Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2023
Hats with face, ear, and neck UV protection for outdoor activities
June 2nd, 2023
We spent 10 hours researching and 13 months testing 10 of the most popular sun hats. To find the best sun hats, we tested them side-by-side on day hikes, backpacking trips, at the beach in Southern California, and in the high altitude mountains of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
We found the best hiking sun hat that provides UV protection for the face, ears, and neck to protect you from UV rays.
Whether you need a sun hat for summer hikes, desert trips, or reducing UV radiation while at high altitude, we identified options that you’ll want to keep on your head instead of in your pack.
Related: Best Sun Shirts
Read More: Best Face Sunscreen
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Comparison Table for the best sun hats
| SUN HAT | TREELINE AWARD | BRIM WIDTH | UPF | WEIGHT | COLORS | SIZES | STYLE | FOLDABLE/PACKABLE? | DRAWSTRING? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoons Ultralight Adventure Hat | Best Overall Read why |
3.25 inches | 50 | 2.65 oz | 7 available | small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, kids' sizes | Foldable | Yes, packable | Yes |
| Kavu Chillba | Best Coverage Read why |
4 inches | Not stated | 4.9 oz | more than 25 | one size fits most (20.5" to 25.5" head circumference), adjustable | conical | Yes, rollable | Yes |
| Tilley LTM6 Airflo hat | Best Classic Read why |
3.5 inches | 50 | 3.1 oz | 9 (Tilley website has the most options) | 6 ⅞, 7, 7 ⅛, 7 ¼, 7 ⅜, 7 ½, 5 ⅝, 7 ¾, 7 ⅞, 8, 8+ (Tilley website has the most options) | Classic, Brimmed, Indiana Jones | No | No |
| Filson Summer Packer | Best Stylish Read why |
3.5 inches | 50 | 4 oz | 2 | S, M, L, XL, 2XL (Filson website has the most options) | Bucket hat | Yes | |
| Outdoor Research OR x Dovetail Field Hat | Best for Backpacking Read why |
3 inches | 50 | 4 oz | 1 | S/M, L/XL | Boonie or Floppy Hat | Yes | Yes |
| San Diego Hat Company's Signature Women's Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor | Best Visor Read why |
4 inches | 50 | 4.85 oz | 32 colors | Adjustable | Visor | Yes, rollable |
Best Sun Hat Winners
Best Overall Sun Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
A POPULAR PRODIGY WITH PLENTY OF FEATURES
WEIGHT: 2.6 oz.
UPF RATING: UPF 50 protection fabric
BRIM: 3¼"
COLORS: 7 available
SIZES: small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, kids' sizes
HAT STYLE: Foldable
BEST FOR: All-day adventurers and ultralight backpackers
After multiple sunny hikes, we believe that the best sun hat for outdoorsy people is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. It is an incomparable sun hat for cost, coverage, and functionality, which is why it is much-heralded. Even if it’s not winning any beauty contests, we like that it is lightweight, dries quickly, folds down to a compact size, and can be worn three different ways. The Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat is a popular prodigy with plenty of features.
COMPARE PRICES ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ULTRA ADVENTURE HAT
The Ultra Adventure Hat can be a look, or three. With many excellent features, this is the hat of choice for active people. Photo by Sonja Lind.
WHAT WE LIKE:
At less than 3 ounces, this is one of our lightest options
Strap and buckle to adjust the hatband
You can tuck the neck flap into the hatband
Backpacker-friendly, it won’t bump against your top pocket
Adjustable fabric chinstrap with toggle
Reflective strips for night adventures
It can be folded flat and small and is the most packable sun hat we tested
It's available in 7 sizes and also in kids' sizes
At least three looks:
The Adventure Hat will shade your face on the sunniest morning, even with a popped-up brim.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE:
Not the most stylish sun hat we considered
It's difficult for some models of sunglasses to stay in the hatband, as advertised.
The fabric shows sweat stains quickly
It can only be hand-washed
This hidden pocket in the hatband sparked my curiosity. The Adventure Hat can fit anything from a rolled-up paper note to a tube of chapstick. Photo by Sonja Lind.
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT:
In a review by New York Times' Wirecutter written by Liz Thomas (who is now Treeline Review's editor-in-chief), this sun hat was their top pick, calling it "the hat you’ll actually keep wearing"
The editors at OutdoorGearLab.com ranked this hat an 83/100 for “being the highest performing and most versatile” of 17 sun hats
Writers at Cool of the Wild liked the foldability of the Ultra Adventure Hat even if "you certainly won’t win any fashion awards"
TrailandSummit.com liked this hat, ranking it as #5 out of 7 hats due to it being “arguably one of the most functional hats listed here”
This is one of the most highly-rated hats on our list, with over 95% of customers giving it 5 stars on the retail website
FINAL THOUGHT:
Are you a person who likes to count ounces and carry a backpack all day in the sun? If so, this is for you.
