MoFiz Women's Lightweight Hiking Cargo Pants Outdoor Quick Dry Casual Travel Sweatpants Joggers Elastic Waist Button Pockets
$38.99 (as of March 14, 2024 18:46 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CQR Men's Tactical Pants, Water Resistant Ripstop Cargo Pants, Lightweight EDC Work Hiking Pants, Outdoor Apparel
$43.98 (as of March 14, 2024 18:46 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Heading out on the trails without proper sun protection can really put a damper on your hike. Intense UV radiation at high altitudes and overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other problems that cut your trek short. A good sun hat is essential hiking gear.
The right men’s hiking sun hat provides coverage from the sun, ventilates heat, wicks moisture, packs down small, and holds up to years of use on the trails. With so many choices ranging from baseball caps to bucket hats to wide brim options, it helps to know what to look for in the ideal hiking sun hat.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best sun hats for hiking including key features, top-rated picks, and recommendations for all head shapes and preferences. Let’s hit the trail!
Benefits of Wearing a Sun Hat Hiking
Donning a wide-brimmed hat or other sun hat style offers many protective benefits when you’re out hiking:
Don’t take chances with the sun. Stay protected and comfortable all day with a high-quality sun hat designed for hiking.
How to Choose a Hiking Sun Hat
All types of hats block the sun to some degree, but a true hiking sun hat offers technical features to protect and perform in active outdoor conditions. Here’s what to look for:
Sun Protection
Look for a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of at least 50+ which blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. Darker colors tend to rate higher for UV protection.
Fabric
Lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon and polyester wick moisture, dry fast, and resist shrinking or damage from water and sweat.
Ventilation
Mesh side panels, air vents, and sweat bands help circulate air to keep you cool. Avoid hats with reduced airflow.
Brim Width & Style
A brim that’s 3” or more all around provides optimal sun protection. Snap-up brims add versatility.
Fit
Adjustable chin straps, hat sizes, or cinch cords ensure a snug yet comfortable fit so your hat stays on in windy conditions.
Water Resistance
Durable water repellent (DWR) fabric treatment helps repel rain and quick-drying performance keeps hats from getting soaked.
Packability
Hats that are crushable, packable, or have brims that roll up compress down for easy packing into a pack or pocket.
Let’s explore these key features in further detail so you know what to look for in the ideal hiking sun hat.
Sun Protection Ratings
A hat can provide physical shade from the sun, but when you’re hiking it’s crucial to wear a hat that offers UV ray protection. The UPF rating indicates how effective a fabric is at blocking ultraviolet radiation.
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and it works just like the SPF ratings for sunscreen. A higher UPF number means more UV light blocked from reaching your skin. The best hiking hats have UPF 50+ which means they allow less than 2% of UV rays to pass through the fabric.
In addition to UPF ratings on the hat fabric, look for hats that incorporate these sun protective features:
Wide brims of at least 3 inches
Full circumference brims for side sun protection
Darker colors and thicker fabrics
Mesh side panels for ventilation over ears and neck
Longer back neck flaps for covering exposed areas
UPF 50 hats coupled with sunscreen on remaining exposed skin like the face and back of neck offer the most complete sun protection.
Hat Fabrics
Fabric factors like fiber content, weave density, and fabric treatments determine the hat’s durability, breathability, water resistance, and ability to protect from the sun.
Nylon – Resists tearing, dries fast, and blocks more UV rays. Often blended with polyester or spandex for stretch. Offers UPF 50 protection.
Polyester – Durable, quick-drying, and naturally UV resistant. Popular blended into performance hiking hats.
Cotton – Natural fiber that’s soft and breathable but absorbs sweat and moisture. Not ideal for hiking hats.
Hemp – Made from the fast-growing hemp plant, these fabrics feel similar to linen but are more durable. Provide sun protection and ventilation.
Tencel – Eco-friendly fiber made from wood pulp that’s breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking. Used in some hiking hats.
In addition to fiber content, look for these performance fabric features:
- DWR coating to repel rain
- Antimicrobial treatment to minimize odor
- Stretch for better fit
- Light colors and fabric weaves that don’t allow light penetration
Nylon and polyester blendsprevail as top materials for hiking hats. Avoid heavily cotton hats that get sweaty.
Hat Styles for Hiking
Now that you know what technical properties to look for, next comes choosing a hat style suited for hitting the trail. Popular options include:
Bucket Hats
Bucket style sun hats with sloping brims are popular among hikers for offering full sun protection. They’re packable, water-resistant, and allow airflow. The brims can flip up on some models. Drawcords provide adjustable fit.
Baseball Caps
Breathable baseball hat styles allow you to keep the sun off while maintaining visibility ahead. Look for technical fabrics, mesh panels, a longer back flap, and UPF 50 rating.
Boonie Hats
Boonie hats are safari-style bucket hats with a chin drawcord for securing in windy conditions. This wide-brim design provides wraparound sun protection.
Floppy Hats
These packable wide-brim hats fold up small for travel. The flexible brim keeps its shape after packing. Chin cords or headbands secure them from blowing away.
Visors
For maximum ventilation, visors are a lighter option offering shade just for the face. Look for full forehead coverage and UPF rated polyester or nylon construction.
For all-around sun protection, breathability, and coverage, a bucket hat or floppy wide-brim design makes a great choice for hiking. Baseball caps work for when visibility forward is a priority.
Top-Rated Hiking Sun Hats for Men
Now that you know what to look for in performance and sun protection, let’s review some of the top-rated men’s hiking sun hats. I’ll highlight key features for each.
1. Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
This hat is available in many colors. The Columbia Bora Bora Booney costs around $29 and is the best sun hat for men that matches your style. It also comes with an adjustable drawcord with a toggle and confidently gives you the perfect fit as it comes in only one size. It is the best hat to protect the face from the sun. These are the best Tilley sun hats for men.
The Omni-Shade prevents harmful UV rays and protects from sunburns and skin damage in the long run. Furthermore, it has the ultimate moisture-managing technology to make the outdoors comfortable. It instantly transfers moisture from your skin to the fabric, which helps in keeping you cool and dry.
Pros
- It comes with the Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection and has the Omni-Wick sweatband.
- Absorbs moisture and dries quickly
- Made from tear-resistant material
- Feels light
Cons
- It might not fit well as it comes in only one size
- Does not go with all styles
2. Lenikis UV Protecting Sun Hats with Neck Flap
These sun hats for men come with a neck cape, providing more UV protection than any other regular cap. It also has mesh panels over the crown to keep your head cool. The hat also comes with an adjustable buckle and strap at the back for you to get a relaxed fit. These are the perfect Patagonia sun hats for men.
The flap hats will guard your ears, neck, and back region of your head against the scorching summer sun. The fabric is 50+ UPF that blocks about 98% of the harmful UV rays. It has an adjustable back band and a chin strap that provides a relaxed fit and prevents your hat from being blown away on a windy day. The hat comes in two sizes, M and L.
Pros
- It is lightweight and is made from a rapid drying fabric
- It is foldable, water and stain resistant
- Adjustable bands give a comfortable fit
- Protects even the neck and ear region from the harmful UV rays
Cons
- Could interfere with vision
- The neck cape may bother you while playing
3. Quiksilver Men’s Outsider Merica Sun Protection Hat
These are woven best sun hats for men that promise shade from the sunlight on sunny days. Also, they give you a stylish look to carry anywhere while protecting your face. The hat comes in various designs with good-looking woven crowns and colorful fabrics under brims adding to your stylish look.
They cost about 27$, making them not very expensive. It further lets the wearer display his personality and keeps the skin on his face protected, which makes it the best sun hat for men to protect from the sun. They also give some space for ventilation but not much.
Pros
- It helps in providing a lot of shade
- Develops holes without difficulty
- Made from 100% straw that helps prevent harmful rays
- Comes which a strap to help fit well
Cons
- No space for ventilation might make the wearer feel hot
- They may not fight every size but may only go for men’s sun hats for big heads
4. Neck Gaiter Warmer Windproof Mask Fleece
It is a unisex hat cum scarf that makes it the best sun hat for men. It is made from super soft fabric that helps keep the cool effect, with more comfort, and is windproof. It is suitable for both the summer and winter seasons.
This sun protection mask is durable and lasting and woven precisely to make it last so that it is usable for years. It is mostly used for outdoor purposes and activities like snowboarding, hiking, skiing, bicycling, trekking, etc. You can wear the hat under the helmet, as a mask, neck gaiter, or bandana.
Pros
- The multipurpose hat that goes for any event
- It is a unisex hat
- It helps in keeping warm in winter
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- This may lead to excessive sweating in summers
- No one can only protect the head or neck at one time
5. USHAKE Sun Cap with Face Neck Cover Flap
It is one of the sun hats for men in which high-tech fabrics are used and has UPF 50+ sun protection to keep your skin on the neck, ears, and face guard against the scorching rays. The hat comes with a removable neck flap and a breathable face protector that cover your entire facial region. It protects the skin from harmful materials, and the mask protects the face from dust.
This hat is made of breathable fabrics that make you protect your skin and not feel suffocated at the same time. It is very light in weight and comfortable to wear on your head. It is quick-drying and suitable to be worn even in summer, making it the best sun hat for men. Also, it can be wearable even when it’s drizzling. The durable metal buckles and chin strap ensure the hat stays even on windy days.
Pros
- It is a multipurpose hat that can is usable in all weather conditions
- Breathable fabric prevents suffocation or discomfort
- Rapid drying makes it water-resistant even during light rains
- Protects the entire face and head region from harmful UV rays
Cons
- Available in only a few colors
- The flaps might not last long enough
Picking Hats for Different Face Shapes
Beyond getting the right size hat, you want a flattering style suited to your face shape. Here are top picks for common face shape categories:
Trying on different silhouettes will help determine most flattering styles. Snapshots from the front and side let you see how different hats complement your looks.
Caring for Your Hiking Hat
Investing in a high-quality hiking hat means you’ll want it to last for years out on the trails. Follow these care tips:
With proper care and maintenance, a good hiking sun hat delivers years of performance. Replace the hat once it loses its protective properties or shape.
Conclusion
Don’t take chances with the intensity of the sun on exposed trails and peaks. A high-quality hiking sun hat like the Tilley LTM6 Airflo or Columbia Bora Bora Booney provides essential face and neck protection, cooling airflow, and sweat wicking to keep you comfortable mile after mile.
Look for key features like UPF 50+ UV blocking, adjustable fit, supreme breathability, water-resistance, and durability in materials. Choose a style suited to your face shape and size. With the right hiking sun hat, you can fully enjoy the sights under the warm sun in complete comfort.
FAQs
1. Which is the best material for sun hats for men?
The material should be selected correctly, as it also plays a vital role in a comfortable fit. A breathable fabric like cotton is best suited for summer hats as it helps in preventing sweat. Also, polyester is a perfect choice as it is easy to wash.
2. What type of hats is convenient for outdoor activities?
The best sun hats for men for outdoor activities are the ones that come with flaps. They prevent your skin, ears, and neck from getting damaged and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
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