Sun hats are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast, providing protection from the elements and reducing the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. To help you find the most comfortable, packable, and durable sun hats with top sun and weather protection, we tested 10 highly rated products from popular brands like Outdoor Research, REI, Sunday Afternoons, and The North Face.
Having hiked over 100 miles in hot, exposed, and windy conditions from the rugged Northern California coastline to the golden and amber autumn forests of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, our gear analyst thoroughly evaluated these sun hats for their performance in the field. She also submerged each one in water to determine its relative weather resistance and quick-drying capabilities.
For additional sun protection recommendations to keep you comfortable and covered when the trail gets exposed, check out these gear guides for more inspiration: Best sun shirts of 2025, best hiking pants for women, and best hiking pants for men. Or read our article on what to wear while hiking and backpacking.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Sun Shirts
Hats off to our first roundup of the best hiking sun hats! Get a quick overview of the best hiking sun hats below, then keep scrolling for more detailed reviews and firsthand insights from the field.
Best Sun Hat Overall: Solbari Trekker Sun Hat Men’s ($65) / Women’s ($65)
Best Ultralight Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure ($50)
Best Budget Hat: GearTop Navigator Safari Sun Hat ($22)
Best Wide-Brimmed Hat: Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat ($49)
Most Stylish Hiking Hat: REI Sahara Guide Hat ($43)
Best Cap with a Cape: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap ($40)
Best Trail to Town Hat: Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat ($99)
Most Packable Hat: Buff Explore Booney Hat ($45)
Best Hat for Small Heads: North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat ($45)
Most Simple Sun Hat: Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat ($30)
What’s new
We have tested a range of sun hats from mountain to sea, comparing top-ranked and well-known brands. Here are our latest updates and field feedback.
- The Solbari Trekker Sun Hat takes our top spot as the best overall sun hat with the most coverage. It is a comfortable hat that just about does it all!
- Two of our other editors’ picks include the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure and the Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat. Sunday Afternoons is one of the best sun hat brands in our opinion, and our field testing proves their durability, protection, and comfort on the trail.
- The GearTop Safari Sun Hat is the best bang for your buck at its low price, yet still has incredible performance in the field.
- Although not as budget-friendly, the REI Sahara Guide Hat remains relatively affordable with excellent style and performance.
Sun Hats Overall Testing Scores
Solbari Trekker Sun Hat
Best Sun Hat Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $65
Weight: 4.2 oz.
Brim Width: 3.5” front, 6.75” neck cape
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (nylon)
Pros
- Comfortable, durable, and adjustable
- Material has a cooling effect
- Removable chin strap
- Full sun coverage
- Neck flap does not flip up in wind
- Water resistant
- Downturned brim
Cons
- Only folds in half for storage
- Larger size gaps between sizes
- Weighs on the heavier side
The Solbari Trekker is the pinnacle of sun hats, ranking high in all our categories. Our gear analyst explored the magical fall colors of the Eastern Sierras while racking up many miles testing the durability, comfort, and protection of this hat. Although this hat is on the heavier side of our lineup and not as packable as some, it compensates with great wind resistance – even the back neck flap stayed down when the breeze picked up.
The UPF rating, slightly downturned wide brim, and long neck flap provide full sun protection. The mesh panels are tightly woven to prevent unwanted UV rays from penetrating the material. The fabric has an almost swimwear-like texture and offers a cooling effect when worn, making it one of the least likely hats to cause a sweaty head during strenuous hikes.
This brim isn’t designed to float, but it won’t automatically sink if dropped into water – though we don’t recommend testing this in deep waters. The Solbari Trekker is water-resistant, wicks away sweat, and dries ultra-fast.
We love the removable chin strap, which can be easily unclipped or clipped for comfort or in windy conditions. The hat fit our gear analyst perfectly in a small size, although she noticed a significant size gap when trying on the medium. However, with its adjustability points at the crown and around the chin, this hat is sure to fit every head shape and size.
Although we tested multiple sun hats side-by-side on our Eastern Sierras trip, we kept reaching for the Solbari Trekker and are quick to recommend it as a great overall choice for sun coverage on the trail.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure
Best Ultralight Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $50
Weight: 2.5 oz.