Curious about Sun Protection? See our Sun Protection & Hydration page:
Best Wide Brim Sun Hat: Kavu Chillba
AN EYE-CATCHING HAT WITH EXCELLENT SHADE
WEIGHT: 4.9 oz.
UPF RATING: None stated, although the foam insulation is ¼" thick
SIZES AVAILABLE: one size fits most (20.5" to 25.5" head circumference), adjustable
COLORS AVAILABLE: more than 25
HAT STYLE: conical
BRIM: 4" (approximate)
BEST FOR: Watersports aficionados and day hikers
If you're looking for a colorful, well-ventilated sun hat for sunny days out, consider the Kavu Chillba. Designed for angling and other water sports, it has the largest wide brim of any of the sun hats we considered. It's also constructed in the USA. The Chillba has sun coverage that day hikers will love, excellent ventilation, and is made of insulating material that will keep your head cool on hot summer days.
COMPARE PRICES ON KAVU CHILLBA
The Kavu Chillba does an excellent job covering up your ears and half of your face and neck. You'll still need sunscreen, but this large brim provides admirable shade. Photo by Sonja Lind.
WHAT WE LIKE:
The Chillba is one of the most well-ventilated hats on this list due to its adjustable mesh cap.
Playful and fun--is sure to get compliments from other hikers
Wide brim for 360-degree sun coverage
Only a light mesh cap sits on your head, so it's strongly ventilated
Up to 25 patterns and colors
Made of insulating foam material that keeps your head feeling cool
Adjustable chinstrap with toggle
Made of foam so that it can float on water
One size fits all, with an adjustable mesh cap
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:
This is the heaviest hat on the list, just under 5 ounces
This design has a similar look to a costume
It doesn't hold up well against strong winds, like any conical hat
It lifts up against tall backpacks
It won't store easily; it's best to hang on a wall
It can only be hand-washed
There's no hiding when you wear the Kavu Chillba; this unique hat will get you noticed. Photo by Sonja Lind.
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT:
In a recent review for New York Times' Wirecutter, Liz Thomas (who is now Treeline Review's editor in chief) wrote that the Kavu Chillba kept hikers heads feeling cool. Thomas, who identifies as Asian American, had at least one "racist remark" made towards her due to its resemblance to an Asian conical hat. Still, she says she gets compliments on almost every hike she takes with it because of its playful design. She wears the hat often because of excellent ventilation and insulation against the heat.
FINAL THOUGHT:
If you have the space to store this hat and don't mind the multiple comments you'll receive wearing it, the Chillba is an excellent hat for keeping you shaded and ventilated.
Best Classic Sun Hat: Tilly LTM6 Airflo Hat
A CLASSIC HAT WITH SECRET STORAGE
WEIGHT: 3.1 oz.
BRIM: 3.5"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
HAT STYLE: Classic, Brimmed, Indiana Jones
COLORS: 9 (Tilley website has the most options)
SIZES: 6 ⅞, 7, 7 ⅛, 7 ¼, 7 ⅜, 7 ½, 5 ⅝, 7 ¾, 7 ⅞, 8, 8+ (Tilley website has the most options)
BEST FOR: Day hikers, anglers, and boaters
The AirFlo maintains its shape, particularly in the crown made with a foam insert. Photos by Sonja Lind.
The mesh lining of the crown provides ventilation similar to that of a visor. Photos by Sonja Lind.
WHAT WE LIKE:
Well-ventilated with a mesh crown
A secret pocket in the crown
Sustainable, with recycled bluesign® fabric
Water-repellent, and UPF 50+
Machine washable!
Best for large heads with sizes up to XXXL
Very specific sizing options down to the 1/8th" of head circumference
A lifetime guarantee to repair or replace any hat due to wear and tear. Yes, really for life!
COMPARE PRICES ON TILLY LTM6 AIRFLO HAT
There is a secret pocket in the hat's crown, which secures with Velcro.
