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We found the elusive perfect sun hat: one that offers comfort and skin protection without overheating and crumpling on the third use.
That hat is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat. For almost 10 years, it has consistently placed at the top of our tests. It's light, comfortable, and breathable, and the one we rely on to keep our skin protected when headed out on sunny adventures.
If you are running or just want to know UV rays won't touch your neck, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner is the best cap-and-cape combo.
The clear best value is the FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim. This top-performing hat is affordable, well-ventilated, and blocks the sun in style.
Since 2010, we've bought and rigorously tested over 60 hats. From epic Grand Canyon expeditions to daily dog walks, we take all our hats into high-UV environments to find the best for hiking, travel, or everyday wear.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 30, 2026, to include five new popular sun hats from Solbari, Arc'teryx, FURTALK, and REI. We also retested two classic hats from The North Face and Tilley.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Sun Hat recommendations.
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure is our favorite overall sun hat with near-perfect comfort, UV defense, breathability, and packability. And it's held a top spot on our list for nearly a decade, a testament to how well its simple design works. The most seasoned hiker on our team told us, “The Ultra is hands down the most comfortable and protective sun hat I've owned. It's like wearing a soft, wispy feather that magically blocks the sun from all angles.” Its lightweight, breathable materials never felt itchy or hot, while its caped back lets us comfortably carry an overstuffed backpack or small child on our shoulders without getting in the way. Its wide brim folds in half, making it easy to stash into any pocket. Plus, an anti-glare lining under the brim blocks bright reflections from water or snow.
The only drawback is it's not the most stylish hat around. The Ultra takes a practical approach to sun protection, which makes it highly effective, but a little dorky-looking. While the Solbari Bondi Bucket is easier to wear around town, the Ultra is easily the hat we reach for when we want to stay cool and comfortable during active pursuits in the blazing sun. Plus, it comes in plenty of color options to add your own flair. Whether you're gardening, exploring local trails, or traveling somewhere sunny, the Ultra has you covered.
If you are running or just hiking fast, the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is the best cap with a cape. Whether it's windy or you are creating the wind with your pace, this hat stays put while offering nearly unmatched protection. It offers big value with a design that's basically two hats for the price of one. The detachable cape transforms it from a casual ballcap to a sun-shielding powerhouse. Our tester said, “I loved the removable neck cape! It let me transition from full head and neck protection when I was hiking in the desert to an everyday cap when I was walking the dog.” It's also super lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to tote along on your travels. And the anti-glare fabric under the brim and quick-drying material make it perfect for water adventures.
SPECIFICATIONS
UPF rating
40+
Brim Size
2.8 brim, 6.0" neck cape
Material
60% bluesign recycled nylon, 40% nylon
Chinstrap
Yes - removeable
Packable/Compressible
Yes
While the cape is very protective, it limits airflow and narrows your view. It also feels a bit goofy to wear in public. The good news is that you can adjust it to boost ventilation or save your dignity. One tester noted, “I was surprised by how much more comfortable and breathable the Sun Runner felt by simply flipping the cape back.” But if you need something more consistently breathable, we think the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure is a great all-around option.
The Sun Runner's adjustable cape gives you full sun protection when you need it and a more street-friendly style when you don't. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Ultra's airy comfort and top-tier sun protection make it our favorite for everyday adventures.
If money is tight, the Women's and Men'sFURTALK Bucket Wide Brim hats are an absolute steal. For just under $20, these budget-friendly hats deliver excellent face protection, top-tier breathability, and a comfortable design you can wear anywhere. Our lead tester, who's tested dozens of hats, noted, “The FURTALK seriously impressed me. It's just as capable as brand-name hats, but costs a whole lot less.” During dog walks, beach days, and casual hikes in the sun, the FURTALK's extra-wide brim and large mesh vents kept us cool and well shaded. We also like its versatile styling; snap up the sides for a cowboy look, or slip your ponytail through for a little extra comfort. An added bonus: its foldable design packs along for any adventure.
