11 Best Hiking Hats for Women
Hiking is an amazing outdoor activity that can be enjoyed all year round in all sorts of different climates and environments. To get the most out of your hiking experience, it’s best to wear protective clothing and accessories that keep you safe from the sun (and other potential hazards out on the trail). Keep reading for our list of the 11 best hiking hats for women, each with its own special features and selling points for you to consider.
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11 best hiking hats for women
1. Best overall hiking hat: Patagonia
The Quandary Brimmer from Patagonia is built for “hot days and dusty trails,” meaning you can trust this hat to keep the sun and debris off your face. What else makes this our top pick? The glare-reducing brim, quick-wicking sweatband, and secure toggle closure make sure this hat stays put whenever you reach a windy lookout. Plus, this design is Fair Trade Certified sewn, and it has a breathable crown (with mesh liner) for total comfort and cooling airflow.
Price: starting at $59
2. Best hiking hat with UV protection: The North Face
While most of the hats on our list offer some level of UV protection, the Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat from The North Face has really set itself apart in this category. This airy, full-brim hat comes with UPF 40+ sun protection — making it a great choice for “long, memorable days in the sun.” Not only that, but this design is actually recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, having earned their Seal of Recommendation for safe and effective UV protection. What more could you ask for?
Price: starting at $45
3. Best hiking hat for packability: Outdoors Tribe
Looking for a hiking hat with superior packability? We’d definitely suggest the UV Protection Foldable Sun Hat from Outdoors Tribe. Even though this hat is designed with a wide brim (to keep your head and face protected from the sun), it folds down easily to store in your luggage or travel backpack whenever it’s not in use. Better yet, this pick offers built-in moisture-wicking, breathable vents, and there’s even a ponytail slot so you can keep your hair off your neck.
Price: starting at $30
4. Best hiking hat for cold weather: Unbound Merino
If you enjoy hiking in cold climates, you’ll need a hat that can handle those winter adventures. In that case, we’d recommend Unbound Merino’s Beanie. This hat is made from 100% non-mulesing Merino wool fabric, making it super soft and comfortable to wear — but more importantly, it offers added warmth and insulation over your ears. In addition, this beanie is odor-resistant/moves moisture so you’ll stay feeling fresh no matter where the trail takes you.
Price: starting at $55
5. Best hiking hat for rainy days: Outdoor Research
Like it or not, rain is sometimes inevitable when you’re exploring the great outdoors. The good news is, you can always pack a rain jacket and waterproof hat to keep you protected from the elements. Enter: the Seattle Rain Hat from Outdoor Research. This design is equipped with GORE-TEX waterproof materials and is “fully seam-taped and tricot lined for durable weather protection.” That way, you can still enjoy your hike regardless of what the weather has in store.
Price: starting at $65
6. Best hiking hat for breathability: REI Co-op
This REI Co-op Vented Trailsmith Hat is specially designed for warm weather adventures, seeing as this brim shields your face (and neck) from the sun — while still letting the breeze blow through the crown. More specifically, this hat comes with polyester mesh side vents to keep your head cool, as well as a polyester mesh inner sweatband that’ll wick moisture away from your brow. It’s never been easier to keep sweat at bay than with this hiking hat in tow.
Price: starting at $50
7. Best hiking hat for style points: Coolibar
While this hat from Coolibar isn’t *technically* designed for hiking, we still think it’s a good choice for exploring the woods, mountains, desert, etc. Need proof? This pick has UPF 50+ sun protection, plus a generous 4.25-inch brim for shading your face, ears, and neck. And this design isn’t lacking in the style department, either. With colors like chambray and natural herringbone (plus a braided suede chin cord), you’ll be looking good on the trail for sure.
Price: starting at $49
8. Best hiking hat for maximum coverage: Solbari
Want a hiking hat that offers maximum coverage while still looking cute? You can’t go wrong with the Women's Holiday Sun Hat from Solbari. This must-have hat has a wide, flexible brim that’s designed with an internal wire “to give it a fully customizable shape.” Meaning, you can mold this accessory to your size and style so you always feel your best while wearing it. And if that wasn’t enough, this design is also reversible — AKA you get 2 looks for the price of one.
Price: starting at $44
9. Best hiking hat for moisture-wicking: Columbia
Columbia’s Bora Bora II Booney is made from 100% nylon and boasts Omni-Shade™ UPF 50+ sun protection. Along with that, this hat also features a mesh vent panel and ultra-wicking headband. The performance-wicking technology moves moisture away from your skin and “disperses it across the fabric surface for rapid evaporation.” Translation? You stay dry and comfortable whenever you're outdoors — whether you’re running, hiking, paddling, and so on.
Price: starting at $30
10. Best hiking hat with recycled materials: Athleta
The Excursion Trail Hat from Athleta is a simple, yet stylish option for bringing along on your next hike. This design is primarily made from recycled nylon and polyester materials. Meaning, it’s a good purchase for the planet, but it also feels cool to the touch (and packs down well for travel). If you need any more convincing, this trail hat is flooded with positive reviews — with tons of customers raving about how lightweight, comfortable, and protective it is.
Price: starting at $49
11. Best hiking hat for repelling insects: Insect Shield
With a name like Insect Shield, it’s no wonder this company turns out amazing products for repelling bugs. That’s certainly the case with their Insect Shield Brim Hat. This design repels “mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges” — which covers a wide range of what you might expect to see out on a hike. With EPA-registered permethrin repellent built into the fabric itself, you can be sure this hat will keep you protected from unwanted bites and stings.
Price: starting at $35
Hiking hats for women - common FAQs
What should I look for in a hiking hat?
When shopping for a hiking hat, keep an eye out for UPF sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and ventilation features to make sure you're staying cool. Aside from that, a wide brim is great for shading not just your head, but your face, neck, and ears, as well.
What is the best hat material for hiking?
Nylon and polyester are some of the best materials for a hiking hat. That’s because both fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and help wick moisture away from your face and brow. Even better, some brands sell hats made from recycled nylon and polyester, like this style from Athleta.
What is the best hat for hot weather travel?
The UV Protection Foldable Sun Hat from Outdoors Tribe is one of the best hats for hot weather travel. This design features a wide brim and UV protection, and it also comes with built-in moisture-wicking, breathable vents, and a ponytail slot to keep your hair off your neck.