11 Best Hiking Hats for Women: Top Picks for Sun Protection

Hiking should make us look as young as it makes us feel! But with the sun damage, sometimes we catch extra UV damage and that’s where hiking hats come in handy.

A hiking hat is a specific type of hat designed to protect the head and face from the sun’s rays while providing ventilation to keep the wearer cool.

The material should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying to keep you comfortable during long hikes. The size and weight should be suitable for your head size and the amount of gear you’re carrying.

The breathability of the hat is also essential to prevent overheating and sweating.

From cat 3 sunglasses like the Oakley Sutro Sunglasses to sunscreen ensure you are protected from the damaging effects of the sun.

We spent hours researching and testing various hiking hats to identify the best ones for women.

Let’s dive into our top picks for hiking.

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11 Best Hiking Hats for Women

We have researched and tested various hiking hats for women to bring you the best options available on Amazon. Whether you are looking for a hat with sun protection, moisture-wicking capabilities, or simply a stylish addition to your hiking outfit, we have got you covered.

Outdoor Research Bugout Brim Hat

If you’re looking for a hiking hat that provides excellent bug protection and sun coverage, the Outdoor Research Bugout Brim Hat is a great option.

Pros

• The wide 360 brim provides great sun protection, and the hat is treated with Insect Shield to keep bugs away.
• The lightweight, quick-drying fabric is comfortable to wear in hot weather.
• The hat features a TransAction headband that wicks away sweat and moisture to keep you cool and dry.

Cons

• The hat may not fit well on larger heads.
• The brim may be too wide for some people’s preferences.
• The hat is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some.

We recently took the Outdoor Research Bugout Brim Hat on a hike in the mountains, and we were impressed with its performance. The hat provided great sun protection, and we didn’t have to worry about bugs bothering us thanks to the Insect Shield treatment. The lightweight fabric was comfortable to wear even in hot weather, and the TransAction headband kept us cool and dry. However, we did notice that the hat may not fit well on larger heads, and the wide brim may be too much for some people’s preferences. Additionally, the hat is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer machine washable items.

Outdoor Research Women’s Mojave Sun Hat

If you are looking for a stylish and functional hiking hat, the Outdoor Research Women’s Mojave Sun Hat is worth considering.

Pros

• The Mojave Sun Hat has a wide brim that provides excellent sun protection for your face, neck, eyes, and ears.
• Made from cotton twill fabric, this summer hat is breathable and comfortable to wear even in hot weather.
• The hat is packable, making it easy to carry in your backpack or luggage.

Cons

• The chin cord can be a bit uncomfortable if you wear the hat for an extended period.
• The brim is not adjustable, which may be an issue for some hikers.
• The hat is only available in one size, which may not fit everyone.

We recently took the Outdoor Research Women’s Mojave Sun Hat on a hiking trip and were impressed with its performance. The wide brim provided ample shade, and the cotton twill fabric kept us cool and comfortable. The hat is also packable, which made it easy to bring along on our trip.

One minor issue we had with the hat was the chin cord, which can be a bit uncomfortable if you wear the hat for an extended period. Additionally, the brim is not adjustable, which may be an issue for hikers who prefer a more customizable fit. Finally, the hat is only available in one size, which may not fit everyone.

Columbia Bora Booney Fossil One Size

If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable hiking hat that provides excellent sun protection, the Columbia Bora Booney Fossil One Size is a great choice.

Pros

• The hat is made of high-quality, lightweight nylon that feels soft on the skin.
• The Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technologies provide excellent sun protection and moisture-wicking capabilities.
• The hat features a full 3″ brim and an adjustable drawcord for a perfect fit.

Cons

• The hat only comes in one size, which may not fit all head sizes comfortably.
• Some users have reported that the brim is too wide and can flop around in windy conditions.
• The hat may not be as breathable as some other hiking hats on the market.

