Sure, your sunscreen is great and all, but when you can manage it – it’s always preferable to simply throw on a hat or a long-sleeve shirt instead of having to apply and re-apply that greasy solution to your skin. We’re not talking about baseball caps or even the more popular six-panel hats that are out there. What we’re recommending here are full on hiking hats.
These caps will not only keep your eyes and forehead shaded from the hot, damaging rays coming at you from the sun – but they’ll also protect your neck, ears, and nose. That is because in order for a hiking hat to be exactly that – a hiking hat – it has to feature all-around protection from the sun. And yeah, sure, you likely won’t want to head out for cocktails in one of these, but they’re great for wearing on the trail. Take a look at a list of some of our favorite hiking hats for men.
REI Co-op Bucket Hat
For those who aren’t trying to spend a whole lot of scratch picking up a brain-bucket, this pick from REI is worth consideration. The nylon fabric used to make the hat is certified up to UPF 30 sun protection, and folds easily for storing on your day hiking pack or even a back pocket. The interior moisture-wicking mesh liner and side vents are prefect for keep you both cool and dry, while the cinch cord keeps the hat from flying away during windy hikes. Right now you can pick up this hat in one of three colors, and in two sizes.
Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hats
UPF 50 sun protection, omni-wick sweatband, and mesh paneling all come together to make this hiking hat from Columbia Sportswear a solid grab. It is simple, lightweight, and easily packable thanks to its nylon fabric construction. And of course, because it just wouldn’t be a hiking hat without it, the cap from Columbia features an adjustable strap for keeping it on your noggin during those windbreaker-worthy days.
Mountain Hard WearCanyon Wide Brim Hat
While not exactly something you would’ve caught Indiana Jones wearing while trying to protect ancient artifacts, this hat from Mountain Hard Wear is pretty cool. And by cool we mean it’ll keep you cool. The nylon-fabric constructed hat features a Coolmax sweatband for ventilating your forehead and keeping sweat out of your eyes. The hat also boasts a pair of big mesh panels along the side for venting your head, as well as a closed-cell foam along the brim that’ll keep your hat afloat should you lose it while fording a river. All things said a solid hat for hiking.
Arc’teryx Sinsolo Hat
Although this bucket hat from Arc’teryx doesn’t feature quite as wide a brim and lacks a mil-spec cinch cord (not really a thing, but it definitely sounds cooler than just writing ‘cinch cord’), it still makes for a great hiking hat. It features a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric that makes it easy to pack away, and a reflective logo for visibility. And thanks to its stretchy fit, it won’t blow off easily in the wind. Available in three different colors.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
For those that’d rather die that be sunburned, this hiking hat is for you. While it isn’t much of a looker, this hat featuring a 3-inch folding clamshell brim and 6-inch neck cape is just about the top of the heap when it comes to sun protection. And yeah, it has all kinds of other bells and whistles like a sunglasses dock for keeping your shades in place, a water -resistant finish, UPF 50+ sun rating, and a wicking sweatband for keeping sweat out of your eyes. You won’t make anyone swoon with this guy on, but you’ll probably avoid a trip to the dermatologists 30 years from now.
Marmot Simpson Sun Hat
If you often come back from hikes looking like a lobster ready for boiling – you may want to give this hat from Marmot a second look. This UPF 40 rated brain bucket features an adjustable chin strap that you can attach or detach at your own convenience. The interior of the hat features a microfiber fabric that keeps you cool while also wicking moisture from your forehead. Don’t feel like protecting your ears from the sun’s harsh rays for some reason? You can snap the bill up along the sides.
Patagonia High Stile Hat
When used properly, this hat will stick on your melon no matter how windy it is. The back of the hat features a nylon strap for tightening around your head, while also feature a chin-strap for when you feel like dropping it around your neck for a bit. In addition to these qualities, this hat from the Ventura, California-based brand features a COOLMAX fabric headband and the same fabric under the brim to reduce glare and reflective heat. All things said a solid cap for summer trekking.
Triple Aught Design Scout RS Boonie Hat
This military-inspired boogie hat from American made outdoor brand Triple Aught Design boasts a more tactical look than any previous picks on this list. Made from a cotton and nylon blend with ripstop stitching and a DWR finish, it is designed to keep you shaded and ventilated throughout the entire day – no matter where you are. You can find this hat in 5 different colorways and in four different sizes.
The North Face GTX Hiker Hat
Made from a polyester fabric and finished with a Gore-Tex 2L Paclite face, this hiking hat is going to do a lot more than just block the sunshine. If you get stuck in a rainstorm, it’ll go a long way to keeping your head and face out of the downpour. And to top it off, the hat comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer – so you can be sure that it is tough enough to handle even your hardest hikes.
Filson Summer Packer Hat
Made right in here in the U.S. of A, this hiking hat from Filson is ideal for those looking for a more classic look for the trail. The cap has a more old-school look to it, but still manages to ventilate through its ventilated grommets, and protect your face with its UPF 50+ rating and wind and water resistant fabric.
15 Best Hiking Daypacks
Chances are if you’re going on a hike, you’re going to want to bring along some gear. In our experience, these are some of the best hiking daypacks to bring along.
