This is a gear review of the Best Sun Hats for Hiking and Backpacking in 2024.
Sun hats do the simple task of preventing the hot sun from hitting the skin. This not only prevents sunburn but also assists in keeping you cooler on a hot day.
Using an ultralight hiking umbrella is a great idea for sun protection in hot deserts but for most people, you will need a wide-brimmed sun hat.
In this article, I have reviewed the best hiking hats for backpacking and hiking for 2024.
How We Tested
All the Hiking Hats in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Hats were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author during the heat of summer. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best hiking hats for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Sun Hats For Hiking 2024
The Best Sun Hats For Hiking 2024 are:
- Best Overall: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- Best Ultralight Hiking Hat: Headsweats Running Hat
- Best Wide Brim Hiking Hat: Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Hat
- Best Sun Protection Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner
- Best Hiking Cap: Outdoor Research Swift Cap
- Best Waterproof Hat: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat
- Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
- Outdoor Research Sombriolet
- Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
- Patagonia Baggies Brimmer
- The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer
Best Hiking Hat – Overall
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
Weight: 2.6 oz / 74 grams
Pros:
> Can be folded down, and stored away easily
> Full coverage of face and neck
> Sunglasses Lock on the brim
> Water and Sweat Resistant
Cons:
> Brim Size could be a little bigger
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat gives you great coverage when out hiking and offers the best sun protection. It has a four-inch foldable clamshell brim and a six-inch neck cape.
Your head, neck, and face will all be protected and covered by this hat. Despite the large amount of coverage this hat provides, some people feel they want an even bigger brim for more protection against the sun.
The brim is foldable and the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is extremely easy to carry or store in your backpack when not in use.
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is made of a mixture of nylon and polyester. On the top of the head, you will find mesh panels, this allows your head to breathe while wearing the hat. Add to that a good moisture-wicking headband.
It also has the highest UPF rating of UPF 50+, so you know that this hat will keep you protected. Alongside this, it also has a lock that will keep your sunglasses in place on your head.
Overall, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is one of the best hiking hats and the best hat for sun protection on the market right now.
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Best Ultralight Hiking Hat
Headsweats Running Hat
Weight: 1.9 oz / 55 grams
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Quick drying
> Great for evaporating sweat
> Lots of colors to choose from
Cons:
> Not as durable as some of the other hats
The Headsweats Running Hat has been my favorite hiking hat for thousands of miles of hiking. While it is a running hat it works very well as an ultralight hat for backpacking trips.
It is made from a very lightweight and very breathable synthetic material that keeps the sun out but lets the air flow enough to keep you cool on those hot days.
I used this hat for more than 5000 miles of thru-hiking on the Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. With more than 250 days of constant use in tough conditions, I found the hat to be up to the task of keeping me cool on those hot days. The material dries very quickly when you get sweaty and doesn’t seem to hold bad smells due to the airy fabric.
The lightweight material of this hat does have one downside. It will wear out a bit quicker than some other hats, especially around the brim area. Having said that, I like this hat so much I have now purchased my second hat to replace my worn-out first one.
This is one of the lightest and most breathable sun hats for 2024
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Best Wide Brimmed Hiking Hat
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat
Weight: Unknown
Pros:
> 100% recycled material.
> 11 different sizes to choose from
> There is a small, hidden pocket that allows you to store any small items.
Cons:
> They are a bit pricey compared to other hats we have on our list, yet you are paying for quality that should last.
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Wide Brim Sun Hat has been on hiking trails all around the world and is one of the most popular hats for hiking on the market.
It uses an eco-friendly design that uses 100% recycled nylon with a polyurethane membrane. This hat has the highest UPF rating of UPF 50+ to prevent skin cancer and has mesh inserts near the crown of the hat.
Alongside this, there is a small, hidden hook and loop pocket that you can use to store your small personal belongings. There is also a moisture-wicking headband, that helps keep your head cool.
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat is water-resistant and available in a large range of sizes; there are around 11 sizes to choose from. Therefore, there will be a hat to fit everyone who wants one. It also has a style that has a more compact design with a smaller brim, the LTM 5.
