Solar hats are a necessary piece of drugs for any out of doors fanatic, offering safety from the weather and lowering the necessity for fixed sunscreen reapplication. That can assist you discover probably the most comfy, packable, and sturdy solar hats with prime solar and climate safety, we examined 10 extremely rated merchandise from widespread manufacturers like Out of doors Analysis, REI, Sunday Afternoons, and The North Face.
Having hiked over 100 miles in sizzling, uncovered, and windy situations from the rugged Northern California shoreline to the golden and amber autumn forests of the Jap Sierra Nevada Mountains, our gear analyst completely evaluated these solar hats for his or her efficiency within the area. She additionally submerged every one in water to find out its relative climate resistance and quick-drying capabilities.
For extra solar safety suggestions to maintain you comfy and lined when the path will get uncovered, take a look at these gear guides for extra inspiration: Finest solar shirts of 2025, finest mountain climbing pants for ladies, and finest mountain climbing pants for males. Or learn our article on what to put on whereas mountain climbing and backpacking.
And for more information, take a look at a few of our different widespread gear guides:
Fast Picks for Solar Shirts
Hats off to our first roundup of the perfect mountain climbing solar hats! Get a fast overview of the perfect mountain climbing solar hats beneath, then maintain scrolling for extra detailed critiques and firsthand insights from the sector.
Finest Solar Hat General: Solbari Trekker Solar Hat Males’s ($65) / Ladies’s ($65)
Finest Ultralight Hat: Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey ($50)
Finest Funds Hat: GearTop Navigator Safari Solar Hat ($22)
Finest Broad-Brimmed Hat: Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat ($49)
Most Trendy Climbing Hat: REI Sahara Information Hat ($43)
Finest Cap with a Cape: Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap ($40)
Finest Path to City Hat: Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat ($99)
Most Packable Hat: Buff Discover Booney Hat ($45)
Finest Hat for Small Heads: North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat ($45)
Most Easy Solar Hat: Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat ($30)
What’s new
We’ve examined a spread of solar hats from mountain to sea, evaluating top-ranked and well-known manufacturers. Listed below are our newest updates and area suggestions.
- The Solbari Trekker Solar Hat takes our prime spot as the perfect total solar hat with probably the most protection. It’s a comfy hat that virtually does all of it!
- The GearTop Safari Solar Hat is the perfect bang to your buck at its low worth, but nonetheless has unbelievable efficiency within the area.
- Though not as budget-friendly, the REI Sahara Information Hat stays comparatively inexpensive with glorious fashion and efficiency.
Solar Hats General Testing Scores
Solbari Trekker Solar Hat
Finest Solar Hat General
CleverHiker Score:
4.8/5.0
Worth:
$65
Weight:
4.2 oz.
Brim Width:
3.5” entrance, 6.75” neck cape
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (nylon)
Professionals
- Snug, sturdy, and adjustable
- Materials has a cooling impact
- Detachable chin strap
- Full solar protection
- Neck flap doesn’t flip up in wind
- Water-resistant
- Downturned brim
Cons
- Solely folds in half for storage
- Bigger dimension gaps between sizes
- Weighs on the heavier aspect
The Solbari Trekker is the head of solar hats, rating excessive in all our classes. Our gear analyst explored the magical fall colours of the Jap Sierras whereas racking up many miles testing the sturdiness, consolation, and safety of this hat. Though this hat is on the heavier aspect of our lineup and never as packable as some, it compensates with nice wind resistance – even the again neck flap stayed down when the breeze picked up.
The UPF ranking, barely downturned vast brim, and lengthy neck flap present full solar safety. The mesh panels are tightly woven to stop undesirable UV rays from penetrating the fabric. The material has an nearly swimwear-like texture and provides a cooling impact when worn, making it one of many least probably hats to trigger a sweaty head throughout strenuous hikes.
This brim isn’t designed to drift, but it surely received’t robotically sink if dropped into water – although we don’t advocate testing this in deep waters. The Solbari Trekker is waterproof, wicks away sweat, and dries ultra-fast.
We love the detachable chin strap, which could be simply unclipped or clipped for consolation or in windy situations. The hat match our gear analyst completely in a small dimension, though she observed a big dimension hole when attempting on the medium. Nonetheless, with its adjustability factors on the crown and across the chin, this hat is certain to suit each head form and dimension.
Though we examined a number of solar hats side-by-side on our Jap Sierras journey, we stored reaching for the Solbari Trekker and are fast to advocate it as an awesome total selection for solar protection on the path.
Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey
Finest Ultralight Hat
CleverHiker Score:
4.7/5.0
Worth:
$50
Weight:
2.5 oz.
