The Best Sun Hats of 2024

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 comes 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 of a few others 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.

For folks needing a lightweight sun hat that takes up minimal space in a backpack or travel bag, definitely consider the Buff Explore Booney Hat ($45). Buff may be best known for its face and neck gaiters, but it also makes a pretty killer line of sun hats too.

The Explore Booney Hat only weighs a couple of ounces and can be packed into itself via a discreet pocket located on the inside of the crown. Between that and the smaller brim, this sun hat is fantastic for backpackers who don’t want to sacrifice precious space in their load-outs.

While this sun hat is useful for outdoorsy activities where you don’t want anything super full coverage, it is not the most protective hat we have tested. The brim itself is quite small and floppy, so it won’t quite keep your neck and lower face totally shaded from encroaching rays. However, the breathable nature is a major plus if you’re hiking, backpacking, playing soccer, or heading out for a day of kayaking.

This hat is also made of 100% recycled materials, which is a major plus. In a world fueled with overconsumption and fast fashion, it can be challenging to find a sustainably made sun hat. Knowing this hat was made with reused materials was certainly a breath of fresh air.

One improvement we would like to see on this hat is a more robust chin strap toggle. Currently, it’s just a small piece of faux leather. While it is somewhat easy to move up and down, we can’t help but feel like it’s not the most durable choice and will deteriorate over time. A small plastic option similar to the crown adjuster would probably be better suited for the overall design.

If you find yourself outside more often than not, you’ll appreciate the Buff Explore Booney for its malleability and floaty material makeup. It may not be ideal for all-day use on a farm, per se, but it is fantastic for higher-motion activities where you need less weight on your head.

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. For folks opting for a more technical version of this hat, consider the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat for its shorter brim and other features. 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.

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.

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.

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 retail price. 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 want to rock it while whitewater 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.

Known for durable hats designed for adventure, Tilley provided no shortage of quality with the Wanderer Hat ($99). This safari-style hat is well-equipped for summer hikes, music festivals, and yard work. With two simple snaps, you can adjust the look of this boonie hat to more of a safari look.

The Tilley Wanderer Hat is constructed with a cotton duck canvas, a well-structured material that is both soft and protective against elements such as harsh sun, light rain, and scrapes against branches.

Our tester wore this hat during a few scorcher days hiking in the desert of Colorado. The Hydrofil sweatband and grommets helped keep the sweat off her head and the air flowing. While this hat does have a DWR finish, we wouldn’t recommend wearing it in any heavy, prolonged rain. However, it does pass the float test if you’re looking for a sun hat to rock on your next river trip.

While this hat is decently comfortable and didn’t cause any undesirable forehead marks after a few hours of wear, we did find some trouble with the wind strap. It does not have a toggle, so when the gusts pick up, it can take a minute to undo the cord and tie it securely. Our tester opted to tie double fisherman’s knots for easy adjustments.

One unique feature of the Tilley Wanderer Hat is a secret pocket located inside the top portion of the hat. It can easily fit a key and ID. And no need to worry about those precious items falling out — it securely shuts with a small strip of Velcro.

In terms of sun protection, this hat proved to be a workhorse in protecting our scalps and faces from sunburn. The 50 UPF-rated fabric is very closely stitched, so minimal UV rays can get through. Furthermore, the 2+ inch brim shaded our faces well without being too cumbersome.

While it is a pricey investment, the Tilley Wanderer Hat is a versatile sun hat for folks needing something simple for all their summer excursions. Its durability and longevity are some of the best we have tested yet.

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

Designed for water sports and hiking, this sun hat is superb for use in direct sun or light rain. Thanks to the dark lining under the large 3-inch brim, 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, the crown itself is quite deep, making it 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.