We recently took the Columbia Bora Booney Fossil One Size on a hiking trip in the mountains and were impressed with its performance. The hat felt lightweight and comfortable on our heads, and the adjustable drawcord ensured a snug fit. We also appreciated the Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technologies, which kept us cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

One potential drawback of the hat is that it only comes in one size, which may not fit all head sizes comfortably. Additionally, some users have reported that the brim is too wide and can flop around in windy conditions. Finally, while the hat is breathable, it may not be as breathable as some other hiking hats on the market.

Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

If you’re looking for a sun hat that offers great protection and comfort, the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat is a great choice.

Pros

• The UPF 50+ rating provides excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
• The adjustable drawcord ensures that the hat stays on your head even in windy conditions.
• The moisture-wicking headband keeps you cool and comfortable during long hikes.

Cons

• The brim may be too wide for some people’s taste.
• The hat may run a bit small, so be sure to measure your head before purchasing.
• The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.

We recently took the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat on a hiking trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The UPF 50+ rating provided excellent protection from the sun, and the wide brim kept the sun off our faces and necks.

The adjustable drawcord ensured that the hat stayed on our heads even in windy conditions, and the moisture-wicking headband kept us cool and comfortable during long hikes. We also appreciated the breathable mesh lining, which helped to keep our heads cool.

One minor issue we had with the hat was that the brim may be too wide for some people’s taste. Additionally, the hat may run a bit small, so be sure to measure your head before purchasing.

THE NORTH FACE Class V Women’s Brimmer

If you’re looking for a hiking hat that provides sun protection and comfort, the Class V Brimmer is a great choice.

Pros

• The toggle closure ensures a secure fit, even on windy days.
• The fabric is quick-drying and sweat-wicking, making it perfect for hot summer hikes.
• The adjustable chin strap keeps the hat in place, even during the most adventurous hikes.

Cons

• The hat may not fit all head sizes comfortably.
• The color options are limited.
• The hat may not be suitable for colder weather.

We recently tried out THE NORTH FACE Class V Women’s Brimmer on a sunny day hike and were impressed with its performance. The toggle closure kept the hat securely on our head, even when the wind picked up. The quick-drying and sweat-wicking fabric kept us cool and comfortable throughout the hike. The adjustable chin strap was a great feature, ensuring that the hat stayed in place even during more challenging parts of the trail.

While the hat fit comfortably on our head, it may not be suitable for all head sizes. Additionally, the color options are limited, so it may not be the best choice for those looking for a more colorful hiking hat. Finally, while the hat is perfect for hot summer hikes, it may not provide enough warmth for colder weather.

THE NORTH FACE Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat

If you’re looking for a comfortable and protective hat for your outdoor activities, The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is a great option.

Pros

• Made of 100% recycled nylon, making it eco-friendly
• Drawstring closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit
• Provides excellent sun protection for your face and neck

Cons

• Hand wash only, which can be inconvenient for some users
• The brim can be too limp in windy conditions, exposing you to the sun
• Some users may find the hat too hot to wear in warm weather

We recently tried out this hat during a hiking trip, and we were impressed by its performance. The drawstring closure allowed us to adjust the fit to our liking, and the hat stayed securely on our heads even during windy conditions. The 100% recycled nylon material felt comfortable and breathable, and we appreciated the added mesh panels for extra ventilation.

The wide brim provided ample sun protection for our faces and necks, and we didn’t have to worry about getting sunburned during our hike. However, we did notice that in very windy conditions, the brim could be a bit too limp, which exposed us to the sun.

Sunday Afternoons Women’s Ultra Adventure Hat Cinder/Gray Small-Medium

If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable hiking hat that provides excellent sun protection, the Sunday Afternoons Women’s Ultra Adventure Hat is a great choice.

Pros

• Provides UPF 50+ sun protection
• Crown ventilation keeps you cool
• Foldable brim makes it easy to pack

Cons

• May not fit all head sizes comfortably
• Drawstring closure may not be as secure as a buckle
• May not be as stylish as other hiking hats

This hat is made from a bluesign certified main body fabric with an environmentally friendly PFC-free durable water repellent finish, which means it’s both eco-friendly and water-resistant. The crown ventilation keeps you cool on hot days, while the wicking sweatband keeps sweat out of your eyes. The foldable brim makes it easy to pack, so it’s a great hat to take on long hikes or camping trips.

