The Best Running Hats of 2024

This affordable running hat is made for outings in all kinds of weather. A water-repellent treatment keeps raindrops from absorbing into the fabric. And if it does manage to get wet, this hat’s quick-drying polyester fabric won’t stay damp for long. Breathable mesh strips complete the design for maximum ventilation.

True to size, the elastic inner band will stretch to accommodate all but the largest heads. The Outdoor Hat may not wick sweat as well as other options on the list, but for $15, it’s a good feature-packed budget option that holds its own with the best running hats we tested.

Most notably, the RunCool has a built-in stash pocket for ice. This unique pocket can be filled before your run begins or at aid stations along the way.

As you run, the cooling ice melts and helps prevent overheating. For runners who aren’t used to extreme heat but suddenly find themselves signed up for a hot-weather race, this hat is an invaluable piece of gear.

Along the entire inside lining of the RunCool is a soft mesh-wicking sweatband that keeps sweat out of your eyes and allows you to stay focused on the path or trail ahead. The outer material is lightweight and includes two dry tech polyester mesh panels to offer ventilation.

One size fits most, thanks to an adjustable single strap. In addition to ice, pockets on either side can be used as cargo space for credit cards, keys, and energy gels. Note the extra material adds a smidgen of weight, but we think that’s worth the usability.

Compared to other hats on this list, the Nathan RunCool is thoughtfully designed and packs a notable number of features into a single lightweight running hat. For $25, it’s a stylish and practical choice for warm-weather runners. If you’re a midday runner who likes to sweat, this might be the best running hat for you.

We’ve been testing the Australian merino wool hat for the past month and enjoy it on predawn runs as fall temperatures fall below freezing. It’s about the weight of an average T-shirt, offering just enough insulation to keep the chill at bay. But the soft, itch-free merino is light enough to allow some airflow and sweat-wicking during a hard workout.

The Hoyt Beanie comes in “one size fits most,” and it should fit well for those with a small to medium-large head. But those with extra-large heads may find it too small for comfort.

Overall, this beanie has become our go-to for everything from chilly morning runs to powering through freezing winter runs. Plus, the merino wool keeps the hat stink-free, so you can get away with not washing it for as long as you dare.

While a breathable, lightweight, comfortable fabric is one perk, the best part of this hat is its reflective trim for visibility that wraps around the entire brim. This hat will provide plenty of visibility — and you won’t have to worry about being seen from the front or behind.

The Reflective Race Hat does fit a bit larger than the average running hat and keep in mind that while you’ll be seen, there’s no sun protection built in. And if you aren’t a fan of the bright “hi-vis yellow” color, this reflective cap comes in 11 other colors.

The foam brim folds away easily for stashing and then returns to its shape, and the dark underbill does the advertised job of helping reduce glare. The brim can also flip up while running, and the hat also works well when worn backwards. 

Even at a wildly lightweight 1.5 ounces, the sweat-wicking internal sweatband wraps the head with additional softness and includes an antimicrobial treatment for odor control. The spandex included on the front panel enhances the comfortable fit, and the open mesh pattern provides excellent breathability, though the open mesh could expose bare heads to the sun. The rear buckle includes an adjustable elastic band that holds in place once set to your desired size.

While highly comfortable and breathable, the Patagonia Duckbill Cap does succumb to heavy moisture, whether rain or sweat, which can weigh down the bill and front panel, sometimes causing some sagging in the bill. Overall, the Duckbill Cap is one of the most comfortable, lightweight, and breathable running hats available.

This hat is ideal for multiple conditions with the water-repellent stretch nylon and open mesh. The internal band does a quality job of wicking sweat away from the eyes, and the mesh keeps your head cool.

The pliable bill — with a good length for sun shading — can mold into varying shapes and even stays flipped up during a run. On the back, the brand’s “signature adjustable webbing buckle” closure is easy to maneuver and helps make this one of the best-fitting and comfortable running hats available.

The combination of the materials and design allows for the Topo Designs Global Hat to easily pack away tightly (the bill returns to shape), and a small bungee loop on the back gives you the option to clip it to a pack.

One downside is the lack of a UPF rating for the fabric and mesh design across the top of the head, opening you up to some sun exposure.

One of the more comfortable and best-fitting hats with a truly packable design, the Topo Designs Global Hat may well fit the name and be great for a mix of adventures and running destinations the world over.

Like many running hats, the Trail Runner has a five-panel profile and a slightly curved bill. What sets it apart is the combination of unbeatable breathability and durable materials. The stitching is reinforced, and an extra layer of heat-laminated fabric on the bill adds structure.

On the underside of the bill, a layer of dark fabric reduces glare, and KAVU’s signature Coolmax sweatband prevents perspiration from seeping into the wearer’s eyes.

With such a premium on mesh and openings, this KAVU option doesn’t include UPF sun protection. Still, if your dome is prone to overheating on the trail, this is one of the best running hats to buy.

Like many other running hat models, the Aerial Cap comes in only one size. A secure and highly adjustable fastening system in the back fits heads between 21.6 and 24 inches in circumference. The Aerial Cap is known for its substantial sun protection and is rated to 50+ UPF.

