Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026
Hats with face, ear, and neck UV protection for outdoor activities
April 24th, 2026 updated with a new model, to remove discontinued models
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The best sun hat is the one that stays on your head instead of ending up in your pack two miles in because it's too hot, too floppy, or too annoying to deal with. Full brim coverage protects your face, ears, and neck from UV radiation in a way that sunscreen alone can't sustain over a full day, but a hat that doesn't fit well, kills ventilation, or catches every gust of wind is one you won't wear.
We spent 20 hours researching and three years testing 20 of the most popular sun hats side-by-side on day hikes and backpacking trips, at high altitude in Colorado and the Sierra Nevada, at the beach in Southern California, and on desert hikes in Arizona and New Mexico. We tested packability, ventilation, how well each hat stayed put in wind, how it fit under or over a sun shirt hood, and whether the brim was wide enough to actually shade the neck without bumping against a pack's top pocket on the trail.
What separates a good sun hat from one that stays in the pack comes down to a few things: brim width versus packability, how well the design handles wind without requiring constant readjustment, how comfortable the fit is over hours of sweating, and how much coverage it actually provides for the neck and ears.
Top Pick: The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for its combination of lightweight packability at under 3 ounces, UPF 50 protection, a 3.25-inch brim that folds flat, an adjustable chinstrap that holds it in wind, a tucked neck flap option for extra coverage, and the versatility to wear it three different ways depending on conditions.
Need more ventilation? See our Best Running Hats guide
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Comparison Table for the Best Sun hats
| SUN HAT | TREELINE AWARD | PRICE | BRIM WIDTH | UPF | WEIGHT | COLORS | STYLE | FOLDABLE /PACKABLE? | DRAWSTRING? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat | Best Overall Read why |
$60 | 3.25" | 50 | 2.65 oz | 6 | Foldable | Yes, packable | Yes |
| Kavu Chillba | Best Coverage Read why |
$45 | 4" | Not stated | 4.9 oz | 24 | Conical | Yes, rollable | Yes |
| Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat | Best Stylish-Men's Read why |
$99 | 3.5" | 50 | 3.1 oz | 9 | Classic, Brimmed, Indiana Jones | No | No |
| Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat | Best Stylish-Women's Read why |
$46 | 3.75" | 50 | 6.3 oz | 4 | Classic, Brimmed, Indiana Jones | Yes, packable | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap | Best Cap Read why |
$44 | 2.5" | 50 | 2.8 oz | 7 | Baseball cap | Yes | Yes |
| Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket | Best Bucket Read why |
$48 | 2.25" | 50 | 2.5 oz | 4 | Bucket | Yes | Yes |
| REI Sahara Bucket Hat | Best Budget Read why |
$45 | 2.5" | 50 | not stated | 3 | Brimmed | Yes | Yes |
| San Diego Hat Company's Signature Women's Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor | Best Visor Read why |
$35 | 4" | 50 | 4.85 oz | 33 | Visor | Yes, rollable | No |
Best Sun Hat Winners
Best Overall Sun Hat for hiking: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
WEIGHT: 2.6 oz.
UPF RATING: UPF 50 protection fabric
BRIM: 3¼"
COLORS: 9 available
SIZES: small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, kids' sizes
HAT STYLE: Foldable
BEST FOR: All-day adventurers and ultralight backpackers
WHAT WE LIKED: lightweight and breathable, sun coverage, compact, dries quickly, adjustable and fits many size heads, windproof, functionality and versatility, lots of color options
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: not the most stylish, must be hand-washed
After years of hiking and backpacking on sunny trails, 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 and a bestseller at REI and other outdoor retailers.
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
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At less than 3 ounces, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure hat one of our lightest options. We liked that it was adjustable to work for multiple size heads. The strap and buckle system adjusts the hatband and we were able to have testers with small and larger heads test the same hat.
We also liked that you can tuck the neck flap into the hatband. We tested this hat on day hikes and on backpacking trips. We found it particularly backpacker-friendly. It won’t bump against your top pocket of taller backpacks like happened with many of the other brimmed hats we tested.
Another nice feature on the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat is the adjustable fabric chinstrap with toggle. This keeps the hat from blowing away in the wind.
It also features reflective strips for night adventures.
The Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat can be folded flat and small and is the most packable sun hat we tested.
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The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure hat is available in 7 sizes and also in kids' sizes. At least three looks: popped-up brim, popped down-brim, and tucked in cape.
