Sunburn is no laughing matter in hiking and backpacking trips, and the best hiking hats offer maximum protection against these rays. The risk of skin cancer is real and not only do you need to apply sunscreen, but protecting your skin from UV rays and sun damage when hiking on sunny days will give you peace of mind. We picked out the 15 best women’s hiking hats that will keep you safe from sunburn on your hiking trip.
You don’t just use a protective hat such as a baseball cap or straw hat for sunny weather, you will need an ultra adventure hat that could come in handy for unexpected rainfalls, to keep your head dry.
Having a hat in your backpack is a must for anyone considering spending time in the mountains. Additionally, we looked at some of the best outdoor hats out there and came up with our favorite products suitable for your next outdoor activities or adventure.
We also have hiking sun hats for men reviewed.
Table of contents
- Our Picks at a Glance
- Best Hiking Hats Reviewed
- 10. Best Hat for Hiking:
- Hiking Hats buying guide
- What do I need to consider when buying a hiking hat?
- What should I prioritize with hiking hats?
- What will I use my hiking hat for?
- Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
- Tips on Selecting the Best Outdoor Clothing for Hiking
Our Picks at a Glance
- Most Firm Hat: The Condor Performance Sun Hat
- Best Backpacking Hat: The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
- Most Portable Hiking Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- Best for Durability:Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
- Best Camping Hat: Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess
- Favorite Hiking Hat with Chin Strap: Outdoor Research Women’s Oasis Sombrero Sun Hat
- Best for Air Circulation Sun Hat: Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
- Most Affordable Hiking Hat: Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney
- Best Hat for Hiking in Rain: Tilley Wanderer Hat
- Best Hiking Hat: Millet Trekker II Cap
- High Speed or High Wind Activities: Kuhl Sun Blade Mesh Hat
- Best Hiking Hat with Bug Net: Outdoor Research Bug Helios Hat
- Most Lightweight Hiking Hat: Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Sun Hat
Best Hiking Hats Reviewed
Next up is our list of the 15 best women’s hiking hats we prepared for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sun hat, baseball hat, or baseball cap you’re looking for. For a review, see our Comparison Table to check them all out.
1. Most Firm Hat: Condor Performance Sun Hat
- Best for: Water sports and harsh winds while hiking
- Weight: 3.6 oz
- Brim measurement: 3?
- UPF: 50+
- Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
The Condor Performance Sun Hat earned our most firm title, while it stays lightweight and durable in all conditions. We would use this hat for water sports since it floats and is washable.
But the biggest pro for us is the “No Flop Brim,” which literally doesn’t flop. You might use this in harsher conditions like the wind because the brim doesn’t fold and block your view.
It also offers a traditional wide-brim hiking hat look, with a cord and comes in XXXL sizes. One has to say, no hat is perfect, and the fact that the material is thick and not breathable proves this statement right and may claim the best sun hat.
Pros:
- Brim hat doesn’t fold from wind
- Durable and solid material with a lifetime warranty
- Keeps away perspiration
- This hat is a unisex model
Cons:
- Sizes are small in comparison to other hiking hats
- Material is thick, not very breathable
2. Best Backpacking Hat: The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
- Best for: Sunny weather while hiking and wet sports
- UPF: 40+
- Weight: 2.2 oz
- Material: 97% recycled polyester/3% polyester mesh
Is a family camping vacation on the horizon and you’re thinking of engaging in an adventurous, active holiday? If relaxing in the sun, hiking and paddling are on your list, consider getting The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat or our best backpacking hat of choice.
Since it is meant for any type of activity, it provides excellent ventilation with a mesh vent on the sides and a sweatband that will give off no body odor whenever body heat increases. An extra pro for us is that the size is adjustable and the hat’s brim offers enough coverage to keep the sunlight away from your eyes. If you’re ok with purchasing a men’s model, you’re good to go.
Pros
- Tighten it in the back for extra security
- Cooling mesh over the whole brim, it is very airy and handles sweat easily
- Perfect amount of coverage over face and neck
- Affordable price and lightweight
Cons
- Men’s hat model, but the sizes are smaller
3. Best for Hiking Hat Portability: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- Best for: Portability while backpacking and using sunglasses at the same time
- Brim measurement: 3?
- Neck cape measurement: 6?
- UPF: 50+
- Material: 88% nylon/12% polyester
Here comes one of our favorites and the winner in our portability competition, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. What it lacks in design for ladies’ camping hats (if you ask us) it offers through its lightweight and adjustability.
