Spending time outdoors is a great way of improving your mood, and having the best hiking hats of 2023 makes it even more enjoyable. You can enjoy the fresh air without feeling like you have a burden on your head.
We need to talk about hiking hats because a wrong choice will get in the way of what would be the best adventure. You first need to like how the hat looks on you, but it should also serve its intended purpose. While you may not find all the qualities in one product, tick as many boxes as possible.
Here are some of the very critical factors that you must consider when shopping for a hiking hat.
Factors to Consider when Shopping for the Best Hiking Hats of 2023
1. Style
A beautiful and stylish sun hat
Style is critical when buying a hiking hat because you do not want to look homeless and lost while hiking. There are thousands of options when it comes to style; hence your preference plays a major role.
The other factor that might push you to your style choice is the current fashion trends. While some hat designs are timeless, others change with the fashion trends.
The style of a hiking hat is embodied in different factors such as its shape, how it sits on the head, decorative accessories, and color.
There are no rules when picking a hat based on style since people's preferences are as widespread as the world's population. Ensure you like what you buy.
2. UV protection
The best hiking hat of 2023 should protect your neck and ears from the sun
UV light protection is critical for hikers, especially but not limited to the sunny seasons. The most immediate symptom of overexposure to the sun is sunburn, but this is the least problematic as, in the long run, you might be at risk of developing skin cancer.
Therefore, you need to consider UV light protection even when buying hiking jackets, trousers, and hats.
The best hiking hats of 2023 should protect your whole face from direct exposure to sunlight, including the head, ears, face, and neck.
The right hiking hat will also shield your eyes from excessive exposure to sunlight. This is achieved by having a dark lining in the hat to minimize the radiation to the eyes.
Check the label for the ultraviolet protection factor before buying the hiking hat.
3. Durability
A durable hiking hat is versatile and can be worn on other occasions besides hiking.
Durability is critical in all your hiking gear, including the hat. While you will find thousands of the same products in the market, quality should be your top priority.
You cannot compromise on quality when going for long-distance treks because you need a hat that will last you the whole journey and even in the coming days.
Your choice of material plays the biggest role in durability, while how you care for the hat comes second. You could have a good hat but fail to follow the correct cleaning guidelines; the hat will get damaged faster.
The best and most durable hiking hat should also be scratch resistance since you will encounter twigs and other sharp objects along the way.
4. Comfort
A comfortable hat will let you have fun and not feel burdensome
The best hiking hat of 2023 should be comfortable since you might have it on you the whole day. The first and most critical aspect of comfort is how well it fits; it should not be too tight or loose.
A tight hat will leave your head aching and probably even cause the skin around the head to chaff. A big hat, on the other, will keep you occupied, preventing it from falling or being blown away by the wind.
Hat sizes are indicated on the tag, and you may need to know the diameter of your head to get the right-fitting hat.
5. Breathability
A group of hikers wearing different types of hiking hats
Breathability draws the line between baseball caps and hiking hats. Breathability is critical because it allows air circulation between the hat and your head.
A standard hat works for a day hike, but you may need to be more intentional with your hat choice if you are going for a long-distance trek.
A breathable hiking hat has a mesh lining, a moisture-wicking hydrofoil, and an organic cotton band that prevents sweat from running down your face. It should keep your head cool and dry while on an adventure on the hottest days.
Too much heat accumulation on the head will make you uncomfortable and cause a headache.
6. Climate and Season
A wide-rim hiking hat protects the face and eyes from the scorching sun
The season and climate you will be hiking in determine the hat you will get. There are hats for every season.
The best hiking hats for summer must have a high UV light protection factor, while rain hats must be waterproof. On the other hand, winter hats must have sufficient insulation to keep the biting cold at bay.
A relevant hiking hat will not leave you at the mercy of weather elements but will protect your head and face appropriately. Without the right hat, you will keep squinting and trying to protect your eyes from the bright rays or covering your head with scarves during winter.
The best hiking hat that is appropriate for the season will save you from all these struggles and allow you to enjoy the trek.
7. Price
Sun hats come in different types and prices
We cannot discuss any hiking gear and fail to mention price as one of the critical factors affecting your choice. You will come across a wide range of hiking hats at different prices. While you need the highest quality with all the features, you cannot break the bank.
You need to work within your budget, but if you can afford the best quality, go for it, as it will save you from incurring the same cost in the future.
The consolation is that you will get a hiking hat irrespective of your budget.
8. Material
A beautiful, good-quality sun hat will allow you to enjoy your adventure.
Just like hiking pants, jackets, and leggings, you need to consider the appropriate material for your hiking hat. The best hiking hats of 2023 should be made of a durable and versatile material that will survive the harsh outdoors.
The best material should be easy to clean, stain-resistant, tear-proof, and face resistant. These are the irreducible qualities alongside others that depend on the season.
The material should also be lightweight, as every ounce counts when hiking. A hiking hat is one of the smallest wearable gear you will have; hence its weight should be insignificant.
A warm and cozy material should be your priority when hiking in winter. However, the outer layer must be made from a waterproof material.
Product Reviews
Gear Top Fishing Hat
GearTOP Fishing Hat UPF 50+ Wide Brim Sun Hat for Men and Women, Mens Bucket Hats with UV Protection for Hiking Beach Hats
This is one of the most common outdoor hats, labeled as a fishing hat, but it will also be handy for hikers. It is the most appropriate for hiking in hot weather because it has a UV protection factor 50+. It is made from 100% polyester, which makes it durable and machine washable.
Einskey Sun Hat
EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women, Waterproof Wide Brim Bucket Hat Foldable Boonie Hat for Fishing Hiking Garden Safari Beach
This is a wide-brim sun hat made from 100% polyester and comes in over twenty colors for both men and women. It is more suitable for sunny days, but the polyester fabric is water-repellent, just in case of a sudden downpour.
Outrip Fishing Hat for Men and Women
Fishing Hat for Men & Women, Outdoor UV Sun Protection Wide Brim Hat with Face Cover & Neck Flap
This unisex outdoor hat comes with a detachable face cover and neck flap. There are ten different colors to choose from and which are favorable for both men and women. It offers 3600 protection from the sun, ensuring you fully enjoy your hiking adventures.
Columbia Bora Booney
Columbia Bora Booney
This is a common hiking hat that comes in seventeen different colors. It is made from 100% nylon, which is ideal for outdoor hats. This hat is built to last as the style is timeless, and the stitching is expertly done.
Camptrace Wide Brim Hiking Hat
Camptrace Wide Brim UPF 50+ UV Protection Hiking Sun Hats Fishing Gardening Hats with Large Neck Flap for Womens Mens Nylon
This fantastic outdoor hat is the best for hiking and other outdoor activities such as gardening and fishing. You need to protect yourself from the scorching sun every time you spend a long time outside; this hat does the job well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you need the best hiking hats of 2023 to enjoy your hiking escapades, especially on a hot day. While there is a quick-fix solution for sunburns, there are some long-term damages that you will not realize immediately.
The best option we can recommend from our suggestions is the Columbia Bora Booney. This is one of the best hiking hats that you will come across. The top-notch quality, and high levels of UV light protection, among other amazing features, make it our first choice.
We would like to hear about your experience with these hiking hats or any other not mentioned here. Talk to us in the comment section. You could also subscribe, like, and share this page with friends.