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The Best Running Hats of 2023

Whether pounding the pavement or hitting the trail, we've found the best running hats for every use and budget.

(Photo/Life Outside Studio)
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Along with well-fitted running shoes and a comfortable pair of shorts, a dependable running hat rounds out the go-to kit of many passionate runners. The best running hats should wick away moisture, keep sweat out of your eyes, and protect against the sun, wind, and rain.

In 2023, running hats no longer resemble the heavy cotton baseball caps of the past. Instead, today’s running hats are lightweight, breathable, stylish, and impressively unobtrusive. From quick neighborhood jaunts to grueling ultramarathons, the proper running hat can immediately fit into your gear kit and add plenty of benefits to your training or racing.

At the end of our top picks list, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide for advice on how to choose the best running hat for your needs. Also, check out our Comparison Chart to see how each model’s specs stack up against one another, and our FAQs for understanding everything you need to know about running hats.

The Best Running Hats of 2023


Best Overall Running Hat

Headsweats Performance Race Hat

Specs

  • Materials Headsweats' Eventure Woven fabric
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 25+
  • Weight 2 ounces
Product Badge The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Adjustable strap and ponytail portal accommodate lots of head sizes and hair types
  • Reflective brim for safety and visibility
  • Weighs less than 2 oz.
  • Moisture-wicking liner keeps sweat away
  • Good value

Cons

  • For follicly unprotected (well, bald) runners, the thin shell may not provide adequate sun protection on its own
Best Budget Running Hat

GADIEMKENSD Outdoor Hat

Specs

  • Materials 100% nylon
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight 2.3 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Sun protection
  • Water-resistant treatment pools droplets and doesn’t absorb moisture
  • Reflective brim and edges are good for night running
  • Convenient folding system for easy transport

Cons

  • Not the most durable
Runner-Up Best Running Hat

Sunday Afternoons Aerial Cap

Specs

  • Materials Polyester and mesh
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight 1.9 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking
  • Good sun protection
  • Fits lots of different head sizes and shapes
  • Quick-drying
  • Lightweight
  • Clean-looking design
  • Integrated mesh for effective ventilation

Cons

  • More expensive than other options
  • Adjustable band can start to wear after heavy use
Best Running Hat for Extra-Hot Weather

Nathan RunCool

Specs

  • Materials 90% polyester, 10% spandex
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight 3 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Stylish bi-color design
  • Dual pockets carry small essentials or ice on hot days
  • Interior sweat-wicking sweatband keeps sweat out of eyes
  • Dark underside of bill reduces glare
  • One size fits most
  • Sun protection

Cons

  • Pockets add a little weight due to extra fabric
Best Reflective Running Hat

Headsweats Reflective Race Hat

Specs

  • Materials Headsweats' Eventure reflective fabric
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating N/A
  • Weight 2.5 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Simple design
  • High visibility
  • Lots of color choices
  • Comfortable with a ponytail
  • Dark underside of bill reduces glare

Cons

  • No UPF sun protection
  • One size fits most, but runs slightly large
Most Breathable Running Hat

Patagonia Duckbill Cap

Specs

  • Materials Front panel/bill: 95% nylon and 5% spandex with water-repellent finish; Crown/back panels: 100% recycled polyester
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating N/A
  • Weight 1.5 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Highly breathable
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Easily packable

Cons

  • Brim and front panel can get waterlogged
  • No UPF rating
Most Packable Running Hat

Topo Designs Global Hat

Specs

  • Materials 60% polyester, 40% nylon with two-way stretch nylon with a water-repellent finish
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating N/A
  • Weight Not listed
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Super lightweight
  • Easily packable
  • Comfortable with sweat-wicking band
  • Water repellent

Cons

  • Limited sun protection for the head
  • No UPF rating
Best of the Rest

KAVU Trail Runner

Specs

  • Materials Nylon and polyester
  • Sizing Medium and large
  • UPF Rating N/A
  • Weight 3.2 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Very breathable
  • Durable
  • Integrated sweatband
  • Dark underside of bill reduces glare

