The Best Sun Hats of 2024

With a UPF rating of 40+, a semi-rigid, protective brim, and an adjustable fit, you really can’t go wrong with the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer Sun Hat ($59). Not only did this sun hat keep our head and face protected from the harsh alpine sun, but it also kept our foreheads dry from any encroaching sweat, and it stayed on during swift breezes.

From hiking in the alpine of Colorado, to walking the dog on one of the sunniest and warmest days of the year, this sun hat performed well despite the circumstances. What did we love? The 3.5-inch semi-rigid brim kept our faces plenty protected and wasn’t too floppy while in motion. The easy pull-tab on the band made fit adjustments easy and kept the hat secure through some aggressive gusts. 

Material-wise, the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer Sun Hat has some of the best construction we’ve seen in this pool of sun hats. The vented crown of the hat is mesh-lined with a water-repellent, recycled nylon base while the brim of the hat is lined with a dark fabric that helps prevent any unwanted glare or rays from seeping through as well. The inner headband is constructed of 100% recycled polyester double knit with miDori™ bioSoft to help wick away any moisture or odors. 

At 60 bucks, this sun hat is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but you really can’t beat its functionality, sustainability, and simple look. The adjustable chin strap allowed us to convert this sunhat into a more “explorer” style, and wear it around our necks when not on. 

And while this sun hat isn’t available in a ton of color options, it is still our most solid pick for the best sun hats of 2024. The Patagonia Quandary Brimmer Sun Hat is ideal for anyone looking to purchase a sun hat for long hikes, patio hangouts, or just general daily use.

Our pick for the most budget-friendly sun hat? The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat ($30) is a solid choice that won’t hurt your wallet. Designed for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities, this sun hat would make an ideal summer accessory. 

With a built-in UPF of 50 from Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology, and tightly woven fabric that protects the wearer from harmful UV and UVB rays, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is superb at blocking the sun, even on the brightest days. The generously sized 3-inch brim kept our tester’s face impressively shaded. 

Where this sun hat truly soared was in its breathable and lightweight design. Thanks to the moisture-wicking inner sweatband and mesh side panels, this hat kept our tester’s head cool and dry. The mesh panels allowed for maximum ventilation which felt quite nice as those breezes flowed through. Despite it getting pretty gusty while in use, this hat stayed secure. 

However, this sun hat does come only in one size, but thanks to the pull cord and toggle, it is decently adjustable. The large brim may be a bit too floppy for some as it lacks the structure a few others have on this list. 

Overall, if you need a sun hat that does an exceptional job protecting your head without breaking the bank, we highly recommend the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat. From backpacking in the alpine to daily walks around the block, it does the trick.

Another one of our favorites is the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat ($99). Ideal for everyday use while hiking, walking, golfing, or attending a music festival, this hat is superbly designed with style and functionality in mind. We seriously felt a little like Indiana Jones in this one, so don’t let it go to your head too much. 

What we loved? The hidden inner pocket allows for ID or key storage while the optional tuckaway Wind Cord makes for a customizable look. The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat has a stiff 3.25-inch brim that is ideal for blocking the sun without being too cumbersome. Better yet, this nylon hat is finished with a durable water repellent, making it ideal for use in both rain and shine. 

Our tester wore this sun hat all day on the golf course, and thanks to the Hydrofil® moisture-wicking band, not once did she get too hot or feel like her face or scalp was getting burnt. The stylish design and muted colors are also a major plus. However, the crown isn’t really adjustable, but luckily this hat is available in a slew of measured sizes right down to the inch. 

And while the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat does sit at a high price of 99 bucks, you can be assured the quality and sustainable manufacturing of this product is completely worth it. Not only is this hat made of 100% recycled nylon and bluesign® approved fabric, but Tilly also has a lifetime guarantee for most of their products, including this one.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sun hat that goes well with pretty much any outfit and you’ve got a few more dollars to spend on something you will get a ton of use out of, be sure to consider the Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat.

Most of the hats featured in this buyer’s guide are designed with hiking in mind, but we felt that The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat ($45) performed exceptionally well in this area. Lightweight, breathable, and packable, this hat kept us plenty protected while hiking in the alpine at 12,000 feet. 

Ideal for hiking or backpacking, this sun hat is foldable and light enough that it can inconspicuously fit in your backpack without taking up much space. Once on, it did a stellar job protecting our faces and scalps from any harmful rays thanks to its UPF 40+ rating. 

Another plus is that the crown of The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is easily adjustable if you use the flat pull-toggle attached to its rear. The chin strap is also perfect for use in those windier environments.