Overall, the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat is one of the most stylish hats for hiking that has been used all around the world by many hikers.
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Best Backpacking Headwear for Sun Protection
Outdoor Research Sun Runner
Weight: 2.8 oz / 79 grams
Pros:
> The velcro strap on this hat allows for a better fit around your head.
> Neck Cape covers your entire neck
> Lightweight
Cons:
> Not the most stylish hat.
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is a very protective and versatile hat to be worn for hiking. This hat is versatile. There is a removable neck cape that assists in protecting the neck and shoulders from excessive sun.
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner hat looks like a standard baseball cap, but the removable sun cape gives you better protection from the sun when needed. Even with the neck cape on, this is a very lightweight hat to wear.
Hiking with a cape looks a little strange to some people, but if you are looking for protection, then this hat could be for you.
It comes with a good-sized brim that wasn’t too big to restrict vision. A velcro strap on the back allows you to fit this cap nicely to your head.
Overall, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner is another very good baseball-style sun hat with a cape that provides great ultralight sun protection.
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Best Hiking Cap for Backpacking
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Weight: Unknown
Pros:
> Classic basketball-looking design
> A soft sweatband inside this cap quickly absorbs any sweat off your head
> Ultralight
> Comfortable
Cons:
> Comes in one size that fit most people but very large and very small heads may not like the fit.
The Outdoor Research Swift Cap is a classic-looking cap that still helps protect your head from the sun. This kind of sun cap has been designed for runners and hikers who are moving quickly and lightly.
The sun cap is light to wear and airy. It is well suited as an ultralight backpacking sun hat.
The soft sweatband found inside the hat works well to absorb any sweat.
The shell of this hat has the highest UPF rating of UPF 50+, and the outer lining is made from 100% nylon.
It is very quick-drying and offers great protection from any UV light rays. The other lining you will notice on this hat is mesh, and this is what gives this hat its airy feel.
It helps make this hat breathable. The brim is also very stiff and slightly curved, which helps shield your face.
Overall, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap is one of the best hiking baseball caps on the market and a great ultralight sun hat.
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Best Waterproof Hiking Hat
Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat
Weight: 3.2 oz / 91 grams
Pros:
> Can be used in all weather
> Waterproof Gore-Tex
> Good sun protection and rain protection
Cons:
> Not as breathable as most of the other hats
The Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat is a waterproof hat, but it is not for everyone. The hat lacks some of the breathability and ventilation of many of the other hats in this review but when it rains, they perform quite well.
When heading out into rainy weather many of us like to use a hat to keep the rain out of our eyes and off our face. As a result we wear a hat underneath our rain jackets. As long as it is not too windy this waterproof rain hat will help with keeping your head dry.
Overall, the Outdoor Research Seattle Rain hat is the best waterproof hiking hat for those that live in rainy areas and want to use the same hat in all weather.
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Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
Weight: 3 oz / 95 grams
Pros:
> Great Sun Protection
> Breathable and good ventilation
> Good fit
Cons:
> No sunglass strap like the ultra
The Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat is very similar to the Ultra but it has a slightly longer neck cape and a slightly wider brim than the ultra. But unlike the ultra, it is lacking the sunglass holder on the brim.
Made with water-resistant nylon and a UPF rating of 50+ there is a lot to like about this hat. But the lighter weight, sunglass straps, and better foldability of the ultra make it a better option for most people. There is also a good moisture-wicking headband on the Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat.
Overall, the Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat is a very popular sun hat that not only gives good sun protection but has good ventilation too.
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Outdoor Research Sombriolet Hiking Hat
Weight: Unknown
Pros:
> Comfortable and Breathable
> Foam Brim allows the hat to float
> Dark Grey Underside reduces glare
Cons:
> Brim may lose shape after multiple washes
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet sun hat is comfortable to wear. The inner mesh design positions the crown of the hat, just above your head which allows warm air to escape. This is a breathable wide brim hat.
A chin strap keeps the Outdoor Research Sombriolet secured to your head on those windy days. Also, the brim of this hat contains foams, which makes it floatable if you lose it in any water.
Overall, the Outdoor Research Sombriolet is a good option for someone wanting good sun protection and a durable hat.
