When you are hiking, you need as much protection as needed, especially from the sun. The sun can be frustrating to deal with, and it should be dealt with to avoid dehydration and potentially melanoma or other forms of cancer. We have been wondering what is the best hat for hiking and hope to help you find the right options.
The ideal hat for hiking will offer you adequate protection for your head, and it will make sure that you are protected. It should have wide coverage to protect you from all sides, and the materials need to be UPF protected. There are numerous different hats, and you will find that some of them work in certain conditions.
As mentioned, numerous hats can be used for hiking. However, you will need to make sure that you select the right one. The options of these hats are plentiful, and everyone believes they have the perfect hat. The following article aims to help you select some of the top options and help you look at some of these features.
What Do You Need To Look For When Buying A Hat For Hiking Or Backpacking?
Before you even look at some of the top hats, you will need to make sure that you understand the different features. We have selected some of the top features to make sure you find the right hat that will offer you enough protection. Anyone can use these features to ensure they find the most comfortable and useful hats.
Universal Protection
While the baseball cap will give you protection for the front of your face, it does not give you protection to the back and sides of your head. You will need to find a hat that offers you universal protection around your head and ensure that you have all the protection needed. It should ideally stretch around your head.
Materials
It is one of the most important things to look at the materials, and various things need to be covered. The hat needs to be durable for continuous use but also offer UPF protection. You will need to make sure that it can dry quickly, and if you find a hat with decent moisture-wicking, it is even better.
Abrasion-Resistant
Since you are wearing these hats for long periods, you will need to make sure you have a hat that does not cause abrasions. These abrasions could be frustrating when you need to wear the hat constantly. The materials and the straps need to be comfortable, but you can avoid these issues when the unit can be adjusted.
Fit
If the unit does not have a comfortable fit, it will fall off your head, and you will be tempted to remove the hat. The hat should be comfortable with making it on your journey, and we would recommend considering the sizing. Once you have the right size, you will notice that it is much easier to wear the hat for prolonged periods.
UPF Rating
We have mentioned the UPF protection, but you will notice that these hats have a UPF protection rating. You have to look at the UPF rating, and for most of these hats, a rating of UPF 50 is often the best. You might not hike in such temperatures, but you will notice that the protection can help you if the temperatures change.
Style
Finally, we have included the hat’s style, and while it might not be one of the most important features, the style will help the hat stand out when you are hiking. Since hiking clothes have been made more stylish, you might need a hat that complements your outfit. However, it should be the least of your concerns.
Top 3 Hiking Hats
Once you have gone through all the features and are ready to find the right hat, you will be intimidated by the number of available hats. Fortunately, we have isolated a couple of the top options. You can use any of these hats for hiking. Here are the top options that we have considered for hiking and backpacking:
Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Airflo Bucket Sun Hat
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Durable construction
- UPF 50 protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Available in nine sizes
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line: The Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Airflo Bucket Sun Hat is one of the most useful options. It features a wide brim and is made from durable materials. The unit is expensive, but the protection level is hard to compare. Additionally, it will wick away most of the moisture from sweat to keep you cool.
Sombriolet Sun Hat
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- 100% nylon
- Includes a mesh design
- Wide brim design
- Secure adjustment cord
Cons:
- The sides can flap
Bottom Line: When you are looking for a soft hat, the Sombriolet Sun Hat is one of the top options on the market today. It features a wide brim, but the hat has been constructed from solid nylon. The mesh overlay will help moisture to be wicked away. It might be a soft hat, but you can manage the sides that flap with the cords.
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Features neck protection
- Includes a sleeve for sunglasses
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lacks durability
Bottom Line: The Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat might look like your standard gardening hat. However, the unit is comfortable and offers protection for your neck. The wide brim will make sure you don’t need to deal with the sun. It also includes an additional sleeve that will be used for your sunglasses.
Need Help Preparing for a Hike or Backpacking Trip?
Check out our Hiking Equipment Guide for Beginners. It’s a complete list of gear that every beginner should have!
What Is The Best Hat For Hiking Summary
Having one of the most comfortable hiking hats will make your journey much more enjoyable. There are tons of different hats that you can choose from. We have selected some of the top hats and given you all the features. However, we would like to read some of your opinions in the top hats and miss any.