Speaking of wind, this sun hat is super breathable due to the wrap-around mesh panel and nylon materials. A major plus is that it was also manufactured with 100% recycled materials. 

While the brim of this hat isn’t the most generously sized, we really like that it didn’t interfere with our backpacks while hiking. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a sun hat specifically for those summer hiking or backpacking excursions, look no further than The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat.

If you’re spending hours on your summer garden project or just need some extra coverage for your face and neck while kayaking, the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat ($42) is a superb choice thanks to its extra-long brim and neck cape. This full-coverage option stands out from the rest thanks to its functional design.  

Not only did the 7.5-inch neck cape protect our tester from the sun, but it also helped ward off any mosquitos or ticks from bugging (literally) her. Because it’s made of a nylon fabric, the cape can easily rest on top of your backpack without any of the discomfort you would feel with a normal, stiffer brim. The UPF 50+ adds extra protection on top of the generous brim. 

The Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat hat also has an unexpected buoyancy as it can float in water, making it ideal for use while kayaking, rafting, or paddle boarding. However, thanks to the adjustable chin and back headband straps, you don’t need to really worry about it blowing off in the wind. 

While this sun hat may not be the most stylish option, we can’t help but feel that its functionality outshines the aesthetics. This hat is packable with an easy roll-up design and it’s water-resistant. Not to mention, Sunday Afternoons has a lifetime guarantee for all of their hats. 

Whether you’re doing yardwork or on top of a mountain summit, and need a sun hat that will keep you completely protected against UV rays, be sure to try the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat for its full coverage and highly protective design.

If you’re heading abroad to Europe or maybe just road-tripping to the coast, you’ll want to bring a sun hat that is both functional and stylish which is why the Overland Crushable Aussie Mesh Breezer Safari Hat ($59) is our top pick for a travel-specific hat. Literally “crushable,” this hat is easily packable and can pop right back into its original shape after staying in your suitcase.

This leathery, safari-style hat is not only aesthetically pleasing but thanks to its mesh design it’s also breathable. From trekking around town to afternoon coffee dates, this hat pretty much goes with any outfit and activity. We love the wrap-around netted fabric, as it keeps the hat light and breathable throughout the day.

And while this style of hat may be a bit too large for some, we think the wide brim and crown area is ideal for protection from the sun. Our tester rocked the Overland Crushable Aussie Mesh Breezer Safari Hat at a local music festival and it stayed comfortably on throughout the whole day. 

If you’re looking for a sun hat that is perfect for any vacation or just as a “daily driver,” be sure to scope out the Overland Crushable Aussie Mesh Breezer Safari Hat. For just under 60 bucks, you can get a sun hat that is both stylish and packable without any lack of quality. 

Festive, colorful, and certainly the most unique hat in our lineup, the Kavu Chillba Hat ($50) is our top pick for anyone looking for that perfect seaside accessory. Made with a thicker, stiffer fabric than the other hats listed in this guide, this sedge hat is extremely protective as it casts a generous shadow across its wearer’s entire head and neck. 

Providing a full canopy for your head, the Kavu Chillba Hat is pretty much an umbrella that protects you from both the sun and any rain. Fully adjustable thanks to the easy-to-work band strap and buckle system, you can be assured this hat will fit well regardless of your head size. 

One of our very few qualms with this sun hat is that it doesn’t perform super well in any strong winds, but thanks to the chin strap, you can be assured it won’t completely fly away. It also isn’t the most packable, but can be rolled up nicely into a burrito for storage. Just be careful as the foam core easily loses its original shape when creased or folded for too long. 

Not only does this sun hat’s unique shape stand out from the others, but so does its wide array of color and pattern choices. There are over 20 to choose from, so you can be assured you’ll find the perfect accessory for any swimsuit. It is important to note that the solid Chillbas are made of 100% nylon and the patterned ones are 100% polyester, but that shouldn’t change the functionality.

If you need a sun hat for that next surf trip or want something that would be great to wear while paddle boarding, be sure to try the Kavu Chillba Hat for its unique design, fun colors, and practicality.

The Filson Summer Packer ($85) makes our list for several reasons — it’s breathable, packable, and has a stylish design. Our tester wore it on a several-mile hike through the arid desert, and it successfully kept her head cool without much risk of sunburn. She even got some compliments from passersby on the trail which was an added plus. 

And while $85 is a pretty steep price to pay for a sun hat, if you’ve got the budget then the Filson Summer Packer is a solid choice for its durability and functionality. With a UPF of 50+, this sun hat is ideal for hot summer strolls to the local beer garden, getting groovy at a music festival or backpacking out to an alpine lake. Constructed with Filson’s dry finish Shelter Cloth, a tightly woven canvas fabric that is water resistant, pliable and breathable, this sun hat is well-suited for everyday use. 