So far, we rarely get to see a clamshell brim that we can take on backpacking trips and thru-hiking trips. All in all, we recommend Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Great sun hat for the fact that it comes with a neck cape and excellent sun protection, which is why we put Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure on our list of the 15 best women’s hiking hats.
Pros
- The brim is collapsible and can be folded in half for extra portability
- The hat also has a hiking sunglasses lock
- It is adjustable in sizing since there is a strap in the back
- Water and stain-resistant
Cons
- Design cloud look better
4. Best for Sun Hat Durability: Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
- Best for: Durability for hiking and backpacking trip
- Weight: 3 oz
- Brim measurement: 3.5?
- UPF: 50 with UVA and UVB block
- Material: 100% Supplex nylon
Are you looking for a hat that offers the best sun protection to last a lifetime? Then we recommend the Tilley hat as the cowboy headcover with UV protection! Tilley made a name for itself through quality and modern designs.
Initially, their hats were made in Canada, but the company replaced their manufacturing in China a few years ago. Since then, a few customers have complained about the brand’s quality.
We are too, a once-popular brand that had thousands of users has reduced its quality due to budget cuts. No matter the manufacturing process, this is still a very durable hat. It comes in a traditional cowboy form and blocks UV rays and UVB rays, thus offering the best sun protection.
Pros
- Wind cords are included for stabilization
- Extra durable 100% Supplex nylon
- Mesh crown for generating maximum airflow
Cons
- Men’s model, traditional cowboy hat
- Hand wash only
5. Best for Hat for Camping: Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess
- Best for: Looking good while hiking
- UPF: 50
- Material: 50% Nylon, 50% Polyester
Seeing the Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess hat made us think of the beach; this is why we believe the hat might be one of the best ones designed out there. We love that it’s durable and lightweight but still looks good while doing all of that.
This feminine design is our choice for the best women’s hiking sun hats with UV ray protection and size adjustability. Our highlight is the back opening through which you can put your ponytail.
Indeed, details like the printed design on the lower part of the brim make this hat ingenious.
Pros
- Includes neck cape, sunglasses lock, and ponytail hole
- Offers size adjustability
- Comes in different colors and prints
- Luxurious design with high-quality materials
Cons
- Inner headband generates a lot of body heat when wearing
6. Best Hiking Hat with Chin Strap: Outdoor Research Women’s Oasis Sombrero Sun Hat
- Best for: Windy weather hiking
- UPF: 50+
- Material: 86% Nylon, 14% Polyester
Another feminine design on our list of the 15 best hiking hats is the Outdoor Research Women’s Oasis Sombrero Sun Hat, it offers a floral design and wide brim. Outdoor Research filled the brim with foam that will not bend even after machine washing. And ladies, under the hat, its brim is dark, which protects your eyes from glare when you’re out camping by the lake.
If you ask us, it’s a great idea when facing windy days and cold weather because of the adjustable chin strap. Truth be told that chin strap needs some readjusting every now and then. Again, our highlight is the design, since this outdoor hat comes in different colors, you can choose whatever matches your other gear.
Pros
- The brim hat is stiff, filled with foam
- Irregular size: the back brim acts as a neck cape and is longer than the front
- Machine washable and won’t lose shape after washing it
- Affordable price and feminine design
- Comes with a detachable chin strap to keep it in place
- You can use it for water activities too since it floats and withstands saltwater
Cons
- Chinstrap clasp will slide off the strap
- Doesn’t offer any side ventilation
7. Best Air Circulation Hiking Hat: Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
- Breathable nylon fabric that wicks sweat and moisture
- UPF: 50+
- Material: 86% Nylon 14% Polyester
If you’re wearing your hiking hat in the hot weather, consider our best air circulation hat or the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat. This model offers maximum airflow to your head with four wide gaps on the sides of the hat.
With this being said, you need to know that this hat is moisture-wicking and offers UV rays protection, but it might not be helpful in rainy weather because your head will almost instantly get wet. We love that it possesses a wide brim that flops and a size-adjusting strap in the back.
Pros
- Breathable nylon fabric that wicks sweat and moisture
- Flexible brim for portability and packability
- Includes a chin string that you can remove
Cons
- Side ventilation is too big and might be a problem for rain
8. Most Affordable Sun Hat: Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney
- Best for: Travel, hiking, camping, and backpacking trip on a budget
- UPF: 50 with UVA and UVB block
- Material: 100% Nylon
With both a low price and the aesthetics of a fishing hat, we think this hat might be perfect for anyone considering hiking in the sun. This is why we put the Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney in our hiking hats for women’s best choices as the affordability winner as well as sun protection.