Cons

  • Lacks UPF sun protection rating

Brooks Propel Mesh

Specs

  • Materials 84% polyester, 16% spandex mesh
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight 1.8 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Lots of mesh for excellent breathability
  • Packable design
  • Sewn-in, sweat-wicking headband
  • Stretchy
  • Sun protection

Cons

  • Expensive

REI Co-op On the Trail Cap

Specs

  • Materials 95% polyester/5% elastic; lining: 100% polyester; sweatband: 91% polyester/9% spandex
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight N/A
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Breathable, but still with full sun coverage
  • Comfortable bungee enclosure on back
  • Ample room for a ponytail

Cons

  • Runs tight
  • Bill retains sweat/rain
  • Sells quickly, so limited colors available

Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

Specs

  • Materials 88% Recycled stretch polyester, 12% Elastane
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating UPF 25
  • Weight 1 ounce
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Supremely lightweight
  • Full coverage without weight
  • Easily packable
  • 5-year guarantee

Cons

  • Runs small
  • Limited brim coverage

Outdoor Research Swift Cap

Specs

  • Materials 100% nylon
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating N/A
  • Weight 2.5 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Lots of color options
  • Large mesh cooling vents along sides of hat
  • Durable materials and construction

Cons

  • Not designed specifically for running
  • A little less breathable than other options

Ciele Athletics GOCap

Specs

  • Materials COOLwick, Repreve
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 40+
  • Weight 2.1 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sweat-wicking liner
  • Pliable and easy to pack
  • Sun protection

Cons

  • Only comes in one size

Path Projects Muir Cap

Specs

  • Materials 92% poly, 8% PU fabric
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 50+
  • Weight 2.4 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Good value

Cons

  • Some users found the only size to be too large or small

rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat

Specs

  • Materials SPDWick fabric
  • Sizing One size fits most
  • UPF Rating 40
  • Weight 2.1 ounces
The Best Running Hats of 2023

Pros

  • A mix of distinct designs
  • Breathable
  • Comfortable fabric pairs well with mesh
  • Pliable bill
  • Durable
  • Sweat-wicking band

Cons

  • Fits large
  • Bill isn't as versatile as claimed
  • Expensive

Running Hat Comparison Chart

Running HatPriceMaterialsSizingUPF RatingWeight
Headsweats Performance
Race Hat
$20-30Headsweats Eventure Woven fabricOne size25+2.0 oz.
GADIEMKENSD Outdoor Hat$15100% nylonOne size50+2.3 oz.
Sunday Afternoons Aerial Cap$30Polyester and meshOne size50+1.9 oz.
Nathan RunCool$2590% polyester, 10% spandexOne size50+3.0 oz.
Headsweats Reflective Race Hat$25Headsweats Eventure reflective fabricOne sizeN/A2.5 oz.
Patagonia Duckbill Cap$35Front panel/bill: 95% nylon, 5%
spandex; Crown/back panels: 100% recycled polyester
One sizeN/A1.5 oz.
Topo Designs Global Hat$3460% polyester, 40% nylonOne sizeN/AN/A
KAVU Trail Runner$35-40Nylon and polyesterMedium, LargeN/A3.2 oz.
Brooks Propel Mesh$3684% polyester, 16% spandex meshOne size50+1.8 oz.
Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap$3888% Recycled stretch polyester, 12% ElastaneOne size251.0 oz.
REI Co-op On the Trail Cap$2795% polyester/5% elastic; lining: 100% polyester; sweatband: 91% polyester/9% spandexOne size50+N/A
Outdoor Research Swift Cap$30100% nylonOne sizeN/A2.5 oz.
Ciele Athletics GOCap$40-45COOLwick, RepreveOne size40+2.1 oz.
Path Projects Muir Cap$3092% poly, 8% PU fabricOne size 50+2.4 oz.
rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat$38SPDWick fabricOne size402.1 oz.
A man runs over a log while wearing a running hat
Each hat in this guide was put through mile after mile of abuse by our seasoned gear testers; (photo/Helen Newcomb)

Why You Should Trust Us

The GearJunkie team is stacked with runners. From weekend hobbyists to ultramarathon podium threats, we’re diehard runners, through and through.

