When adventuring outside on a summer’s day, or spending a day hiking mountain trails, protecting yourself from the sun is important, and the best way to do that is having one of the best hiking hats. Your skin can be sensitive to the harmful rays, and that includes your head and neck area. It’s important to use a hat intended for protection, not just style.
Ideally, you want a hat that is light and durable; a hat that is well-fit so you don’t always have to adjust it. The best hiking hats are also the ones that breathable and keeps your head cool. With so many hats on the market it can be hard to choose.
Below is a list of the 10 best hiking hats on the market today. These hiking hats have wonderful features and designs. Hopefully this list helps narrow down your options and provides you with right information to purchase your next hat.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Hiking Hats
- 1.1 1. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- 1.2 2. ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Adventure Hat
- 1.3 3. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
- 1.4 4. Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
- 1.5 5. Outdoor Research Helios
- 1.6 6. Tilley LTM6 Airflo
- 1.7 7. Arc’teryx Sinsola
- 1.8 8. Outdoor Research Swift Cap
- 1.9 9. Columbia Schooner Bank Cachalot III
- 1.10 10. Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat
- 2 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Hiking Hats
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Tilley LTM6 Airflo |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Columbia Bora Bora II Booney |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Outdoor Research Swift Cap |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Columbia Schooner Bank Cachalot III |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Outdoor Research Helios |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Arc'teryx Sinsola |
| Check On Amazon |
 | ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Adventure Hat |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
This product is what we consider the best hiking hat because it provides an excellent level of breathability, venting, and packability, while also being extremely comfortable and light. The ultra adventure hat droops backwards to ensure neck protection and comes equipped with a protective drawstring that works to keep the hat stable and securely placed on your head.
On top of having all these features it is extremely comfortable, making this hat truly an exceptional product. The comfortability of the material comes with UPF50 technology interwoven into the fabric keeping you protected from the sun indefinitely. The brim stays sturdy and rigid in the wind, standing strong for your protection and also packs down with ease, bouncing back to its original shape no matter how awkwardly packed.
We chose this hat as number one because of how well rounded it is. If you want overall protection that covers all the bases of features that the industry of hiking hats offers, this is the one for you. It could be argued there are more stylish options, but we assure you, you’ll get the most of out of this one.
2. ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Adventure Hat
The ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool hat is also considered one of the best hiking hats. Especially when you’re going hiking or exploring humid, swampy areas or anyplace where bugs are in abundance. It’s easy to protect your body from bugs by wearing extensively long pants and a long sleeved shirt, but your head is more challenging. A hat like this comes in handy during these types of situations.
The hiking hat is equipped with an insect shield that maintains its effectiveness of repelling insects through 70 washes leaving you protected from bugs for a serious amount of time. While repelling insects, the hat is also waterproof, dries extremely quick when fully soaked, and has integrated UPF30 technology into the nylon material which protects your head and neck from the harmful rays of the sun.
If immersing yourself into the wet wilderness of the world, or really don’t want to bring bug spray on every summer hiking trip, this is the hat for you. We personally think The ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool’s integrated bug repellent is very innovative and convenient, while also being extremely comfortable and built for the outdoors, makes this hat an excellent second choice
3. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
This model is great when dealing with the elements. It’s durable while also being made of anti glare material under its brim that helps you see well without having to strain your eyes. Its brim is strong and chin strap sturdy, making a windy hike no problem and the brim staying in place, protecting your eyes no matter how windy the day gets.
On top of being made for the elements, it has great breathability with air vents on each side of the hat to ensure constant air flow. The crown of the hat has a very absorbent sweatband that helps keep the sweat out of your eyes when the temperature rises or when you are facing the most strenuous part of the climb.
All these great features are hidden inside what seems to be a very stylish hat which is hard to come by when finding exceptional hiking headwear. This being said, it’s a great hat for just a trip around town or an exciting adventure. You can’t go wrong with the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat.
4. Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
The Columbia Bora Bora II Booney is great because of its breathability. One of the best hiking hats for ventilation, guaranteed to keep your head cool. The hat also covers the majority of your head and neck, and has UPF50 technology integrated into the hat material ensuring protection from the sun. The adjustable chin strap is surprisingly strong, keeping the hat right on your head despite the possibility of a windy day.
On top of having these great features, the hat also has incredible packability minimizing down to the size of your cell phone. The brand Columbia has a repertoire of hiking gear considered to be at the top of the industry, and this hat doesn’t fall short of that reputation. We are confident that this hat would be a great addition to any of your hiking adventures.
5. Outdoor Research Helios
The Outdoor Research Helios is with out a doubt, considered one of the best hiking hats for its comfortability and wide range of functionality. The design of the hat offers a shorter degree of protection than the back of the hat, but can be worn with any backpack, or hiking gear you carry.
One of the problems with hiking hats is how they offer a wide proximity of protection, but can get in the way of your backpack or carried supplies, making the hat possibly fall off or repositioned to an uncomfortable position.
While still providing a legitimate amount of protection from the sun with its design and not being an inconvenience in length, it also is very durable and can take hit after hit. Meaning no matter how many times it’s accidentally crushed or folded up awkwardly, it will spring back into its original formation with ease.