The secret pocket is an excellent place to tuck away any identification or credit cards.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:
Expensive at $99
It fits snugly, so you need to size up
It lifts up against tall backpacks
The foam insert in the crown needs to be removed before washing the hat
No chin strap (though you can loop your strap through the grommets or purchase the similar model with a tuckaway chin strap)
The author wearing the Tilley AirFlo on a hike in Southern California. Photo by Monica Singleton
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT:
Authors of this Wirecutter review described the Airflo as "especially good-looking"
Philip at SectionHiker.com wrote a detailed blog post about this hat, praising the Tilley lifetime guarantee for repairing any wear and tearing on the hat
The editors at OutdoorGearLab.com enjoyed the Airflo but warned, "it fits small"
Writers at TrailandSummit.com also noted that "the sizes can be tricky to figure out" on this list of top sun hats
FINAL THOUGHT:
This is an excellent hat with a classic design. We also love that it can be machine-washed. While we think the similar Filson Summer Packer is more attractive (and more affordable), we appreciate the high-quality craftsmanship of this hat.
Most Stylish Sun Hat: Filson Summer Packer
A CLASSIC HAT DESIGNED TO LAST A LIFETIME
WEIGHT: 4 oz.
BRIM: 3.5"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: 2
SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL (Filson website has the most options)
HAT STYLE: Bucket hat
BEST FOR: Day hikers and anglers
The Filson Summer Packer is so well-loved that it tops at least a couple of outdoor gear review websites, and for good reasons: it's durable, well-stitched, and unquestionably attractive. The best sun hat is the one that you'll actually wear. The sun hat with the best sun protection is the one you'll wear on your head instead of be too embarrassed to wear it. The Filson Summer Packer is a sun hat that looks so good, you'll want to wear it.
COMPARE PRICES ON FILSON SUMMER PACKER
With a classic look and strong stitching, the Summer Packer is a hat you'll reach for often. Photos by Sonja Lind.
The Filson Summer Packer is stylish whether in the mountains or on the city streets.
WHAT WE LIKE:
Durable, well-stitched, and designed to be worn for years
Neutral colors
Unisex bucket hat design
Large brim with plentiful shading
Wind-resistant, water-repellent, and UPF 50+
Better for bigger heads with sizes up to XXL
You feel like Indiana Jones when you wear this hat
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:
Expensive at $75
No chin strap, so it doesn't hold up well in winds
Not adjustable, so you'll need to know your exact size
It lifts up against tall backpacks
Even though you can fold it, it may lose its shape
After only a couple of sweaty hikes, there were visible salt stains
It can only be spot-cleaned
Anyone can wear this hat (like Byron here), making the Summer Packer as unisex as it is classic. Photo by Sonja Lind.
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT
The writers at TheAdventureJunkies.com called this the "best overall hiking hat" of 2022
The Summer Packer was #1 on this list by TrailandSummit.com too.
The editors at OutdoorGearLab.com ranked this one of their top two sun hats because "It is just as wearable on a multi-day wilderness trek as it is on a coffee shop patio in your hometown."
FINAL THOUGHT
This is a high-quality hat that will last years, maybe decades, for those who don't mind spending extra money. The Summer Packer is designed for anglers and others who enjoy water sports and want protection from the sun's rays beaming from above and off the water. We think day hikers and backpackers will also appreciate the classic design.
Best Hat for Backpacking: Outdoor Research x Dovetail Field Hat
A LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING HAT WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR
WEIGHT: 4 oz.
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: one color
SIZES: S/M, L/XL
HAT STYLE: Boonie or Floppy Hat
BRIM: 3"
BEST FOR: All-day adventurers and ultralight hikers
Outdoor Research (OR) teamed up with Dovetail, a women's workwear company, to design this Field Hat, which is soft, lightweight, and provides unparalleled protection against the sun. This summer hat – and the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat – is exceptional for backpackers. The 12.25" neck cape length is the longest of the sun hats we considered and packs away for when you don't need it. We hope OR continues to manufacture this headgear as it was one of our favorite hats.
COMPARE PRICES ON OUTDOOR RESEARCH X DOVETAIL FIELD HAT
If you're looking for a hat with a colorful neck cape, the OR x Dovetail Field Hat is your choice. Photo by Morgan Morillo.
WHAT WE LIKE
Lightweight
A striking, orange 12-inch neck cape protects your neck
You can tuck the cape into the brim
Wind-resistant, water-repellent, and UPF 50+
Strong drawstring cord that kept my hat on my head in strong winds
It can be worn with a tall backpack
This hat supports the women’s workwear brand Dovetail
The cape is the longest of any of the sun hats we tested.
