The Best Deals on Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Gear [June 2025]
Ask anyone who spends a significant amount of time hiking, trail running, kayaking or walking their dog and they’ll tell you: a hat is an essential piece of outdoor gear. A good one keeps the sun out of your eyes (especially in conjunction with a good pair of sustainable sunglasses), protects the delicate skin around your face and neck from harmful UV rays (pair it with a long-sleeve sun shirt and sunscreen for even more protection), and keeps sweat and hair out of your eyeballs on high-output adventures. A good hat is indispensable. But not all hiking hats are created equal. So we tested out the best hiking hats for men and women across a range of styles to see which are the best of the best and which ones are ideal for specific types of adventure.
So whether you’re in the market for a cap that can transition seamlessly from trail runs to mountain biking, that keeps the sun off your shoulders on long hikes, or is fun and breathable, one of these hats will almost definitely fit the bill.
Hiking Caps
Caps, ball caps, dad hats…whatever you call them, hats with a bill are the multifunctional workhorse of outdoor adventure headwear. You can rock them on their own or under a sun hoodie, they’re super easy to pack or shove in a back pocket, and they’re versatile: they work just as well for hiking as trail running, kayaking, walking the dog or wandering around town. The only downside: they don’t offer the same level of sun protection as hats with larger brims. So if you’re gonna be out there for hours, we recommend pairing them with a sustainable sun hoodie.
Ciele Athletics FST Cap: The Perfect Trail Cap
The Ciele Athletics FST Cap is the hat of our dreams: it’s lightweight, stretchy, highly breathable thanks to large mesh panels on the side, and the bill is soft and flexible. In fact, it’s so comfy and light it practically feels like wearing nothing, which we love. It never felt too tight thanks to the stretch material, but thanks to non-stretchy panels on the base of the hat it still stayed put in moderate wind. Bonus: the bungee and logo on front have reflective details for extra safety during evening adventures. It even fits under a bicycle helmet if you need a bit more brim on evening rides when the sun is low in the sky.
It’s supremely breathable and didn’t leave our heads feeling hot and sweaty on warm uphill hikes. It’s also so light, soft, flexible and packable that we could easily shove it in a pocket or in a daypack or suitcase without worrying about it taking up too much room or getting bent out of shape. Honestly, this might be our favorite new cap for all manner of outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s low profile and sized perfectly to fit both my small head and Josh’s average-sized head. It comes in two sizes (and plenty of colors) and an adjustable bungee in the back lets you customize the fit even further.
How it’s sustainable: Hat made of 100% recycled polyester and Ciele is a certified B-Corp.
Pros
- Reflective adjustment bungees on the back
- Fits under a bicycle helmet
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Packable
Cons
- Possibly not as durable as other options
Parapack P-Cap Lite: The Ultralight Backpacker’s Dream
If there’s a contest for the lightest, most packable hiking hat, the Parapack P-Cap Lite takes the gold. Weighing in at just 0.8 oz, you won’t even notice it’s in your pack when you’re not wearing it. The back is super breathable and durable nylon mesh, the front is sweat-wicking nylon, and the foam brim folds up into a little triangle so the whole hat fits in the palm of your hand (or your shorts pocket). We loved taking it on cycling trips (and hikes) because it fit in a shoulder strap pocket then deployed in seconds during breaks. Bonus: The brim is longer than some other options, meaning it’s better at keeping the sun out of your eyes.
That said, it’s definitely an outdoor hat. We weren’t as keen to wear it into town or to drinks with friends as some of the other hats on this list. That said, style is a personal thing. As for sizing, this hat may be the only hat we’ve ever worn where “one-size-fits-all” is actually true. It fit my small head as well as Josh’s average one and can fit up to a 45″ head, too. It’s low-profile, but still sits low and tight enough around your occipital bone to feel secure. That, combined with the non-stretchy material it’s made of, means it didn’t feel as prone to flying away in the wind. The flexible bill also helps prevent it from turning into a sail on especially windy days.