This sun hat has a narrower brim than most of the others listed in this guide, but that comes with an upside — it won’t be a nuisance if you’ve got a backpack on. Even though the brim is shorter, our faces remained covered and protected from any encroaching rays.

Do note that the Filson Summer Packer doesn’t have any adjustable straps or chin cords, so if you need something that is more customizable, you may want to opt for a different product. However, if you’re stressed about sizing, you can be assured that you’ll find the perfect fit with its range from S to 2XL.

The Filson Summer Packer is perfect for someone looking for an everyday-use hat that provides ample protection and style.

Known for their clothing and gear inspired by the bright colors and the cultures of Latin America, Cotopaxi seriously came to party with the Tech Bucket Hat ($40). This bucket hat has a casual, effortless look with bright colorways that’ll make you say, “Dang, I want one!” Whether you’re headed to the local pool or attending a music festival with friends, consider this sun hat for its packability, stylish aesthetic, and overall simple design.

The Tech Bucket Hat is one of the lightest sun hats our tester tried out for this guide, as it’s made with a feathery, recycled nylon that still provides ample sun protection. The unstructured brim creates a casual look while also keeping the forehead, brow, and nose shaded. Unlike some other wide-brimmed options, this hat does not cover your entire face and neck, so just keep that in mind when considering how you’ll be using this hat. Because of the small brim and floppy style, this hat is easily packable and can easily be tossed in a beach bag, purse or backpack.

One of our only problems with the Tech Bucket Hat was the lack of adjustability in the crown. While this hat fit our tester’s head well, if she had a smaller or larger head it probably would have been a bit uncomfortable. Even a small bungee cord sewn through the crown would solve this issue well. However, the chin strap, which was easily adjusted thanks to the slide toggle helped the hat stay on during some pretty heavy gusts.

Much like the REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat, the Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat is perfect for backpacking since the small brim doesn’t interfere with the brain of your pack. And like we mentioned before, the lightweight construction is perfect for stowing away when unworn. 

If you love bright colors and patchwork designs that don’t sacrifice breathability or comfort, check out the Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat for its retro design and lightweight construction. This sun hat will get you through those hot summer days like a breeze. 

If you’re looking for a sun hat that is simple and affordable without sacrificing any functionality, definitely try out the REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat ($40). We wore this hat on some scorcher days during the middle of summer and were super impressed by how cool our heads stayed thanks to its moisture-wicking materials and venting system. 

The REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat has the classic bucket hat look with all of the bells and whistles of a traditional hiking hat. It has a fully adjustable band that works with a simple pull-toggle and a chin strap that helps secure it during any unexpected wind. If you’ve got a larger head, you would probably find the fit of this sun hat pretty ideal as it has a deeper crown and wider band than most. 

Thanks to its ultra-soft construction, the REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat is easily packable without losing its shape. The brim is smaller, but like the Filson hat listed above, it won’t bump into your backpack while hiking. However, we did feel like our neck was exposed to the sun more than not. 

Overall, the REI Co-op Sahara Bucket Hat is great for hikers, serial dog walkers, or even backyard farmers looking for a sun hat that provides adequate protection without completely breaking the bank.

Great for hiking, boating or just hanging at a picnic, the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat ($40) is an affordable option that provides superb sun protection. It’s available in various pastel colors, has easy adjustability, and is super packable.

What do we love most about the Helios? The chin strap is completely removable, meaning you can easily customize this sun hat to cater to your needs. Sometimes those pesky toggles and cords can get in the way so having the option to remove them is huge. 

This hat performed particularly well in high heat as the inner sweatband is fantastic at wicking away moisture and keeping your forehead and scalp cool. Even in direct sun, we didn’t have any glare or exposure issues thanks to the dark lining under the 2.75-inch brim on the Helios sun hat. 

Some of the colors are less expensive than others, so be sure to check those out before you spend the full 40 bucks. If you’re looking for a more muted addition to your wardrobe, this sun hat is available in three different neutral colors. Regardless of color, the fabric on this sun hat is naturally water repellent and quick drying so if you wanna rock it while white water rafting, we say send it. 

The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat is a great lower-price sun hat option for those searching for the ideal summer accessory for hiking, rafting, and all those other memorable summer activities.

Created for women who spend more time outside than not, the PanPacSight Women’s Boonie Hat ($12) is a great, budget-friendly option for folks with longer hair. Our tester loved that this hat kept her locks off her neck while she hiked in the arid desert of Colorado.