The cape tucks nicely into an elastic brim.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The cape is only one color (orange), limiting those who prefer neutral colors
The cape makes this hat feel warmer and less ventilated
It can only be hand-washed
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT
Though Outdoor Research is much-loved in the outdoors community, no one has reviewed this exact hat yet. We’re proud to be the first to do so.
FINAL THOUGHT
This field hat is the best we've seen for backpacking long distances in sunny environments. As long as you like the orange cape, you'll love this.
Best Visor: San Diego Hat Company Large Brim Visor
A FOLDABLE, FLOPPY VISOR
WEIGHT: 4.8 oz.
BRIM: 4"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: 32 colors
SIZES: Adjustable
HAT STYLE: Visor
BEST FOR: Hikers, globetrotters, and beachgoers
We spent a long time researching to find a visor with a wide brim that folds down for easy storage while hiking and backpacking.
If you're looking for a no-fuss visor that is colorful, affordable, and can be packed away easily, the San Diego Hat Company Signature Large Brim Visor is our choice for the trail – or beach.
Ventilation is one of the reasons you may want a visor, as most hats can trap heat at the top of your head, especially on a hot summer day. The San Diego Hat Company Visor is a packable hat designed for fashion but held up backpacking the John Muir Trail as well as it does for everyday use.
COMPARE PRICES ON SAN DIEGO HAT COMPANY LARGE BRIM VISOR
The San Diego Hat Company’s Large Brim Visor was one of a kind on the trail and got a lot of compliments. Photo by Kaira Lewis.
WHAT WE LIKE
It fits most head sizes with a Velcro cloth fastener
32 color choices and patterns, including bright hues
Under $40
The floppy hat fabric won’t bump against your top pocket
Visor design allows for ventilation at the top of your head
One of the widest and best coverage brims available as a visor
It can be folded and stuffed away without losing its shape, making it one of the best options for a packable sun hat
UPF 50+ protection
Because it’s designed for the beach, San Diego Hat Company’s Large Brim Visor holds up well against the sun and wind. Photo by Monica Singleton.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
At 4.8 ounces, it is one of the heavier hats on this list
No chin strap
Too floppy for some
It can only be spot-cleaned
You can't easily hang it from a backpack (it unravels)
OTHERS WHO REVIEWED IT
No one in the outdoors media has reviewed this hat yet. However, there are over 2,000 5-star Amazon reviews and over 240 5-star retail website reviews. We think this stylish straw visor deserves a space in the outdoor community because it's so easy to roll it up and pack into your pack and has some of the best sun coverage available from a visor.
FINAL THOUGHT
This is the ideal sun hat for those looking for a foldable, affordable, fun and bright visor.
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas testing the Zendo Bucket hat on a hike to a waterfall.
Other Sunhats We Considered
I'd also like to mention a few great hats that didn't make the top of the list but are no less important than a sun hat.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH ZENDO BUCKET HAT
WEIGHT: 2.3 oz
BRIM: 2.5"
UPF RATING: 50 UPF Rating
COLORS: 3
SIZES: S/M, M/L
HAT STYLE: Bucket
We enjoyed wearing this lightweight, 2.3-ounce Outdoor Research Zendo bucket hat on hikes, particularly in strong winds that would have knocked off many other hats. We also appreciated that OR used sustainable, recycled fabric, and we think it's probably also machine-washable. Like the Kavu Chillba, it also floats on water if it goes overboard.
However, we found the bucket style a little childish-looking and noted that it had one of the smallest brims (2.5"), which isn't the best for sun coverage. If you like the OR style, we'd think you'd be better off with the OR x Dovetail Field Hat.
COMPARE PRICES ON OUTDOOR RESEARCH ZENDO BUCKET HAT
BRIM: 3"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: 8
SIZES: M, L, XL
HAT STYLE: brimmed
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet is a popular sun hat that we considered for this guide. This bucket hat has a similar look to the outdoor Research Field Hat. Comparing the two, we preferred the foldable neck brim in the Field Hat. However, if you can't find the Field Hat or don't like the bright orange neck protection, the Field Hat is an excellent alternate choice.
COMPARE PRICES ON OUTDOOR RESEARCH SOMBRIOLET
A straw hat is an affordable, sustainable, and large-brimmed option for hikers. Photo by Henrik Larsson.
BRIM: 6.5"
UPF RATING: UPF 50
COLORS: Straw
SIZES: One size fits most
HAT STYLE: straw
I've hiked all over sunny California wearing a classic straw hat, which has prevented many sunburns. You may have seen a large-brimmed straw hat on a farmworker or lifeguard. It's airy and sustainable (straw is carbon neutral). A straw hat is also affordable, at under $30 per hat (here's one for $24).
