Unearth The Voyage
Sun damage is real, and every hiker knows that a good hat can mean the difference between a great day on the trail and a painful sunburn. UPF-rated hats block harmful rays while keeping you cool, comfortable, and protected from dawn to dusk. Whether you’re tackling desert switchbacks or forest loops, the right hat makes every mile easier.
1. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat — Best overall
When trail veterans talk about the ultimate sun hat, this one comes up again and again. Its clamshell brim folds completely flat, so you can tuck it into your daypack without crushing the shape or wasting space.
The long neck cape shields your ears and back of your neck—two spots that burn fast at elevation. Mesh panels keep air flowing even when you’re grinding uphill in July heat.
Sunglass sleeves built into the brim mean you won’t lose your shades on a scramble. UPF 50+ fabric blocks over 98% of UV rays, and the whole thing weighs less than a water bottle.
2. Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap — Cap now, cape later
Start your morning hike in cap mode, then snap on the removable cape when the sun climbs high. It’s the kind of flexibility that saves you from carrying two hats or regretting your choice halfway through the day.
Mesh side panels dump heat fast, which matters when you’re moving quickly or the temperature spikes. Weighing almost nothing, it disappears into a pocket when you don’t need it.
UPF 40+ fabric still blocks most harmful rays, and retailers often list it even higher. Perfect for trail runners, fast packers, or anyone who hates feeling weighed down by gear.
3. Columbia Bora Bora Booney II — Best budget
Sometimes the simplest gear works best. This booney has been a go-to for hikers on a budget for years, and it keeps earning that reputation with straightforward, reliable protection.
Omni-Shade fabric delivers UPF 50 sun blocking, while the Omni-Wick sweatband pulls moisture away from your forehead. The chin strap keeps it secure in breezy conditions or when you’re moving through brush.
A mesh panel at the crown lets heat escape without sacrificing coverage. You won’t find fancy features here, but you will find a hat that does exactly what it promises—at a price that leaves room in your budget for trail snacks.
4. Tilley LTM6 Airflo — Premium brimmer built to last
Buy this hat once, and you might still be wearing it a decade from now. Tilley builds gear that survives everything from tropical downpours to desert dust storms, and this one lives up to that legacy.
Recycled nylon fabric earns UPF 50+ protection, and the mesh crown vents keep air circulating even when you’re standing still in full sun. A DWR finish sheds light rain and morning dew.
It floats if it falls into a stream, and many hikers swear theirs has outlasted three packs. Premium price, yes—but the kind of investment that pays off mile after mile, year after year.
5. Outdoor Research Sunbriolet (aka Sombriolet) — All-day comfort
All-day hikes demand a hat that won’t quit, and this structured brim stays exactly where you put it—no flopping, no readjusting every ten minutes.
Crown vents punch through the top to release trapped heat, while the quick-dry headband handles sweat without getting soggy or uncomfortable. UPF 50+ fabric wraps your head, face, and neck in serious sun defense.
The brim is wide enough to shade your eyes without blocking your peripheral vision, which matters when you’re navigating rocky trails or watching for trail markers. Comfortable from the first mile to the last, it’s the kind of hat you forget you’re wearing—in the best way possible.
6. The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer — Eco-minded protection
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, this hat takes sun protection seriously while keeping sustainability front and center. Recycled nylon forms the body, so you’re cutting down on waste without sacrificing performance.
UPF 40+ blocks the majority of harmful rays, and the FlashDry-Pro sweatband wicks moisture faster than standard fabrics. Ventilation keeps air moving, even on humid summer trails.
It’s comfy enough to wear all day, and knowing it earned a foundation seal adds peace of mind. For hikers who care about both their skin and the planet, this brimmer checks every box without compromise.
7. BUFF Pack Sahara Cap — Ultralight desert shield
Trail runners and thru-hikers love gear that weighs almost nothing, and this cap delivers full sun coverage without the bulk. Laser-cut vents dot the fabric, releasing heat while keeping UV rays out.
The removable cape adjusts to fit your needs—snap it on for exposed ridges, take it off when you hit shade. UPF 50 protection wraps your head and neck in a package light enough to forget.
Pack it tiny, and it springs back to shape when you pull it out. Desert crossings, alpine traverses, or long summer miles—this cap handles them all without weighing you down or taking up precious pack space.
8. KÜHL Sun Blade (with Mesh) — Best in wind
Wind can turn a great hat into a frustrating piece of gear that flips, flaps, or flies off at the worst moment. KÜHL solved that problem with a curved foam brim that fights flip and stays put, even when gusts hit.
3D mesh and ICEKÜHL technology work together to make the interior feel noticeably cooler than standard fabrics. The deep two-way brim curve cuts glare from above and below, which helps on snow or near water.
UPF 50 fabric blocks harmful rays, and the whole design feels built for exposed ridges and windy passes. If you’ve ever chased a hat down a mountainside, this one’s worth every penny.
9. Arc’teryx Sinsola Shade Hat — Light, low-profile
Arc’teryx brings its signature clean design to sun protection with a wide-brim hat that packs small and sheds light rain. DWR treatment means morning dew and drizzle bead up instead of soaking through.
Updated with lower-impact FC0 materials, it reflects the brand’s shift toward more sustainable manufacturing. The low-profile fit looks sleek without sacrificing coverage, and it folds easily into a pack pocket.
It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality and thoughtful details show in every stitch. For hikers who value minimalist style and technical performance in equal measure, this hat hits the mark without extra bulk or fuss.
10. Patagonia Brimmer / Baggies Brimmer — River-ready, trail-ready
Cross a stream, take a dip to cool off, or hike through a surprise rain shower—this hat handles water as well as it handles sun. UPF 40+ fabric blocks harmful rays, and the whole thing floats if it lands in a creek.
Comfortable fit and secure design mean it stays put whether you’re scrambling over boulders or paddling a kayak. Hikers love its versatility across different terrains and conditions.
Patagonia’s reputation for durable, multi-use gear shows here. It’s the kind of hat that works for a morning hike, an afternoon by the lake, and everything in between without missing a beat or needing special care.
11. REI Co-op Sahara Sun Hat with Cape — Value neck protection
Hot, exposed dayhikes demand serious neck protection, and this hat delivers it without demanding a premium price. The integrated drop-down cape covers your ears and the back of your neck—two areas that burn fast and hurt later.
REI Co-op gear offers solid performance at approachable prices, and this hat follows that tradition. It’s straightforward, functional, and built for hikers who want protection without overthinking their gear choices.
When the sun is relentless and shade is miles away, that cape makes all the difference. Good value, reliable coverage, and the kind of no-nonsense design that just works when you need it most on the trail.