It offers users a custom fit, sun protection, and moisture management with a detachable string. It lives up to its price, as long as you know what you’re buying, then this best sun hat for you.
Pros
- Affordable with cool design
- Extra breathability with side mesh and ability to lift neck cape
- Adjust it to the size of your head with a back and neck adjuster
- Unisex model
Cons
- A bit too floppy
- Not enough coverage if you have shorter hair
9. Best for Hiking Hat for Rain: Tilley Wanderer Hat
- Best for: Hiking in the Rain
- Brim measurement: 2.4?
- UPF: 50
We love this hiking bucket hat because it seems durable and doesn’t just offer sun protection. The Tilley Wanderer bucket hat might also provide rain protection for any backpacking trips or hiking adventures out there.
If you love the safari and thin brim look, this hat is the one for you. This bucket hat can wick away moisture with its Durable water repellant, a finish that Tilley has been using for decades. But that’s not all, this bucket hat provides SPF50 sun protection too.
Pros
- Durability for life with a guarantee
- Water and sun-repellant
- Comes with 8 side vents and clasps for keeping the brim sides up
Cons
- On the pricy side for us
10. Best Hat for Hiking:
Millet Trekker II Cap
- Best for: Hiking and backpacking
- Weight: 2.8 oz
- UPF: 40+
The Millet Trekker 2 is our favorite in hiking trucker hats. This particular brand has truly mastered the art of crafting hiking sun hats that excel in their field. An outstanding feature of this model is its unisex design, ensuring both men and women can enjoy its benefits. Furthermore, it is equipped with a removable sun cape, discreetly stowed away within a concealed pocket located at the back.
While it is important to note that the Millet Trekker 2 offers UPF 40+ for sun protection, its exceptional quality lies in the implementation of stretchable materials. These materials seamlessly conform to the contours of your head, eliminating the need for constant readjustments. Weighing a mere 2.8 oz, this lightweight trucker hat is the epitome of perfection for any exhilarating trekking adventure.
Pros
- Unisex hiking cap model
- Comes with a neck cape pocket
Cons
- Only 40+ UPF
- Forms stains from use
11. Best Tulip Hat: Duluth Women’s Crusher Packable Tulip Hat
- Best for: Hiking and backpacking in the sun
- UPF: 50+
- Material: 100% Cotton
The Women’s Crusher Packable Tulip hat should be the king of chick, out on the trail. We love how it looks since it offers mesh sides and an array of colors to choose from. If you’re looking for a feminine model with sun protection in mind, then this is the one. You might also stabilize it on your head with a movable chin strap.
What we don’t like is the cotton material that makes it heavy and hard to dry. But the fact that you can pack it down to virtually nothing, is why it ended up on our best women’s hiking hats list.
Pros
- Comes with a chin strap and mesh sides
- It can be reduced to nothing when packed
Cons
- Cotton makes it heavy
- Hard-to-dry material
12. Best for Hiking in High Winds: Kuhl Sun Blade Mesh Hat
- Best for: hiking and boating
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Material: 100% Nylon
- has removable cord
If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities under the sun, the KÜHL Sun Blade™ hat is a perfect addition to your gear. Specially designed for high-speed activities, this hat offers UPF 50 sun protection with a unique ICEKÜHL™ technology that helps keep you cool by reducing skin temperature. It features a flexible, foam brim that’s deep and curved for effective protection and stability, even in windy conditions. The Sun Blade™ is available in sizes S/M and L/XL, ensuring a comfortable fit for various head sizes. Plus, it includes a removable cord, making it versatile for any adventure, whether you’re hiking, boating, or just enjoying a day at the park.
Pros
- Excellent sun protection with a high UPF rating
- Cooling technology ideal for hot days
- Durable construction suitable for high-speed activities
- Adjustable and versatile with a removable cord
Cons
- Limited color options
- May not fit all head shapes comfortably due to size options
13. Best Hiking Hat with Bug Net: Outdoor Research Bug Helios Hat
- Best for: Hiking in bug-infested areas and fly-fishing
- UPF: 50+
- Weight: 3.7 oz
- Material: 89% nylon 11% polyester, recycled
Our best bug-repelling choice of hat that keeps those stings away is the Outdoor Research Bug Helios. It comes with a sun protection UPF of 50+, and a drawcord as a chin fastener, if you’re looking for that. They didn’t emphasize the design when they made this hat, it seems. Outdoor Research just took the look from their all-time favorite sun hat Helios and added a net over the brim.
