the Summer Packer is that it’s true to size. Unlike its competitors, with which you need to go one or two sizes higher, this sun hat has 7 sizes that you can choose from to ensure that you get the perfect fit. It’s no wonder why there are no straps, Velcro patches, or toggles that can constantly poke your head while you’re moving. Plus, if you’re worried about strong winds, Filson has an optional chin strap that you can purchase.

Like we’ve mentioned earlier, this sun hat has a narrow brim – 2 ¾” all the way around. Unlike cape-style hats, which cover your neck entirely from the sun, the Summer Packer provides minimal protection from the sun.

We were concerned about the early stages of our tests since we didn’t find any mesh for the breathability and ventilation, but the Summer Packer surprised us with its performance. You’ll find four eyelet vents on both sides of the hat, which help ventilate your head. But the DWR-treated cotton makes it extremely lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.

The durability of this sun hat surprised us as well. We folded it in many different ways, packed it in a ziplock bag, and stuffed it in our backpacks. There were creases, but it soon faded away with a couple of uses.

We didn’t find any drawbacks from the Filson Summer Packer Hat, but it’s worth noting that this is one of the most expensive sun hats for men on the market today. So if you’re okay with the narrow brim, the non-adjustability, and the stylish design, this could be the best hat for you.


 

9. Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Sun Hat

Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Sun Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.64oz
Size of Brim: 3”
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Omni-Shade Textured Nylon

The Columbia Bora Bora Booney sun hat is adored by many hiking beginners, as well as enthusiasts because of its simplicity. If you’re looking for an affordable sun hat for men that can protect you from the sun, provides comfort, is extremely breathable, and durable enough to last a couple of years, then you should definitely check out this product.

What we like about the Bora Bora Booney is that it’s practically universal. You’ll only find one size for this hat. This one size fits all feature can be an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. An advantage because you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong fit since it has a drawcord that you can adjust accordingly. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that, if you have a small head like some of our campers, the hat may end up swallowing your head up to your eyes.

Nevertheless, we still felt comfortable with this sun hat and find that it still effectively protects the essential parts of our face from the sun. You’ll find mesh panels on the crown of this hat, which offer great breathability and ventilation. We could wear this hat the entire day and not feel sweaty. There’s also a sweatband that effectively wicks away any sweat that may fall down onto your face.

In terms of durability, we tried out the Bora Bora Booney with the 30-minute ziplock test and we’re happy to see that it retained its shape and that there were no creases. This is the perfect sun hat for hiking enthusiasts who are concerned about the weight of their pack.

What we didn’t like about the Columbia Bora Bora Booney sun hat is that the brim can get annoyingly floppy, especially on windy days. We also encourage anyone who’s looking to buy this hat to measure their head first to see if this hat can fit them properly.


 

Nobody wants to experience a quick day hike trip with excessive weight on their shoulders. Imagine the heavy load and muscle pains you’ll go through by the time you get back home. To help you avoid this situation, read our article to learn how to pack for a day hike.

 

Best Kids Sun Hat

10. Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat

Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 1.8oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾” – 3 ¾” Down-Sloping Brim with Floatable Foam Core and Full 5 ½” – 6” Neck Veil
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Nylon; 100% Polyester Mesh

The Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat is the answer to the problems of any parents when it comes to hat-grabbing siblings. With its Smartstrap Breakaway Chinstrap Technology, your kid will stay unharmed if another child decides to pull off their hat.

What we like about the Kids’ Play Hat is that it has all the right features that we are looking for to protect our kids. Its sloping down brim is low enough to cover the face and nose of any kid who’s under the sun and is high enough not to cover their vision and get annoyed. The long neck veil is great because it covers the back area of their neck to avoid sunburn, but it doesn’t get hot for the child.

Like any child who constantly loses their hats, our kid campers are no exception. We especially liked the Smartstrap Breakaway Chinstrap Technology because it’s easy to attach and detach. Most importantly it doesn’t get blown off the wind.

The Kids’ Play Hat is water repellant so even if your kids go on swimming on the beach with their hats on, it won’t get heavy. Additionally, the hat easily dries off when under the sun. When not worn, you can pack it inside a bag and it will still look brand new when your child will use it again.

Honestly, we couldn’t find anything wrong with the Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hat. It may be a little pricey, but we can assure you that it’s all worth it.

Read our in-depth review of this product.


 

11. Outdoor Research Kids’ Rambler Sombrero Hat

Outdoor Research Kids' Rambler Sombrero Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.4oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾” front/sides, 3 ½”  back
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Supplex Nylon

The Outdoor Research Kids’ Rambler Sombrero Hat is one of the most sought out kids’ sun hats on the market today. With its outstanding performance under the sun, on windy days, and in the water at the beach, your kid will not only feel comfortable, but also stylish wherever they go.

