The best sun hats of 2024, tested in practice

Walking in the scorching sun can get old quickly, but a wide-brimmed hat that is breathable and wicks away moisture is great for protecting your face from UV rays and keeping sweat off your forehead. I took a collection of 10 hats into the desert for hiking, running, backpacking, and paddling to find the best sun hat for your outdoor adventures.

How I tested the best sun hats

While wearing these sun hats on countless trips with high UV exposure, I focused on their angle and amount of coverage, fit and comfort. I then independently weighed and measured the brim length of each hat. You may not need to wear your sun hat all the time, so I also took into account how compact they are. View the best sun hats below.

Best sun hats: reviews and recommendations

Best Overall: Buff Discover Booney Hat

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Plus points

• Adjustable fit
• UPF50
• 100 percent recycled

Main features

• Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• Weight: 2.4 ounces (S/M)
• Edge length: 3 inches
• Adjustable chin strap

Buff’s Booney Hats are available in a variety of earthy colors and have an adjustable fit. I like that the crown has no mesh (at peak sun hours, UV rays can pass through mesh) and it has UPF 50 to protect my scalp from the sun. The material is light enough to still be breathable, with ventilation flaps covered in mesh.

The angle provides excellent coverage without obstructing my view. You can also fold this hat into itself for streamlined packaging, and it will return to its original shape. The adjustable fit lets you compress this hat in high winds, and the brim is so light that it bends in the wind, instead of snagging like a sail. I wore this hat on a 25 yard rope swing and it stayed on as I swung out several times.

This hat has everything you need for hiking, backpacking, paddling, and any other sport that involves baking in the sun. And it’s made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Most durable: Fjallraven Abisko summer heat

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Plus points

• Edge buttons up on the sides
• Waxed, durable fabric
• UV protection

Main features

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 2.9 grams (S)
• Edge length: 2.75 inches
• Adjustable chin strap

If the mesh and lightweight synthetics typically used in sun hats look like they’re going to get shredded during typical bushwacks or scrambles, then the Abisko is for you. It is made from Fjallraven own substance which is tightly woven and brushed with wax for water repellency, durability and durability.

The size small fit me perfectly; my head circumference is 21.5 inches and the small one ranges from 21.3 to 22 inches. The fit is not adjustable, so be sure to take your head measurement before purchasing. The Abisko provides excellent coverage and in strong winds you can use the adjustable chin strap to close the hatches. The sides of the brim snap onto the hat and pull it up, like a pirate hat. While I’m not sure if there’s any strategic benefit to buttoning the brim, it gives the hat a whole new look for those who quickly get bored of the same headgear.

This hat is just as comfortable as the other hats on this list, but more durable for bigger missions. It is not that compact, but can be folded in a pinch and flattened easily.

Most comfortable: Cotopaxi Tech bucket hat

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Plus points

• 100 percent recycled
• Lightweight
• Looks good

Disadvantages

• One size
• Fit not adjustable

Main features

• Sizes: One size
• Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Edge length: 2.5 inches
• Adjustable chin strap

This low-maintenance, low-profile bucket hat is 100 percent recycled and features Cotopaxi’s signature color blocking. The soft brim and unstructured crown make the Tech bucket hat super comfortable and easy to pack. This design also allows many people to fit inside. But if you have an extra large head, this hat is not for you as it is one-size-fits-all.

My vision is unobstructed in this hat and it is light and breathable enough to run in. Although the fit is not adjustable, you can keep your hat on in strong winds using the chin strap. The Tech bucket hat also looks great, with a flattering design and cool colorways.

Best Full Coverage: Patagonia Quandary Brimmer Hat

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Plus points

• Wide brim
• Sweat-wicking band
• Adjustable fit

Main features

• Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• Weight: 4.05 grams
• Edge length: 3 inches
• Adjustable chin strap
• Closure with toggle switch

This hat offers full coverage with a wide brim. I wore it while paddling part of the Gunnison River and on a number of hikes. The round crown hugs your head and tightening the adjustment allows you to keep your hat on in stronger winds. However, because the edge is so wide, you start to feel like a sail.