Brim Width:
3.25″
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (polyester, nylon)
Professionals
- The lightest hat we examined
- Snug, sturdy, and adjustable
- Comes with a sun shades lock
- Water resistant and floatable brim
- Downturned brim for solar safety
- Very packable and could be folded down in quarters
Cons
- Runs fairly giant
- Mild materials of the neck flap does flip up in bigger wind gusts
Because the lightest and most breathable hat in our lineup and one of the vital packable, the Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey Hat earns its place as certainly one of our prime Editor’s Picks.
Sunday Afternoons is certainly one of our favourite solar hat manufacturers due to their constant high quality, solar protection, and luxury throughout most of their merchandise. Though the Extremely Journey hat runs fairly giant even within the smallest dimension, it may be shortly adjusted to remain safe within the wind – although be warned that the sunshine materials of the neck flap can flip up in robust gusts, so additional sunscreen is crucial.
Our gear analyst examined the hat on alpine lakes and difficult hikes with hundreds of ft of elevation acquire within the Jap Sierra Nevadas. The hat dries shortly, resists moisture, and floats effortlessly in water.
The marginally downturned brim provides solar safety because the solar sinks to decrease angles, and the sun shades lock supplies safety when storing your glasses in your head. The Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey has obtained excessive reward in quite a few critiques, and we agree that this hat really deserves its spot as the most effective solar hats of 2025.
GearTop Navigator Safari Solar Hat
Finest Funds Hat
CleverHiker Score:
4.6/5.0
Worth:
$22
Weight:
3.5 oz.
Brim Width:
3.7″
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (polyester)
Professionals
- Snug with adjustable crown and chin strap
- Massive brim with glorious protection
- Stays in place when windy
- Extraordinarily water resistance and quick-drying
Cons
- Not as breathable
- Again of solar hat tilts downward, which makes it not as appropriate with greater stacked backpacks
- Loosely woven mesh panels could permit UV rays to penetrate by way of
- On the bulkier aspect
- Pocket on within crown not very practical
The GearTop Navigator Safari Solar Hat pleasantly stunned us with its efficiency within the area; despite the fact that it comes at a cheaper price, it’s nonetheless a high quality hat for on a regular basis and out of doors adventures. The hat itself may be very comfy – though it runs giant in its one-size-fits-all design, it may be adjusted on the crown and with the chin strap. As soon as absolutely adjusted, the hat stays put in windy situations with its stiffer brim.
With its UPF 50+ materials and three.7-inch brim, this hat supplies glorious solar safety. The brim tilts barely downward, providing extra protection at totally different daylight angles. Nonetheless, the again of the brim rests low on the higher shoulders, which may come into contact with higher-stacked backpacks throughout multi-day journeys. The mesh panels are loosely woven, permitting some UV rays to go by way of the crown, making this hat much less appropriate for these with thinner or no hair.
Whereas this hat is on the bulkier aspect, it folds simply in half for storage or journey. Geartop additionally consists of an inside pocket within the crown of the hat; nevertheless, we didn’t discover it sensible to make use of as a result of our heads bought sweaty whereas mountain climbing. The fabric isn’t as breathable as different choices in our lineup, but it surely does dry in a short time.
One of many options that stunned us probably the most when waterfall looking in Northern California is how waterproof the hat materials is. Even after being submerged in a pool of water throughout our hike, the hat didn’t soak up any moisture and beaded proper off the brim. The crown stayed somewhat damp however was excellent for conserving our heads cool within the warmth. One other perk of the Gear Prime Navigator hat is that the brim floats in water, making it an awesome choice for water sports activities too!
Whereas this hat is usually fairly sturdy, our gear analyst has observed some threads starting to unravel on the underside of the brim. This doesn’t impression the hat’s efficiency and is a minor element. General, it’s a superb finances hat that stands up properly towards a number of the dearer choices in our mountain climbing solar hats roundup.
Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat
Finest Broad-Brimmed Hat
CleverHiker Score:
4.6/5.0
Worth:
$49
Weight:
4.3 oz.
Brim Width:
3.75” entrance, 4” sides, 4.75” again
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (polyester)
Professionals
- Cozy and adjustable
- Massive vast downturned brim supplies full protection
- Sun shades lock
- Water-resistant and floatable brim
Cons
- Runs very giant
- Again of brim hits the highest of your pack when trying upward
- Not as packable as different hats
The Latitude is without doubt one of the finest wide-brimmed hats for superior solar safety and wind resistance. Its 3.75” entrance brim, 4” aspect brims, and 4.75” again brim guarantee protection from all angles of daylight. Nonetheless, remember the fact that the lengthy again of the hat could hit the highest of your day pack when trying up or turning your head, which may very well be a bit annoying. We advocate utilizing this hat for hikes with a smaller pack, a hydration vest, on the water, or just with no pack.