Like most runners, we use running hats for sweat-wicking and sun protection. Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of running hats in all sorts of conditions.

A good running hat should be durable, comfortable, breathable, and effective against the sun’s harsh rays. The recommendations on this list are the results of our careful observation and first-hand experience. We’re confident these are the best running hats on the market.

As new running hats become available, we’ll be sure to try them out in consideration for this list.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Running Hat

Best Running Hats
Running hats, like the Patagonia Duckbill cap shown here, help keep sun and moisture off your face while you jog down the road or trail; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

A running hat is a handy tool that offers several functions as a part of your running kit. A well-made cap can provide sun protection, warmth, visibility, moisture-wicking, and water resistance. When shopping for the best hat for you, some key considerations to keep in mind include ventilation, comfort, adjustability, moisture transfer, and reflectivity.

This mix of features makes a running hat different from a typical ball cap. The materials used may keep it lightweight, flexible, and sweat-wicking. Liners can help keep sweat or rain from dripping down your face and depending on your selection, you may find water-resistant materials to keep you dry. Running hats tend to fit snugly for distraction-free aerodynamic movement.

After considering these features and determining your present and future needs as a runner, look over this list to find the option that best meets your criteria. We recommend every hat on the list, but some will suit certain runners better than others.

Ventilation & Breathability

Best Running Hats
A lightweight, breathable running hat is essential for keeping your head cool while logging long miles in the sun; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

Even when it isn’t especially warm out, runners tend to get hot and sweaty. In the hot sun, this reality becomes all the more challenging, and it becomes especially important to utilize gear with plenty of ventilation.

Choose a hat with lightweight fabric such as mesh or thin polyester, especially if you spend a lot of time running in warm conditions. Choosing a light color may also help keep your head cool during your run. Some hats, like the Nathan RunCool, are specifically designed for hot weather running. Add in that some hats will include UV protection, which can help provide an extra layer of protection.

Make sure to round out your kit with breathable and comfortable running shirts, running shorts, and running shoes to ensure you don’t overheat or overexert yourself while exercising.

Comfort & Fit

A man wears a running hat on a trail
It’s important to find a running hat that fits your head well, and stays comfortable throughout the duration of your run; (photo/Helen Newcomb)

It’s helpful to have a good sense of the size of your own head when purchasing a hat. Once you know your head size, compare it to the dimensions of the hats you’re considering. Next, look for a hat with superior adjustability. Brooks hats, for instance, are known to accommodate larger heads.

Weight also affects a hat’s comfort. It’s imperative to have a well-fitting, lightweight running hat so your gear remains distraction-free, such as the Topo Designs option. A snug, comfortable fit will ensure you’re not worried about adjustments while on the road or the trail.

Hat Bill Options

Not every bill — or brim — is created equal. When selecting a running hat, understand what you want from the brim before making your selection. You’ll want to specifically focus on both the ability to flip the bill and the size of the brim.  

Some hats come with a bill that can mold into different shapes (ideal for long runs), with several styles offering the ability to flip the bill up to move out of the way when desired. The quality of the hat could dictate when the bill is able to flip — and stay in place — if that’s a feature you desire. 

The size of the brim is another key factor. Some runners want maximum coverage, both in length and width, to protect against blazing sun. But that size may bother other runners who want a more minimal design that does just enough to provide some sun protection. These are both personal decisions but are key considerations when selecting the right running hat for you.

Best Running Hats
Hat bill options can have a good amount of variety, so it’s important to snag one that fits your needs; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

Moisture Transfer

Moisture transfer reflects a hat’s ability to quickly dry after becoming saturated with sweat or other moisture. Many hats on our list include sweat-wicking internal liners that pull sweat away from your skin and eyes.

Hats made from mesh and thin polyester tend to dry quickly. Wool, with its natural sweat-wicking properties, is sometimes used in a liner, but too much wool can be cumbersome. When shopping for a running hat, avoid materials like cotton.

