REASONS TO BUY
Ultra-low cost
Excellent face protection
Comfortable & breathable
Many ways to style
REASONS TO AVOID
Won't fit XL heads
Mediocre scalp coverage
Furtalk Bucket Wide Brim Ponytail Review
Finally! A comfortable, breathable, full-coverage hat that won't break the bank
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
By Lissette Velasquez ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 30, 2026
RELATED: The Best Sun Hats of 2026
Our Verdict
The FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim Ponytail is one of the most impressive budget hats we've tested. It's comfortable, breathable, and offers stellar face protection all for less than $20 — now that's a smokin' deal! Its wider-than-average brim was perfect for keeping us shaded on dog walks, beach days, and in the garden. Plus, we loved its versatile styling: snap up the sides for a cowboy twist or slip your ponytail through for a breezy fit. While the women's hat runs a bit small, the men's version fits most average heads just fine. If you only have a few bucks to spare, the FURTALK is an awesome value for casual, sunny-day adventures.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Furtalk Bucket Wide Brim Ponytail | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Budget Sun Hat |  Best Overall Sun Hat |  Best Beach Hat | | |
| Price | $17.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $60 List Check Price at REI | $40 List Check Price at Amazon | $14.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $32 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | One of our all-time favorite budget hats for everyday sun seekers | A tried and true fan favorite for outdoor adventures | This wide-brimmed straw hat is comfortable, breathable, protective, and looks good too | A budget-friendly hat with great sun protection, but a heavy, rigid feel | The Bora Bora is one-size-fits-all and will stretch out after light use, though it does offer decent ventilation and is comfortable |
| Rating Categories | Furtalk Bucket Wide... | Sunday Afternoons Ul... | Hemlock Lifeguard Straw | Einskey Classic | Columbia Bora Bora B... |
| Protection (35%) | |||||
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Packability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Furtalk Bucket Wide... | Sunday Afternoons Ul... | Hemlock Lifeguard Straw | Einskey Classic | Columbia Bora Bora B... |
| UPF rating | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50 |
| Brim Size | 3.5" | 3.5" front, 3.0" side, 6.3" neck cape | 4.5" | 3.8" | 3.0" |
| Material | 100% nylon | Body: 88% nylon, 12% polyester; Mesh & underbrim: 100% polyester |
100% straw | 100% polyester | Nylon, polyester mesh |
| Chinstrap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packable/Compressible | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Machine Washable | No | No | No | No | No |
| Ponytail Hole | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Weight | 2.7 oz | 2.5 oz | 5.4 oz | 5.2 oz | 2.6 oz |
| Size Tested | One Size | S/M | One Size | One Size | O/S (6 1/2 - 7 1/2) |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Available in a smaller women's fit with a ponytail hole or a roomier men's version with a closed back, the FURTALK Wide Brim Bucket is a trusty sidekick for just about anything. It tagged along with us on neighborhood dog walks, desert hikes, and brunch dates and stayed unfussy the whole time. And, because it's so affordable, we never felt the need to baby it. We could just toss it in the bag, throw it on, and live our lives in it carefree. It's also OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified, meaning it's free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and PFAS. It's a winner all around.
From beach days to brunch dates, the FURTALK kept us cool, comfortable, and covered. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Protection
With a generous 3.5-inch brim and a top-tier UPF 50+ rating, the FURTALK provides better face protection than most hats we've tested.
In the heat of the day, we were impressed by how well it shielded our noses, cheeks, necks, and ears from the sun's harsh UV rays. The brim is rigid just enough that it didn't fold up in the wind. And when the sun dipped low in the morning or evening, the FURTALK's downward bucket shape kept those pesky low-angle rays out of our eyes.
The FURTALK's wide brim gave our faces plenty of shade all day long. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
We also tested the fabrics to see just how much UV light they let pass through. As its UPF 50+ rating promises, the FURTALK Bucket's main material blocks most of the sun's rays, and our UV test cards confirmed that.
The FURTALK's UPF 50+ main fabric provides excellent UV protection, while the mesh vents let some UV slip through the crown. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
However, the large mesh vents meant to improve airflow on the sides of the head also let a low to moderate amount of UV light pass through. If you have thin hair or a bald head, you'll likely want better scalp protection. But for everyone else, we think this hat is a win.
Is the FURTALK UPF 50+ or 80+?
In the USA, UPF 50+ is the highest official rating. It means the fabric has been tested to block at least 98% of UV rays. In other countries, though, hats can receive a higher UPF 80+ rating if the fabric blocks at least 98.75% of UV rays, even when wet and worn. The FURTALK has passed both tests, meaning it will keep you shielded even if it gets sweaty, wet, or weathered from long days in the sun.