Like many Sunday Afternoon hats, the Latitude tends to run fairly giant however could be adjusted on the crown and across the chin. It encompasses a sun shades lock, is waterproof, and has a floatable brim. As a result of stiffness and bulk of the brim, this hat isn’t very packable. Though it has creases that may be folded in half, it requires extra drive to fold after the hat has been worn extensively. Due to this, our gear analyst prefers to strap the hat to the skin of her pack or dangle it on a tree at camp.
REI Sahara Information Hat
Most Trendy Climbing Hat
CleverHiker Score:
4.5/5.0
Worth:
$43
Weight:
2.6 oz.
Brim Width:
3.25”
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (nylon)
Professionals
- Snug and adjustable
- DWR coating and floats in water
- UPF 50 with an sufficient brim width for solar protection
- Sturdy and packable
Cons
- Loosely woven giant mesh panels don’t shield from UV rays
- Chin strap just isn’t detachable so can’t be changed if wanted
- Brim flips up in bigger wind gusts over 15mph
The REI Sahara Information Hat is a trendy, easy, and cozy mountain climbing hat that includes an ornamental band across the crown. It matches giant within the S/M dimension however consists of an adjustable cinch on the crown and a cushty chin strap.
With its 3.25-inch brim and UPF 50+ materials at simply 2.6 ounces, this hat supplies light-weight solar safety with sufficient protection for the day. Nonetheless, when the solar is at its lowest within the sky throughout early mornings and late evenings, a part of your face will nonetheless be uncovered.
Whereas the aspect mesh panels supply higher breathability, their unfastened weave nonetheless lets UV rays go by way of the fabric, which may nonetheless trigger sunburns for folks with little or no hair.
We examined this solar hat whereas mountain climbing and exploring seashores alongside the rugged and windy Northern California shoreline. Whereas it holds up properly in winds as much as 15 mph, any bigger gusts trigger the brim to flip up. Happily, the hat itself stays safe and is unlikely to blow off your head throughout hikes in dangerous climate.
After submerging the REI solar hat in water, our gear analyst discovered the DWR coating to be efficient at repelling water and stopping it from soaking into the brim. Whereas the crown of the hat absorbs moisture pretty shortly, its thinner cloth dries quickly. We love that this hat floats in water—making it nice not only for hikes but additionally for water actions like paddleboarding and kayaking.
General, our gear analyst was glad with the REI Sahara Information hat’s efficiency—because of its mixture of light-weight solar safety, packability, sturdiness, and water resistance. To not point out, it additionally appears to be like nice! Nonetheless, when you anticipate excessive winds or want extra protection round your head to stop sunburns, you may wish to proceed exploring our gear information for different high-performing solar hats.
Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap
Finest Cap with a Cape
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Worth:
$40
Weight:
2.8 oz.
Brim Width:
2.75”
UPF Score:
UPF 40 (nylon)
Professionals
- Snug, light-weight, and breathable
- Velcro strap within the again is simple to regulate
- Very packable
Cons
- The cape attachment just isn’t excellent for windy days
- The chin strap, when cinched, sits at a clumsy spot on our face
- Taking over/eradicating the cape takes longer than desired
- The entrance brim is far shorter than different hats
The Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap is our best choice for a cap with a cape. This UPF 40+ hat is light-weight, comfy, breathable, adjustable, and packable—although not probably the most trendy in our lineup. The cape attachment is detachable however does take a while to detach and reattach to the hat.
After area testing, our gear analyst found that she prefers a easy baseball hat with a solar hoody over the Solar Runner Cap fashion. When carrying the cap alongside the windy Northern California coast, she noticed that the cape usually blew round within the wind, leaving her neck and the perimeters of her face uncovered. The chin cinch didn’t tighten sufficient and stopped at a clumsy level on her face.
Nonetheless, with that being mentioned, on calm days, the Solar Runner Cap is a good choice for many who need sleeker solar protection than a wide-brimmed hat or who don’t wish to put on a long-sleeve solar hoodie over their baseball hat. It’s essential to notice that the entrance brim of this cover is comparatively brief at solely 2.75 inches, which limits its solar safety. When it comes to climate resistance, the Solar Runner Cap is pretty waterproof, though the cape absorbs moisture considerably extra simply than the cap.
General, this cover is of aggressive high quality, although the lighter colours will present sweat and filth over time. The Solar Runner Cap is a good choice for these on the lookout for light-weight solar safety and needing a baseball hat fashion with additional protection.
Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat
Finest Path to City Hat
CleverHiker Score:
4.1/5.0
Worth:
$99
Weight:
3.7 oz.