What we like about the Kids’ Rambler Sombrero Hat is that it provides great coverage without having a cape that touches the back of your child. The wide brim can cover most of your child’s face from the sun, and since it’s stiff, it can withstand strong winds. Even though it’s water-resistant, we still like how it quickly dries off under the sun.

Our kid campers mentioned that this sun hat provides great comfort and ventilation, even when we were constantly hiking our way to the camp. Even though there were no mesh panels, the nylon material was light and breathable enough for them not to get sweaty hair.

If you’re worried about the hat being blown away, the one-handed drawcord adjustment can help your child have a snuggly fit. You’ll also find a breakaway removable chin cord on the left ear side of the hat to easily take it off.

In terms of durability and packability, we tried to stuff it hard on the kid campers’ backpacks and were to see minimal creases that faded away when worn for a long time. We also didn’t notice any wear and tear from all the uses of our campers on our week-long trip.

Since we didn’t experience any drawbacks from the Outdoor Research Kids’ Rambler Sombrero Hat, the only downside that we see is its price. Compared to the previous product, it costs nearly twice as much. Nevertheless, the Kids’ Rambler Sobrero is still one of the best sun hats for children.


 

12. Columbia Youth Unisex Bora Bora Junior Booney III Hat

Columbia Youth Unisex Bora Bora Junior Booney III Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.6oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾”
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Nylon

The Columbia Youth Bora Bora Junior Booney III sun hat is a great option if you’re looking for a hat without a chinstrap. Since most kids try to grab and pull their siblings’ or friends’ hats, some parents choose to buy a hat that only has adjustable drawcords.

What we like about the Bora Bora Junior Booney III is that it’s the best choice for ventilation and breathability. The 100% nylon gives it a lightweight and comfortable feel that all kids will love. You’ll also find a mesh panel that covers the crown of the hat, which allows air to go through it.

If your kid wants to tighten the hat for it to fit on their head, you can adjust the drawcord and toggle at the back of the hat. We tried this on several of our campers, and we were happy to see that it didn’t look weird on their heads considering some hats can look shrunken when we do this.

The Omni-wick sweatband is a great addition to this hat as it wicks away any sweat. This results in a clean and fresh look on your child’s face. Since the hat is made with high-quality materials, it won’t surprise us if your child wears this hat for their next couple of years of adventure.

The only thing that we didn’t like about the Columbia Youth Bora Bora Junior Booney III sun hat is that it doesn’t have a chinstrap. This is the reason why we don’t recommend you to use this if your child’s main adventures are boating.


 

13. Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat

Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.3oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾” front/sides, 5” back
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 100% Nylon

One of our campers’ favorites is the Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat. Because of its wide brim, inside mesh panels, chinstrap, bungee toggle, and budget-friendly price, many parents will choose to buy this hat over and over again.

What we like about the Noggins hat is that it’s extremely breathable, even when we’re in the middle of the sun. While we were out hiking, the kids were concerned about getting their head too hot, so we decided to spray some water on the inside mesh panel of the hat. This resulted in a cool and refreshing feel for the kids, who enjoyed the hike even more.

Since it has a wide coverage brim, it protects not only children’s faces, but also covers their necks, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin. We’re not worried about it getting blown away since it has a chin strap that can be tightened when you need it to be. Of course, chin straps can result in strangulation or discomfort to other kids, but Veyo created a quick release when there’s even a slight pull pressure on the hat.

We didn’t find any drawbacks to the Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat. It’s stylish, more affordable than the previous products, and has all the features that you need for your child to be safe and have fun at the same time. Although, it’s worth noting that this is hand-wash only.


 

14. Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

Click to view on amazon.com.

Weight: 2.1oz
Size of Brim: 2 ¾”
UPF Rating: 50
Material: 89% Nylon, 11% Polyester

The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat has won the hearts of many parents because it’s perfectly designed to protect your kids from the sun, it’s durable enough to withstand strong winds, and sturdy enough to quickly dry even when it’s soaking wet.

What we like about the Kids Helios is that the brim is both stiff and comfortable to use. The kids were able to have fun at the campsite and run around under the sun. They were also able to swim in the lake with their hats on. Of course, the hat was soaking wet, but we just hung it on the vent and it dried in just a matter of minutes.

The materials that were used makes this sun hat lightweight and the kid campers constantly mentioned that they forgot that they were wearing it at all. The nylon and polyester make it water-resistant, which is great when you find yourself under unexpected rain.

It has a breakaway removable chin cord, which you can use to tighten up the hat when it gets too windy. We love the fact that the hat can be easily removed by giving enough pressure when pulling the hat.

