The Best Hiking Hats
We looked at the top 11 Hiking Hats and dug through the reviews from 29 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hiking Hats.
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As the most common cancer in the U.S., skin cancer is a serious, but preventable, illness. Staying out of the sun is, of course, the best protection, but sunlight brings health benefits that make that a bad idea, too. In fact, hiking is a great way to enjoy that much-needed sun exposure while also getting the cardio benefits that come from a brisk walk.
Sunscreen is, of course, essential when you’re spending time outdoors. But there are also some clothing choices you can make that will help reduce your skin cancer risk. There’s a large selection of hiking gear available today that builds in SPF protection while also helping shield your body from the sun.
That protection starts with your head. You can hose your skin down with sunscreen, but the top of your head is especially vulnerable to the sun. Your hairline and scalp can suffer serious sunburn, but even if you only tan, that sun exposure can still heighten your skin cancer risk. The right hat is the best way to protect your scalp, as well as your face, when you’re getting direct sun exposure. In fact, some wider-brimmed hats can even protect your neck and part of your chest. There are also hats with back flaps designed to cover the entire back of your neck.
When looking for a hiking hat, personal preference comes into play. Many hikers choose a neutral-toned hat. You can find them in khaki, olive green, tan and other neutral colors, but there are also hats in bold, vibrant colors to help you make a statement on the trail. The best thing about going with a brighter color is that your hiking companions will easily be able to spot you if you become separated during your journey.
Even with the right hat, though, it’s best to do what you can to reduce sun exposure when possible. The sun’s rays are the strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hiking before and after those times is best, although you’ll probably want to eliminate nighttime as an option since it’s tougher to see the trail in the dark. Shady trails can give you the daytime hikes you want while also reducing your sun exposure.
Our Picks For The Top Hiking Hats
- 1. Camptrace Nylon UV Protection Hiking Hat
- 2. EINSKEY Unisex Wide-Brim Waterproof Boonie Hiking Hat
- 3. GearTOP UV-Protection Navigator Hiking Hat
- 4. Home Prefer Outdoor Neck Flap Hiking Hat
- 5. LLmoway Quick-Dry Adjustable Hiking Hat
- 6. Muryobao Wide-Brim Ponytail-Hole Hiking Hat
- 7. Leotruny Crushable Wide Brim Hiking Hat
- 8. Columbia Adjustable Bora Bora II Booney Hiking Hat
- 9. Cooltto Wide-Brim Nylon Hiking Hat
- 10. Tough Headwear Airmesh Boonie Hiking Hat
- 11. Outrip All-Around Protection Outdoor Hiking Hat
Grab this gender-neutral hiking hat before heading out on your next adventure. It features both a neck flap and UPF 50+ protection against the sun's harmful rays. There's also a front buckle closure to secure the hat so that it doesn't slide off as you run, ju...
Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this hiking hat is available in nine fun colors, including navy, dark gray, fuchsia and beige.
An elastic drawstring and adjustable chin strap make this hiking hat easy to customize for the fit that works for you. It has a wide brim measuring between 3.7 and 3.9 inches to keep the sun off your face while you’re hiking. A mesh panel design prevents moi...
For Frequent HikersThis hat folds up to tuck into a pocket, backpack or suitcase so that you’ll always be ready for a hike.
A lightweight design keeps you comfortable, even when you’re hiking for hours. It has a 3-inch-wide brim and UPF of 50+ to provide extra protection against the sun. The mesh band is extra breathable and the chinstrap helps keep your hat in place even on wind...
For the AdventurerDress like your favorite action film hero with this hiking hat, which features a safari-style design that’s perfect for any adventure.
Polyester/nylon material gives this hiking hat a breathable, quick-drying build while also feeling comfortable to the touch. It has a wide brim and UPF 50+ to help protect you against sun exposure. But what really sets this hat apart is its long neck flap that...
Keep-Cool OptionMesh vents and a moisture-wicking sweatband help keep you cool during your warm-weather hikes.
Why we recommend these hiking hats?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
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Our experts reviewed the top 11 Hiking Hats and also dug through the reviews from 29 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hiking Hats.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Camptrace Nylon UV Protection Hiking Hat
Our Take
Grab this gender-neutral hiking hat before heading out on your next adventure. It features both a neck flap and UPF 50+ protection against the sun's harmful rays. There's also a front buckle closure to secure the hat so that it doesn't slide off as you run, jump or climb.
What to Look For
- Although any head protection is better than nothing, a wider-brimmed hat will help protect your face. Combine optimal coverage with a lightweight design that will keep you comfortable and you can’t go wrong.
- If you love to hike, chances are you’re hitting the trails during the warmer months of the year. Staying cool when the summer sun is blazing down can be challenging. Look for a lightweight hat with built-in ventilation to keep airflow moving. Some polyester fabrics naturally wick moisture to help keep you dry even when you’re sweating and dealing with wet weather conditions.
- Keep in mind the sun bounces off of objects like pavement and sand. The glare can wear on you over time. A good pair of protective sunglasses can help keep you comfortable.
- Many hiking hats use a one-size-fits-all sizing model. The problem is, head circumferences can vary dramatically. Check the measurements of any hat you’re considering.
- Some hats include elastic to make the fit a little more customizable, along with giving you some breathing room for comfort.
- A chin strap can help hold the hat in place. You probably won’t want to wear this for every hike, though. Make sure the chin strap is removable in case you want to save it for a windy day.
- You never know when you might be caught in a sudden rainstorm. Look for a hat that repels water to help keep it off your face while you’re hiking.
- Some hats build in a sweatband to capture perspiration and prevent it from reaching your face.
More to Explore
It’s probably not too hard to believe that at one time, rigorous walks through hilly terrain were not popular. In fact, prior to the 1700s, the mountains were seen as dangerous and scary. But the Romanticism movement in 18th-century UK saw literary types heading to the mountains to surround themselves with beautiful scenery.
Soon, a challenge emerged. Adventurous European travelers sought to explore new territory, climbing higher than everyone else. Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, was first explored in 1786, followed by decades of hikers seeking to see how far they could go.