Brim Width:
3.25”
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (nylon)
Professionals
- Trendy
- Sturdy and thick materials
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Runs very small
- Not as nice solar safety resulting from fashion of brim
- Not very packable
- Wind twine system not probably the most handy to make use of
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo hat is extra centered on fashion than operate, making it an awesome selection for path to city. Its sizing is sort of distinctive, as you choose the precise inches of your head circumference. Even after measuring rigorously, our gear analyst finds that the hat runs very small and matches tightly.
The Airflo hat is extraordinarily sturdy and produced from one of many thickest supplies in our lineup. It is usually waterproof, inflicting moisture to bead off upon impression. Tilley added a wind twine system contained in the hat, the place two sliding knots could be adjusted to tighten the hat in windy situations. We weren’t impressed with this method and located it to be inconvenient and fewer practical within the area than a easy bungee on the crown and chin strap.
The smaller, stiff-brimmed hat provides restricted solar safety and isn’t excellent when the solar is decrease within the sky. Our gear analyst observed daylight hitting components of her face throughout most of her hike within the late afternoon. Since this hat just isn’t very packable and may’t be simply folded or crushed with out probably deforming the brim, it’s finest to strap it to the skin of your pack on path and dangle or lay it flat at camp. Whereas this isn’t our favourite hat for robust, uncovered mountain scrambles and trails, it’s a trendy selection for extra informal trail-to-town hikes.
Buff Discover Booney Hat
Most Packable Hat
CleverHiker Score:
3.9/5.0
Worth:
$45
Weight:
2.3 oz.
Brim Width:
2.75”
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (polyester, nylon)
Professionals
- Essentially the most packable hat and even comes with its personal self-storage pocket
- Mild and breathable
- Adjustable
Cons
- Runs small
- Brief and floppy brim doesn’t present the perfect solar safety
- Flips up within the wind
The Buff Discover Booney Hat comes from an organization recognized for its ski season neck gaiters and is a singular choice to contemplate for the path. It’s by far probably the most packable hat in our lineup and could be simply tucked into the again pocket of your shorts or pants. It additionally options its personal self-storage pocket within the crown, though we discover it simpler to easily stuff the hat into our pants or backpack pouch.
The hat runs very small for our gear analyst, however when you discover it matches giant, it may be adjusted on the crown and across the chin. With its shorter, floppier brim, this hat isn’t excellent for windy situations; sadly, it additionally doesn’t supply a lot solar safety – a part of our face was at all times uncovered to daylight on the path. If the Buff Discover Booney is your fashion of hat, we positively advocate making use of sunscreen completely to your face and neck, and reapplying as wanted whereas on the path.
That mentioned, this hat is light-weight, breathable, and dries shortly. The mesh panels wrap across the crown and are lined with cloth flaps to permit air in whereas blocking UV rays. General, this isn’t our best choice for mountain adventures or uncovered trails, but it surely may be value contemplating if fashion and packability matter to you.
North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
Finest Hat for Small Heads
CleverHiker Score:
3.9/5.0
Worth:
$45
Weight:
3.1 oz.
Brim Width:
3.125”
UPF Score:
UPF 40 (nylon, elastane)
Professionals
- Adjustability factors on crown and round chin (chin strap can be detachable)
- Flap over mesh panels could be folded excessive for enhanced breathability
- Simply packable and foldable
Cons
- Left brow indentations after use
- The chin strap is abrasive
- A wider brim would have supplied extra safety from the solar at decrease angles
- Absorbs water and isn’t very waterproof
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat provides a number of distinctive options, however we nonetheless have blended opinions after area testing. Our gear analyst finds the S/M hat to suit on the snugger aspect, making it finest for these with smaller heads. The sweatband liner does go away pretty deep brow indentations after the primary use; nevertheless, over time, it turns into much less noticeable with common put on.
The adjustability factors on the crown and the strap across the chin assist safe the hat in windy situations. After taking this hat on hikes simply inland of the breezy Northern California coast and experiencing wind as much as 20 mph, we discovered this North Face hat stayed in place. Nonetheless, with stronger gusts, the brim generally flips up.
Whereas the hat is usually sturdy, we’re upset with how abrasive the twine materials across the chin is and the way uncomfortable it feels towards our pores and skin. Moreover, the twine is connected contained in the hat and tied off, however the ends are a bit sharp and will catch in our gear analyst’s curly hair. Happily, the chin strap is detachable, so you may exchange it with one other twine of your selection or skip it completely.