SPECIFICATIONS
UPF rating
50+
Brim Size
3.5"
Material
100% nylon
Chinstrap
Yes
Packable/Compressible
Yes
The downside is the FURTALK isn't the best fit for bald or extra-large heads. If you have a larger noggin, it simply won't fit. We found the Women's hat best for small-to-medium heads and the Men's best for medium-to-large heads. The breathable vents also left the sides of our head a wee bit exposed to the sun, which isn't great for anyone with thin hair. For a roomier fit and slightly better scalp protection, consider the EINSKEY Classic. But if you prioritize top-of-the-line face protection and breathability, the FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim is tough to beat.
For folks looking for a stylish beach hat that doesn't break the bank, the Hemlock Lifeguard Straw is a fantastic buy. We love this hat's massive 4.5-inch brim, airy straw construction, and many colorful print options available on the underside of the brim. One tester said, “Wearing the Hemlock is basically like bringing your own personal umbrella to the poolside. It offers serious shade, breezy comfort, and plenty of personality.” When the sun is intense, this hat provides ample coverage. It also has a soft neck cord to keep it from blowing away in the wind, ensuring your face, neck, and ears always stay well protected. With its comfortable, elastic sweatband, we had no problems wearing this hat all day. It's the perfect companion for long, lazy days in the sun.
SPECIFICATIONS
UPF rating
50+
Brim Size
4.5"
Material
100% straw
Chinstrap
Yes
Packable/Compressible
No
That said, the Hemlock Lifeguard isn't the best choice for travel. In our experience, it doesn't hold up well when stuffed into a duffel bag or suitcase, and even a slight bend can damage the woven straw. Some light can also filter through the gaps in the straw to the top of your head. If you want better scalp coverage and a packable hat for travel, we like the Solbari Holiday or FURTALK Travel Foldable Brim for resort getaways. But for a stylish, reasonably priced hat to keep you cool on casual summer days, the Hemlock Lifeguard Straw is an excellent choice.
Wide-brimmed hats offer the best sun protection, but sometimes you just want something low-key. If you prefer an understated look, the Solbari Bondi Bucket is our favorite short-brim hat, combining an ultra-comfortable fit with an easy-going style that's great for everyday wear. Our pickiest tester noted, “I love how soft, lightweight, and unobtrusive this hat feels. It complements my style, rather than looking like a flashy parasol.” The Bondi's laid-back vibes are perfect for running errands, walking the dog, or hanging with friends. And it holds the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, so you can feel good about using it to reduce your UV exposure. If you're looking for a stylish, compact hat you can toss in your sling bag and take anywhere, we think the Solbari Bondi is a fantastic option.
The Bondi is great for casual wear, but it's not well suited for active endeavors in the sun. The double-layer construction doesn't breathe particularly well, so heat can build up. It's also missing a chin strap, so it can blow off in a strong gust of wind. If you're hiking windy summits or paddleboarding on the lake, we'd opt for the Arc'teryx Sinsolo Bucket Hat, which is a bit more secure and breathable. For everyday wear, though, the Bondi's comfort and packability make it the hat you'll actually want to reach for.
Comfortable, packable, and stylish, the Solbari Bondi Bucket is our favorite hat for everyday wear. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Product Comparison Table
We take every hat on real-world adventures before giving it a thumbs-up. Hats like the Ultra passed with flying colors. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
How We Tested
Since 2010, we've purchased and tested over 60 sun hats, taking them with us on sweltering summits, sun-drenched kayak trips, and laid-back dog walks. We take note of any gaps in sun protection and any scratchy or heat-trapping materials. But we don't just rely on our senses; we also run UV tests to confirm they block the sun's harmful rays. After wearing them across the hot, exposed Grand Canyon, through windy burn scars in the high desert, and around town, we created a comprehensive review to help you find the perfect sun hat.
Each hat is tested against the following four performance metrics:
Protection (35% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (30% weighting)
Breathability (25% weighting)
Packability (10% weighting)
To see more on our testing process, check out our full How We Test article.