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Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
Weight: Unknown
Pros:
> The inner headband, quickly removes any moisture from the skin into the fabric
> Mesh panels let cool air in and hot air out
> Good UV Protection
Cons:
> Some people think this sun hat just looks plain and dull.
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is another very popular hiking hat. Go for a hike anywhere in the world and you are sure to see someone wearing one of these hats. The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II uses 100% Nylon with a chin strap that can be used to secure this hat tightly to your head. The mesh vent panels allow any breeze to whip in and around your head, to help keep you cool.
Alongside this, the wide brim will protect you from the sun’s glare and block out all UV rays.
Overall, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II is one of the best wide brim sun hats for great protection from sun.
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Patagonia Baggies Brimmer
Weight: 4 oz / 99 grams
Pros:
> Comfortable
> Made from 100% recycled nylon from fishing nets
> Good sun protection
Cons:
> Not much but there are some supply issues at the moment
The Patagonia Baggies Brimmer is made from 100% recycled nylon from used fishing nets.
This hat does everything well but is not as good as some of the other hats. It looks good but some others look better. It fits well but some others fit better. And it offers good protection but some others are better. It is just a good hat that does everything well.
Overall, the Patagonia Baggies Brimmer hat is an environmentally friendly hat choice that looks good and just works.
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The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer
Weight: Unknown
Pros:
> Good sweatband
> Comfortable
> Breathable
Cons:
> Floppy brim when it is windy
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer is another popular wide-brimmed hat from the popular brand The North Face.
This hat ticks a few important boxes when it comes to making this a great hiking hat. The wide brim keeps a good amount of sun off the face but not as much as any of the hats above with a neck cape. The brim isn’t overly firm, so it will blow around when there is a good amount of wind. But don’t worry, there is a neck strap to keep the hat in place.
It also feels light and breathable. The elastic sweatband does a good job of adding to the comfort and keeping your face sweat free.
Overall, North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is a great sun hat that is comfortable and breathable.
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More Hats for Hiking to Consider
- Patagonia P6 Logo LoPro Trucker Hat
- Outdoor Research Helios
- Sunday Afternoons Havana
- Outdoor Research Oasis
- Filson Summer Packer
Hiking Hat Comparison Table
| Brand | Weight | Material | Brim Width | UPF Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat | 2.6 oz | Nylon/Polyester | 3.25 inches | 50 |
| Headsweats Running Hat | 1.9 oz | Synthetic | 3 inches | Not Specified |
| Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Hat | Not Specified | Nylon | 3.25 inches | 50 |
| Outdoor Research Sun Runner | 2.8 oz | Nylon | 2.5 inches | 50 |
| Outdoor Research Swift Cap | Not Specified | Nylon | 2.75 inches | 50 |
| Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat | 3.2 oz | Nylon/Polyester | 3.75 | 50 |
| Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat | 3 oz | Nylon/Polyester | 4 inches | 50 |
| Outdoor Research Sombriolet | Not Specified | Nylon/Polyester | 3 inches | 50 |
| Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat | Not Specified | Nylon/Polyester | 3 inches | 50 |
| Patagonia Baggies Brimmer | 4 oz | Nylon | Not Specified | 40 |
| The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer | Not Specified | Nylon/Polyester/Elastane | Not Specified | 40 |
Hiking Hats Buyers Guide
Hiking Hat Features
There are many features to consider when using a hiking hat.
Material
Alongside this, you want a hat that is made from very light materials. Which will then make wearing the hat more comfortable. Almost all the materials used in backpacking hats are synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. While straw hats are popular, and I use a straw hat on short day hikes, they are not very packable or durable in comparison to the hats on the list above.
You may notice that every hat in this collection has a dark gray underside. The reason for this is to absorb light and decrease any glare.
Ventilation and Breathability
Ventilation and breathability are two features that work hand in hand. There is nothing worse than wearing a hat that makes you feel hot and clammy. To prevent that many manufacturers use a material that is breathable to prevent sweat from building up. Some form of mesh is the most common breathable material but it also limits the sun protection and UPF protection that the hat will give.