With a brim simply over 3 inches and produced from materials rated UPF 40+, this North Face hat supplies first rate solar safety. The brim isn’t vast sufficient to protect from the solar at decrease angles, but it surely does its job when the solar is instantly overhead. Sadly, this hat isn’t waterproof, and any moisture will soak into the material instantly—making it take longer to dry. Nonetheless, after submerging the hat, our gear analyst didn’t discover any drooping or extreme floppiness that may have an effect on its efficiency.
The mesh panels on the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat are a singular design, lined by stable cloth flaps. Our gear analyst skilled a sweaty head pretty shortly when carrying the hat as is throughout a hike. Nonetheless, as soon as the mesh panels are uncovered and the material is folded excessive of the hat, it creates house for airflow, enhancing breathability.
General, this can be a distinctive hat with blended opinions; nevertheless, it’s nonetheless value contemplating for on-the-go journey resulting from its ease of packing and wind resistance.
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat
Most Easy Solar Hat
CleverHiker Score:
3.7/5.0
Worth:
$30
Weight:
2.6 oz.
Brim Width:
3”
UPF Score:
UPF 50 (textured poplin nylon)
Professionals
- Snug with adjustability factors on crown and chin
- Light-weight and breathable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Brim deforms simply and flips up within the wind
- One dimension solely
- Mesh panels loosely woven which nonetheless permit UV rays to penetrate by way of the fabric
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is a stable, budget-friendly choice that compacts simply for out of doors adventures. It’s a cushty hat with adjustable options on the crown and a chin strap. Though it solely is available in one dimension, it’s easy to regulate for a very good match.
Whereas the Columbia Bora Bora Booney is light-weight and breathable, the brim simply loses its form and doesn’t sit flat across the head, leading to much less dependable solar safety and poor wind resistance, because the brim flips up even in small gusts.
We examined this solar hat on windy days alongside the Northern California coast and noticed that it flipped up or flew off in gusts round 15 mph. That mentioned, we’re impressed with its water resistance and the way shortly moisture beads off the outer materials. Nonetheless, after submerging the hat in water, we observed water stains remained across the crown even after it dried.
The three-inch brim and UPF 50 materials assist present solar safety. Nonetheless, the uneven brim and loosely woven mesh panel across the crown nonetheless permit some UV rays to penetrate. Whereas we didn’t discover any factors of wear and tear and tear on this Columbia hat within the area, we’re not too impressed with its sturdiness—primarily due to water staining and the form of the brim. Nonetheless, this hat’s consolation, light-weight design, worth, and ease make it value contemplating as an inexpensive choice.
| oSort | Product | Worth | Weight | Brim Width | UPF Score | Sizes | Consolation | Solar Safety | Climate Safety | Sturdiness | Packability | 0 |
Solbari Trekker Solar Hat View Males’s View Ladies’s  |
$65 | 4.2 oz. | 3.5” entrance, 6.75” neck cape | UPF 50 (nylon) | S, M, L/XL | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 1 |
Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey View at REI View at Amazon |
$50 | 2.5 oz. | 3.25″ | UPF 50 (polyester, nylon) | S/M, L/XL | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 2 |
GearTop Navigator Safari Solar Hat View at Amazon View at GearTop  |
$22 | 3.5 oz. | 3.7″ | UPF 50 (polyester) | O/S | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3 |
Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat View at Amazon View at Sunday Afternoons |
$49 | 4.3 oz. | 3.75” entrance, 4” sides, 4.75” again | UPF 50 (polyester) | M, L, XL | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4 |
REI Sahara Information Hat View at REI |
$43 | 2.6 oz. | 3.25” | UPF 50 (nylon) | S/M, L/XL | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 5 |
Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap View at REI View at Amazon |
$40 | 2.8 oz. | 2.75” | UPF 40 (nylon) | S – XL | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 6 |
Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Hat View at REI View at Tilley |
$99 | 3.7 oz. | 3.25” | UPF 50 (nylon) | 6 7/8ths – 8+ (inches) | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 7 |
North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat View at REI View at Amazon |
$45 | 3.1 oz. | 3.125” | UPF 40 (nylon, elastane) | S/M, L/XL | 3.7 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 8 |
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat View at REI View at Amazon |
$30 | 2.6 oz. | 3” | UPF 50 (textured poplin nylon) | O/S | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.7 |
|---|
How We Check & Methodology
We completely examined every solar hat extensively, from the Northern California shoreline to the Jap Sierra Nevadas, carrying them in water, on trails, and in excessive wind situations. We spent a number of weeks in early fall, utilizing side-by-side testing to judge these solar hats for consolation, sturdiness, climate resistance, options, and packability.
COMFORT
Our consolation rankings give attention to match, breathability, supplies used, the internal sweatband lining within the hat, and any further bonus options. When attempting on the hats, we decide how straightforward it’s to get a safe, comfortable match utilizing any adjustability options included.