Brim Width: 3.25″
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (polyester, nylon)
Pros
- The lightest hat we tested
- Comfortable, durable, and adjustable
- Comes with a sunglasses lock
- Water-resistant and floatable brim
- Downturned brim for sun protection
- Very packable and can be folded down in quarters
Cons
- Runs quite large
- Light material of the neck flap does flip up in larger wind gusts
As the lightest and most breathable hat in our lineup and one of the most packable, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat earns its place as one of our top Editor’s Picks.
Sunday Afternoons is one of our favorite sun hat brands because of their consistent quality, sun coverage, and comfort across most of their products. Although the Ultra Adventure hat runs quite large even in the smallest size, it can be quickly adjusted to stay secure in the wind – though be warned that the light material of the neck flap can flip up in strong gusts, so extra sunscreen is essential.
Our gear analyst tested the hat on alpine lakes and tough hikes with thousands of feet of elevation gain in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. The hat dries quickly, resists moisture, and floats effortlessly in water.
The slightly downturned brim offers sun protection as the sun sinks to lower angles, and the sunglasses lock provides security when storing your glasses on your head. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure has received high praise in numerous reviews, and we agree that this hat truly deserves its spot as one of the best sun hats of 2025.
GearTop Navigator Safari Sun Hat
Best Budget Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $22
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Brim Width: 3.7″
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (polyester)
Pros
- Comfortable with adjustable crown and chin strap
- Large brim with excellent coverage
- Stays in place when windy
- Extremely water resistance and quick-drying
Cons
- Not as breathable
- Back of sun hat tilts downward, which makes it not as compatible with higher stacked backpacks
- Loosely woven mesh panels may allow UV rays to penetrate through
- On the bulkier side
- Pocket on inside of crown not very functional
The GearTop Navigator Safari Sun Hat pleasantly surprised us with its performance in the field; even though it comes at a lower price, it is still a quality hat for everyday and outdoor adventures. The hat itself is very comfortable – although it runs large in its one-size-fits-all design, it can be adjusted at the crown and with the chin strap. Once fully adjusted, the hat stays put in windy conditions with its stiffer brim.
With its UPF 50+ material and 3.7-inch brim, this hat provides excellent sun protection. The brim tilts slightly downward, offering more coverage at different sunlight angles. However, the back of the brim rests low on the upper shoulders, which could come into contact with higher-stacked backpacks during multi-day trips. The mesh panels are loosely woven, allowing some UV rays to pass through the crown, making this hat less suitable for those with thinner or no hair.
While this hat is on the bulkier side, it folds easily in half for storage or travel. Geartop also includes an internal pocket in the crown of the hat; however, we didn’t find it practical to use because our heads got sweaty while hiking. The material isn’t as breathable as other options in our lineup, but it does dry very quickly.
One of the features that surprised us the most when waterfall hunting in Northern California is how water-resistant the hat material is. Even after being submerged in a pool of water during our hike, the hat didn’t absorb any moisture and beaded right off the brim. The crown stayed a little damp but was perfect for keeping our heads cool in the heat. Another perk of the Gear Top Navigator hat is that the brim floats in water, making it a great option for water sports too!
While this hat is generally quite durable, our gear analyst has noticed some threads beginning to unravel on the underside of the brim. This doesn’t impact the hat’s performance and is a minor detail. Overall, it’s an excellent budget hat that stands up well against some of the more expensive options in our hiking sun hats roundup.
Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat
Best Wide-Brimmed Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $49
Weight: 4.3 oz.
Brim Width: 3.75” front, 4” sides, 4.75” back
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (polyester)
Pros
- Comfy and adjustable
- Large wide downturned brim provides full coverage
- Sunglasses lock
- Water resistant and floatable brim
Cons
- Runs very large
- Back of brim hits the top of your pack when looking upward
- Not as packable as other hats
The Latitude is one of the best wide-brimmed hats for superior sun protection and wind resistance. Its 3.75” front brim, 4” side brims, and 4.75” back brim ensure coverage from all angles of sunlight. However, keep in mind that the long back of the hat may hit the top of your day pack when looking up or turning your head, which could be a bit annoying. We recommend using this hat for hikes with a smaller pack, a hydration vest, on the water, or simply without a pack.
