Many of us who enjoy hiking look for the lightest and most compact equipment, but despite this need to always carry as little gear as possible, we can’t afford to go on a hike without a sun hat. In fact, that same minimalism is precisely what makes a sun hat – or any other piece of protective clothing – an absolute must-have for a hike.
If you do find yourself in the position of not having a wide-brimmed hat with you on your next trip outdoors, chances are you’ll be more than willing to carry it along from that point on. In most cases, this is merely a temporary measure since the hat will not only provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain and wind, but it will also offer some warmth on cold days. Hats are not something you want to leave behind, so it’s best to have a couple of them with you.
In the following lines, we will go over some of the most important things that should be taken into consideration when looking for a good hiking hat. If you know what these are, then choosing the right model is going to take no time at all.
Buying a Sun Hat for Hiking – What is important?
Width of brim:
The wider the brim, the more protection it will offer. Big, wide-brimmed hats are particularly useful during summer time since they protect you even when walking directly towards the sun. On the other hand, they are fairly large and not that practical for hiking since you need to carry them around between locations instead of easily putting them into your backpack.
Material:
Hats made of cotton are completely useless, so go for a polyester or nylon model instead. The material will also contribute to the weight and volume of the hat. For example, a hat with a nylon shell and a polyester lining will weigh more than an all-feather model.
UPF-rating:
Ultraviolet protection factor – or UPF – is a rating system to define how much protection a hat provides against the sun. The higher the number, the more effective it will be at preventing burns and skin cancer.
A rating of 20 means that only 1/20th of the harmful UV rays penetrate the fabric. If you wear something that is rated as 50+, then just 1/50th of the rays reach your skin.
Understandably, choosing a hat with a higher UPF-rating will provide better protection and it’s recommended to look for numbers between 30 and 50.
Fit:
The way a hat fits your head is the most important thing to consider. Look for adjustable straps or a drawstring to ensure a snug fit, and make sure it covers the back of your neck as well. The best hiking sun hat will easily fit in your backpack – even when stored without folding – and you’ll barely notice its weight difference.
1. Tilley LTM6 Airflo
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Traveling
This is one of the most popular sun hats for hiking among outdoor enthusiasts. It’s made from 100% nylon with a UPF rating of 50+ and weighs less than 3 ounces. The brim is adjustable to up to 7 different positions, it features a drawcord closure, ventilation holes under the rim and comes in two colors – khaki and olive.
2. Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Traveling
This is one of the lightest sun hats for hiking out there, weighing just 1 ounce and featuring a UPF rating of 50+. The brim comes in four different positions and it’s made from nylon with an elastic band that allows for a snug fit. It can also be rolled up and stored in one of the hat’s pockets.
3. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Traveling
This Sunday Afternoon’s hat is made from 100% nylon and provides great protection with a UPF rating of 50+. It has a mesh lining, ventilation holes and it’s adjustable to 3 different positions. It also features an adjustable chin strap and the brim can be adjusted up to 7 different positions – 2 more than most other models.
4. Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Traveling
This Columbia hat is available in a wide range of colors but only in one size. It has a UPF-rating of 50+. It’s made from 100% nylon with mesh lining, adjustable chin strap and it features Columbia’s trademark Omni-Wick technology to keep you as cool as possible. It also comes with an adjustable drawcord for a snug fit and is easily packable – it’s able to be rolled up and stored in one of its pockets, which also doubles as a storage pouch.
5. ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Adventure Hat
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Traveling
This ExOfficio sun hat is designed to keep you protected from the wind, rain and insects. The mesh at its back allows your head to breathe while keeping it protected from bugs. The ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Adventure Hat features an ExO-Dri treatment that makes the fabric wick moisture away, while still offering UPF 50+ sun protection. It has a chin strap and adjustable toggle to ensure it stays in place in windy conditions.