We test every fabric's protection with UV cards. The Ultra Adventure's UPF 50+ blocks almost everything, while the Sun Runner's UPF 40+ lets a touch through. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by GearLab Review Editors Lissette Velasquez and Sam Schild. Lissette has spent a lifetime adventuring in New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert, Arizona's Sonoran Desert, and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Whether she's hiking, camping, rock climbing, or playing on Lake Tahoe's sun-soaked beaches, she appreciates a sun hat that's protective, comfortable, and looks good.
As an active backpacker, Sam has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice. When he's not backpacking, he trail runs, rock climbs, camps, and peak bags on the Colorado Front Range. With all these miles under the sun, Sam knows a thing or two about protecting his face, neck, and ears.
Trail tests, UV checks, and head-to-head comparisons, every hat earns its spot.
Analysis and Test Results
Below, we outline how each hat performed across all of our test metrics. So, if you're only interested in sun protection, check there. Or if you're primarily concerned about breathability, scroll down a little further. We also discuss which hats offer the best value, so you can find the right hat without overspending.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The FURTALK Wide Brim Bucket is by far the absolute best bang for your buck. This cheap, unassuming hat scored well across all our test metrics, impressing us with its overall comfort, breathability, and UV defense. For less than $20, the FURTALK outperformed most of the sun hats we tested, including some that cost up to $100. If you're tight on cash or just a thrifty spender, we think it's a fantastic budget buy and well worth your consideration.
The FURTALK Bucket kept us happy and well protected in the sun — with a price tag that's just as easy to love. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Protection
According to the American Cancer Society, wearing a sun hat alongside sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen is a great way to limit your UV exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer and skin aging. And yes, that means helping prevent those dreaded wrinkles and sun spots, too.
Traditionally, we think of the best sun hats as having wide, full brims to shade the face, but the most effective types also include extra neck and scalp coverage, so we factored that in here. We also used a UV card to see how much ultraviolet light penetrated the fabrics.
Protection Breakdown
Product
Face
Neck
Scalp
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure
8
8
9
REI Co-op Sahara with Cape
7
8
9
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
9
8
7
Outdoor Research Sun Runner
8
9
7
OR Women\'s Oasis Sun Sombrero
7
6
9
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Play
8
8
6
Outdoor Research Sombriolet
7
7
8
Patagonia Baby Block the Sun
7
6
8
Einskey Classic
8
7
6
Sunday Afternoons Guardian
9
7
4
Billabong Tides Print Straw
9
7
4
Zooron Breathable Wide Brim
9
7
3
Hemlock Lifeguard Straw
9
7
3
Sunday Afternoons Islander
6
5
7
FURTALK Travel Foldable Brim
6
5
7
Outdoor Research Helios
5
3
9
North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer
5
4
7
Tilley LTM6 Airflo
4
3
8
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II
6
4
4
Scala All-Season Crushable
3
2
9
Outdoor Research Sun Bucket
3
2
7
Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll Up
3
2
6
Furtalk Visor Wide Brim Straw
6
3
2
The most protective sun hat we tested was the Solibari Holiday. Its massive 4.0-inch brim, UPF 50+ fabric, and wind-proof chin strap did an incredible job shielding our face, neck, and scalp from the sun's harsh UV rays. Unlike a typical bucket hat that gently flares out, the Holiday's brim has a sharp, downward curve, almost like an umbrella, which keeps the sun at bay even when it's low. So, morning, afternoon, or changing seasons, you can count on the Holiday to keep you well protected in style.
The Solbari Holiday's massive, umbrella-like canopy kept us well shaded throughout the day. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure and Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap also topped the charts in sun protection, thanks in part to their unique caped design. The Ultra's steep downward-angled brim creates a tent-like canopy over your face and scalp, while its cape provides extra neck coverage. The Sun Runner's cape wraps fully around the neck from front to back, so your neck, ears, and cheeks always stay well protected. For days spent hiking or running in the sun, the Ultra and Sun Runner provide outstanding all-day protection.