Truth be told, we like this hat because it has a band to store the bug net when not used. This means, when purchasing it, you get a 2 in 1: a bug hat for fly-fishing and a sun hat for hiking.
Pros
- Protects against bug bites with integrated bug net
- Net can be hidden under band
- Comes with an adjustable chin strap
Cons
- Looks the same as the Outdoor Research Helios hat, just with a bug mesh
14. Best Lightweight Hiking Hat: Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Sun Hat
- Best for: Lightweight summer hiking
- UPF: 50+
- Brim measurement: 3?
- Weight: 2.3 oz
- Material: 100% Supplex Nylon
Built to last and lightweight, the Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Sun Hat is our lightweight champion. As a female model on the market, it comes in many sizes, colors, and the designs you’re looking for.
We might point out that these wide-brimmed sun hats are 3 inches in width and the underside is in a darker color to prevent glare and sun protection. What we don’t like is that it’s too soft. When hiking in mid-season with crazy winds, you might find it flopping around and blocking your eyes.
Other than that, if you’re looking for a fishing hat that will withstand almost anything, for your next thru-hike, the Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller sun hat is the one we would choose.
Pros
- Material is rugged to withstand any kind of hiking terrain
- Offers maximum sun and rain protection with a wide brim
- Women’s models with feminine designs and colors to choose from
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- The brim hat is too soft so the wind can flip it
14. Best Waterproof Hiking Hat: The North Face Horizon Breeze Hat II
- Material: 100% Nylon
- UPF 40+ sun protection
- Brim width: 3 inches
- Adjustable chin strap
- Breathable mesh venting
- Water-repellent finish
- Weight: Approximately 3 oz
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is the perfect companion for sunny adventures, whether you’re hiking, at the beach, or just out and about. It’s designed with women in mind, offering not only style but also top-notch protection. The hat’s standout feature is its UPF 40+ protection, meaning it blocks over 97% of harmful UV rays to keep your face and neck safe from the sun.
Its lightweight design, with breathable fabric and a mesh venting system, keeps your head cool even on the hottest days. The wide brim provides extra shade, and the adjustable chin strap ensures it stays put, no matter how windy it gets. Plus, it’s water-repellent, so a little rain won’t ruin your day.
For any woman who loves spending time outdoors but wants to keep her skin protected, the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is a must-have. Stylish, functional, and reliable – it’s got you covered!
Pros:
- High UPF 40+ sun protection
- Lightweight and breathable
- Adjustable chin strap for secure fit
- Wide brim provides excellent shade
- Water-repellent, perfect for varied weather
Cons:
- May not fit all head sizes comfortably
- The wide brim can obstruct peripheral vision
- Only available in a limited range of colors
Hiking Hats buying guide
After we’ve reviewed all of our top 15 women’s hiking hats, we are here to help you choose the right one with our buying guide. Next up are the specs you need to think about and the jargon you need to grasp before deciding.
Comparison Table
What do I need to consider when buying a hiking hat?
Below, we summarize the specifications, coverage, and protection a hiking hat needs to offer. Still, the most crucial factor is the type of outdoor activities you engage in before buying women’s hiking hats. Buying a water hat or straw hat for desert hiking is just going to be a wasted purchase, and no one wants that.
Brim length, stiffness, and position
From our previous research on hiking hats womens preferences, one could see that the brim plays a crucial role in determining the use of a hiking hat. If you want more extended brim or wide-brim sun hats that cover your entire face, then find a trucker hat that fits your needs.
Sadly, no trucker hat will cover your neck and protect it, therefore we recommend using sun hats or safari hats for hotter climates and desert hiking. If that still doesn’t do the trick, purchase an adventure hat or hat with a neck-removable sun cape.
The stiff brim is also significant since no one wants their super long brim in their face all the time when hiking.
UV protection and UPF
No one buys a hat to look good in the hiking community. Indeed, its primary purpose is to protect you from sunburn and UVA/UVB rays that cause skin cancer. Therefore, picking hiking hats with both UVA/UVB filters and high UPF protection is a must.
