10 Best Hiking Hats UK 2024 | Columbia, SealSkinz and More
Feeling like you’re going round in circles trying to navigate your way to the best hiking hat? We’ve got the guidance with our top tips and buying advice, as well as a list of our favourite online picks from Amazon and eBay, from popular brands such as SealSkinz and Columbia. Wide brim or bucket hats, baseball caps or beanies, there’s a hat for all hikers, men or women, and you’ve arrived at the right coordinates to help you find one!
Quick List - Top Hiking Hats
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How to Choose a Hiking Hat in the UK – Buying Guide
Match the Style of Hat to the Climate and Intensity of the Hike
Get a Big Brim and an Extra Neck Covering If You Need Sun Protection
We recommend choosing a hat with a brim of around 3 inches; too short and it won’t do its duty, and too wide and floppy and you won’t be able to see where you’re going. If you’re easily burnt or you’re exploring somewhere very hot with little shade cover, you could opt for a design with an additional longer neck cover.
Another top tip for hiking in very humid climates is to go for a pale coloured hat that won’t absorb as much heat as a darker shade. And if you do so, look for a darker fabric stitched beneath the brim that will further help reduce glare from the sun.
Baseball Caps Are Fine for Casual Hikes and Can Also Be Worn Day to Day
The great thing about baseball caps is of course value for money and flexibility of use — you can wear them for numerous other activities or excursions, or just day to day. Travellers who like to get out and about in nature whilst on the road will also find their multi-use status appealing, as you’ll be able to get away with only packing one hat for your trip.
For On-Trend Style That's Better for Milder Heat or Rain Protection, Go For a Bucket Hat
They too can function as an all-rounder for trips incorporating both beach time and outdoor rambles, but the narrower brim will make them another one for milder rather than scorching sunshine. Bucket hats are commonly worn for fishing, and can be a great way to keep your head dry and the rain out of your eyes during wet hikes, so long as you find a waterproof design.
Beanies Keep You Warm and Comfortable in Cold Weather
Whilst there are numerous beanie hats out there for general cold weather wear, for hiking we’d recommend finding one that covers your ears, which you should be able to determine from the product images or description. Some may also feature longer ear flaps, so if you’re going sub zero this could be a wise choice.
Include the Right Fabrics and Features to Protect You From the Elements
Summer Hiking Hats Should Have Breathable Fabrics and Preferably a UVF Rating
Hats for summer should preferably provide safe sun protection, which will be stated as a UPF(Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This will protect you from harmful UVB and UVA light, whereby a UPF rating of 50 equates to protection from 98% of these rays. So, this should be the minimum you seek out.
Mesh panels are another way to limit overheating and promote air circulation to your head on summer hikes, and will usually be found on the crown or sides of the hat. Bear in mind the UVF won’t be present on these sections, but they should be small enough not to affect it too much.
Winter Hats Should Be Woollen or Thermal, and Waterproofing Is a Bonus
Additional linings such as fleece are also recommended if you’re planning on hiking in particularly cold climates, as well as thermally insulated hats. A waterproof treatment is sometimes applied to these fabrics, so seek this out if you need it.
Consider the Sizing and Adjustments Such as Chin Straps for Security
Some types such as baseball caps may also come with adjustable bands for a more personalised fit, but the main adjustability you will come across is a chin strap. Chin straps are a smart addition that ensure a secure and snug fit, and you can use the cord to rest the hat on your back or clip it to your pack when you don’t need to wear it.
Foldable and Packable Hats Are Handy for Travel or Multi-Day Hikes
If this sounds like something that would make your hiking life easier, have a read of the specs of the hat and look for those describing themselves as crushable, foldable, or packable.
Top 9 Best Hiking Hats in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gisdanchz Wide Brim Outdoor Sun Hat | | The Ultimate Summer Hiking Hat | |
2 | Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat | | High Performance Fabric for Warm Weather Comfort | |
3 | Columbia Unisex Coolhead II Baseball Cap | | Sun Protection That Cools While You Hike | |
4 | SealSkinz Bobble Hat | | Stylish and Superbly Cosy Waterproof Beanie | |
5 | Buff Solid Pack Trek Cap | | Ultra Light With Technical Features and Smart Looks | |
6 | Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Cap | | Perfectly Simple Multifunctional Cap | |
7 | Danish Endurance Beanie | | Real Wool Makes This a Cosy Beanie | |
8 | PULI Women’s Foldable Bucket Hat with Chin Strap | | Chic, Waterproof and Adjustable Bucket Hat | |
9 | Result Unisex Lightweight Thinsulate Thermal Hat | | A Budget Thermal Beanie for Chilly Days |
The Ultimate Summer Hiking Hat
It certainly meets all of the requirements for a summer hiking hat, offering relief on the hottest of treks with mesh ventilation and UPF 50. It scores particularly high for value for money, minimal weight, and dual adjustability. You won’t regret it!
High Performance Fabric for Warm Weather Comfort
The removable draw cord chin strap can be adjusted with one hand, and there’s an additional toggle too. We love the fact it’s available in more than one size, and the added dark fabric under the brim whether you go for this blue or a paler shade option.
Sun Protection That Cools While You Hike
Outdoor runners or generally active types will find it a great summer staple, plus there’s a hook and loop adjustment to adjust and some other colour choices too.
Stylish and Superbly Cosy Waterproof Beanie
There’s just as much thought put into the inner fabrics too, with its micro-fleece lining for breathable moisture control during long treks. Choose from several colours and a number of sizes to get your match!
Ultra Light With Technical Features and Smart Looks
Going on a multi-day hike? Weighing a mere 33 grams, you’ll barely notice it on your head or in your pack, and it can be folded into a pocket-sized compact roll without crushing the brim.
Perfectly Simple Multifunctional Cap
This cap is perfect for warm weather or between-season hikes; it manages to be breathable whilst being waterproof and lightweight so it won't weigh you down. The button adjustment offers a more comfortable tailored fit when compared with the usual poppers.
Real Wool Makes This a Cosy Beanie
It’s long enough to cover your ears, and although it's only one size, the muted grey is a versatile enough colour that it would look great on men and women. You can also adjust the size by rolling it up and down, so there is some flexibility.
Chic, Waterproof and Adjustable Bucket Hat
It’s made from cotton so is fairly breathable, and is completely packable making it the perfect lightweight pick for holidayers planning casual hikes. Although one size, measurements are provided so you can check your own and compare before you buy.
A Budget Thermal Beanie for Chilly Days
They’re machine washable and will keep the wind off, but they’re not waterproof and only available in one size, so may not be the correct fit for every head shape and size.
Keep Hiking All Year Round With the Right Kit
Whether you're hiking in the summer heat or battling through snow on the ground, keen hikers won't want to let a little thing like the weather stop them. To be ready for anything, you need to have the best kit possible, so why not check out our favourite hiking essentials that will help you overcome any obstacles en-route.
You've Hiked, Now It's Time to Camp!
Camping is a fantastic way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, even more so if you decide to go solo-camping! That's where Emily's top picks come in. She has put together a brilliant list of must-have items for solo camping from cooking sets to power banks and even security cases so that you won't be left stuck in the mud.
Top 5 Hiking Hats
No. 1: Gisdanchz｜Wide Brim Outdoor Sun Hat
No. 2: Outdoor Research ｜Helios Sun Hat
No. 3: Columbia ｜Unisex Coolhead II Baseball Cap
No. 4: SealSkinz｜Bobble Hat
No. 5: Buff ｜Solid Pack Trek Cap
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