How it’s sustainable: From a small brand, front panel made of recycled polyester ripstop, Packaged in recyclable materials.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Folds up to a tiny size
- Breathable
- Super packable
- Extremely wide fit range
- Lots of colors available
Cons
- Doesn’t transition well to non-outdoor activities
Fractal M-Series: The Trail-to-Town Cap
This hat looks good, feels good, and is durable, plus has enough style chops thanks to the flat-ish bill and 5-panel design to confidently strut to the brewery or trivia on rest days. It’s well suited for hiking, but honestly, we’d wear this kayaking, out to a casual dinner, or backpacking. It’s made of sturdier materials than some of the other hats we tested, so it feels durable, but the perforations in the burly ripstop side panels and the soft, stretchy mesh on the very top mean it’s still highly breathable. There’s even an all-black version if you prefer a hat that does double-duty as a more nondescript around-town cap.
It’s flexible without being shapeless and is easy to pack in a backpack or suitcase because it collapses flat. Id does run a bit on the large size; 5-panel hats often do. It didn’t get quite tight enough on my small noggin to feel secure without looking silly, but it fit Josh’s average-sized head perfectly and there’s enough wiggle room for larger heads, too. There’s a sweatband around the full inside perimeter and an adjustable buckle strap on the back. And since the fabric isn’t stretchy, we found it easy to tighten down enough to keep it in place on windy hikes.
How it’s sustainable: Made of Repreve® 100% recycled polyester, bluesign® certified fabric, 1% For the Planet members.
Pros
- Transitions well from trail to town
- Durable
- Breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Doesn’t fit as well under a hooded sun shirt thanks to the flatter, wider bill
Outdoor Research Swift Cap: The Do-It-All Cap
The Outdoor Research Swift Cap may be the best do-it-all hiking hat we tested. It perfectly transitions from hiking to backpacking to trail running to paddleboard yoga and everything in between. That’s because it fits like a glove with absolutely no bunching or excess fabric, is adjustable, breathable, and comes in a ton of colors. It’s mostly made of stretchy mesh (the color section is a fabric overlay) and has a soft sweatband on the inside that goes all the way around. The brim is the perfect length–not too long, not too short–and was curved enough to really keep the sun out of our eyes on long days on trail. It’s also easy to pack since the whole crown scrunches up to practically nothing (though the brim doesn’t flatten).
This hat does run a smidge large, though. It’s one-size-fits-all and is adjustable, but it fit Josh’s head better than mine. I could tighten it enough for the hat to be comfortable and look good, but not enough that I’d be confident it wouldn’t blow off in a gust of wind. Josh could tighten it enough to feel secure, though. It sits nice and low on the head for a comfortable fit and will likely be Josh’s go-to hiking hat, especially when wearing a sun hoodie.
How it’s sustainable: Made of bluesign® approved recycled nylon blend.
Pros
- Lots of colors available (including brights and neutrals)
- Large adjustment range
- Breathable
- Comfortable stretchy fit
- Perfect bill length and curvature
Cons
- Not as suitable for small heads
Cotopaxi Do Good 5-Panel: The Trendy Cap
While still made of technical synthetic materials, this hat looks and feels less like a performance lid and more like the type of cotton cap you’d wear around town. But it still wicks sweat and breaths tolerably well (though not as well as other styles we tested since there’s no mesh or large perforated panels). It’s the same style as the brand’s other 5-panel hats, so choose whichever option suits your color preferences and style. We dig the one that reminds both us and others to “do good.”
Like many 5-panel hats, it doesn’t fit quite as well on small heads. The wide, flat brim looked much better on Josh than it did on me. There is an adjustable strap on the back that helped ensure a breeze wouldn’t snatch it off our heads. Because of the flat brim, though, it was more susceptible to stronger winds than some other curved-bill options. Still, between the wide range of colors available, the classic 5-panel style and the multi-functionality, this one is bound to become a go-to for everything from running errands to hiking trails to wearing during video shoots.