However, the main issue with a straw hat is that it wears down more rapidly than fabric, especially when folded. Also, it is cumbersome, weighing just under 5 ounces, which may not be a good choice for backpackers. We've also noticed that wearing a straw hat can be an issue when hiking in windy areas or at the beach, as the wide brim easily traps wind.
COMPARE PRICES ON PETER GRIMM SHOAL LIFEGUARD STRAW HAT
A baseball cap like this one by Patagonia is lightweight and minimalist, ideal for runners. Photo by Byron Frenkiel.
PATAGONIA DUCKBILL BASEBALL CAP
WEIGHT: 2.3 oz and 4.9 oz with crown and back panels
UPF RATING: not stated
COLORS: 5
SIZES: One size fits most, adjustable
HAT STYLE: straw
A baseball cap is a popular sun hat for runners because caps offer no-fuss sun protection. However, the main downside of a baseball cap is that it doesn't offer ear or neck protection. A baseball cap can work in a pinch, but it isn't the best solution to protect the sensitive skin on your face, ears, and neck from harmful UV rays.
One of the best options we found is by Patagonia, which makes a colorful duckbill hat with an extra-long brim for those who prefer this style. It's Fair Trade Sewn certified and made of 100% recycled plastic from old fishnets. It even has a glare-reducing underbill. It has the option to remove the back panels and crown for more ventilation on runs. You can put them back for the classic trucker hat look when not running. However, if you're outdoors for more than an hour, you'll prefer the ear and neck protection other hats provide.
COMPARE PRICES ON PATAGONIA DUCKBILL BASEBALL CAP
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
WEIGHT: 2.5 oz
UPF RATING: 50 UPF
COLORS: 7
SIZES: One size fits most, adjustable
HAT STYLE: baseball cap
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is a favorite among ultralight backpackers looking for a mesh ventilated baseball cap hat that also converts to a hat with a neck skirt. The neck skirt attaches to the baseball cap, so you can add it when you need neck protection and remove it when you don’t.
We’ve thru-hiked the 800-mile Arizona Trail wearing the Sun Runner. It’s a lightweight, functional, packable hat with convenient features, like a drawstring to keep it on your head in the wind.
But it’s among the least stylish of the sun hats we tested. We think the best sun hat is the one you’ll think is stylish enough that you’ll want to wear it. The Sun Runner is a good option if your main goal is to carry lightweight functional gear and style matters less to you.
COMPARE PRICES ON THE OR SUN RUNNER CAP
I measured hat brims using a tape measure. I found that the Patagonia Duck Bill Cap was about 3 inches long.
I weighed hats using a kitchen scale. For example, the REI Co-Op Paddler's Hat weighs 2.8 ounces.
How We Researched and Tested
We spent wore 10 sun hats on hikes all over sunny southern California for this article. We also read six review websites and over 3,000 customer reviews. Finally, we selected the top six hats of 2022 to help you find the perfect sun hat for you.
Outdoor Media
We read "best hats" round-ups on several sites like New York Times' Wirecutter, Outdoor Gear Lab, and The Adventure Junkies. For more information, see the links at the end of this article.
While we agreed on models others love, like Sunday Afternoons, we reviewed a couple of hats no one noticed, like the San Diego Hat Company and OR x Dovetail hats.
How We Tested the Sun Hats
I wore 10 different hats in sunny southern California on hikes from one hour long to multiple weeks-long backpacking trips in the Sierra. I also measured the brim of each hat using a tape measure (left) and weighed each hat on a kitchen scale (right). In particular, the weight and brim measurements differed, sometimes widely, across websites, so this was an essential step in reviewing each hat.
Who We Wrote This For
We imagined you, the reader, as someone who enjoys hiking or backpacking.
Since so many of these hats are designed for people who enjoy paddling, angling, and other water sports, we assumed you might also be interested in a sun protection hat that floats and keeps you from getting burned on a day on the water.
Why Do You Need a Sun Hat?
Sun hats are an essential part of any outdoorsy gear, as they reduce your exposure to UV rays. According to the EPA, you can be sun burned by UV radiation. Many of these hats are also made with UPF fabric to protect against the two types of UV radiation: UVA rays and UVB rays. In particular, many of these sun hats have brims that will cover some or much of your neck, reducing unexpected sunburns. Many are made of fabrics that offer additional UV protection.