We examine all mesh panels and air flow factors to judge their effectiveness in offering good breathability throughout sizzling and sweaty days, in addition to any points like UV penetration and publicity by way of areas with looser-weave materials.
We choose solar hats made with quick-dry materials and that includes a gentle, {smooth} sweatband lining to stop brow indentations. Lastly, we spotlight invaluable bonus options comparable to a sun shades lock on the crown, a ponytail gap within the again, and an anti-glare brim.
SUN PROTECTION
Solar safety is the primary purpose for carrying a solar hat, so it’s essential to decide on your fashion rigorously and ideally decide one with a excessive UPF ranking. Brim width can be a key issue, and we discover that widths of at the very least 3 inches present the perfect protection.
Within the area, our gear analyst completely examined the solar hats at totally different occasions of day to judge their protection when the solar is at each a high and low angle.
Hats with a cape attachment can present higher safety, particularly across the again of the neck and ears. Nonetheless, be sure to decide on tightly woven supplies, as hats with looser weaves can nonetheless permit some UV rays to go by way of the material.
WEATHER PROTECTION
If a solar hat doesn’t present correct climate safety, it will possibly result in uncomfortable and irritating conditions — like a brim that retains flipping up over your brow within the wind and even flying off in robust gusts.
Within the area, our gear analyst examined each solar hat in our lineup in windy situations, from the Northern California coast to the high-altitude Sierra Nevada mountains, to achieve firsthand perception into their efficiency.
Water resistance is one other key think about selecting your solar hat, particularly when you anticipate dangerous climate from high-altitude thunderstorms or tropical showers throughout your adventures. We submerged every solar hat in water after which continued with our day to check their water resistance, quick-dry skill, and the way droopy they bought when moist.
DURABILITY
Throughout our testing course of, we carefully monitor every solar hat for indicators of wear and tear and tear on the path, deformed brims, or noticeable high quality declines. After evaluating totally different supplies utilized in every mannequin’s manufacturing, we consider them primarily based on total sturdiness and high quality, whereas figuring out which supplies are probably the most practical, breathable, and cozy for days with intense solar publicity and excessive exercise.
Throughout our assessment, we additionally take note of any producer’s washing directions for every hat and notify when particular care is required.
PACKABILITY
Having a packable solar hat may be very handy when touring, although it limits its skill to deal with moist and windy situations due to a extra versatile brim. For every solar hat in our choice, we examined how simply it may very well be folded or saved whereas on the go, additionally noting how properly it retains its form as soon as unpacked.
Two different key elements of packability are bulkiness and weight; like most out of doors gear (mountain climbing solar hats included), we choose low bulk and light-weight designs.
Why Belief CleverHiker
Gear Analyst Emily Parnay has worn many hats through the years within the mountains — climbing, mountain climbing, scrambling, backpacking, on the water – you title it. She brings a wealth of area expertise in what makes a solar hat nice. When creating our Climbing Solar Hats Roundup Assessment, she hiked over 100 miles on uncovered, windy trails from the Northern California Coast to the Jap Sierra Nevada Mountains, testing hats side-by-side on her adventures. She additionally submerged every solar hat to find out their efficiency in water and verified if the hats marketed as “floatable” really floated.
Emily has a background within the out of doors trade and holds a BA in Journey Schooling from Fort Lewis School in Durango, CO. As an out of doors fanatic who loves spending hours, days, and weeks exterior, she understands the significance of solar safety firsthand. From her private {and professional} experiences, she is expert in evaluating out of doors gear, critiquing options, and assessing high quality.
Evaluation & Outcomes
VALUE
When discussing worth, we take into account not solely the worth but additionally the longevity, efficiency, and performance of the gear we assessment. Solar hats that supply consolation, solar and climate safety, sturdiness, and packability rankings that justify their worth are thought-about high-value purchases.
Our best choice, the Solbari Trekker Solar Hat, will not be the most cost effective on our checklist, however its excellent high quality and efficiency throughout all metrics supply nice worth. This hat will reliably shield you underneath the solar for years throughout all of your adventures. Equally, the Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey and Latitude Hats present glorious solar and climate safety that justify their worth.
As an inexpensive choice, the GearTop Safari Solar Hat nonetheless supplies glorious worth. Whereas it could not have the best sturdiness and high quality, its climate resistance, solar safety, and luxury make it a robust selection even in comparison with dearer solar hats. The REI Sahara Information Hat can be moderately priced for a easy, trendy solar hat that performs properly on the path. It provides nice worth as a no-frills choice that mixes fashion, sturdiness, and performance.