How it’s sustainable: Fair Trade Certified™, body made of 100% recycled polyester, Bureo brim made from fully traceable NetPlus® 100% recycled fishing nets.
Pros
- Stylish
- Fit for town and trail
- Available in tons of colors
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not as breathable
Buff Pack Speed Cap: The Go-Anywhere Cap
Lightweight, fast, packable, breathable, adjustable…what’s not to love about the Buff Pack Speed Cap? Available in two sizes, this supremely soft, stretchy cap is a 5-panel that actually fits small heads (and is also plenty flexible). The stretchy crown isn’t super deep but fits like a glove and feels almost like wearing nothing, the bill isn’t so wide it obstructs your vision, and a bungee on the back offers the opportunity to dial in the perfect fit. It sits slightly higher on the head, but even so, we weren’t too worried about it blowing off in a breeze because the brim is flexible. That said, in powerful gusts we had to keep a hood up or hand on it to keep it from blowing off since the whole hat is made of stretchy material so can’t be fitted as tight as options that don’t stretch as much.
The brim is flat and not adjustable but will maintain its shape through all manner of adventures and the fabric is slinky, so this cap is a breeze to pack and takes up virtually no room in a daypack. But that flat brim does mean it doesn’t shield eyes quite as well as curved bill options when the sun is lower in the sky. It’s definitely an outdoorsy, athletic style, so may not transition as easily to city wear as other styles, but we love it anyway because it’s so dang comfy. Bonus: There’s a low-profile ponytail port high on the back for folks with long hair.
How it’s sustainable: Crown and Bill: 86% Recycled Polyester 14% Elastane; Inner Sweatband: 100% Recycled Polyester. Buff is also a B-Corp.
Pros
- Available in several colors
- Soft and stretchy material
- Breathable
- Fitted
- Adjustable
- Reflective details
Cons
- Fewer colors available
- Smaller bill doesn’t shade eyes as well
Wide Brim Hats
A good wide brim hiking hat is a beautiful thing. While not always as supremely packable as other styles, they can provide much better sun protection for your face, neck and shoulders than caps or bucket hats. Bonus: many are more stylish and multifunctional for lounging on the beach AND hitting local trails. But they can be heavier and not as functional with a large backpacking pack, so take that into consideration.
Tilley Airflow Broad Brim Hat: The Crushable Techy Wide Brim
If there’s a gold standard when it comes to wide brim hiking hats, it’s Tilley. The brand has been crafting headwear for decades and we love not only the classic designs, but the fact that they come with a lifetime warranty (and are also highly durable). The brim of the Airflow Broad Brim is nice and wide to protect your whole face and neck. Plus there’s a double chin strap that can be split between the front and back of your head so whatever direction the wind is coming from it won’t end up down in a canyon somewhere. The crown even collapses flat for easy packing. There are small vent panels near the top to help with breathability, but most of the hat is made of a thicker material (there are several layers of it on the very top), so it’s not as breathable as some other options.
These hats do come in a full range of actual hat sizes so you can be sure you’ll find one that fits you perfectly–no hoping you’re either a S/M or L/XL or that “one size fits all” is a statement you can trust. We’ve loved our Tilley hats for years and some styles, like the Airflo Modern, are even stylish enough for adventurous travel (in our opinion).
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled nylon, lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Packable
- Foldable and rollable
- Water resistant
- Available in precise sizing
- Large brim
Cons
- Less breathable than other options
Hemlock Lifeguard Hat: The Ultra Protective Hiking Hat
If it’s sun protection you want, it’s a lifeguard hat you need. And the Lifeguard hat from Hemlock does wonders at just that. Thanks to a natural straw construction that isn’t lined it’s insanely breathable. Micro holes in the weave make it easier for heat to escape, but that also means that in versions with an unlined under-brim you may occasionally get a spot of sun in your eyes (there are also lined versions available in lots of colors and patterns). We don’t mind, though, especially since the brim is stiff, not floppy, and angled down, which means we were never worried our face, ears and neck weren’t fully shaded. As a bonus, that stiff brim also means every little breeze won’t blow it up and away from your face, leaving you exposed (and constantly annoyed). The chinstrap and wooden toggle kept it plenty secure on our heads when the wind picked up.
