The best hiking hats 2023: keep snug with the finest winter headwear

As the seasons change, both the best hiking hats for summer and winter have a place in your pack – or on your head (only not at once, obviously). Summer is prime hiking season. The days are long, the sunlight sparkles on the lakes and the opportunities for adventure are seemingly endless.

For those sunny days, a sun hat or cap will keep you cool and shaded from the sun's damaging UV. However, summit missions and mountain wild camps may also call for the use of your beanie hat, as the temperatures up high are usually markedly lower than in the valley.

So, just as you shouldn't set off into the wilderness without a waterproof jacket, you should really take both summery and wintry hats with you if you're heading into the mountains, even in July! Our buying guide explains what styles and materials to look for in the best hiking hats, no matter what the conditions are like. They will offer you protection from the wind, rain and the sun – particularly if head hair is something you talk about in the past tense. 

If you’re a fastpacker, or looking for a more sporty piece of headwear, check out our guide to the best running hats. This guide kicks off with the finest summer hiking hats – starting with our favorite, the Tilley TH5 Hemp Hat – before taking you through our pick of the best winter beanies and buffs.

The best hiking hats for summer

Arguably the ultimate piece of outdoor headwear, these Canadian-made hard-as-nails hats float (in case you/it falls in water), tie on (so it can be worn in gusty and windy conditions), repel rain, wick moisture and shield your head and face from bright sunlight and UV rays. They are also ventilated with grommets, which meant we didn’t get too sweaty beneath that broad brim, and even have a secret pocket. Made from natural materials, making them sustainable, these hats are sized specifically for the wearer. 

Tilley hemp hats don’t shrink, but they do fade over time, creating a well-used personalised look you can be proud of. Tilley are confident enough in their products to sell them with a lifetime guarantee – our hemp hat has been cradling our crashtest dummy’s cranium for several years now and while it doesn’t look as good as new (we’d be disappointed if it did, after all those adventures) it’s not damaged in any way and still performs perfectly.

Breathable, light, and plenty shady, Tommy Bahama’s mesh-back, curved brim trucker hats all sport a hand-sewn patch on the front with designs inspired by coastal water and golden sand, steep peaks, Joshua Trees, deserts, and birds taking flight. Many of the patches are ink and/or watercolor sketches, translated to thread. The fully embroidered patches are hand sewn onto each Tommy Breeze classic trucker caps. 

The caps have a mid-profile, six panel crown with a curved brim. We found the snapback closure easy to adjust, and it also makes this lid quick to secure to a backpack. This is a hat we reach for whether we are donning a lifejacket for a paddle around the lake, or lacing up our boots for a multiday trekking adventure.

Being outside in the sunshine is one of the joys of summer. But sunburned neck, ears, and shoulders aren’t any fun. This big-circumference sun had provides the most protection possible with its sheer surface area, unless you’re willing to don a full sombrero. 

Worn traditionally by Hawaiian lifeguards, it’s as good for beach walks as for backyard barbecues, day hikes in hot sun, and pulling weeds from the garden. Dakine added aloha to the classic straw lifeguard hat with a fun polyester print on the underside. The hat comes in two sizes, and it’s built to stay put once it’s on your head. We found that the integrated, elastic headband isn’t binding, while its cinch chin strap prevented it from blowing away, even when a gust picked up. It wasn’t compatible with a full backpacking pack, but we have been wearing it for most other activities all summer long.

If functionality is more of a concern than frills, the Forclaz Anti-UV Trekking Hat merits its place somewhere near the top of your shortlist.

The fairly classy looking sunhat has a basic design and lacks a few of the bells and whistles found on pricier models – which we’d ideally like for hiking in the scorching heat – but covers its bottom line very well given the modest RRP. It’s made with quick-drying, moisture-wicking and tear-resistant polyamide fabric. We found we could scrunch it down into a tiny bundle without it losing its shape. It has a UPF 50+ rating, and its 15% spandex content ensures a snug but comfortable fit. While more extensive mesh ventilation panels, Legionnaire-style neck coverage, and a Velcro/popper or two to pin back the brim when needed be would’ve been appreciated, the price tag will make all of these shortcomings entirely forgivable for the less demanding or fussy buyer.