The material is malleable so it can be easily packed and returns to its original shape. Even though the fabric doesn’t have UPF added, the Quandary’s 3-inch brim certainly kept the sun off my face. Patagonia designed this hat so that, despite full coverage, it won’t block your view or bump into your backpack.

For anyone who wants to keep out as much sun as possible: this sun hat is breathable, foldable and comfortable. I felt a little weird running with such a big hat, although it’s possible.

Best Low Profile: North Face Lightrange summer bucket hat

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Plus points

• Lightrange finish is moisture-wicking, anti-odor and UPF
• Adjustable fit
• Sturdy edge

Disadvantages

• Did not absorb sweat well

Main features

• Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• Weight: 2.2 ounces (S/M)
• Edge length: 2.5 inches
• Adjustable chin strap

I wore this hat on a packrafting trip where I clambered through washes and floated on a large Class I river. Sometimes bucket hats can obstruct my view too much, but the Lightrange has a wide opening and sits further back to preserve your view. It kept the sun off my face and the mesh crown was a godsend in the heat.

The adjustable fit was great for securing the hat in the wind, and the material makes it easy to fold. However, the sweatband is reminiscent of the waist of boxer shorts and did not absorb sweat particularly well. There were still a few drops running down my face.

If you want a bucket hat that looks sharp, doesn’t block your view and keeps you cool, summer is a great option. The mesh top also makes it ultra-light and quick-drying.

Most versatile: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

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Plus points

• Adjustable fit
• Removable cape
• UPF40

Main features

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 3 ounces (M)
• Edge length: 2.75 inches
• Adjustable chin strap

If you’re looking for more coverage but aren’t sure you want a hat with a full wide brim, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner is a more versatile option. It combines a performance running cap with a lightweight and breathable UPF 40 cape to protect your neck. The cap has a 2.75 inch brim that is dark on the bottom for less glare. It’s great for high-intensity activities, and once you’re ready for extra protection, you can clip the cape on.

The downside to this design is that it looks quite boring. But if you’re cool, comfortable and protected from the sun, you might not care. The hood area feels breathable and secure, perfect for running or walking. The back has a Velcro strap for an adjustable fit.

The rest of the field

Of the 10 sun hats I tested, there were a few that didn’t crack the code on fit and angle. Kuiu’s Gila Pro Airmesh Boonie has an oval shape with the front and back being longer than the sides. This style didn’t work for me and it bothered my neck or obstructed my vision depending on which way I tilted it. One tester was grateful for the Turtle Fur Drifter Bucket Hat in a rainstorm with water sliding off her face, but this bucket hat obstructed my vision too much to want to wear it for a walk.

The Arc’teryx Aerios shade hat And Kavu Chillba were not as compact as others on this list, and have easy-to-maintain shapes for maintenance. They also did not perform well in the wind: the edge of the Aerios blew down and the Chillba turned completely inside out in strong gusts of wind. These hats may be better suited for gardening or lawn mowing.

Read next: UPF vs SPF: what’s the difference and how much sun protection do you need?

How do you choose the best sun hat?

Style

Choosing a sun hat isn’t just about style, but if you feel good in it, you’re more likely to wear it. And when you take pictures, the first thing people see is a big hat. All of the best sun hats on this list will protect you from the sun, but only if you actually wear them. So choose a style that appeals to you.

Fit

Don’t skip measuring your head when choosing a sun hat. Unless you choose a one-size-fits-all option, you get more out of your hat if it fits properly.

Activity

I went running in a few of these hats, and experienced high winds in others. Think about your favorite outdoor activities and how your hat’s brim length and design will perform before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts on the best sun hats

Sun protection is no joke, and one of the best sun hats is a great way to stay cool and protected from harmful UV rays. If you spend a lot of time walking in the sun, I recommend the Buff Explore Booney Hat. For brush and scrambling you can try something more durable, like the Fjallraven Abisko summer hat.