It sits low on the head so feels secure, and thanks to the stretchy band around the inside of the brim it’s comfortable, too. It’s one-size-fits-all, but those with extra small or extra large heads may find it doesn’t fit as well as they’d like. It was on the edge of too big for me (though still imminently wearable) and looked just right on Josh. The only downsides: it’s not packable and didn’t work with a tall backpack (the brim kept hitting the top of the pack).
How it’s sustainable: Made of almost entirely natural materials, made by hand, Hemlock donates a portion of proceeds to the American Skin Cancer Foundation.
Pros
- Massive brim means more shade
- Natural materials
- No floppy brim means it stays put in the wind
- Breathable
- Secure
- Several colors available (many more if you prefer a lined under-brim)
Cons
- Sits so low your ears may feel pressure from the brim after a while
- Not packable
Wallaroo Baja: The Stylish Sun Fedora
Stylish, comfortable, and suitable for everything from hiking to wandering farmers markets to beach days to travel: This is the Baja hiking sun hat. The fedora-style hiking hat is made of natural materials (palm) and handcrafted and looks good no matter where you take it. Plus, that super wide brim is excellent at keeping the sun off not just your face, but your neck and shoulders, too. It’s got just a touch of subtle flop; just the right amount for it to curve subtly down in the front and back and keep the sun out of our eyes on long hikes or afternoons by the pool. And thanks to naturally breathable construction, it kept our heads from feeling sweaty on hot sunny days.
It is only available in larger sizes, but I found that the smaller option fit me well enough not to look obnoxious. Thankfully, the stretchy sweatband on the inside helped with fit and feel. It sits higher on the head (the crown isn’t as deep) as other straw/palm options we’ve tested before, but that’s what makes it so stylish. That said, it also made it slightly more susceptible to catching the wind. Fortunately, the adjustable chin strap did a fine job at keeping it in place.
How it’s sustainable: Made of natural materials from a B-Corp certified brand.
Pros
- Large brim
- Stylish fit
- Adjustable chin strap
- High quality materials
- Simple design
Cons
- Available in larger sizes only
- Not packable
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats are all the rage these days, and they’re not just for old dudes anymore. Gen Z loves a little 90’s bucket hat style. Fortunately, they make pretty solid hiking hats. Their pros are that they’re lightweight, ultra packable, are often adjustable thanks to a bungee in the crown, and thanks to a short and low brim that dips down toward your eyes closer to your face then a bill on a cap or a wide brim hat, they can be pretty effective at keeping sun out of your eyes, especially in late afternoon or early morning sunlight when the sun is lower in the sky. But the short brim also isn’t as protective on your neck and face as a wide brim or wearing a cap with a hood.
Ciele TRL Bucket Hat: The Best Bucket Hat
If there’s one hiking bucket hat that earned it’s place in our closet, it’s the Ciele TRL Bucket Hat. It has a 3/4 mesh crown for ultimate breathability and a reflective bungee to adjust the fit and make it nice and snug. Snaps on each side allow you to secure the sides of the brim in an upward position and a button and loop on the rear of the brim allow you to fasten it up to keep it from hitting the top of your pack. It sits low enough on the head to feel comfortable and secure, even in the wind. Plus the brim was flexible, but also held its shape better than most other buckets we tested.