One potential downside of this hat is that it may not fit all head sizes comfortably. The drawstring closure may not be as secure as a buckle, which could be a concern for some hikers. Additionally, while this hat is functional and practical, it may not be as stylish as other hiking hats on the market.

Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat

If you’re looking for a comfortable, high-performance hat to wear on your next hiking trip, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat is a great choice.

Pros

• The hat’s UPF 50 sun protection technology helps shield you from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• The mesh venting provides added breathability to keep you cool and comfortable during long hikes.
• The adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back allow for a customized fit.

Cons

• The hat may not fit well on individuals with smaller head sizes.
• The brim may be too wide for some people’s liking.
• The hat may not be as durable as some other hiking hats on the market.

We recently took the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat on a hiking trip and were impressed with its performance. The UPF 50 materials blocked harmful sun rays, and the mesh venting kept us cool and comfortable during long hikes. The adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back allowed us to customize the fit for maximum comfort.

However, we did find that the hat may not fit well on individuals with smaller head sizes. Additionally, some people may find the brim to be too wide for their liking. While the hat is well-made, it may not be as durable as some other hiking hats on the market.

LLmoway Women Lightweight Safari Sun Hat

If you’re looking for a comfortable and lightweight hiking hat that provides great sun protection, then the LLmoway Women Lightweight Safari Sun Hat is a great option.

Pros

• The wide brim provides excellent shade to the face and neck, and the UPF50+ rating ensures maximum sun protection.
• The hat is made of thin and lightweight polyester fabric, which is breathable and quick-drying, making it comfortable to wear even in hot weather.
• The adjustable crown and chin strap with toggle allow for a customized fit, making it suitable for a range of head sizes.

Cons

• The hat has a unique shape that covers the back of the neck, which some users may find uncomfortable or unnecessary.
• The hat may not be suitable for very windy conditions, as the chin strap may not be strong enough to keep it in place.
• Some users may find the price point to be slightly higher than other similar hiking hats on the market.

We recently took the LLmoway Women Lightweight Safari Sun Hat on a hiking trip and were pleasantly surprised by its performance. The wide brim provided excellent shade to our faces and necks, and we didn’t feel overheated or uncomfortable despite the hot weather. The adjustable crown and chin strap made it easy to find a comfortable fit, and we appreciated the added security of the chin strap when the wind picked up.

One thing we did notice is that the hat has a unique shape that covers the back of the neck, which some users may find unnecessary or uncomfortable. However, we found that this feature actually provided additional sun protection and didn’t bother us during our hike.

TDHDIKE Women’s Sun Hat

If you’re looking for a sun hat that provides great sun protection while keeping your hair out of the way, the TDHDIKE Women’s Sun Hat is a great option.

Pros

• The ponytail hole on the back of the hat is a game-changer for those with long hair.
• The breathable fabric keeps your head cool and sweat-free.
• The adjustable chin strap keeps the hat secure on windy days.

Cons

• The hat may not fit those with smaller head sizes.
• The brim may be too wide for some.
• The hat is hand wash only.

We recently took this sun hat on a hiking trip and were impressed with its performance. The ponytail hole on the back of the hat allowed us to keep our hair out of the way and prevented tangles, while the breathable fabric kept our head cool and sweat-free. The adjustable chin strap ensured that the hat stayed secure on windy days and the wide brim provided great sun protection for our face, ears, and neck.

One thing to note is that the hat may not fit those with smaller head sizes, as the adjustable circumference starts at 21 inches. Additionally, the brim may be too wide for some, so it’s important to consider personal preferences when purchasing. Finally, the hat is hand wash only, which may be a downside for those who prefer machine-washable items.

TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat

If you’re looking for a versatile and warm hat for your outdoor adventures, the TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat is worth considering.