We honestly couldn’t find anything wrong with the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat. It’s technically designed to protect your child from nature, and is stylish enough to be worn anywhere they go.


 

Best hiking sun hat comparison table

FotoHiking Sun Hat Size of Brim UPF Rating Material Weight
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat

1. Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat

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3.25", with 6" neck cape5088% Nylon, 12% Polyester Dobby2.6oz
Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sun Sombrero

2. Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sun Sombrero

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3.25" front/sides, 4.5" back5086% Nylon, 14% Polyester, Double Weave RipStop Mainshell3.4oz
Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat

3. Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat

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3.25" front brim and 3.5" back brim with floatable foam core50100% Nylon3.6oz
Tilley Women's T3 Wanderer Hat

4. Tilley Women's T3 Wanderer Hat

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2 ¾" front/back and 2 ⅜ sides50100% Cotton Duck with Enzyme Wash Finish5.4oz
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

5. Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

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2.75" brim, 7.25" neck cape50100% Supplex Nylon, Plain Weave2.8oz
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

6. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

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4" front/back, 3.25" sides5089% Nylon, 11% Polyester Double Weave RipStop Crown, 100% Supplex Nylon3.1oz
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Bucket Sun Hat

7. Tilley LTM6 Airflo Bucket Sun Hat

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3 ½" front/back, 2 ½ sides50100% Supplex Nylon; 100% Polyester Mesh3.2oz
Filson Summer Packer Hat

8. Filson Summer Packer Hat

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2 ¾" 509-oz. Dry Finish Shelter Cloth3.9oz
Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Sun Hat

9. Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Sun Hat

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3"50100% Omni-Shade Textured Nylon 2.64oz
Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat

10. Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat

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2 ¾" - 3 ¾" Down-Sloping Brim with Floatable Foam Core and Full 5 ½" - 6" Neck Veil50100% Nylon; 100% Polyester Mesh1.8oz
Outdoor Research Kids' Rambler Sombrero Hat

11. Outdoor Research Kids' Rambler Sombrero Hat

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2 ¾" front/sides, 3 ½"  back50100% Supplex Nylon2.4oz
Columbia Youth Unisex Bora Bora Junior Booney III Hat

12. Columbia Youth Unisex Bora Bora Junior Booney III Hat

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2 ¾"50100% Nylon2.6oz
Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat

13. Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat

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2 ¾" front/sides, 5" back50100% Nylon2.3oz
Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

14. Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

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2 ¾"5089% Nylon, 11% Polyester2.1oz

 

Factors to consider when choosing a hiking sun hat

Not all hats are created the same way. Sun hats are specifically made to protect you from the harsh natural weather, like the sun. If you’re looking to buy your very first sun hat, here are some of the factors that you need to consider to ensure that you get a hat that’s perfect for you:

Material

The materials that were used to create the sun hat can make a lot of difference in terms of weight, durability, and comfort. You would want to look for a material that’s abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, comfortable, and can wick away the moisture on your head.

A quick trick to know if you’re on the right path of choosing the right material is by trying to let the light shine through it. If it does, don’t buy it.

Fit

Find a hat that you can remove easily. Don’t choose something that’s too loose because it may be blown away by the wind or dipping to your eyes. Also, make sure that it’s not too tight because you’d end up feeling uncomfortable while you’re moving.

Width of Brim

Our expert campers recommend that you choose a brim that’s woven tightly to ensure that you won’t get any sunburn even if you wear a hat. Also, make sure to mind the brim’s width. Too short and you’ll end up with no protection at all. Do not choose something that’s too long and wide, you’ll experience constant flopping when there’s a wind.

UPF-Rating

The UPF-rating on the material that was used to make the sun hat indicates how much UV-radiation it lets through. You’ll notice that all the sun hats that we’ve chosen in this Best Hiking Sun Hats list have 50 UPF-ratings.

 

What is the Best Color for a Sun Hat?

Research from the University of Utah shows that the more vivid the color of the cloth, the more protection it can have against UV rays. Darker colors tend to absorb more UV compared to lighter ones.

Therefore, when choosing a sun hat, make sure to consider not just the factors that we’ve mentioned earlier, but also the color and style of the hat.

 

Final Thoughts

A sun hat is something that should always be included in your hiking apparel, especially during the summer. Along with other protective gear such as sunglasses, sun hats will protect your face, eyes, neck, and scalp from harmful UV rays. There are hundreds of different sun hats on the market today, all you need to do is find the perfect one for you. 

Choosing a sun hat that has all the right qualities and features can make a huge difference in your hiking experience. Get a hat that can protect you, make you feel comfortable even when worn for a long time, is breathable, and durable to last for years.

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