Weighing in at just 150g, this is a classic cap with a difference. It's made with high-performing Gore-tex, which means it is solidly wind and waterproof, but also light and breathable. We found it to be easily adjustable at the back, so although only available in one size, we were able to fit it securely enough to be worn on gusty days. The peak provides protection from the glare of the sun and will help avoid sunburn on the nose and cheeks. If you’re hiking away from the sun, flip it round (we’re pretty sure you don’t need detailed instructions). 

We found it was low profile enough to be worn under hoods, helmets and warmer headwear if required. This lid is listed as a men’s cap, but there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be viewed as a unisex hat (although, note that there is no gap at the back to pull long hair through when worn in a ponytail). Gore also offer a lightweight mesh cap, which is more breathable, does have a ponytail gap at the rear and is cheaper ($30/£30), but is not waterproof. 

The best hiking hats for winter

The ideal wear-everywhere cold-weather hat, Penfield’s Harris beanie is perfect both for hiking and for casual day-to-day use. This generously sized, slightly slouchy beanie has enough stretch to fit pretty much any head snugly, and we found that the wide brim can easily be adjusted. The thick acrylic knit is warm and durable, and as the wool is synthetic rather than natural it feels very comfortable against the skin, and isn’t itchy. The Harris beanie protects the ears well and instantly traps in heat, so it can handle even the most bitter winter weather. This thicker knit is too bulky to fit under a helmet, and too warm for fast-paced winter sports – so save it for gentler hiking.

Read our full Penfield Harris Beanie review

Weighing in at just 50g, and made with Páramo’s very clever Parameta G fabric, this dual-layer beanie is a brilliant buddy on outdoor adventures no matter where you’re going, or when. The design of the material means it can keep you cosy when it’s cold, or allow cool air to flow to your scalp when it’s warmer. It works thus: when worn beneath an outer shell, the fleecy grid pattern traps air between the squares and warms it, but if you wear it as a stand-alone hat, fresh air can permeate the fabric. 

Personally we think the latter part of this system works better in the brand’s brilliant base layers than it does in this hat, which features a lovely fleecy inner, perfect for keeping your head hot, but not so good at letting the cooler air in – which is fine by us, because the main job of a beanie, so far as we’re concerned, is to keep your loaf warm. It does mean than it’s a little too warm for nigh-energy activities such as trail running. The fabric is comfortable and stretchy, and it wicks moisture away well. This beanie provides a lot of warmth, despite its low profile, and fits well under a helmet for cycling or climbing. It also scrunches down really small and weights very little, so it is perfect for popping into a pocket or pack when you’re heading out hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking or camping, whether it’s full-on winter conditions or springtime, when temperatures can still drop quickly.

Read our full Páramo Beanie review

The eponymous logo on this hat carries a certain amount of cachet among outdoorsy types, so you’ll immediately fit in when you stroll into a climbers’ café or walkers’ pub. It comes in loads of colors, so there’ll be a hue to match your waterproof jacket or puffer of choice. As a warm hat for winter and springtime hiking, climbing or even a good old-fashioned snowball fight, we found it does the job with aplomb.

It’s made of a lightweight single-knit fabric that provides moderate warmth without causing your head to overheat. Unlike cheaper imitations, it also has a fleecy internal headband to keep ears toasty, minimise irritation and generally add to the performance. The fit is nice and close, and it will go under a climbing or biking helmet too. Unlike some other more technical beanies, this one isn’t waterproof, though it is quick-drying, being made from acrylic. The downside of that is relatively poor eco credentials compared to natural wool or recycled synthetic fibres.

Read our full Rab Logo Beanie review

The best buff

Pioneers of a design that has often been imitated, this brand claim to be the makers of the original tubular scarves now known by many people as simply ‘buffs’. As a piece of mega multifunctional outdoor apparel, buffs are beloved by hikers, campers, runners, climbers, cyclists, skiers, paddlers and adventurers of all descriptions. 

The scarves, which come in myriad colors and designs, can be worn in 12 different ways about your head, neck and face, offering protection from the sun, sand and dust, catching sweat before it gets in your eyes, keeping your hair out of your face, and even reducing the spread of germs (although they are not as effective in this regard as a proper face mask). They’re easy to carry (we'd often carry them on our wrist, around our neck, or in a pocket or bag), and weigh very little. They are seamless and we found them to be very comfortable indded. Plus, these days they’re made with Repreve – a synthetic material spun from recycled plastic bottles.