At $30, this hat is a bit more expensive than other options (and we worry about the durability and wear of the adjustable strap), but a potent combination of ventilation, wicking, and sun protection makes it a good value anyway.

We highly recommend the Sunday Afternoons Aerial Cap, especially for runners who love long outings in sunny climates.

Designed to be durable and packable, this hat won’t fall apart or deform when thrown into a pack or suitcase. Made from 84% polyester and 16% spandex, it can stretch to accommodate various head sizes or hair types. A sweat-wicking internal headband keeps perspiration from running into your eyes.

At $36, this is one of the more expensive hats on our list. However, for those looking for lots of ventilation, the Brooks Propel Mesh is a high-quality product — one of the best running hats available.

Expect above-average ratings across the hat, even without that one standout element. The comfort is above average, fitting well and giving a feeling of a baseball cap. The sizing does run tight, so if you have a large head, steer clear of this one. The internal sweatband is extremely comfortable, as is the bungee-style enclosure on the back. The hat remains just as comfortable when worn backward, thanks largely to the bungee strap being one of the best in the business.

The $27 price tag is a decent grab for the quality and the mixture of coverage-to-breathability falls nicely in a non-extreme range. The full-coverage hat (read: no mesh) offers a UPF rating of 50+, but still has five laser-cut ventilation holes on either side of the cap to help with breathability. The bill, about 2.5 inches long, is a great medium length for suitable sun coverage that still stays well intact on a windy run. Add in that the bill can flip up — and stay that way while running — and you’ve got an additional feature.

The comfort and performance of the internal sweatband — we like that it reads “a life outside is a life well lived” on it — helps keep sweat from dripping into your eyes but can leave both the sweatband and bill heavily sweat-laden during a longer run.

The REI On the Trail Cap offers a pleasant non-extreme option for runners. You get everything you need in a comfortable cap without any of the elements that make it a prized choice for just one element of the running population. For those with a smaller head, annoyed by clunky back enclosures or simply needing somewhere for their ponytail, the On the Trail Cap may well just go from like to love.

The low-profile fit includes a crushable foam brim, meaning you can stash the hat away in a backpack or duffel bag and it will return to shape for your next outing. The hat is very thin and lightweight, and while the brim provides adequate sun protection, there isn’t as much coverage as provided by other models.

The bungee-style toggle closure on the back of the hat adds an extra element of customizable fit, and is easily adjustable on the run without removing the hat. The loop on the end of the bungee allows for clipping onto a pack if needed. Note that this bungee-style closure doesn’t make for a comfortable — or stylish — switch to a backward hat.

The main drawback of the AFO Hyperlight Cap is its less-than-roomy design. This may not work for someone with a larger head or for those who need to cover a lot of hair. The foam brim is super pliable but may not retain an exact shape.

The AFO Hyperlight Cap is certainly a top choice for someone looking for an incredibly lightweight full-coverage option for high-temperature running.

With a nylon top panel and mesh sides, this hat is a little warmer than others on the list, but the mesh does offer some cooling breathability. A curved bill offers protection from the sun at all hours of the day.

At $30, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap isn’t strictly a running hat. It’s a do-it-all cap for any and all outdoor adventures.

The GOCap hat holds up to frequent active use. It can be easily stuffed into a pack without losing shape or integrity. When it’s dirty or covered in sweat, you can throw it in the washer without a second thought. The brim, front, and back panels all come with UPF 40+ sun protection, and the COOLwick fabric helps prevent sweating and overheating.

On early morning or evening runs, reflective detailing on the front and back of the GOCap improves visibility. Though it only comes in one size, it’s highly adjustable and will fit most runners. In the Slater color option, this hat is also stylish enough to spice up your leisure wear for a casual summer outing.

Though there are many features that we like about this hat, the unique ventilation holes are a standout. On the top and side panels of the Muir Cap are a whopping 94 2mm holes that allow the hat to breathe and keep your head cool.

Aesthetically, this is a classic five-panel cap, although some users weren’t sold on the final fit. Functionally, it is a piece of well-designed and affordable activewear. The crushable visor, reflective front logo, and moisture-wicking sweatband all add up to an excellent addition to any running kit. Given the quality, the Muir Cap is fairly priced at $30.

This classic five-panel running design uses its sturdy fabric for pliable comfort, combined with the side-panel mesh to allow for breathability on long runs without exposing your head to direct sunlight.

The soft and flexible brim shapes as you choose with the ability to go back to its original positioning when wanted. On the back, the plastic snap adjustment isn’t easily used on the go but holds the fit in place on a run. The interior band does an adequate job of wicking sweat.

The 58 cm size of the rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat doesn’t make it a great fit for those with smaller heads and can even be a bit of a baggy fit on a medium head. The bill is billed as versatile to match your style — easy to curve, flip, or leave flat — and while maneuverable, it’s short enough that it doesn’t stay flipped up well and doesn’t cover as much of your face from the sun as some other options.

The rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat fits a runner with a large head looking for lightweight breathability with comfortable fabrics.