Pros

• The drop-down fleece design keeps your ears and neck warm in cold and windy conditions.
• The ponytail opening accommodates most ponytails or braids and features reflective stitching for enhanced visibility in low light situations.
• The stretchy polyester/spandex fleece is comfortable, cozy and delivers a fabulous fit.

Cons

• The hat may flatten your hair, especially if you have thick hair.
• The ear flaps may not stay down when running or hiking in windy conditions.
• The hat may be too tight for some head sizes.

We’ve used the TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat on several winter hikes and runs, and it has kept us warm and comfortable. The drop-down fleece design is innovative and versatile, allowing us to protect our ears and neck from the cold and wind. We also appreciate the ponytail opening, which accommodates most ponytails or braids and features reflective stitching for enhanced visibility in low light situations.

The stretchy polyester/spandex fleece is super soft and luxurious, providing a comfortable and cozy fit. The interior elastic band stretches to fit most head sizes, measuring 22 1/2″. We’ve found that the hat can be a bit tight for some head sizes, so it’s important to check the sizing before purchasing.

One downside of the hat is that it may flatten your hair, especially if you have thick hair. The ear flaps may also not stay down when running or hiking in windy conditions, which can be annoying. However, these are minor issues compared to the hat’s overall performance.

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Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best hiking hat for women, there are a few things to consider. We recommend taking into account the following features to ensure you choose the right product for your needs.

Material

The material of the hat is an important factor to consider when choosing a hiking hat. Look for hats made of lightweight, breathable materials such as nylon, polyester, or mesh. These materials will keep you cool and comfortable while hiking in hot weather. Hats made of quick-drying materials are ideal for wet weather conditions.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is a crucial feature to consider when choosing a hiking hat. Look for hats with a wide brim that can provide shade for your face, ears, and neck. Hats with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings are also a great option, as they can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Fit

The fit of the hat is another important factor to consider. Look for hats with adjustable straps or drawstrings to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, hats with sweat-wicking properties can help keep you cool and dry during long hikes.

Style

Lastly, consider the style of the hat. While functionality is important, you also want a hat that looks good and fits your personal style. Look for hats with a variety of colors and designs to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hat is good for hiking?

When it comes to hiking, a good hat should offer sun protection, breathability, and comfort. A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap is a great option, as it can protect your face and neck from the sun and stay secure during windy conditions. A hat made of lightweight and moisture-wicking materials such as nylon or polyester can also keep you cool and dry during your hike.

What is the best hat for walking in the rain?

For walking in the rain, a waterproof hat is essential. Look for a hat made with waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex or nylon. A hat with a wide brim can also help keep raindrops away from your face and neck. Additionally, a hat with a chin strap can help keep the hat in place during windy and rainy conditions.

What type of hat gives best protection from the sun?

A hat with a wide brim is the best type of hat for sun protection. The wider the brim, the more coverage it provides for your face, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, a hat with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+ can offer additional protection from harmful UV rays.

What are some fashionable hiking hats for women?

There are many fashionable hiking hats for women that offer both style and function. A fedora-style hat made of straw or lightweight materials can add a touch of elegance to your hiking outfit. A bucket hat with a colorful or patterned design can also be a fashionable choice.

What are some women’s waterproof hats for hiking?

There are many waterproof hats for women that are perfect for hiking. Look for hats made with waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex or nylon. A hat with a wide brim can also help keep raindrops away from your face and neck. Additionally, a hat with a chin strap can help keep the hat in place during windy and rainy conditions.

Where can I find cute wide brim hiking hats for women?

You can find cute wide brim hiking hats for women at many outdoor retailers and online stores. Some popular brands that offer stylish and functional hiking hats for women include Columbia, Sunday Afternoons, and Outdoor Research. Additionally, many fashion retailers such as Nordstrom and Anthropologie also offer a selection of fashionable hiking hats.

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We hope this guide filled with interesting information about the best hiking hats for women has given you the proper information to plan your next adventure.

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