Hiking hat comparison table

How to choose the best hiking hat

There are so many different reasons why you should pack a hat when you're off on an adventure. With myriad headwear designs on the market, the hat you opt for will depend on where you're hiking and the season. One thing is for sure, a hat is an absolute hiking essential, and here's why:

Now that we're enjoying the height of summer in the northern hemisphere, it's important to remember the dangers posed by the sun's glare. This is where a sun hat or cap really comes into its own. However, if you're heading into environment where a deluge is commonplace even in summer, a sun hat won't cut it, as it won't fit nicely under your waterproof hood. Of course, you can take it off, but it's also a bit of an awkward shape for your daypack. A cap has the advantage here, especially one that boasts waterproof qualities such as the Gore-Tex Cap.

Come winter, if you’re after something warm, versatile and practical, which will work for hiking and cold-weather camping – as well as other outdoor adventures in later winter and early spring, there are some superb beanie hats out there.

Summer designs

Sun hat

A sun hat is the ultimate option for head and neck protection when it comes to the sun’s damaging UV rays. The larger the brim, the greater the protection. However, in windy conditions the brim can act like a sail and take off, rendering you hat-less. Many feature a neck strap, so that the odds of losing the hat altogether are minimised. Sun hats are also not the most packable option.

Cap

A classic baseball cap is the go-to for hikers who enjoy going fast and light, preferring a more minimalist approach than that offered by a sun hat. A cap has the advantage that it can be worn under a hood or a helmet, while it also packs down small into a backpack. The brim can be swivelled depending on which direction the sun is coming from.

Winter designs

Beanies

Perhaps the simplest style of hat available, beanie’s close-fitting design makes them warm. They also stay put on your head (won’t blow away), they’re often reasonably breathable, tend to be more affordable and have a low profile, so they fit beneath hoods and helmets.

Bobble hats

Ever wondered what the bobble on a bobble hat is for? The theory is that they once graced the heads of sailors, and offered a little more protection when they were working in dark, tight spaces (presumably as an early warning system for when the wearer was about to bump their head). Whether or not you go for a bobble in the 21st century is totally up to you, but it is essentially a beanie with ball on top.

Skull caps

Another beanie sub species, these thin, tight fitting fleece-style hats are great for keeping your ears warm and your hair out of your face for winter sports. They are light and breathable enough to stop you overheating, hence why they are often popular with skiers and winter runners.

Ushanka

These traditional Russian hats with a fur lining have evolved into modern ‘trapper’ hats, which usually have a faux fur lining and ear flaps that can be clipped together either under the chin or on top of the head. They’re ideal for really cold or windy conditions, giving you the most coverage and protecting your ears and face from snow and icy winds. In warmer conditions you’re likely to find them too hot and heavy.

Materials

The best hiking hats for summer can be made from all manner of materials, from natural fabrics to synthetic creations. Tilley's TH5 is a great example of natural materials being put to good use. It repels rain, wicks moisture and protects you from the sun.

Synthetic materials can also have their advantages, giving you glorious comfort. Even Gore-Tex have stepped into the hat market, offering a waterproof baseball cap that gives you the best of both worlds: protection from the sun and the rain.

The best hiking hats for winter conditions are available in a range of synthetic and natural materials, but some stand out for the warmth and comfort they offer. Top of the naturally derived pack is merino wool, which traps heat brilliantly and is also moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. Merino's qualities have also made it the go-to material for hiking base layers. It retains some heat-giving properties even when wet, and doesn’t itch in the way normal wool can, making it perfect for wearing next to the face.

We also rate hats made or lined with fleece. Polyester fleece is very soft and comfortable, is quick to dry, and is warm without adding weight and bulk, making it ideal for thinner hats and headbands designed for sport. Thicker winter hats designed for snow and icy conditions often have a soft lining of fleece or faux fur combined with a tougher outer layer – look for a waterproof or water-resistant canvas. Fur has always been a popular choice as headgear in the coldest climates due to its unsurpassed warmth and the fact that it doesn’t freeze or frost up at sub-zero temperatures – but these days, faux fur does the job just as well.

Color

The best winter hats can come in bold bright colors or more subtle hues. Hunters (or people who play out where hunters also hunt) often wear neon orange hats, and for good reason – bright orange or red hats can make you easier to spot in the mountains (or on quiet country lanes), or when you’re out walking, running or cycling in low light. If you want a hat to wear in the city or for the winter commute as well as in the great outdoors, you may want to pick a more neutral color.

• How Advnture tests products