Like many Sunday Afternoon hats, the Latitude tends to run quite large but can be adjusted at the crown and around the chin. It features a sunglasses lock, is water-resistant, and has a floatable brim. Due to the stiffness and bulk of the brim, this hat isn’t very packable. Although it has creases that can be folded in half, it requires more force to fold after the hat has been worn extensively. Because of this, our gear analyst prefers to strap the hat to the outside of her pack or hang it on a tree at camp.
REI Sahara Guide Hat
Most Stylish Hiking Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $43
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Brim Width: 3.25”
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (nylon)
Pros
- Comfortable and adjustable
- DWR coating and floats in water
- UPF 50 with an adequate brim width for sun coverage
- Durable and packable
Cons
- Loosely woven large mesh panels don’t protect from UV rays
- Chin strap is not removable so cannot be replaced if needed
- Brim flips up in larger wind gusts over 15mph
The REI Sahara Guide Hat is a stylish, simple, and comfortable hiking hat featuring a decorative band around the crown. It fits large in the S/M size but includes an adjustable cinch on the crown and a comfortable chin strap.
With its 3.25-inch brim and UPF 50+ material at just 2.6 ounces, this hat provides lightweight sun protection with enough coverage for the day. However, when the sun is at its lowest in the sky during early mornings and late evenings, part of your face will still be exposed.
While the side mesh panels offer better breathability, their loose weave still lets UV rays pass through the material, which can still cause sunburns for people with little or no hair.
We tested this sun hat while hiking and exploring beaches along the rugged and windy Northern California coastline. While it holds up well in winds up to 15 mph, any larger gusts cause the brim to flip up. Fortunately, the hat itself stays secure and is unlikely to blow off your head during hikes in bad weather.
After submerging the REI sun hat in water, our gear analyst found the DWR coating to be effective at repelling water and preventing it from soaking into the brim. While the crown of the hat absorbs moisture fairly quickly, its thinner fabric dries rapidly. We love that this hat floats in water—making it great not just for hikes but also for water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Overall, our gear analyst was satisfied with the REI Sahara Guide hat’s performance—thanks to its combination of lightweight sun protection, packability, durability, and water resistance. Not to mention, it also looks great! However, if you expect high winds or need more coverage around your head to prevent sunburns, you might want to continue exploring our gear guide for other high-performing sun hats.
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Best Cap with a Cape
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $40
Weight: 2.8 oz.
Brim Width: 2.75”
UPF Rating: UPF 40 (nylon)
Pros
- Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable
- Velcro strap in the back is easy to adjust
- Very packable
Cons
- The cape attachment is not ideal for windy days
- The chin strap, when cinched, sits at an awkward spot on our face
- Taking on/removing the cape takes longer than desired
- The front brim is much shorter than other hats
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is our top choice for a cap with a cape. This UPF 40+ hat is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, adjustable, and packable—though not the most stylish in our lineup. The cape attachment is removable but does take some time to detach and reattach to the hat.
After field testing, our gear analyst discovered that she prefers a simple baseball hat with a sun hoody over the Sun Runner Cap style. When wearing the cap along the windy Northern California coast, she observed that the cape often blew around in the wind, leaving her neck and the sides of her face exposed. The chin cinch didn’t tighten enough and stopped at an awkward point on her face.
However, with that being said, on calm days, the Sun Runner Cap is a great option for those who want sleeker sun coverage than a wide-brimmed hat or who don’t want to wear a long-sleeve sun hoodie over their baseball hat. It’s important to note that the front brim of this cap is relatively short at only 2.75 inches, which limits its sun protection. In terms of weather resistance, the Sun Runner Cap is fairly water-resistant, although the cape absorbs moisture somewhat more easily than the cap.
Overall, this cap is of competitive quality, though the lighter colors will show sweat and dirt over time. The Sun Runner Cap is a great option for those looking for lightweight sun protection and desiring a baseball hat style with extra coverage.
Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat
Best Trail to Town Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 4.1/5.0
Price: $99
Weight: 3.7 oz.
Brim Width: 3.25”
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (nylon)
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable and thick material
- Water resistant
Cons
- Runs very small
- Not as great sun protection due to style of brim
- Not very packable
- Wind cord system not the most convenient to use
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo hat is more focused on style than function, making it a great choice for trail to town. Its sizing is quite unique, as you select the exact inches of your head circumference. Even after measuring carefully, our gear analyst finds that the hat runs very small and fits tightly.