While breathability is important it could be said that ventilation is more important. And this comes in as an important feature when the weather becomes a little more hot and humid. The air needs to circulate and remove the sweat and cool you down. Some simply pop a few holes on the top of the hat to assist with ventilation.
Width of the Brim
A good-sized brim should protect your face quite well. Most have a standard brim size of around 2 inches to 3 inches / 5cm – 8cm. Unless there is a separate legionnaire-style ear and neck covering then you need to think about your neck. It often gets overlooked and that’s where more people tend to get burnt.
Ear and Neck Covering
The first time I wore a hiking hat with a removable ear and neck covering I felt very unstylish. But I stayed cool and wasn’t sunburnt after hiking all day in a hot desert. In fact, if hiking in a desert I would recommend a hiking hat with an ear and neck covering. They are great for protection from the sun. When the neck and ear coverings are made with light and breathable material that provides maximum ventilation you will appreciate this feature.
Fit / Size / Chin Straps
We all have different-sized heads and preferences for how a hiking hat will fit. Many of the hats in this review are not only unisex but adjustable to fit different size heads. Drawstrings are used as chin straps on some of the hats to prevent the hat from coming off your head in strong wind.
Sun Protection / UPF Rating
A good sun hat will protect you from those harsh UV rays, which will prevent you from sunburn and sunstroke. Most are rated above UPF rating 50+.
Weight
All the ultralight hiking hats in this review are designed for either hiking or adventure spots and are lightweight. The heaviest hiking hats in this review are still under 4 ounces / 110 grams but most a quite a bit lighter than that.
Compact / Packable
You will not be wearing your hiking hat all day when out on the trails so how does it function after it has been stuffed into your backpack for a day and then you remove it and find that it
Storage
When not using your hiking hat it should be able to be stored in such a way that it will not crumple the such a way that it is no longer functional. As a result, all hiking hats should be able to be crunched into a small size and able to be unpacked and usable right away. When you no longer need your hat, can you throw it into your backpack and push it into a small corner of your pack and still be able to take it out later and have the hat return to its original size and shape.
Style
Most Sun Hats are more practical than stylish. The primary reason for wearing a hiking hat might be to protect you from the sun but if the sun hat doesn’t fit your style then you may not wear it that much. Many of the hats in this review are offered in several colors and several different styles. If you want a baseball cap-style hat, a legionnaire-style sun hat, or a Panama-style sun hat then you should find something in the review to fit your personal style.
Durability
Some hiking hats are not always the most durable items. When using thin and lightweight materials they are prone to holes. Add to that being covered in sweat, dirt, sunscreen, insect repellent and more will speed up the wear process. If you are anything like me you have lost count of how many times you have bumped your head on a low-hanging tree branch while wearing a hat. As a result, hiking hats do not seem to last as long as they should. Keep this in mind when purchasing a hat.
Waterproof Hats for Backpacking and Hiking
Waterproof Hiking Hats are not very common or popular. The purpose is to keep the rain off your head but a wide brim can assist with keeping the rain off your neck and shoulders. A waterproof hat when used in conjunction with a good lightweight rain jacket can assist with keeping you dry in bad weather.
Price / Value
All the Hiking Hats in this list cost less than $100 with most being significantly less. Many of the best hiking hats cost around $30.
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Conclusion
The best sun hats for hiking 2024 are:
- Best Overall: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- Best Ultralight Hiking Hat: Headsweats Running Hat
- Best Wide Brim Hiking Hat: Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Hat
- Best Sun Protection Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner
- Best Hiking Cap: Outdoor Research Swift Cap
- Best Waterproof Hat: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat
- Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
- Outdoor Research Sombriolet
- Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
- Patagonia Baggies Brimmer
- The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Colored Hiking Hat To Have?
It may be surprising, but darker-colored Hiking hats are better than white or pastel-colored sun hats. This is because the darker colors absorb more of the UV rays, which then block the rays from touching your skin. But light or white colored hats reflect more sunlight which can make the hat cooler.
How Tight Should Your Sun Hat Be?
You want the hat to be snug on your head. You want the hat to be comfortable, yet quite secure on your head, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off your head if there is a breeze. The use of a strap can stop the hat from blowing off your head when it is windy.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.