It’s supremely breathable and functioned to keep both sun and light rain out of our eyes. Plus it’s soft and flexible so was easy to shove in a backpack or our carry-on luggage or roll up and stuff in a large pocket. What’s more, it looks more like a cross between a wide-brim hiking hat and a bucket hat, so if you’re on the fence about bucket hats, this might be a good starter. The sizing runs on the smaller side, comparatively speaking. The S/M fit my head better without needing extreme adjustments than it did Josh’s, who found the size just a tad snug. Bonus: the mesh lining in the front panel and around the brim was not only breathable, but it wicked sweat like a boss on warm hikes.
How it’s sustainable: Mesh and solid material made of 100% recycled polyester and Ciele is a certified B-Corp.
Pros
- Reflective adjustment bungees on the back
- Snaps on sides to fold it up while wearing
- Bungee loop to fold up the back
- Brim is firm enough to hold its shape
- Breathable mesh on top and back
- Larger brim in front and back than some similar styles
Cons
- Runs on the smaller side
Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat: The Trendy Bucket
Definitely one of the more bucket-y bucket hats for hiking, the Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat is flexible, packable, and well suited for adventure on the trail or on the water. It’s also perfect for folks who like their gear to be both trendy, colorful and functional, because in classic Cotopaxi style, it’s color blocked and geared toward folks who like to stand out. The soft sweatband on the inside was gentle on skin and wicked sweat well and, while the crown wasn’t as breathable as some other options we tested, the light nylon fabric was still comfy on warm days, plus felt plenty durable. It was a secure fit, but not tight, and a nice long cinch-able chin strap made sure it never blew off in breezy weather.
The brim is large enough to keep the sun out of your eyes for most of the day, but when the sun is low in the sky we had to really pull it down to prevent glare. It’s available in two sizes and the S/M fit both Josh’s head and mine, though it was more snug on Josh. There’s no adjustment bungees, so it’s more important to get the sizing on this one right.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled nylon. Cotopaxi is also committed to social and environmental responsibility. B-Corp certified.
Pros
- Colorful
- Several fun colors available
- Stays put in wind thanks to a chinstrap with cinch lock
- Packable
- More fitted curved crown
Cons
- Not as breathable
Outdoor Research Odyssey Bucket Hat: The Functional, Breathable Bucket
The OR Odyssey was a hit when it came to breathability and comfort. It’s perfectly packable plus feels light and airy when it’s on, even on hot hikes. Likely because the shape of the crown (straight-ish sides stitched to an oval top) means not as much fabric is in direct contact with your head. But mostly it’s because the whole back of the crown is mesh. The brim is subtly angled down to help shield your eyes from the sun, which is a welcome feature. The stretchy chin strap with cinch lock has reflective details, as does the adjustment bungee that loops all the way through the crown and cinches in back. The solid fabric is light and stretchy and the brim is flexible for easy packing (though more care is required to get it to keep a uniform, non-wavy or creased shape after unpacking).
This hat does run quite large. As in, Josh’s average-sized head fit in the S/M and still needed minor adjustments. I had to tightened it so much it bunched up enough to be unwearable. It sits higher on the head than other similarly designed hats, which made it feel slightly less secure, but also meant it was more breathable by virtue of not covering as much skin. The chin strap did ensure it never blew off in windy conditions, though, meaning it’s a great choice for not just hiking, but trail running and water sports, too.
How it’s sustainable: Made of bluesign® approved 57% Polyester, 43% Recycled Polyester
Pros
- Packable
- Breathable
- Adjustable
- Reflective details
- Good sized brim
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller heads
Bottom Line
Naturally, just about any hat you have laying around the house is suitable for hiking, from the tattered old ball cap to the bucket hat you found at Goodwill to the wide-brimmed hat you use for gardening. A super specialized hat isn’t required equipment to hit the trail. That said, if you do anything often enough, you start to want tools that are built for the job, and if you’ve gotten to that point, these hats will do the trick (and they’ll do it well).
So decide what kind of hat suits you, your style and your preferred outdoor activities best and grab one of these sustainable options to keep the sun off your face, reduce UV exposure, and make every outdoor experience a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Then get out there and wander on.