The Airflo hat is extremely durable and made from one of the thickest materials in our lineup. It is also water resistant, causing moisture to bead off upon impact. Tilley added a wind cord system inside the hat, where two sliding knots can be adjusted to tighten the hat in windy conditions. We weren’t impressed with this system and found it to be inconvenient and less functional in the field than a simple bungee at the crown and chin strap.
The smaller, stiff-brimmed hat offers limited sun protection and isn’t ideal when the sun is lower in the sky. Our gear analyst noticed sunlight hitting parts of her face during most of her hike in the late afternoon. Since this hat is not very packable and can’t be easily folded or crushed without possibly deforming the brim, it’s best to strap it to the outside of your pack on trail and hang or lay it flat at camp. While this isn’t our favorite hat for tough, exposed mountain scrambles and trails, it’s a stylish choice for more casual trail-to-town hikes.
Buff Explore Booney Hat
Most Packable Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 3.9/5.0
Price: $45
Weight: 2.3 oz.
Brim Width: 2.75”
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (polyester, nylon)
Pros
- The most packable hat and even comes with its own self-storage pocket
- Light and breathable
- Adjustable
Cons
- Runs small
- Short and floppy brim does not provide the best sun protection
- Flips up in the wind
The Buff Explore Booney Hat comes from a company known for its ski season neck gaiters and is a unique option to consider for the trail. It is by far the most packable hat in our lineup and can be easily tucked into the back pocket of your shorts or pants. It also features its own self-storage pocket in the crown, although we find it easier to simply stuff the hat into our pants or backpack pouch.
The hat runs very small for our gear analyst, but if you find it fits large, it can be adjusted at the crown and around the chin. With its shorter, floppier brim, this hat isn’t ideal for windy conditions; unfortunately, it also doesn’t offer much sun protection – part of our face was always exposed to sunlight on the trail. If the Buff Explore Booney is your style of hat, we definitely recommend applying sunscreen thoroughly to your face and neck, and reapplying as needed while on the trail.
That said, this hat is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly. The mesh panels wrap around the crown and are covered with fabric flaps to allow air in while blocking UV rays. Overall, this isn’t our top choice for mountain adventures or exposed trails, but it might be worth considering if style and packability matter to you.
North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
Best Hat for Small Heads
CleverHiker Rating: 3.9/5.0
Price: $45
Weight: 3.1 oz.
Brim Width: 3.125”
UPF Rating: UPF 40 (nylon, elastane)
Pros
- Adjustability points on crown and around chin (chin strap is also removable)
- Flap over mesh panels can be folded over the top for enhanced breathability
- Easily packable and foldable
Cons
- Left forehead indentations after use
- The chin strap is abrasive
- A wider brim would have offered more protection from the sun at lower angles
- Absorbs water and is not very water resistant
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat offers several unique features, but we still have mixed opinions after field testing. Our gear analyst finds the S/M hat to fit on the snugger side, making it best for those with smaller heads. The sweatband liner does leave fairly deep forehead indentations after the first use; however, over time, it becomes less noticeable with regular wear.
The adjustability points on the crown and the strap around the chin help secure the hat in windy conditions. After taking this hat on hikes just inland of the breezy Northern California coast and experiencing wind up to 20 mph, we found this North Face hat stayed in place. However, with stronger gusts, the brim sometimes flips up.
While the hat is generally durable, we are disappointed with how abrasive the cord material around the chin is and how uncomfortable it feels against our skin. Additionally, the cord is attached inside the hat and tied off, but the ends are a bit sharp and could catch in our gear analyst’s curly hair. Fortunately, the chin strap is removable, so you can replace it with another cord of your choice or skip it entirely.
With a brim just over 3 inches and made from material rated UPF 40+, this North Face hat provides decent sun protection. The brim isn’t wide enough to shield from the sun at lower angles, but it does its job when the sun is directly overhead. Unfortunately, this hat isn’t water resistant, and any moisture will soak into the fabric immediately—making it take longer to dry. However, after submerging the hat, our gear analyst didn’t notice any drooping or excessive floppiness that would affect its performance.