Does the UPF Rating Matter?
UPF 50 fabrics block 98.0% of UV rays, while UPF 40 blocks 97.5%. It's a tiny difference, but the Skin Cancer Foundation favors 50 for maximum UV protection. Most hats in our review meet that mark, except for the OR Sun Runner and The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer. Their UPF 40+ material still offers very good protection, but for the best peace of mind, stick with UPF 50.
The Sun Runner's cape offers excellent sun protecion, making it perfect for desert hikes. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
We also want to shout out the EINSKEY Classic, Hemlock Lifeguard, and FURTALK Bucket. While their breathable, light-penetrating crowns kept them from earning a top spot in UV protection, their generously sized, UPF 50+ brims do a superb job of keeping the face well protected. For casual outdoor activities like gardening and beach days, these hats rock.
Classic wide-brimmed bucket hats like the EINSKEY are great for keeping the sun off your face and ears. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The least protective hat we tested was the REI Co-op On the Trail Cap. Its short, 2.5-inch bill was really only good for keeping the sun out of our eyes. Our cheeks, ears, and necks were left completely exposed. But that's often the price of a lightweight hat with a barely-there feel.
Ball caps like the REI Trail Cap left most of our skin exposed to the sun's harsh UV rays. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Comfort
Comfort is essential in a sun protection hat. If your hat isn't comfortable, you're less likely to grab it when you head out the door, which means less sun protection. The most comfortable hats are typically very soft on the inside, lightweight, and offered in multiple sizes, so they fit well and feel good enough to wear all day.
The most comfortable hats we tested were the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure, Arc'teryx Sinsolo Bucket, and Solbari Bondi Bucket. Their soft, flexible materials never irritated our skin, and their featherlight designs never felt bulky. We also like that the Ultra's tapered brim gave us a clean line of sight when ridge scrambling. Plus, all three hats fit an overstuffed hiking pack. If you're looking for a hat that's so comfortable you forget it's even there, these are our top choices.
The Sinsolo's uber-soft, ultralightweight, and stretchy build make it incredibly comfy to wear. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Another top scorer is the Scala All-Season Crushable. Although it's not particularly lightweight, its soft wool construction gives it a cozy, natural feel that's especially pleasant to wear in cooler weather. We also like that its short brim keeps your view unobstructed, so you don't have to crane your neck to see what's ahead.
The Scala isn't the most protective, but its all-day comfort makes it the type of hat you'll actually wear. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Other hats simply didn't fit, dug into our foreheads, or just felt plain heavy. For example, while we appreciate the Sun Runner's adjustable fit, its stiff bill often left a mark on our foreheads, and its wide cape limited our field of view and felt confining. The Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll Up and EINSKEY Classic, on the other hand, felt large and heavy, making them less appealing for all-day wear.
The EINSKEY is a bit bulky and stiff, making it better suited for casual cruises rather than alpine adventures. Credit: Chris McNamara
Breathability
Breathability is key when selecting a sun hat. On hot days when the sun is beating down on your head, you want a hat that protects you and lets pent-up heat escape so you stay cool and comfortable.
The most breathable sun hat we tested is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure. Built for active days in the blazing sun, the Ultra combines an ultrathin, breathable nylon exterior with thoughtfully placed, moisture-wicking mesh throughout to create a remarkably cool, airy feel. Even when backpacking in the intense, high-elevation, alpine sun, our tester said, “I could feel all the breeze in the Ultra.”
We were impressed by how well the Ultra Adventure's lined mesh vents kept us cool and protected. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Other hats, like the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II and FURTALK Bucket Wide Brim, add huge unlined mesh vents to the crown to keep your head well ventilated. While their main nylon fabric is a smidge thicker than the Ultra's, they still do an incredible job keeping you cool. These hats also feature a mesh sweatband, which keeps heat from building up along the brim.