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The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is not the most stylish sun hat we considered. And while we liked the sunglasses pocket, it's difficult for some models of sunglasses to stay in the hatband, as advertised.
We've also found at least in the grey color that the fabric shows sweat stains quickly. And it can only be hand-washed. We've actually run it through the washing machine and found it wrinkles the brim of the hat, so we recommend actually following that hand-wash instruction seriously.
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When it comes to a sun hat that you'll wear in your head instead of just carry in your pack, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure hat is the clear winner. It performs the best in wind and in heat. This is one of the most highly-rated hats with over 95% of customers giving it 5 stars on retail websites. It's also among the most ultralight sun hats out there.
Curious about Sun Protection? See our Sun Protection & Hydration page:
Best Wide Brim hiking Sun Hat: Kavu Chillba
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 20
HAT STYLE: conical
BRIM: 4" (approximate)
BEST FOR: Watersports aficionados and day hikers
WHAT WE LIKED: widest brim of any hat, insulates out heat the best of any hat we tested, fashion statement, lots of color options, ventilation
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: not very packable, can get pushed around in the wind
If you're looking for a colorful, well-ventilated sun hat for sunny days out, the Kavu Chillba is our winner for best coverage sun hat.
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.
The Kavu Chillba will get you lots of compliments from other hikers on trail. We've lent the Kavu Chillba to other hikers and they've liked it so much that they picked one up themselves.
Kavu Chillba
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The Kavu Chillba is playful and fun--it is sure to get compliments from other hikers. Yet, it has a wide brim with 360-degree sun coverage. It is available in over 20 patterns and colors, too.
We also appreciate how it keeps out the heat. Only a light mesh cap sits on your head, so it's strongly ventilated. It is also made of insulating foam material that keeps your head feeling cool.
In our side-by-side temperature test (see more below), we measured how hot a head gets over many hours of wearing a sun hat. The Kavu Chillba kept the heads the coolest of all the sun hats we tested.
It has an adjustable chinstrap with toggle and fit heads of many sizes. One size fits all, with an adjustable mesh cap.
Designed for boaters, it is made of foam so that it can float on water.
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The Kavu Chillba was the heaviest hat on the list at just under 5 ounces.
It also isn't the most packable in a backpack. Though, we actually see that as a benefit. It is so inconvenient to stash away in a pack that it was easier to wear than to stow away. Since the goal of a sun hat is to wear it, that played in this hat's favor.
However, when you're back at home, we found it won't store easily in a drawer or box as other hats; it's best to hang it on a wall.
In testing, we found that the Chillba doesn't hold up well against strong winds, like any conical hat. While the chin strap will keep it on your end and prevent it from blowing away, it will get blown around.
Like any 360-degree hat, it lifts up against tall backpacking backpacks.
Like many other sun hats, it can only be hand-washed.
Lastly, we also felt at times like this design has a similar look to a costume. Our editor in chief, Liz 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.
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If you have the space to store this hat at home 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 Stylish Sun Hat for hiking- Men's: Tilly LTM6 Airflo Hat
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
WHAT WE LIKED: looks good on trail or in town, style makes you want to wear this instead of carry it, lifetime warranty
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: price, doesn't come with a chin strap (but has compatibility)
Compare Prices On Tilly Ltm6 Airflo Hat
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The Tilley LTM6 Air Flo hat is a classic, wide-brimmed sun hat with 360-degree coverage. While we give it the award for best stylish men's sun hat, we think this hat looks great on everyone. You feel like Indiana Jones when you wear this hat. It works just as well on trail as it does around town, while traveling, or at a coffee shop in a mountain town.
This is a hat that is built to last and meant to stay stylish for a lifetime. It comes with a lifetime warranty because they really want you to keep this hat forever. This lifetime guarantee will repair or replace any hat due to wear and tear. Yes, really for life!
The Tilley LTm6 Air Flo is well-ventilated with a mesh crown. It even has a secret pocket in the crown.
For newer models, it is sustainable, with recycled bluesign® fabric. It's also water-repellent for hiking on rainy days and UPF 50+.
Unlike nearly every other sun hat we tested, it is machine washable!
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Unlike most sun hats we tested, Tilley uses true hat sizing instead of having adjustable features. In our testing, we found this sun hat to be the best for options for hikers of large heads with sizes up to XXXL.