The mesh panels on the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat are a unique design, covered by solid fabric flaps. Our gear analyst experienced a sweaty head fairly quickly when wearing the hat as is during a hike. However, once the mesh panels are exposed and the fabric is folded over the top of the hat, it creates space for airflow, improving breathability.
Overall, this is a unique hat with mixed opinions; however, it is still worth considering for on-the-go travel due to its ease of packing and wind resistance.
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
Most Simple Sun Hat
CleverHiker Rating: 3.7/5.0
Price: $30
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Brim Width: 3”
UPF Rating: UPF 50 (textured poplin nylon)
Pros
- Comfortable with adjustability points on crown and chin
- Lightweight and breathable
- Water resistant
Cons
- Brim deforms easily and flips up in the wind
- One size only
- Mesh panels loosely woven which still allow UV rays to penetrate through the material
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is a solid, budget-friendly option that compacts easily for outdoor adventures. It’s a comfortable hat with adjustable features on the crown and a chin strap. Although it only comes in one size, it’s simple to adjust for a good fit.
While the Columbia Bora Bora Booney is lightweight and breathable, the brim easily loses its shape and does not sit flat around the head, resulting in less reliable sun protection and poor wind resistance, as the brim flips up even in small gusts.
We tested this sun hat on windy days along the Northern California coast and observed that it flipped up or flew off in gusts around 15 mph. That said, we are impressed with its water resistance and how quickly moisture beads off the outer material. However, after submerging the hat in water, we noticed water stains remained around the crown even after it dried.
The 3-inch brim and UPF 50 material help provide sun protection. However, the uneven brim and loosely woven mesh panel around the crown still allow some UV rays to penetrate. While we didn’t notice any points of wear and tear on this Columbia hat in the field, we’re not too impressed with its durability—mainly because of water staining and the shape of the brim. Still, this hat’s comfort, lightweight design, price, and simplicity make it worth considering as an affordable option.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Brim Width | UPF Rating | Sizes | Comfort | Sun Protection | Weather Protection | Durability | Packability | 0 |
Solbari Trekker Sun Hat View Men's View Women's 
|
$65 | 4.2 oz. | 3.5” front, 6.75” neck cape | UPF 50 (nylon) | S, M, L/XL | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 1 |
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure View at REI View at Amazon
|
$50 | 2.5 oz. | 3.25″ | UPF 50 (polyester, nylon) | S/M, L/XL | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 2 |
GearTop Navigator Safari Sun Hat View at Amazon View at GearTop 
|
$22 | 3.5 oz. | 3.7″ | UPF 50 (polyester) | O/S | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3 |
Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat View at Amazon View at Sunday Afternoons
|
$49 | 4.3 oz. | 3.75” front, 4” sides, 4.75” back | UPF 50 (polyester) | M, L, XL | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4 |
REI Sahara Guide Hat View at REI
|
$43 | 2.6 oz. | 3.25” | UPF 50 (nylon) | S/M, L/XL | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5 |
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap View at REI View at Amazon |
$40 | 2.8 oz. | 2.75” | UPF 40 (nylon) | S – XL | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 6 |
Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat View at REI View at Tilley |
$99 | 3.7 oz. | 3.25” | UPF 50 (nylon) | 6 7/8ths – 8+ (inches) | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 7 |
North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat View at REI View at Amazon |
$45 | 3.1 oz. | 3.125” | UPF 40 (nylon, elastane) | S/M, L/XL | 3.7 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 8 |
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat View at REI View at Amazon |
$30 | 2.6 oz. | 3” | UPF 50 (textured poplin nylon) | O/S | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.7 |
|---|
How We Test & Methodology
We thoroughly tested each sun hat extensively, from the Northern California coastline to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, wearing them in water, on trails, and in high wind conditions. We spent several weeks in early fall, using side-by-side testing to evaluate these sun hats for comfort, durability, weather resistance, features, and packability.
COMFORT
Our comfort ratings focus on fit, breathability, materials used, the inner sweatband lining in the hat, and any additional bonus features. When trying on the hats, we determine how easy it is to get a secure, snug fit using any adjustability features included.
