If you avidly engage in sunny outdoor pursuits, like backpacking, mountain biking, and climbing, you need a hiking hat that will offer you protection against harmful UV rays. Or is it? Besides, you need one that is comfortable and affordable. There’s a vast range of hats in the market that will keep you fully covered throughout the day while giving you a sense of dignity and even classy enough to wear to a casual outdoor wedding.
In this guide, we’ve trawled through the best offers in the market and handpicked five best women hiking hats that will give you top performance, defense against the powerful UV rays and other weather elements.
1 UV50 Summer Sun Beach Hat
Key Features
Sun protection: UPF50
Type of fabric: 46% cotton, 54% linen
Size of brim: 3.9 inches
Unique feature: invisible pony hole
Best application: Everyday use, trekking, and traveling
UV50 Summer Sun Beach Hat is a top performing hat with a broad brim that provides you with incredible protection from harmful UV rays. It’s also lightweight, crushable and packable, making it an ideal choice for women looking for a cozy sun hat that can take you from the trail to the bar square.
The bucket design featured in this sun hat also makes it a more compatible choice for backpackers than a full brimmed cap. Besides, this 3.9-inch wide hat will provide excellent shade to protect the face and neck areas. It’s crushable for easy packing and holds up exceptionally well for multi-day trips in the backcountry. Additionally, it’s a comfortable model thanks to the cotton and linen material construction.
- Stylish with invisible ponytail hole
- Quickly folds for packing and doesn’t lose shape
- Wide brim to shield face and neck
- Cute
- The wire on the ca could be improved
2 Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Key Features
Sun protection: UPF 30+
Type of fabric: 100% nylon
Size of brim: 2.75 inches
Unique feature: Removable and adjustable skirt
Best application: Backpacking, paddling and rock climbing
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is a practical and affordable but odd-looking hat that comes with a detachable hood for protection on your neck and ears against the harsh UV rays. The removable drawcord ensures that no winds knock off the hat from your head. There’s a TransAction headband that wicks away sweat and moisture for additional comfort.
Additionally, the convertible design featured in this product allows you to have two hats for the price of one, making it a great value and versatile choice. The neck cape on the Sun Runner is super protective from the intense sun although you may need to remove the wrap for better circulation in scorching weather when biking, or hiking.
- Extremely lightweight
- Quick-drying fabric
- Great value
- Lightweight and breathable
- It lacks in the style department
- Limited airflow around the neck with the cape
3 Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Hat
Key Features
Sun protection: UPF 50+
Type of fabric: 100% textured nylon poplin
Size of brim: 3 inches
Unique feature: Adjustable toggle at the back and adjustable chin strap for a custom fit
Best application: mountaineering, backpacking, and hiking
It’s hard to enjoy the warmth of the sun without the shady pleasantness of a UPF 50 sun hat. The Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Hat appreciated by most hikers and outdoors people. It features a booney style that comes with adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back to keep it in place on windy days. Additionally, the mesh panels ensure your head remains cool in the heat of the day for additional comfort.
The Bora Bora II Booney is a one-size-fits-all hat that comes with a wide brim to protest you from UVA and UVB rays making it more than a fishing hat. Columbia also included OMNI-WICK moisture management technology that quickly wicks away sweat and moisture.
- Valuable mesh for breathability
- Packs small
- Adjustable fit
- Lightweight
- Lacking in style
4 Ordenado Outdoor Sun Hat
Key Features
Sun protection: UPF 50+
Type of fabric: 100% windproof polyester fiber cotton
Size of brim: 4 inches
Unique feature: casual style unisex sun hat
Best application: camping, hiking, pool, beach and outdoor activities
The Ordenado Outdoor Sun Hat is a top performing sun hat across the board with incredible protection from the sun at UPF 50+. It features high-quality weather element proof material construction that gives you protection from damaging UV rays, and rain. It notably features a double fabric design to increase comfort.
The sun hut includes a sweat absorption lining that wicks away sweat and moisture to give you better air circulation. It’s a super comfortable model to wear with a backpack and can be folded over and over to pack small in your bag, making it a portable option for outdoor activities.
- Mesh panels for extra ventilation
- Excellent for intense sun and breezy conditions
- High quality
- waterproof
- One size only
5 LCZTN Outdoor Sun Cap
Key Features
Sun protection: UPF 50+
Type of fabric: Water repellant polyester fabric
Size of brim: 3.1 inches
Unique feature: casual sleek unisex style
Best application: fishing, hiking, gardening, and camping
The LCZTN Outdoor Sun Cap is a durable and stylish model that features high-quality material construction. This fishing hat which is popular with outdoor lovers includes a 3.1-inch broad brim that protects your head, neck area and face from harmful UV rays making it an ideal choice for women who go out for fishing, hiking, gardening, traveling and camping.
It comes with a variety of colors to choose from making it an excellent choice for summer outdoor activities. LCZTN included waterproof polyester so it won’t get wet in wet weather conditions. Besides, it’s lightweight and packs small for portability. Additionally, the mesh eyelet and sweatband absorbs any sweat and moisture that could get on your face and eyes.
- Stylish
- Lightweight and packable
- Variety of colors
- High quality
- Fairly narrow brim
Bottom line
You may not be planning on winning any style awards when hiking. Therefore it’s essential to pick a sun hat that will offer you performance rather than style. Choose a comfortable one that will protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Other vital factors to consider are sizing, durability, and breathability for real outdoor adventures.