There are very specific sizing options down to the 1/8th" of head circumference.
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The Tilley AirFlo is the most expensive hat we considered. However, it's $99 price hasn't gone up in recent years, even as we've seen other outdoor gear go up in price due to inflation.
It also fits snugly, so you need to size up.
Like all full-brimmed, 360-degree sun hats we tested, it lifts up against tall backpacks.
We also found that the foam insert in the crown needs to be removed before washing the hat.
On windy days, we wish this hat had a chin strap (though you can loop your strap through the grommets).
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This Tilley AirFlo is an excellent hat with a classic design. We also love that it can be machine-washed. We appreciate the high-quality craftsmanship of this hat and that it comes with a mission dedicated to buying less stuff, something dear to our hearts.
Most Stylish Sun Hat for hiking - Women's: Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat
WEIGHT: 2.0 oz
BRIM: 2"
UPF RATING: 50
COLORS: 3
SIZES: M, L
HAT STYLE: brimmed
BEST FOR: travel, hiking, casual wear
WHAT WE LIKED: stylish, well ventilated, works in a variety of settings
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: not the most compact
The best sun hat is the one that you'll actually wear. The sun hat with the best sun protection is the one that you wear on your head instead of be too embarrassed and keeping it stashed away in your pack. The Sunday Afternoons Sunset hat is a sun hat that looks so good, you'll want to wear it.
The Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat is our winner for most stylish women's sun hat for hiking and it is so well-loved that it's a bestseller at multiple outdoor retailers. That's for good reasons: it's durable, well-stitched, and unquestionably attractive. Yes, there are other stylish sun hats that are more fashion-oriented than hiking oriented. But we think as far as hats that ventilate, protect you from the sun, and won't blow away in the wind, you'll be hard pressed to find a better looking hat than the Sunset Hat.
Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat
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The Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat comes is durable, well-stitched, and designed to be worn for years. It comes in neutral colors, so it matches everything.
From a functional standpoint, it has a large brim with 360-degree coverage with plentiful shading.
It has a fashionable chin-strap and in testing, is wind-resistant, water-repellent. As with all Sunday Afternoons hats, it has a UPF 50+ coverage.
For a hat of this shape, we were pleasantly surprised how well it folds down and can be compacted. The material is quite pliable even though it looks like a straw hat that can't be folded.
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Although we didn't have any issues with sizing, after analyzing dozens of 1-4 star reviews, we found the only issue people seem to have with this hat is that it runs large. Keep that in mind as you are purchasing and consider trying it on in person.
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The Sunday Afternoons Sunset hat is designed for hiking and also looking good in any sort of activity outdoors, from walking around town to picnics and outdoor get-togethers. We think day hikers and backpackers will also appreciate the classic design.
Best Cap-Style hiking Sun Hat: 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
BEST FOR: Thru-hikers
WHAT WE LIKED: versatility, sun coverage, breathability
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: style
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. It has among the best sun coverage of any hat we tested while also being the most lightweight (2.8 oz).
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.
View the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
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On the OR Sun Runner Cap, 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. This versatility makes it a classic hat for thru-hikers, who will find the need to adjust their hat from day-to-day or even hour-to-hour.
The newest version has even more ventilation along the side. The sun cape has a drawstring to prevent the hat from blowing away and also to ensure neck coverage. The cape is 10.75 inches long, offering the most neck protection of any hat we tested.
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The OR Sun Runner is among the least stylish of the sun hats we tested. It has a big "OR" logo right in the middle and that doesn't seem to help with the look.
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The Sun Runner is a good option if your main goal is to carry lightweight functional gear and style matters less to you. It's lightweight, breathable, and has a removable skirt for neck sun protection.
Best Bucket sun Hat for hiking: Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat
WEIGHT: 2.5 oz
BRIM: 2.25"
UPF RATING: 50
COLORS: 4|
SIZES: M, L, XL
HAT STYLE: bucket
BEST FOR: windy days, hiking, backpacking
WHAT WE LIKED: Vents well, the fit, easily adjustable
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: bucket hat style doesn't work well with hoods or ponytails
The Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket hat is a favorite in our Best Running Hats guide, so we decided it was worth trying as a hiking sun hat, too. Compared to the more traditionally “ball cap” style running cap, the bucket hat style provides more sun protection and is more akin to what you’ll see on a river trip, a sunny day hike, and other non-running outings.
The Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket incorporates lightweight, breathable, high-performing materials, resulting in a bucket we enjoy wearing all day long.
Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat
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The Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket hat uses UPF 50 fabric for the top and brim fabrics and vents well through the sides of the crown part of the hat. What is interesting is that this bucket hat, unlike others we tested, actually has a construction similar to a running hat. This results in superior ventilation.
The hat is easily adjusted using a barrel lock and elastic shock cord in the rear and is single-handed adjustable.
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Being a bucket hat, it’s not going to be the best hat to wear in conjunction with a hooded jacket like a rain jacket or wind shell, or a base layer like a sun hoody. You’ll either have to pull the hood over the hat and crush the rear brim, which is awkward at worst, or place the hat over the hood on your head, also just awkward. This is a design issue with most of the sun hats we tested, so we can’t fault the Sunday Afternoon Solar Bucket hat for it.
The brim on the Solar Bucket is in the middle to small side at 2.25”, relative to some other bucket hats, so you may find that it allows for more clearance in the back when compared to other buckets. This can be handy for hikers wearing taller backpacking backpacks. Note that hikers who wear their hair in a ponytail will also find that bucket hats allow for only a low ponytail since there’s no hole.
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Though it is in our running hat guide, the Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket is a great choice for hikers, too. It has 360-degree brim coverage, is lightweight, and has enough ventilation for runner building up some sweat.
Best Budget Sun Hat for hiking: REI Sahara Bucket Hat
WEIGHT: not stated
BRIM: 2.5"
UPF RATING: 50
COLORS: 3
SIZES: S/M L/XL
HAT STYLE: bucket
WHAT WE LIKED: quality for the price, style, adjustable fit seems to work for everyone
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: could ventilate better on 90F+ days
If you want the quality and style of other sun hats with about ¾ of the price, we were impressed with the REI Sahara Bucket Hat. One of REI's most popular hats, it was nearly indistinguishable in quality from other sun hats we tested. This sun hat proved to be packable and quick drying on a 200-mile backpacking trip across New Mexico.
The REI Sahara Bucket Hat keeps its shape even when compressed in a pack and has a downward sloping brim that doesn't impact visibility but does keep sun out of your eyes. It has UPF 50+. It has all the features we want a sun hat and comes in a wide range of sizes, too.
View the REI Sahara Bucket Hat
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On a 9-day backpacking trip in New Mexico, the REI Sahara Bucket hat proved impressively windproof. Even when our testers were getting knocked down by the wind, the hat stayed put. It features a chin strap and also a brim strap for adjustability. That doesn't just mean more comfort. It means a hat that stays on your head in the wind.
The REI Sahara Bucket hat seems to fit most hikers very well. The adjustability worked on all our testers and even customer reviews were glowing about the sizing. From people with bigger heads to smaller headed hikers, everyone seemed to be happy with this hat.
The REI Sahara Bucket hat is the highest rated REI brand hat. It is also the second most popular REI Co-op brand hat (after the REI Vented Trail Smith hat, which runs $15 more).
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The REI Sahara Bucket hat could use more ventilation. While its coverage is great it would not be our top choice for days over 90F degrees.
Best Visor for hiking: San Diego Hat Company Large Brim Visor
WEIGHT: 4.8 oz.
BRIM: 4"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: 33 colors
SIZES: Adjustable
HAT STYLE: Visor
BEST FOR: Hikers, globetrotters, and beachgoers
WHAT WE LIKED: ventilation, compact and packable, wide brim, colorful, affordable
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: weight, no chinstrap, some hikers found it too floppy
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.
San Diego Hat Company Large Brim Visor
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The San Diego Hat Company visor fits most head sizes with a Velcro cloth fastener. It's available in 33 color choices and patterns, including bright hues. We also found it quite affordable for under $40. Like the best sun hats we tested, it has UPF 50+ protection.
When backpacking with a taller backpacking pack, we were pleasantly surprised to find the floppy hat fabric won’t bump against your top pocket.
As far as performance in the field goes, we found the visor design allows for ventilation at the top of your head. The San Diego Hat Company visor also has one of the widest and best coverage brims available as a visor. Many visors out there have brims that are only 1" long. The brim on the San Diego Hat Company visor rivals some of the best traditional sun hats at 4".
As far as practicality goes, this visor can be folded and stuffed away without losing its shape, making it one of the best options for a packable sun hat.