COMFORT
When figuring out the consolation of a solar hat, we take into account the softness of the fabric, the match and adjustability, added bonus options, breathability, if any brow indentations had been left from the sweatband liner and the form of the hat.
As anticipated, probably the most comfy hats had been additionally amongst our prime worth picks, together with the Solbari Trekker Solar Hat, with its nearly silky-smooth cooling materials, true-to-size match, and straightforward adjustability. The Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey is our second decide for consolation, because of its light-weight materials that gives the right steadiness of safety and breathability. The Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat ranked only a smidge decrease, however solely because of the lengthy again brim, which affected consolation when carrying a high-stacked backpack.
The GearTop Safari Hat was additionally amongst our prime picks for consolation, which is actually spectacular for such a finances purchase – it isn’t fairly as breathable as another choices, however the mixture of protection and options makes it a go-to.
The REI Sahara Information Hat may be very comfy to put on, however we deducted some factors as a result of the vast, loosely woven mesh panels may trigger burns for folks with out hair safety round their head. Likewise, we took factors away from the Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap as a result of it doesn’t carry out properly within the wind, because the neck flap usually leaves the neck uncovered.
The ultimate hats we examined didn’t rank excessive in consolation due to a number of components that made them much less appropriate for prolonged put on. These embody the match being too tight, lack of protection and safety, uncomfortable chin cords, brow indentations, and/or an ineffective brim form.
SUN PROTECTION
Though a lot of the solar hats we examined have a excessive UPF ranking, the form of the hat, the weave of the mesh panels, and the size of the brim all affect the solar safety ranking.
The solar hats with the best solar safety ranking are the Solbari Trekker Solar Hat and the Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat. The Solbari boasts a large barely downturned brim with a thicker, longer neck flap that stays put within the wind, not like the neck flap on the Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey and the Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap. The Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat boasts the longest brim at 4 inches on the perimeters and 4.75 inches within the again, offering full protection with its barely downturned form.
The GearTop Safari Solar Hat carefully follows the Latitude hat with its vast, downturned brim, offering full protection even at decrease angles of daylight. Nonetheless, it options extra loosely woven mesh panels than the hats listed above.
The hats in our lineup with the least solar safety that we wouldn’t advocate for lengthy intervals of solar publicity are the Buff Discover Booney Hat, with its brief 2.75-inch floppy brim, and the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II, with its awkwardly formed brim that bends and deforms simply.
WEATHER PROTECTION
When testing for climate safety, we consider each wind and water resistance, in addition to any additional options like a floatable brim.
The Solbari Trekker Solar Hat once more secures a prime spot in one other class – it repels water immediately, wicks away sweat and moisture, dries shortly, and stays in place within the wind. The GearTop Safari Solar Hat and Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat each resist wind and repel water instantly, whereas additionally that includes an efficient floatable brim that turns out to be useful for water actions.
The Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey Hat is waterproof, floats, and dries shortly. Nonetheless, the neck flap can flip up in stronger wind gusts, which barely lowers its climate safety ranking.
The opposite solar hats in our lineup obtained decrease rankings as a result of they lack wind resistance (examined in 15-20mph winds), with brims flipping up, capes failing to remain in place, or the hats blowing off completely. The one exception is the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat, which is the one hat in our lineup that fully lacks water resistance and soaks up water instantly.
DURABILITY
When assessing sturdiness, we study the standard of the fabric, any options which have weak factors or limitations, and any seen put on and tear from area testing. If there are any particular care directions listed for the hats, we additionally word them. Many of the hats we examined proved to be sturdy and of top of the range, with only some merchandise anticipated to have points.
The hats with the best sturdiness embody the Solbari Trekker, Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey, Sunday Afternoons Latitude, REI Sahara Information Hat, and the Tilley LTM6 Airflo. All of those hats are made with prime quality supplies that give us nothing to critique and no considerations for long-term use.
After area testing, we observed just a few unfastened threads on the brim lining of the GearTop Safari Solar Hat – nothing that impacts its efficiency, however sufficient to see a distinction in high quality in comparison with dearer solar hats. The Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap makes use of thinner materials, and the method for detaching and attaching the cape, mixed with its poor efficiency in stronger winds, makes it appear much less sturdy than the hats listed above. Equally, the Buff Discover Booney Hat is made from a lower-quality, thinner materials.
Lastly, the North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat and Columbia Bora Bora Booney II are the least sturdy hats we examined, primarily resulting from their options that detract from the hat’s efficiency, together with the chin twine high quality and sweatband liner high quality of the North Face and the brim form and water staining on the Columbia.
PACKABILITY
Packability refers to how simply a solar hat could be crushed, folded, or stowed away on the go with out deforming the brim.