We inspect all mesh panels and ventilation points to evaluate their effectiveness in providing good breathability during hot and sweaty days, as well as any issues like UV penetration and exposure through areas with looser-weave material.
We prefer sun hats made with quick-dry material and featuring a soft, smooth sweatband lining to prevent forehead indentations. Finally, we highlight valuable bonus features such as a sunglasses lock on the crown, a ponytail hole in the back, and an anti-glare brim.
SUN PROTECTION
Sun protection is the main reason for wearing a sun hat, so it’s important to choose your style carefully and ideally pick one with a high UPF rating. Brim width is also a key factor, and we find that widths of at least 3 inches provide the best coverage.
In the field, our gear analyst thoroughly tested the sun hats at different times of day to evaluate their coverage when the sun is at both a low and high angle.
Hats with a cape attachment can provide better protection, especially around the back of the neck and ears. However, make sure to choose tightly woven materials, as hats with looser weaves can still allow some UV rays to pass through the fabric.
WEATHER PROTECTION
If a sun hat doesn’t provide proper weather protection, it can lead to uncomfortable and frustrating situations — like a brim that keeps flipping up over your forehead in the wind or even flying off in strong gusts.
In the field, our gear analyst tested every sun hat in our lineup in windy conditions, from the Northern California coast to the high-altitude Sierra Nevada mountains, to gain firsthand insight into their performance.
Water resistance is another key factor in choosing your sun hat, especially if you expect bad weather from high-altitude thunderstorms or tropical showers during your adventures. We submerged each sun hat in water and then continued with our day to test their water resistance, quick-dry ability, and how droopy they got when wet.
DURABILITY
During our testing process, we closely monitor each sun hat for signs of wear and tear on the trail, deformed brims, or noticeable quality declines. After comparing different materials used in each model’s production, we evaluate them based on overall durability and quality, while identifying which materials are the most functional, breathable, and comfortable for days with intense sun exposure and high activity.
During our review, we also pay attention to any manufacturer’s washing instructions for each hat and notify when special care is needed.
PACKABILITY
Having a packable sun hat is very convenient when traveling, though it limits its ability to handle wet and windy conditions because of a more flexible brim. For each sun hat in our selection, we tested how easily it could be folded or stored while on the go, also noting how well it keeps its shape once unpacked.
Two other key aspects of packability are bulkiness and weight; like most outdoor gear (hiking sun hats included), we prefer low bulk and lightweight designs.
Why Trust CleverHiker
Gear Analyst Emily Parnay has worn many hats over the years in the mountains — climbing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, on the water – you name it. She brings a wealth of field experience in what makes a sun hat great. When developing our Hiking Sun Hats Roundup Review, she hiked over 100 miles on exposed, windy trails from the Northern California Coast to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, testing hats side-by-side on her adventures. She also submerged each sun hat to determine their performance in water and verified if the hats advertised as “floatable” truly floated.
Emily has a background in the outdoor industry and holds a BA in Adventure Education from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. As an outdoor enthusiast who loves spending hours, days, and weeks outside, she understands the importance of sun protection firsthand. From her personal and professional experiences, she is skilled in evaluating outdoor gear, critiquing features, and assessing quality.
Analysis & Results
VALUE
When discussing value, we consider not only the price but also the longevity, performance, and functionality of the gear we review. Sun hats that offer comfort, sun and weather protection, durability, and packability ratings that justify their price are considered high-value purchases.
Our top choice, the Solbari Trekker Sun Hat, may not be the cheapest on our list, but its outstanding quality and performance across all metrics offer great value. This hat will reliably protect you under the sun for years during all your adventures. Similarly, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure and Latitude Hats provide excellent sun and weather protection that justify their price.
As an affordable option, the GearTop Safari Sun Hat still provides excellent value. While it may not have the highest durability and quality, its weather resistance, sun protection, and comfort make it a strong choice even compared to more expensive sun hats. The REI Sahara Guide Hat is also reasonably priced for a simple, stylish sun hat that performs well on the trail. It offers great value as a no-frills option that combines style, durability, and functionality.
COMFORT
When determining the comfort of a sun hat, we consider the softness of the material, the fit and adjustability, added bonus features, breathability, if any forehead indentations were left from the sweatband liner and the shape of the hat.
