REASONS TO BUY
Skin Cancer Foundation recommended
Flexible & lightweight
360-degree ventilation
Folds down
REASONS TO AVOID
Tricky fit for medium heads
Scratchy chin strap
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Review
A decently protective, breathable sun hat you can take anywhere, but it comes with some fit quirks
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
By Lissette Velasquez ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 30, 2026
RELATED: The Best Sun Hats of 2026
Our Verdict
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer is that classic sun hat that has dominated the market for over a decade, and it's easy to see why. It hits all the marks without being overly expensive, but it's not without its faults. Its wide brim offers good sun protection, while its massive, wrap-around vent provides plenty of airflow. We also think its flexible, lightweight feel is comfy enough to wear all day, but that's only if it actually fits. Ultimately, if you're looking for a versatile hat for hikes, paddles, or travel, the Horizon is a solid all-around choice. Just keep in mind, it's not a great fit for medium heads, and its coverage dwindles when the sun is low.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Sun Hat |  Best Budget Sun Hat |  Best Beach Hat | | |
| Price | $50 List Check Price at REI | $60 List Check Price at REI | $17.00 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $40 List Check Price at Amazon | $14.00 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A versatile sun hat with great airflow, but it may not fit every head | A tried and true fan favorite for outdoor adventures | One of our all-time favorite budget hats for everyday sun seekers | 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 |
| Rating Categories | The North Face Horiz... | Sunday Afternoons Ul... | Furtalk Bucket Wide... | Hemlock Lifeguard Straw | Einskey Classic |
| Protection (35%) | |||||
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Packability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | The North Face Horiz... | Sunday Afternoons Ul... | Furtalk Bucket Wide... | Hemlock Lifeguard Straw | Einskey Classic |
| UPF rating | 40+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
| Brim Size | 3.0" | 3.5" front, 3.0" side, 6.3" neck cape | 3.5" | 4.5" | 3.8" |
| Material | Shell: 100% recycled nylon; Lining: 100% recycled polyester; Sweatband: 52% nylon, 37% recycled polyester, 11% elastane with FLASHDRY PRO |
Body: 88% nylon, 12% polyester; Mesh & underbrim: 100% polyester |
100% nylon | 100% straw | 100% polyester |
| Chinstrap | Yes - removable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packable/Compressible | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Machine Washable | No | No | No | No | No |
| Ponytail Hole | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 3.1 oz | 2.5 oz | 2.7 oz | 5.4 oz | 5.2 oz |
| Size Tested | S/M | S/M | One Size | One Size | One Size |
Our Analysis and Test Results
For years, we've loved this hat for its breezy comfort, packable design, and dependable coverage. Though its 2025 revamp lowered the UPF rating from 50+ to 40+ and added a slightly thicker build, the Horizon still boasts a Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation and now uses recycled materials, giving this tried-and-true design a more eco-conscious approach.
The Horizon's dependable sun coverage, lightweight feel, and easy packing made it a solid all-around option for sunny hikes, boat rides, and neighborhood walks. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Likes
The Horizon Breeze Brimmer scored well across all our test metrics, making it a solid all-around choice for just about any sunny-day outing. It didn't blow us away in any one single area, but it gets the basics right, with dependable coverage and good airflow that stays comfortable for hours of wear.
As its name suggests, the Horizon Breeze is one of the more breathable hats we tested. It isn't as airy as the top scorers, but its 360-degree mesh vent allows plenty of air to flow across your head. Plus, a thin fabric flap covers the mesh to make sure your scalp is always well protected from the sun.
The North Face Brimmer's wrap-around vents kept us cool in the hot sun.
Speaking of protection, the Horizon's 3.0-inch brim and UPF 40+ material did a decently good job of keeping the sun at bay, especially in the heat of the day. While its flat, booney silhouette doesn't offer the best protection when the sun is low or in gusty conditions, it still offers dependable coverage that's Skin Cancer Foundation approved.
During midday treks in the intense desert sun, the Horizon Brimmer kept our faces, ears, and scalps well protected. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Lastly, thanks to its foldable and lightweight design, the Horizon Breeze Brimmer is a great travel companion.
After our 30-minute crush test where we stuffed it into a tiny bag, the Horizon came out looking as good as new. Its flexible brim springs right back into shape, so you don't have to worry about it coming out a crumpled mess.
The Horizon survived our crush test, proving it's always ready for the next adventure.
Dislikes
When it fits, The North Face Brimmer is comfy enough to wear all day. Still, with only two sizes to choose from, some users may struggle to find that just-right fit.
Our S/M test hat adjusted to fit small heads, but felt a little snug on some medium heads. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Some of our testers with medium-sized heads reported that the S/M size was too snug, while the L/XL was too loose, making it hard to find a comfortable fit if you're between sizes. A too-snug fit can also make the hat less breathable. The chin strap can also feel a smidge scratchy, though it wasn't a deal-breaker for us.
The chin strap isn't the softest we tested, but it's not terrible either. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Should You Buy The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat?
If you love the casual, outdoorsy style of a brimmer hat, The North Face Horizon is a dependable choice for everyday sun protection. It performed consistently well across all our tests, making it a versatile option for hiking, paddleboarding, or just walking the dog. That said, its limited sizing may make it tricky for medium heads to get a comfortable, breathable fit.
When it fits, we think the Horizon Breeze is a great all-around hat for any sunny day adventure. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
What Other Sun Hats Should You Consider?
If you like the Booney silhouette and have a medium-sized head, you might also consider the Outdoor Research Helios. It's softer, lighter, and comes in four sizes. If you need something more performance-oriented for backcountry expeditions, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is one of the most comfortable, breathable, and protective sun hats we've tested. And it's small enough to fit in your pocket. Or if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, the Women's and Men's FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim are excellent hats at an incredible price.
The revamped Horizon is far less flimsy than its predecessor, but a particularly strong gust of wind can still fold up the brim. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
—Lissette Velasquez
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