Essentially the most packable solar hat we examined is the Buff Discover Booney Hat. This hat could be stuffed or crushed with out fear of deforming the floppy brim, and it simply slips into the again pocket of your pants or shorts whereas on the go. It even features a built-in storage pocket contained in the crown.
The subsequent most packable hats are the Sunday Afternoons Extremely Journey, which could be folded into quarters right into a small bundle that simply slips into the outer aspect pouch of your backpack, and the Out of doors Analysis Solar Runner Cap. Simply after these two hats, the REI Sahara Information Hat and Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat take the subsequent spots in our packability rankings. These hats can fold a number of occasions and simply slip into the highest of your pack.
The GearTop Safari, Solbari Trekker, and Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hats have creases that assist you to fold them in half for storage. Nonetheless, the Latitude Hat requires extra drive to fold after prolonged put on, and we advocate hanging or laying it flat.
The least packable solar hat in our lineup is the Tilley LTM6 Airflo, which may’t simply be crushed, folded, or stuffed with out damaging the brim over time. This hat must be hung or laid flat to make sure it lasts longer.
Find out how to Select a Solar Hat
TYPE OF HAT
There are a lot of various kinds of hats to select from, comparable to a straw hat, bucket hat, boonie, brimmer, fedora, or baseball cap.
Straw Hats
Straw hats are often not the only option for mountain climbing as a result of they lack sturdiness, packability, and breathability, however they are often nice for the seashore, pool, backyard, or round city.
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats often have a smaller floppy brim that, whereas trendy, doesn’t present the perfect protection for intense out of doors actions with a number of solar publicity.
Boonie Hats
Boonie hats originated within the navy and have wider, stiffer brims than bucket hats, however they’re nonetheless designed to be light-weight and breathable.
Brimmer Hats
Brimmer hats are wide-brimmed hats made for out of doors use that present full solar safety.
Fedoras
Fedoras are sometimes produced from wool, felt, or straw with a raised crown; these hats are often worn extra for vogue than practicality.
Baseball caps
Baseball caps lack a full brim, however these made with polyester or different quick-dry supplies are perfect for under-helmet use to maintain the solar out of your eyes when rafting, climbing, or mountaineering; caps can generally include a detachable cape attachment for neck protection or can at all times be paired with a sunhoody for a sleeker look on the path.
COVERAGE
Having glorious full protection is the primary goal of a solar hat, so researching the brim width, UPF ranking, and any cape attachments earlier than buying is essential. A brim width of at the very least 3 inches is very really helpful for the perfect solar safety. Wider brims, comparable to 4 inches, can present even higher protection, though they could additionally trigger some limitations, particularly when you often carry your arms over your head
Having a UPF ranking of fifty+ is good, but it surely’s essential to do not forget that some loosely woven mesh panel designs can nonetheless permit UV rays to go by way of. That is particularly pertinent for many who don’t have thick hair defending their scalp.
Lastly, some hats include a cape attachment on the again to supply higher neck safety. Whereas these capes are often not probably the most trendy, they provide fuller protection all through the day when the solar’s angle can range drastically relying on the time.
COMFORT
Consolation can be one of the vital essential components when selecting your hat. Since not all hats are available in a one-size-fits-all choice, you will have to know your head circumference to seek out the perfect dimension for you. This measurement could be taken by wrapping a measuring tape round your head, over the brow the place a hat sometimes rests.
Fortunately, many hats additionally characteristic adjustability factors, comparable to a chin strap and a bungee on the crown, which permit for a snugger, custom-made match. These options are particularly useful if you end up between sizes.
For probably the most comfy hats, we advocate selecting ones with a gentle sweatband liner contained in the crown to stop indentations on the brow. We additionally recommend deciding on hats with mesh panels to spice up breathability and airflow.
BRIM STIFFNESS
When selecting your solar hat, take into account the stiffness of the outer brim. Solar hats with a softer, extra versatile brim could look extra trendy and are straightforward to pack for journey, conserving their form even after being folded. H
owever, they have an inclination to sag when moist and are much less immune to wind. Stiffer-brimmed solar hats are typically extra sturdy and fewer prone to flip up within the wind however can crease or deform extra simply if folded, stuffed, or saved improperly. It’s often finest to retailer your hat with the brim as much as keep its form.
Conclusion
After intensive area testing from California’s seas to its mountains, we current a complete information to the perfect solar hats to your mountain climbing adventures. CleverHiker is a crew of outside lovers who love what we do – we intention to encourage folks to get exterior and assist them make gear selections that make out of doors adventures extra accessible. We hope these critiques, ideas, and rankings help you to find a hat that retains you protected for miles and years of use.
