The Best Hiking Hats

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.

• 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.