The sweat-wicking properties help during warm runs but can also provide benefits in cold weather. Moving sweat away from your head can keep sweat from drying, which can make you feel even colder.

Adjustability Options

Best Running Hats
Plastic snaps and slide adjusters may not be as quick to adjust, but won’t loosen quite as easily mid-run; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

Changing the sizing of your hat is one thing but changing it mid-run is vital. When selecting a running hat, be aware of the adjustability options and what might work best for you. The main adjustability options include plastic snaps, Velcro, a slide adjuster, or a bungee pull. Each has its own benefits.

Keep in mind that the plastic snaps and slide adjusters may be difficult to switch on the fly but often remain in place throughout runs, whereas the Velcro and bungee pull may provide an easier on-the-move selection, even if they could loosen during a run.

Flexibility

Best Running Hats
Both the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap(left) and the Patagonia Duckbill Cap (right) are extremely flexible and pack down small; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

The flexibility of your running hat is about more than fit and comfort. Sometimes you’ll want to strip off the hat and store it in a pocket or jam it into a travel pouch. Selecting a flexible hat gives you more options for storage, whether on a run or on the way to your favorite route. The GADIEMKENSD offering brings its own unique blend of folding to the running hat space.

Reflectivity

A high-visibility running cap reflects light and helps others see you when running in low-light conditions. Good reflectivity increases your safety while running, especially in high-traffic areas. Reflectivity isn’t just beneficial in low-light evening scenarios, but also crucial in low-light morning runs, a common time for runners to hit urban streets.

Price & Durability

Best Running Hats
You get what you pay for with running hats, and often the more expensive options will last for many more miles, and offer greater comfort; (photo/Tim Newcomb)

Running hats range in price from $10 to about $40. Depending on your budget, you’ll want to purchase the highest quality and most durable hat that you can. Durability comes from the quality of the materials used in the hat.

Some hats on this list are well-known for their high-end durability. If affordability is your biggest concern, the GADIEMKENSD Running Hat is just $15 and still offers lots of features.

FAQ

Do running hats make you hot while running?

The best running hats (like the ones featured on this list) are meant to be worn during strenuous exercise and in warm, sunny conditions. Because of their strategic polyester and mesh construction, these hats are designed to breathe and remain well-ventilated throughout your run.

Some cooling hats for men and women, like the Nathan RunCool, even come with integrated pockets to store ice during your run. While these hats are designed to stay cool, you may want to choose a light-colored hat if you’re concerned about heat.

Which is better, a visor or a running hat?

Choosing a visor versus a running hat comes down to your needs and preferences as a runner. A visor will not protect the top of your head from harmful UV rays, nor will it protect your head from rain or snow.

Because a visor is fully open on the top, it’s a good option in warm weather for those who aren’t concerned about UV exposure on the top of their head.

How do I make my hat fit perfectly?

Measure your head before your purchase to make sure the hat you’re interested in will fit. Once you’ve purchased the hat, use the closure system to customize your fit.

While running, you want a nice snug fit that’s also comfortable. In windy conditions, it’s wise to tighten the hat to prevent it from flying off your head.

What materials are best for a running hat?

The best materials for a running hat depend on the weather conditions that you’ll typically run in. If you expect to run in winter, or in especially cool or wet weather, you’ll want to look for a hat that has solid material instead of mesh, a lining, and possible reflectivity for the darkness. 

If you typically run in the summer, or it hot and dry weather, you’ll want a hat that is lighter weight, has moisture-wicking materials, mesh construction or other ventilation features, and UPF protection.

Why does a brim matter in a running hat?

Your running hat’s brim shades your face from the sun — and sometimes even rain. The longer the brim, the more shading it provides, but that also means the more weight you’re carrying and the more ability for the wind to catch the hat. 

Of course, the size and style of the brim also bring quite a bit of the fashion aspect to the hat, but when it comes to choosing a hat with the right brim, you’ll want to balance the need for sun shading with the worry of wind catching the brim.

Running hats are key for keeping sweat and sun at bay on long arduous runs; (photo/Conor Hayden)

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