After trying out over 30 top sun hats in the last three years, I recently bought the 10 best hiking hats to test. I wear these hats on all kinds of adventures! I took them on a big backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, went on local hikes, spent time at the beach, and wore them in the sunshine.
I wanted to find out which hats kept us coolest and felt the best to wear. After all testing, I can recommend some great choices for everyone: hats that work well and are budget-friendly, the most stylish hats, the best for water activities, top picks for kids, perfect ones for women, and the best ones for beach days!
Let’s explore the top hiking hats of 2025 and what makes each one stand out!
What to Look for in a Hiking Hat
When selecting a hiking hat, look for these essential features:
- Sun Protection (UPF Rating): The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating measures how effectively a fabric blocks UV rays. Hats with UPF 50+ are excellent for keeping you safe from harmful sunlight.
- Breathability and Ventilation: Materials like nylon or mesh are perfect for airflow, allowing heat to escape and keeping your head cool.
- Fit and Adjustability: Adjustable chin straps and headbands help keep your hat secure, especially when it’s windy.
- Packability: Lightweight, crushable hats are convenient to pack and easy to carry when you don’t need them.
1. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat offers excellent UPF 50+ sun protection and a wide brim for full coverage. With breathable side vents and a removable chin strap, it stays comfortable and secure on sunny, windy hikes, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear.
- Pros: The Sombriolet has side vents, a removable chin cord, and an inner sweatband, making it perfect for extended hikes.
- Cons: It’s slightly heavier than other options and pricier, but well worth it for long treks.
2. Columbia Bora Bora Booney II
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II is a lightweight, budget-friendly hiking hat designed with UPF 50 sun protection to shield against harmful UV rays. It features a 3-inch brim, breathable mesh venting for added airflow, and an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit, making it a popular choice for warm-weather hikes.
- Pros: Its adjustable chin strap and lightweight design make it versatile and comfortable.
- Cons: The brim can be a little floppy in strong.
3. Tilley LTM6 Airflo
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo is a durable, eco-friendly hiking hat made from recycled nylon, offering UPF 50+ sun protection. Its 3.5-inch brim and mesh crown panel provide optimal coverage and ventilation. Known for its high quality, it’s crushable, has a hidden pocket, and even comes with a lifetime warranty, making it ideal for long, sunny hikes.
- Pros: Provides great sun protection, is crushable, and has a hidden pocket.
- Cons: It’s a bit on the heavy side and costs more than others.
4. The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer is a lightweight, sun-protective hiking hat with a UPF 40 rating to shield against UV rays. Designed for comfort, it features a wide, structured brim and a breathable mesh insert that enhances airflow, keeping you cool on hot days. Its adjustable chin strap helps secure it in windy conditions, making it a solid choice for varied hiking environments. Available in multiple colors, the Breeze Brimmer combines durability and style for outdoor adventures.
- Pros: Lightweight, durable, and available in several colors.
- Cons: The UPF rating is lower than that of some other hats.
5. KUHL Renegade Cap
The KUHL Renegade Cap is a versatile cap-style hiking hat with a 7-panel design and Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, making it ideal for both trail and casual wear. Known for its stylish look and practicality, it features an adjustable back for a secure fit and a structured brim to keep sun and rain out of your face. While it lacks the full sun coverage of a wide-brim hat, its water resistance and compact design make it a solid choice for shaded trails or light rain conditions.
- Pros: Stylish and water-resistant, with an adjustable strap.
- Cons: Provides less sun protection than full-brim hats and lacks ventilation.
6. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is built for superior sun protection, offering UPF 50+ rating, an extra-wide brim, and a long neck cape to shield your skin from harmful rays. Lightweight and packable, it features strategic ventilation with mesh panels to keep you cool on hot days and a moisture-wicking sweatband for added comfort. With its durable design and adjustable chin strap, the Ultra Adventure Hat stays secure even in windy conditions, making it a favorite for sunny or desert hikes where maximum coverage is essential.
- Pros: Excellent coverage, packable, and sweat-wicking.
- Cons: Bulkier due to the neck cape, but great for sunny or desert hikes.
7. Territory Run Long Haul Cap
The Territory Run Long Haul Cap is a breathable, trucker-style hat designed for long days on the trail. It features lightweight mesh panels for ventilation, keeping your head cool during intense activity, and an elastic band for a snug, comfortable fit. Known for its durability and style, the Long Haul Cap is easy to pack and ideal for runners and hikers alike. Though it doesn’t provide full sun coverage like wide-brimmed hats, it’s a reliable choice for shaded trails and cooler conditions, balancing comfort with performance.
- Pros: Lightweight, easy to pack, and excellent ventilation.
- Cons: Limited sun protection, better suited for shaded trails.
8. Arc’teryx Sinsolo Hat
The Arc’teryx Sinsolo Hat is a lightweight, minimalist hiking hat with UPF 50+ sun protection, designed for those who prefer a sleek and packable option. Made from durable nylon, it features a soft, compressible design that easily fits into a pocket or pack without losing shape. The Sinsolo’s snug fit and breathable material keep it comfortable on warm days, though it has a smaller brim than most full-coverage hats, making it ideal for shorter hikes or shaded trails.
- Pros: Compact, durable, and highly packable.
- Cons: Lacks adjustability and has a smaller brim.
9. Patagonia Baggies Brimmer Hat
The Patagonia Baggies Brimmer Hat is an eco-friendly hiking hat made from recycled materials, offering UPF 50+ sun protection for long days outdoors. Its wide brim provides full coverage, while the durable construction ensures it holds up in rugged conditions. Designed with comfort in mind, it includes a moisture-wicking headband and an adjustable chin strap to keep it secure in windy weather. Though slightly heavier than other options, the Baggies Brimmer Hat is a great choice for those seeking sustainable, reliable protection on the trail.
- Pros: Sustainable, UPF 50+, and comfortable.
- Cons: Not as breathable as mesh-based hats.
10. Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat
The Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat is a comfortable, lightweight option with UPF 50+ sun protection, designed to shield your face and neck from harmful UV rays. With a classic bucket style, it features a 2.75-inch brim for ample coverage, making it great for sunny hikes or water activities. The Solar Bucket Hat is also water-resistant, has a moisture-wicking sweatband, and includes a chin strap to keep it secure in windy conditions. Its packable, durable design makes it ideal for those looking for a reliable, easy-to-carry sun hat for various outdoor adventures.
- Pros: Affordable, effective for sun protection, and available in a variety of colors.
- Cons: The brim may obstruct vision if not adjusted properly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hiking Hat
- Consider adjustable sizing, especially for windy hikes.
- Look for moisture-wicking fabrics to stay dry and comfortable.
- Choose hats with a high UPF rating (50+ if possible) for maximum sun protection.
Each hat on this list is designed to enhance your hiking experience in its own way, whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a multi-day adventure.