The FURTALK's mesh vents are unlined, which allows plenty of air (and some stray rays) to flow through. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Lastly, loosely woven straw hats like the Hemlock Lifeguard are incredibly breathable. Although its elastic sweatband wasn't quite as breathable as a mesh one, we felt perfectly comfy in this hat. For long days at the beach, or anywhere you want shade without overheating, the Hemlock is an excellent choice.
The loose weave on straw hats like the Hemlock Lifeguard offers excellent breathability. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The warmest hat we tested was the Scala. Don't get us wrong, its wool body and cotton twill sweatband handle sweat really well. But compared to performance nylon hats, its thicker build is a bit toasty, and you'll notice the warmth before you get any cooling effect from sweat.
The Scala's cotton and wool construction wicks moisture well, but it runs a little too warm for hot-weather adventures. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Packability
A packable hat is essential for travel, making it easy to stay protected wherever you roam. The most durable hats have a crushable build that packs down for days without worrying about permanent misshaping or damage.
The most packable hats in our lineup include the Ultra Adventure, Sinsolo Bucket, and On the Trail Cap. All three hats are ultra-lightweight, super compact, and tough enough to be stuffed into a backpack. Plus, they're small enough to fit in our pants pocket. After we shoved each one into a quart-size bag for 30 minutes, it came out looking like new.
Crumple down the Arc'teryx Sinsolo, and it pops right back into shape, making it the perfect travel companion. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Other top scorers like the Solbari Bondi and OR Sun Runner also pack away like a dream. While they may take up a smidge too much space to fit comfortably in a pants pocket, we never had trouble fitting them in our backpack. And after our crush tests, they quickly returned to their original shape, ready for the next adventure.
The most packable hats, like the Sun Runner and Ultra (bottom left), survived our 30-minute crush test and compressed down to almost nothing. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Hemlock was the least packable in our lineup. Like most traditional straw hats, it can't be crushed at all; otherwise, you risk breaking the brittle straw. We recommend carrying it around your neck or placing it at the top of your beach bag to keep it safe.
Traditional straw hats like the Hemlock Lifeguard can crack under rough use. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
How To Choose a Sun Hat
Above all else, the best sun hat is the one you'll actually wear. Whether that's a classic ball cap, a full-brim hat, or a caped explorer model, choose something that fits your style, feels comfortable, and makes you want to wear it all day. Below, we outline key points from our full buying advice article to guide you toward the right pick.
1. Do you need full coverage? If you're buying a hat to wear for casual outings around town, you'll appreciate a smaller brim and a more fashionable design. On the other hand, if you're trekking in the barren desert, style matters less; you'll want extreme sun protection, cape and all.
The best sun hat is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and protected, like the REI Sahara. Credit: Chris McNamara
2. Is it worth the price? Generally, the more performance-oriented a sun hat is, the more expensive it'll be. Soft, breathable, lightweight fabrics make high-output activities like running and hiking much more enjoyable and worth the cost. But for casual adventures, a low-cost version does the job just fine as long as it fits comfortably.
3. Will it travel well? If you plan to take your hat on vacations or backpacking trips, look for something that's lightweight and crushable. Nothing's worse than pulling your hat out of your bag, only to find a crumpled mess that's no longer wearable.
Two Sun Hat Alternatives:
1) Pair a hooded sun shirt and a baseball-style cap. You'll get full neck protection, but it doesn't breathe well, and the sun can still hit your face at certain angles.
2) Tuck a buff under your cap. This allows for pretty good ventilation and is basically the budget DIY version of the OR Sun Runner. It's less protective for your neck, though.
If you need something less obtrusive, pair a sunshirt with your favorite baseball cap, though the protection isn't as stellar. Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Conclusion
We hope our review helps you narrow down your top choices to find the perfect sun protection hat for you. With the right choice, you'll stay shaded, comfortable, and ready for anything the sun throws your way.
We're always on the lookout for sun hats that offer better comfort, coverage, and value Credit: Lissette Velasquez