As expected, the most comfortable hats were also among our top value picks, including the Solbari Trekker Sun Hat, with its almost silky-smooth cooling material, true-to-size fit, and easy adjustability. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure is our second pick for comfort, thanks to its lightweight material that offers the perfect balance of protection and breathability. The Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat ranked just a smidge lower, but only due to the long back brim, which affected comfort when wearing a high-stacked backpack.
The GearTop Safari Hat was also among our top picks for comfort, which is truly impressive for such a budget buy – it isn’t quite as breathable as some other options, but the combination of coverage and features makes it a go-to.
The REI Sahara Guide Hat is very comfortable to wear, but we deducted some points because the wide, loosely woven mesh panels could cause burns for people without hair protection around their head. Likewise, we took points away from the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap because it doesn’t perform well in the wind, as the neck flap often leaves the neck exposed.
The final hats we tested didn’t rank high in comfort because of several factors that made them less suitable for extended wear. These include the fit being too tight, lack of coverage and protection, uncomfortable chin cords, forehead indentations, and/or an ineffective brim shape.
SUN PROTECTION
Although most of the sun hats we tested have a high UPF rating, the shape of the hat, the weave of the mesh panels, and the length of the brim all influence the sun protection rating.
The sun hats with the highest sun protection rating are the Solbari Trekker Sun Hat and the Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat. The Solbari boasts a wide slightly downturned brim with a thicker, longer neck flap that stays put in the wind, unlike the neck flap on the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure and the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap. The Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat boasts the longest brim at 4 inches on the sides and 4.75 inches in the back, providing complete coverage with its slightly downturned shape.
The GearTop Safari Sun Hat closely follows the Latitude hat with its wide, downturned brim, providing full coverage even at lower angles of sunlight. However, it features more loosely woven mesh panels than the hats listed above.
The hats in our lineup with the least sun protection that we wouldn’t recommend for long periods of sun exposure are the Buff Explore Booney Hat, with its short 2.75-inch floppy brim, and the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II, with its awkwardly shaped brim that bends and deforms easily.
WEATHER PROTECTION
When testing for weather protection, we evaluate both wind and water resistance, as well as any extra features like a floatable brim.
The Solbari Trekker Sun Hat again secures a top spot in another category – it repels water instantly, wicks away sweat and moisture, dries quickly, and stays in place in the wind. The GearTop Safari Sun Hat and Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat both resist wind and repel water immediately, while also featuring an effective floatable brim that comes in handy for water activities.
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is water-resistant, floats, and dries quickly. However, the neck flap can flip up in stronger wind gusts, which slightly lowers its weather protection rating.
The other sun hats in our lineup received lower ratings because they lack wind resistance (tested in 15-20mph winds), with brims flipping up, capes failing to stay in place, or the hats blowing off entirely. The only exception is the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat, which is the only hat in our lineup that completely lacks water resistance and soaks up water immediately.
DURABILITY
When assessing durability, we examine the quality of the material, any features that have weak points or limitations, and any visible wear and tear from field testing. If there are any special care instructions listed for the hats, we also note them. Most of the hats we tested proved to be durable and of high quality, with only a few products expected to have issues.
The hats with the highest durability include the Solbari Trekker, Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure, Sunday Afternoons Latitude, REI Sahara Guide Hat, and the Tilley LTM6 Airflo. All of these hats are made with high quality materials that give us nothing to critique and no concerns for long-term use.
After field testing, we noticed a few loose threads on the brim lining of the GearTop Safari Sun Hat – nothing that affects its performance, but enough to see a difference in quality compared to more expensive sun hats. The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap uses thinner material, and the process for detaching and attaching the cape, combined with its poor performance in stronger winds, makes it seem less durable than the hats listed above. Similarly, the Buff Explore Booney Hat is made of a lower-quality, thinner material.
Lastly, the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat and Columbia Bora Bora Booney II are the least durable hats we tested, mainly due to their features that detract from the hat’s performance, including the chin cord quality and sweatband liner quality of the North Face and the brim shape and water staining on the Columbia.
PACKABILITY
Packability refers to how easily a sun hat can be crushed, folded, or stowed away on the go without deforming the brim.