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Despite this visor not having fabric on top of the head, at 4.8 ounces, it is one of the heavier hats on this list. It also doesn't have a chin strap, so you'll need to watch it on windier days.
Some testers found it to be too floppy. Part of their issue was with the floppy style, but others found it annoying to have the brim so close to their face.
Washing the San Diego Hat Company visor can be a challenge because of the woven material it is made from. It can only be spot-cleaned.
We also found you can't easily hang it from a backpack (it unravels).
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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. While it isn't typical outdoors gear, there are over 1,800 5-star Amazon reviews and over 240 5-star customer reviews for the San Diego Hat Company visor. This is the ideal sun hat for those looking for a foldable, affordable, fun and bright visor.
Other Sun hats 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.
Filson Summer Packer
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 was our former winner for Best Stylish hat. We still like how it looks. However, a recent update has changed the sizing and material from the original model that we tested. Customer reviews have become quite negative. Additionally, the price went up and it is no longer Made in the US.
View the Filson Summer Packer
BRIM: 3"
UPF RATING: UPF 50+
COLORS: 8
SIZES: M, L, XL
HAT STYLE: brimmed
The Outdoor Research Sunbriolet 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 Sunbriolet is an excellent alternate choice.
Compare Prices On Outdoor Research Sunbriolet
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).
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.
View the Peter Grimm Shoal Hat
A straw hat is an affordable, sustainable, and large-brimmed option for hikers. Photo by Henrik Larsson.
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 trucker hat is a popular sun hat for runners because they offer no-fuss sun protection. However, the main downside 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.
Compare Prices On Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat
A trucker cap like this one by Patagonia is lightweight and minimalist, ideal for runners. Photo by Byron Frenkiel.
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.
Why You Need a Hiking Sun Hat (and How It Compares to Other Options)
Hiking sun hats are essential gear for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're a hiker, backpacker, paddler, walker, or rafter, if you aren't wearing a helmet, you need the protection of 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.
While sunscreen is important and is absolutely something you should use daily, it isn't enough. Sunscreen needs frequent reapplication and can wash away with sweat. According to dermatologists, protective clothing like a quality sun hat provides more consistent defense against harmful UV radiation than sunscreen alone. One medical study indicated that wearing protective clothing like a hat “may be more effective than sunscreen” for preventing sunburns.
Unlike regular caps that leave your ears and neck exposed, hiking sun hats provide 360-degree coverage. Baseball caps might be lightweight, but they offer minimal protection for your neck and ears—areas particularly vulnerable to sunburn during long treks.
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.
Sun hats designed specifically for hiking offer advantages over casual beach hats or fashion headwear:
They're made with moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool
Many feature mesh panels for better airflow while maintaining sun protection
They're designed to be compatible with backpack straps
Most include secure chin straps to keep them on in windy conditions
They're typically more durable and packable than fashion-oriented alternatives
At high elevations, UV exposure increases by approximately 4-5% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, making sun protection even more critical for mountain hikers. A quality sun hat not only prevents painful sunburns but also reduces your risk of skin damage and lowers your chances of developing skin cancer with regular use.
FAQ
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A brim of at least 3 inches provides meaningful protection for the face, ears, and neck. Shorter brims under 2.5 inches leave ears and the sides of the face exposed, making them closer in function to a baseball cap than a true sun hat. If neck protection is a priority, look for hats with a neck cape or a brim of 3.5 inches or more combined with 360-degree coverage.
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Both are necessary, but a hat provides more consistent protection than sunscreen alone. Sunscreen requires reapplication every two hours, washes off with sweat, and is often applied too thinly to reach its rated SPF. Medical research suggests UPF-rated clothing may be more effective at preventing sunburn than sunscreen under real-world conditions. The most effective approach is using both together.
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Most full-brimmed sun hats will press against the top compartment of a tall backpacking pack, which can be annoying on long days. Packable and foldable styles handle this better than structured hats with stiff brims. Baseball-cap styles and neck cape designs generally work best with backpacks, as their lower profile clears the back panel more easily.
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Hiking sun hats are built specifically for long days of sustained sun exposure and physical exertion. They typically feature UPF-rated fabric, moisture-wicking materials, chin straps to stay on in wind, packable construction for easy stowing, and 360-degree brim coverage that casual hats skip. A regular fashion hat may have no UPF rating and little to no chin strap security, making it far less practical on exposed terrain.