It allows easy packability and can be stuffed into any little nook and cranny and afterwards still look brand new. Alas, if sun protection is a serious requirement of your hiking headwear we wouldn’t recommend this particular hat, but it is still one of the best hiking hats because of its many unique features.
6. Tilley LTM6 Airflo
The LTM6 Airflo hiking hat is a wonderful example of detailed handmade craftsmanship that sets it apart from other hats in the industry. Made of UPF50 integrated nylon with specialty mesh inserts at the crown, and hidden small hook and loop pockets for small valuables, make this hat special.
Equipped with a Hydrofil sweat band to keep your head cool, ensure to keep the sweat out of your eyes and help keep you cool down working in tandem with the hat’s great ventilation system. The Hydrofil also has a built in floatation system, making sure that the hat stays bobbing on the water’s surface if it happens to fall into a body of water.
Another unique aspect of the hat is that it comes in a whopping 9 different sizes which is three times the average size scale, practically guaranteeing you’ll be able to find a size that works for you. Like many other hats on our list, there are too many unique beneficial features that come with the Tilley LTM6 Airflo, so we had to include it.
7. Arc’teryx Sinsola
Sadly, the majority of hiking hats are made with men in mind, or are considered unisex. Thankfully the makers of the Arc’teryx Sinsola thought there should be at least one women oriented hiking hat on the market and took up the responsibility to make a great one. They did just that with this hiking hat having a distinct feminine style and being so comfortable.
Like a few other hiking hats in this article, the crushability is impressive and can be tucked, crammed, or shoved into any bag and be brought out looking like new. Despite being so easily packable, comfortable, and stylish, it isn’t as rugged as some other models found on this list. Despite this small setback, we felt it was important to include an exclusively female hat that we still found exceptional.
8. Outdoor Research Swift Cap
The Outdoor Research Swift Cap provides the style of a ball cap and the comfort of a hiking hat. This hat is made from nylon fabric, which means that it will resist water in case it gets damp or wet. This Swift Cap is also equipped with 3-panel mesh. This inclusion of mesh makes the hat breathable and able to wick away moisture for a comfortable, dry, and fresh feel that you will greatly appreciate while on the trail (especially on those hot summer days).
The bill on the Swift Cap protrudes out to almost 3 inches. Such a long bill provides you with some protection against rain, wind, and sunlight. In addition, the hat’s fabric provides UV protection with a UPF rating of more than 50.
This is a great hiking hat, but it’s even better for those hikers who have smaller heads. The Swift Cap has an adjustable back buckle, so you can achieve your most comfortable fit. All in all, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap will give you great comfort and protection against nature’s elements while you hike on the trail.
9. Columbia Schooner Bank Cachalot III
This Schooner Bank Cachalot III by Columbia is a unique hiking hat, as it’s equipped with a neck cape even though its style is reminiscent of a ball cap. The neck cape is a protective feature that shields you from water, wind, and sunlight. Nevertheless, this hiking hat is made from 50% nylon and 50% polyester, making this hat an excellent moisture-wicking accessory that you need in your hiking gear.
There is even an Omni-wick (a term coined by Columbia that describes the moisture-wicking technology of its products) sweatband inside the hat that will remove sweat from your forehead and into the surface of the fabric where it will evaporate, keeping your head dry and cool. The Schooner Bank Cachalot III works like magic!
Another cool feature of the Schooner Bank Cachalot III is that it offers protection from those harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are known for causing long-term skin damage, with its built-in UPF 50 material. This hat is also adjustable, as it has a drawstring closure on the back that you can adjust to your desired and most comfortable fit. All of the great benefits of this hiking hat will make it the perfect addition to your hiking wardrobe and a necessity on the trail.
10. Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat
You can leave the umbrella at home because this Cloud Forest Rain Hat by Outdoor Research is completely waterproof! The Cloud Forest Rain Hat is solely made from nylon, so it does a fantastic job at repelling water and keeping you nice and dry on a rainy-day hike. Also, a built-in moisture-wicking headband keeps rain and sweat from getting in your eyes and blurring your vision, which is a great advantage to have in a hiking hat.
Another cool feature of the Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat is that it is lightweight and won’t be heavy on your head. The hat is also adjustable, as it’s equipped with a drawcord that will help you adjust the hat to your most comfortable fit. It also comes with a chin cord that can be removed or used to help the hat stay on your head in windy weather conditions. So, if you need a hiking hat that will protect you against wind, cold, and rain, then the Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat is the best hiking hat for you.
Conclusion
While a hiking hat might not be the most essential piece of gear you might need to be prepared for your hiking adventure, in its own way, they are still very important and valuable. We hope that this article was able to help you make a confident and informed decision when deciding which hiking hat will meet your specific needs.
We value your head being protected from the elements and want you to be able to rely on your hat to be durable, and of course comfortable. We are confident that all 10 of these options do represent the best hiking hats on the market that provide those necessary features and more. May your head and neck be protected, your comfort level high, and hiking style impeccable. Cheers to your next hiking adventure!
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