The long brim, which sits at 3.5 inches, kept our faces well-shaded from the sun. And not to mention, the UPF rating of 50+ is a major plus. The breathable, mesh panels on this sun hat maintained airflow throughout the scalp and the hat stayed secure during light winds. Overall, we felt that this hat’s inexpensive price and useful features earned a spot in this guide. 

One of our few qualms with the PanPacSight Women’s Boonie Hat was its lack of adjustability and size options. While the small strap under the ponytail holder is adjustable, we found that it didn’t change how the crown felt around our heads. This can be an issue for women with larger heads since the hat is only available in one size.

Along with the ponytail slot, this hat also has an adjustable brim that can snap to the crown of the hat for a more safari-type look. While the other hats listed in this guide have brims that can easily fold, none of them have the buttons that keep the new shape secure in place.

If you’re a gal looking for a women’s sun hat or someone with longer hair, the PanPacSight Women’s Boonie Hat is a great option. Whether you’re fly fishing, gardening, or hiking, this sun hat will keep you well-protected from sun or rain.

Designed for women who frequent the beach or just need daily protection while running around town, the FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat ($26) is an adorable choice that goes with pretty much any summer outfit. This is the only women’s specific option in this buyer’s guide, as the rest of the hats listed are gender-neutral.

This sun hat is quite versatile, thanks to its foldable brim. You can instantly change the shape and vibe of this hat by folding the brim up, down, or even using the chin strap to secure the brim to the crown. With the very tightly woven straw fabric, the FURTALK Women’s Beach Sun Straw Hat has a UPF rating of 50+ making it superb for all-day use at the beach, park, or cruising around the city. 

We did find that this hat wasn’t super breathable compared to the rest of the options in this guide, but if you live somewhere with a milder summer climate, then it would probably be just fine. 

Despite the inexpensive price, we feel that the FURTALK Women’s Beach Sun Straw Hat is very well made. Even after crushing and folding it, this sun hat retained its shape quite well. Because it’s made of 100% paper straw, you’re less likely to see any sort of wrinkles or creases than you would with a nylon or polyester sun hat. 

This women’s sun hat pairs well with any swimsuit, pair of jeans, or a gardening look thanks to its neutral color options and classic style. If you want an affordable sun hat that you can throw in your beach bag or just wear around town, be sure to try out the FURTALK Women’s Beach Sun Straw Hat.

Waterproof, lightweight, and super soft, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Storm Bucket ($60) is a great sun hat option for backpacking, boating, or trotting around town in both rain and shine.

This bucket hat is waterproof thanks to its 10k waterproof membrane, meaning when the rain starts to fall, you can be assured your head will stay dry. To see if this hat lived up to the name, our tester placed it under a running sink. The water beaded off almost instantly, so it’s safe to say the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Storm Bucket can be worn in those summer storm showers.  

One of our qualms with this hat is that its construction causes it to puff up like a balloon when hit with any breezes or wind. Also, to adjust this hat, you have to manually tie a string that’s inserted in the band so if you want something with more accessible features, you may want to look at other options. However, this sun hat is still exceptional at blocking any UVs and was one of the most comfortable ones we tried. 

The Ultra Storm Bucket is durably made and even has reflective details so you can safely wear it after the sun has gone down. Because it is less structured than most sun hats, this one has a subtle and neutral style to it. Even when the sun was out and scorching, the breathability and lightweight nature of this sun hat helped keep our tester cool and shaded. 

If you need a pillowy soft hat that can perform super well in both rain or shine, be sure to consider the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Storm Bucket.

Outdoor Research has some fantastic sun hat options, and the Sunbriolet Sun Hat ($45) is certainly no exception to this. With a generously sized brim and quick-drying materials, we felt that this sun hat deserved a spot in this buyer’s guide. 

Designed with water sports and hiking in mind, this sun hat is superb for use in direct sun or light rain. Thanks to the dark lining under the large 3-inch brim, you can be assured that your eyes and face will be protected from any solar glare or exposure. 

While this hat is fully adjustable and has a removable chin strap, do note that the crown itself is quite deep, making this hat more suitable for folks with larger heads. However, once on, this hat is impressively comfortable and lightweight, despite its size. 

Thanks to the implemented mesh zones throughout the Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat, it’s quite breathable. What’s neat about these mesh zones is that they are still covered by panels of the UPF 50+ exterior, meaning you won’t get burnt by any rays bleeding in. 

Whether you’re fishing on the local river or doing some much-needed garden TLC, definitely consider the Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat for its large brim, breathability, and different color options.