Water Resistance and WaterproofnesS
Some sun hats come with materials that are both waterproof and have Gore-tex or other moisture wicking membranes. These sun hats are perfect for blocking moisture or rain from getting to your head and hair. If you tend to hike in the rain or live in a climate with a lot of humidity, then consider purchasing a water-resistant or best waterproof hiking hat on the market.
Material
As you can see from our table, they make most hiking hats for women from nylon or polyester. Only the rare ones are made of cotton, which can get heavy when wet. Also, cotton hats don’t have moisture-wicking properties. For a hiking hat, look at something that offers both quick-drying materials and breath. No one wants sweat stains on their head while hiking!
Weight
Weight plays a role when thru-hiking, lightweight hiking or backpacking are in play. There are some fantastic collapsible brims and lightweight 2 oz hats on the market today. Just look for light materials and always check the weight section before buying.
What should I prioritize with hiking hats?
It’s time to get real, in choosing girls hiking hats, you need to think and be realistic with yourself: What will I use my hiking hat for? Is it for cold weather hiking? If you want one for gardening and thru-hiking at the same time, then just say so. No one wants to buy a piece of outdoor gear and never use it.
Comfort
If you’re looking for a hat that will sit comfortably on your head, then make sure you buy the right size, the material is stretchy and the straps don’t dig into your head or skin.
Coverage
If you’re afraid of being sunburned and if you have light or sensitive skin, then your priority would be protecting your skin from sun exposure. Opt for hats with an SPF 15 or higher, that cover your face and neck simultaneously, but also have UVA/UVB and high UPF protection.
Moreover, a dark fabric under the brim decreases any reflection from water if you are kayaking or paddling down across a lake.
Durability
Looking for something that will last a lifetime or that won’t fall apart while thru-hiking in the rain for a month? Search for low profile but with durable stitches and materials, when looking for a women’s hiking hat.
Breathability
We understand that living in a hotter climate or engaging in high-intensity training, can exhaust and cause a lot of perspiration in your head area. Therefore, choose hats that have enough mesh around the brim and light material.
Style
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have good-looking and stylish hats on your beach camping trip, search for a cute hiking hat with colors that match your outfit, whether it’s winter hiking clothes or your fall hiking outfit.
Portability
Another thing to consider when searching for a hiking hat for traveling, backpacking, or thru-hiking is how portable your hat is. No one wants a hat that will take up half of your backpack. Specifically, look for one that has a foldable rim and takes up minimal space.
Recommended read: Find the best hiking pants if you’ve got curves
What will I use my hiking hat for?
Another critical factor in determining what model of outdoor hat to choose is to know what you will use it for. Here is a short informative table, that will tell you what type of hat is perfect for any outdoor activity.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
For hot climates, look for hats with ventilation and UV protection. In colder environments, opt for insulated hats that cover ears and are made of warmer materials.
Absolutely. Many hiking hats are designed with waterproof yet breathable materials, offer
Measure the circumference of your head and compare it with the hat’s sizing chart. Look for adjustable features like drawstrings or bands for a customizable fit.
You can, but baseball caps offer less sun protection compared to wide-brimmed hiking hats. If you prefer baseball caps, consider one with a neck flap for added protection
Conclusion: The Best Women’s Hiking Hat
We have finally concluded, the winner and first place on the good hiking hat in the women’s category is The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat, our top pick!
Why? They are super lightweight, wide-brim sun hats that protect your neck and can be used for almost anything in the outdoor world, plus they are cute hiking hats for hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, trekking, and water sports.
The highlight is how light this hat is, and a chin strap that will stay in place all day giving you that perfect fit. This product is top-notch, and if you check it out, you can see it fulfills all the requirements of backpacking and other hiking hats.
Make sure you have the right style, size, and fit of the backpacking hat.
In summary, investing in quality gear will provide you security and protection out on the trail and make your time rewarding for the great outdoors. Speaking of gear, if you need hiking essentials, we have tips for what to look for in a lightweight hiking jacket and the best vegan hiking shoes.
Tips on Selecting the Best Outdoor Clothing for Hiking
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
- 10 Trail Friendly Women’s Hiking Outfits To Try
- 8 Best UPF Shirts to Protect Your Skin When Hiking
- Stay Dry on the Trail with Lightweight Rain Gear
- Best Women’s Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
- Men’s Hiking Outfits for the Trail and Camping Adventures
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API