Serious hikers and backpackers have many different hats for various weather conditions and seasons. You’ll be surprised at the variety, and they’ll be grateful to receive one or more of them as gifts. The most important gear on any hike is your brain, and hiking hats keep it in good working order —from sun- and rain-resistant hats to fleece beanies and down-insulated hoods.

1. Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat

The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is one of the most popular hiking hats ever made, even though it looks a little dorky. With a UPF 50+ rating, it protects your head from the sun, with a 3″ brim and back cape to protect your neck. It has a lanyard, so it won’t fly away in the wind, and it even floats.

2. Outdoor Research Sun Runner Draped Hat

If you hike or run in the desert or another sunny locale, you need the extra ear and neck protection of a hat with a “drape”.  The Outdoor Research Sun Runner is the most famous hat of this type. The chin cord keeps the cap in place on windy days spent on the trail, and a headband wicks moisture away from the head and face.

3. Tilley LTM6 AirFlo Broad Bill Hat

The Tilley LTM6 Airflow is an iconic hiking hat loved by thousands of hikers nationwide. Its wide, stiff brim keeps the sun and rain off your face and neck, offering excellent UV protection with a UPF 50 rating. The closed-cell foam on top keeps the hat afloat if it goes overboard, making it a great boating companion. There’s also a hidden hook-and-loop pocket in the crown to store ID, a hotel key, or money.

4. Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat

The Outdoor Research Seattle Rain Hat is a great alternative to wearing an ill-fitting rain jacket hood, especially if you have to hike or backpack all day in the pouring rain. It’s waterproof, of course, with a wide brim to keep the rain off your face and glasses and a neck lanyard to secure it under your chin. You can also fold the side brims up rakishly for an edgy look.

5. Appalachian Trail Cap

Appalachian Trail Logo. 100% Cotton. Fits most heads.

6. Minus 33 Blaze Orange Wool Beanie

Autumn hunting season arrives just as temperatures start to drop. That’s when you want to wear a blaze orange hat so you don’t get mistaken for a moose, deer, turkey, or bear. The 100% Merino Minus 33 Wool Beanie is double-layered to deliver the warmth you need on a cold day while staying lightweight, comfortable, and packable.

7. Columbia Bora Bora Boonie Hat

Beach, boat or backyard—wherever you’re hanging out in the sun, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II hat is the perfect lid to keep you cool, with its breathable, sweat-wicking, sun-protective design.

8. Zpacks Octa Fleece Hat

The Zpacks Octa Fleece hat delivers impressive warmth without the bulk, ensuring you stay cozy whether you’re tackling a windy trail or your morning commute. Ultralight by design and featuring a double layer of fleece around the ears, this hat locks in heat where it matters most while remaining breathable and easy to pack.

9. Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Beanie

When the weather gets chilly, reach for the Cotopaxi Teca Fleece beanie to keep your head and ears warm. This cozy hat is great for winter hiking, commuting, snow days, and everything in between.

10. Gossamer Gear Logo Beanie

Stay warm with a soft, lightweight beanie in Gossamer Grey. Whether it’s cuffed around camp or pulled over your ears at night, it’ll stretch to keep you cozy. The waffle stitch offers a flexible fit that comfortably suits most sizes.

11. Lightheart Gear Fleece Ear Muff Beanie

Warm snuggle hat hugs your ears. 100% polyester micro grid fleece. 1 size fits most. Weight – 2 ounces. It’s a cozy for your ears.

12. SkyGOAT Camp Beanie

The ideal companion for chilly days. Whether worn as a standalone piece or comfortably under a helmet, this beanie offers breathable, moisture-wicking comfort.

13. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Logo Hat

The logo that started it all on a stylish cap that’s tailor-made for the forward-thinking adventurer. Constructed with 100% recycled nylon for comfort and durability.

14. Skida Brim Hat

Lightweight, quick-drying 5-panel hat designed for sunny adventures and everyday wear.

15. Smartwool Reversible Cuffed Beanie

With a roll cuff for added warmth over the ears, the Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie is ideal for mild- and cold-weather activities alike. Available in many different color combinations.

16. Arc’teryx Birdhead Beanie

Featuring a large Arc’teryx logo on the front, the Arc’teryx Birdhead toque beanie adds a pop of color to your winter style. Lots of colors available.

17. Outdoor Research Swift Hat

Wicking sweat, venting heat and protecting critical areas from the sun, the Outdoor Research Swift cap is a high-performance choice for all kinds of training and outdoor adventures.

18. Fjallraven Nordic Heater Hat

When you want to be prepared for really cold conditions, pack the Fjallraven Nordic Heater hat. This toasty warm option can help protect you from both polar climates and biting winds. The fur is synthetic.

19. Katabatic Gear Down Windom Hood

Ideal for three-season use (when there’s no snow on the ground), the Katabatic Gear Down Windom Hood perfectly complements a hoodless ultralight backpacking quilt. Elastic binding seals out drafts, stays comfortable against the face, and doesn’t restrict your vision.

20. Stratus SureFit Anti-Fog Balaclava

The Stratus SureFit Stormcell Anti-Fog Balaclava Hat prevents your glasses or snow goggles from fogging up while protecting your face and head from frostbite. It has a special nose piece that directs your exhalations away from your face with a bendable wire to fit it to your faces dimensions. This is a unique product. No other manufacturer makes anything as wearable or effective!

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