One medical study indicated that wearing protective clothing like a hat “may be more effective than sunscreen” for preventing sunburns. An excellent sun hat will also provide storage, such as pockets to slip sunglasses into. For maximum sun protection, the American Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing a UV protection sun hat, wearing sunglasses, covering up with sun protective clothing with a UPF fabric rating, and wearing sunscreen underneath your clothing.
The San Diego Hat Company Visor (center) folds up like a charm. Photo by Sonja Lind.
Buying Advice
When you’re looking for a sun hat, there are a few considerations listed below:
Compared to the standard straw hat (right), the Kavu Chillba (left) has an almost equally large brim. Interestingly, they both weigh the same, but the Chillba is a lot more durable when repeatedly folded. Photo by Sonja Lind.
Price:
Most hats in this review cost less than $50, though you may pay up to $100 for a sun hat.
Brim:
A wide brim hat of at least 3 inches is critical to providing UV protection for your entire face. A floppy hat may not offer the same sun protection as a hat with a firmer brim.
Ear and Neck Coverage:
You should also consider how much the neck is covered. A wide brim may work, but so can a neck cape. A good sun hat will provide 360-degree protection, which is the main benefit of a sun hat over a baseball cap.
Weight:
Hats differ by only a couple of ounces; our lightest hat is only two ounces, and our heaviest is 4.9 ounces. But if you're an ounce-counting backpacker, this can be a critical feature.
Two of the most packable hats are San Diego Hat Company’s visor on the left and the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat on the right. Photo by Sonja Lind.
Sun Protection:
Some hats have an ultraviolet protection factor – “UPF” fabric – for extra sun protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends fabrics of UPF protection of 50 or more, which protects for 98% of harmful rays.
Material:
Materials make a difference in the breathability of the hat. For instance, a straw hat is probably the most breathable summer hat but can wear down more quickly than fabric. And synthetic materials like polyester or nylon are often durable, moisture-wicking, and abrasion-resistant but may be less breathable.
Ventilation and breathability:
You're less likely to wear a hat if it traps heat on your head and feels too hot on a summer day. Many hats are made of breathable fabrics or mesh that will allow moisture from sweat and some heat to escape but will not allow sun rays through.
Compactness and Packable:
If you’re looking for a hat you can fold in your hand, this will limit your choices.
Water Usage:
Some hats are designed with durable water repellent or “DWR” fabric, and most brims are designed with foam to float in the water.
Compared to the similar Filson Summer Packer (right), the Airflo (left) maintains its shape, particularly in the crown made with a foam insert. The Airflo is also one ounce lighter than the Summer Packer. Photo by Sonja Lind.
Drawstring:
If you're looking for a beach hat or a sun hat to wear while hiking somewhere windy, a drawstring is essential to prevent your hat from blowing away.
Storage:
While storage is essential for many clothing items, it is arguably less critical in hats. However, if you're looking for a hat that will allow you to neatly tuck in a pair of sunglasses (or even hidden credit cards), you may need storage.
Style:
We’ll be the first to admit that many sun protection hats sacrifice style for function. But if you're looking for a bright color or pattern, several of these hats will tick the box.
Care and maintenance
There are a few good tips for taking care of and maintaining your hat. First, you should wash your hat to avoid salty sweat stains. Most hat makers recommend spot-cleaning by hand-washing the hat. Use cool water, a soft brush, and soap, if necessary.
It is not recommended to machine-wash your hat unless the manufacturer recommends that. If you machine wash it, remove any stiff components like foam inserts. When you dry the hat, be sure to reshape it.
Sonja Lind hiking in Southern California on Tongva land.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US: ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a resident of Southern California since 2006, I have hiked and camped in the mountains for over ten years. I’ve summited Tumugaya (otherwise known as Mt. Whitney), backpacked the Grand Canyon, and section-hiked the Nüümü Poyo (known as the John Muir Trail). I have explored the wilderness of California and Texas while wearing hiking pants. I’ve also hiked in South Korea, Italy, Norway, Canada, and Guatemala (volcano hikes are a must-do). I’ve been grateful to wear pants, particularly in colder settings like high elevation campsites, where I wore pants over a wool base layer as a layered alternative to winter hiking pants.
I am also an educator who enjoys sharing the outdoors with those new to it. For instance, I’ve led group hikes and camping trips; in 2021, I was contracted by LA County Parks to teach a “How and Where to Hike in LA” workshop.
You can learn more about Sonja on her website or read all of Sonja’s Treeline Review stories on her author page.