In the USA, UPF 50+ is the highest official rating. It means the fabric has been tested to block at least 98% of UV rays. In other countries, though, hats can receive a higher UPF 80+ rating if the fabric blocks at least 98.75% of UV rays, even when wet and worn. The FURTALK has passed both tests, meaning it will keep you shielded even if it gets sweaty, wet, or weathered from long days in the sun.
Ponytail out, cowboy silhouette, or classic bucket, the FURTALK keeps things stylish and comfortable. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Comfort
With a smooth, soft sweatband, a lightweight feel, and an adjustable fit, the FURTALK is certainly comfy. Still, its budget-friendly materials and one-size-fits-all sizing kept it from earning our highest regards.
First, what we love. Weighing in at just 2.7 ounces, we barely noticed the FURTALK on top of our heads. The soft, flexible lining never dug into our skin, and the elastic cinch cord at the back ensured we could always find a secure fit. There's also a chin strap to keep the hat in place on windy days and a ponytail hole that kept our ponytails from creating awkward pressure points. As an added bonus, this hat lets you clip up the sides to improve visibility or switch up your style when the mood strikes.
The cinch cord ensures even small heads can get a secure fit, but extra large heads may be out of luck. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
What can be improved? As we all know, one-size rarely actually fits all, and the FURTALK is no exception. The head circumference on the women's hat measures 22 inches, which comfortably fit most of our small and medium-sized testers, but was too snug for large heads. If you have a larger noggin, the men's version measures in slightly larger at 23 inches, which fit most large, but not extra-large testers.
The main nylon material also isn't quite as soft and pliable as pricier options, though it didn't bother us much. And while we could technically fold the brim up in the back to keep it from bumping into a large backpack, this hat wouldn't be our first choice for long hikes with an overstuffed pack.
Color Choice and Comfort
With colorways like beige, black, green, and pink, the FURTALK has plenty of options to suit your personal style. However, we've noticed that some colors are softer than others. We haven't had a chance to test every one, but we can report that the beige is notably softer than the dark gray. Light-colored hats will also reflect more heat and feel cooler than darker options.
With colorways like beige, black, green, and pink, the FURTALK has plenty of options to suit your personal style. However, we've noticed that some colors are softer than others. We haven't had a chance to test every one, but we can report that the beige is notably softer than the dark gray. Light-colored hats will also reflect more heat and feel cooler than darker options.
The soft, porous sweatband feels great against the skin and helps prevent overheating. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Breathability
The FURTALK is one of the more breathable hats we tested. One reviewer noted, “I never felt hot in this hat, even after a full day in the intense alpine sun!”
Huge, spacious vents on the sides of the crown ensure you can always feel a breeze across your head. Plus, the sweatband's porous, open-weave design keeps heat from building up along your forehead and quickly wicks any moisture away. The top of the nylon crown is a bit less breathable than premium options, but it's still thin, lightweight, and far from stuffy.
Mesh vents on either side of the crown help you stay cool. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Packability
Despite its large size, we were impressed with how well this hat folded down, making it a capable travel companion. However, we'd avoid keeping it folded long-term, as this can permanently indent the brim.
Given its light weight and foldable design, it was easy to stash into our bag or purse while on the go. The highest scorers folded down small enough to fit into a pant pocket.
Our test hat before, during, and after pack testing. It fared well, minus a few short-lived creases.
After 30 minutes of being squished down into a bag, the FURTALK came out looking surprisingly good. There were a few wrinkles in the brim, but they mostly smoothed out within a few minutes.
Ironing Out Creases
FURTALK ships this hat folded in half, so you may find two prominent creases in the brim when you open it. If so, FURTALK recommends ironing it on low to flatten them out. In our experience, this step isn't always necessary, but a quick pass with the iron noticeably softens the creases. They may not disappear entirely, but the brim looks much better afterwards.
FURTALK ships this hat folded in half, so you may find two prominent creases in the brim when you open it. If so, FURTALK recommends ironing it on low to flatten them out. In our experience, this step isn't always necessary, but a quick pass with the iron noticeably softens the creases. They may not disappear entirely, but the brim looks much better afterwards.
Should You Buy the FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim Ponytail?
The FURTALK Wide Brim is one of the best budget-friendly hats on the market. It's protective, comfortable, and easy to style, making it a versatile companion for dog walks, beach days, and outdoor events. However, its one-size-fits-all sizing won't fit larger heads, and it's not the best option for scalp coverage or backpacking trips.
We love the FURTALK Bucket, and think you will too. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
What Other Sun Hats Should You Consider?
If you need a larger size, try the FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim Men's for a 23" head size, or the EINSKEY Classic for a 24" head size. Or, if you need something more backpack-friendly, we also like the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap and the REI Co-op On the Trail Cap. They're much less bulky, pack down to nearly nothing, and are relatively easy on the wallet.
The FURTALK comes in a smaller Women's fit with a ponytail hole (left) or a larger Men's fit with a closed back (right). Credit: Lissette Velasquez
—Lissette Velasquez
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