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A hat with an adjustable chin strap or drawstring toggle is the most reliable solution. Hats without chin straps rely entirely on fit to stay in place, which is rarely sufficient on windy ridges or open desert terrain. If your hat did not come with a chin strap, some models like the Tilley have grommets that accept a separate strap purchased independently.
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Yes. UV radiation increases by roughly 4 to 5 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A hiker at 10,000 feet is exposed to significantly more UV radiation than someone at sea level, even on a partly cloudy day. Clouds block heat but do not reliably block UV rays, so sun protection remains important regardless of cloud cover or temperature at altitude.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hiking Sun Hat for You
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas testing the Peter Shoals straw-style sun hat on a hiking trip in Colorado. Photo by John Carr.
Activity Type
Match your hat to your primary activity (aka, the outdoor activity you do the most). Backpackers might prioritize ultralight, packable options like the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. Day hikers can opt for something more stylish like the Tilley AirFlo or Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat. Rafters and kayakers Water sports should look for hats that float, like the Kavu Chillba.
Climate Conditions
Testing a sun hat on a backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park.
For hot, humid environments, look for a sun hat with ventilation. Mesh panels are your friend. In windy conditions, choose a hat with a secure chin strap. For desert hiking, maximum coverage is essential. Look for neck capes or extra-wide brims worth the additional weight. That's why you'll see the OR Sun Runner hat on PCT thru-hikers starting in the desert. Some hikers also wear a hat in conjunction with a hiking umbrella, like one from our Best Hiking Umbrellas guide, for additional sun protection and wind protection.
Your Face Shape
We know sun hats for hiking aren't going to be as stylish as fashion hats, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for something that doesn't look good.
Your face shape can influence which hat styles look best on you:
Round faces benefit from angular brims like the Filson Summer Packer
Oval faces can wear most styles successfully
Square faces often look good in rounded bucket hats
Long faces may want wider brims to balance proportions
Hat Sizing
Many hiking sun hats use simple S/M/L sizing, but some like the Tilley Airflo offer precise measurements. Measure your head circumference at the widest point about 1" above your eyebrows for the most accurate fit.
Glasses Compatibility
If you wear sunglasses or prescription eyewear, check whether the hat's brim interferes with your glasses. Higher crowns and flexible brims often work better for eyeglass wearers.
Color Choice
While darker colors may look cleaner longer, lighter colors reflect heat better. Consider visibility when hiking in hunting areas—bright colors like the orange increase your visibility to others.
Care Requirements
If you're hard on gear or sweat heavily, machine-washable options like the Tilley Airflo may be worth the investment. Hand-wash-only hats require more maintenance but often dry faster after rain or river crossings.
Remember: the best sun hat is the one you'll actually wear consistently. If style is a primary concern, the Filson Summer Packer offers both protection and aesthetics. If function is more important than fashion, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat provides unbeatable coverage and features.
I weighed hats using a kitchen scale. For example, the REI Co-Op Paddler's Hat weighs 2.8 ounces.
I measured hat brims using a tape measure. I found that the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker was about 3 inches long.
what to look for in a hiking sun hat
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
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas testing the Zendo Bucket hat on a hike to a waterfall.
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.
The San Diego Hat Company Visor (center) folds up like a charm. Photo by Sonja Lind.
How We Researched and Tested
We spent 20 hours researching the most popular sun hats. Then we spent 3 years testing the best sun hats on hikes, backpacking trips, on the water, and at beach days.
We wore the sun hats in sunny southern California on hikes from one hour long to multiple weeks-long backpacking trips in the Sierra. Additionally, other Treeline Review writers tested on backpacking trips and thru-hikes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.
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.
Lastly, Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas tested how well each sun hat insulates heads from the heat. She purchased more than a dozen honeydew melons and placed them in a sunny spot in her backyard. Then she put a sun hat on each melon. Each hour, she used a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the "head." We ran these tests all day until dark.
- Day hikes & backpacking trips
- High altitude in Colorado & Sierra Nevada
- Desert hikes in Arizona & New Mexico
- Beach use in Southern California
- Tested fit under & over sun shirt hoods
- Brim width & neck/face coverage
- Packability & shape retention
- Wind stability & chinstrap security
- Ventilation & all-day comfort
- Pack compatibility at top pocket
Sonja Lind hiking in Southern California on Tongva land.
About The Author / Why You Should Trust Us
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.