The most packable sun hat we tested is the Buff Explore Booney Hat. This hat can be stuffed or crushed without worry of deforming the floppy brim, and it easily slips into the back pocket of your pants or shorts while on the go. It even includes a built-in storage pocket inside the crown.
The next most packable hats are the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure, which can be folded into quarters into a small package that easily slips into the outer side pouch of your backpack, and the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap. Just after these two hats, the REI Sahara Guide Hat and Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat take the next spots in our packability rankings. These hats can fold several times and easily slip into the top of your pack.
The GearTop Safari, Solbari Trekker, and Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hats have creases that allow you to fold them in half for storage. However, the Latitude Hat requires more force to fold after extended wear, and we recommend hanging or laying it flat.
The least packable sun hat in our lineup is the Tilley LTM6 Airflo, which can’t easily be crushed, folded, or stuffed without damaging the brim over time. This hat should be hung or laid flat to ensure it lasts longer.
How to Choose a Sun Hat
TYPE OF HAT
There are many different types of hats to choose from, such as a straw hat, bucket hat, boonie, brimmer, fedora, or baseball cap.
Straw Hats
Straw hats are usually not the best choice for hiking because they lack durability, packability, and breathability, but they can be great for the beach, pool, garden, or around town.
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats usually have a smaller floppy brim that, while stylish, does not provide the best coverage for intense outdoor activities with lots of sun exposure.
Boonie Hats
Boonie hats originated in the military and have wider, stiffer brims than bucket hats, but they are still designed to be lightweight and breathable.
Brimmer Hats
Brimmer hats are wide-brimmed hats made for outdoor use that provide complete sun protection.
Fedoras
Fedoras are typically made from wool, felt, or straw with a raised crown; these hats are usually worn more for fashion than practicality.
Baseball caps
Baseball caps lack a full brim, but those made with polyester or other quick-dry materials are ideal for under-helmet use to keep the sun out of your eyes when rafting, climbing, or mountaineering; caps can sometimes come with a removable cape attachment for neck coverage or can always be paired with a sunhoody for a sleeker look on the trail.
COVERAGE
Having excellent full coverage is the main purpose of a sun hat, so researching the brim width, UPF rating, and any cape attachments before purchasing is important. A brim width of at least 3 inches is highly recommended for the best sun protection. Wider brims, such as 4 inches, can provide even better coverage, although they may also cause some limitations, especially if you frequently lift your arms over your head
Having a UPF rating of 50+ is ideal, but it’s important to remember that some loosely woven mesh panel designs can still allow UV rays to pass through. This is especially pertinent for those who don’t have thick hair protecting their scalp.
Finally, some hats come with a cape attachment at the back to provide better neck protection. While these capes are usually not the most stylish, they offer fuller coverage throughout the day when the sun’s angle can vary greatly depending on the time.
COMFORT
Comfort is also one of the most important factors when choosing your hat. Since not all hats come in a one-size-fits-all option, you will need to know your head circumference to find the best size for you. This measurement can be taken by wrapping a measuring tape around your head, over the forehead where a hat typically rests.
Luckily, many hats also feature adjustability points, such as a chin strap and a bungee on the crown, which allow for a snugger, customized fit. These features are especially helpful if you find yourself between sizes.
For the most comfortable hats, we recommend choosing ones with a soft sweatband liner inside the crown to prevent indentations on the forehead. We also suggest selecting hats with mesh panels to boost breathability and airflow.
BRIM STIFFNESS
When choosing your sun hat, consider the stiffness of the outer brim. Sun hats with a softer, more flexible brim may look more stylish and are easy to pack for travel, keeping their shape even after being folded. H
owever, they tend to sag when wet and are less resistant to wind. Stiffer-brimmed sun hats are generally more durable and less likely to flip up in the wind but can crease or deform more easily if folded, stuffed, or stored improperly. It’s usually best to store your hat with the brim up to maintain its shape.
Conclusion
After extensive field testing from California’s seas to its mountains, we present a comprehensive guide to the best sun hats for your hiking adventures. CleverHiker is a team of outdoor enthusiasts who love what we do – we aim to inspire people to get outside and help them make gear choices that make outdoor adventures more accessible. We hope these reviews, tips, and rankings assist you in finding a hat that keeps you protected for miles and years of use.
