Is a Hiking Hat Necessary?
Is a hiking hat necessary for your outdoor adventures? Or is it just another piece of gear that’s not really necessary? In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of wearing a hiking hat and some of the best hats on the market today. So, if you’re on the fence about wearing a hat to wear while hiking, keep reading! You might just change your mind.
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Do You Need a Hat While Hiking?
A lot of hikers swear by their hats. A good hiking hat can protect you from the sun, keep your head warm in cold weather, and even help keep the rain off your face. If you’re not used to wearing a hat, it might take a little getting used to. But once you start wearing one, you’ll wonder how you ever hiked without one.
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a hiking hat is right for you. First, think about the climate you’ll be hiking in. A hat with a brim is a must-have if you’re hiking in a hot, sunny climate. Not only will it keep the sun out of your eyes, but it will also help keep your head cool. If you’re hiking in a cold climate, a hat with ear flaps is a good choice. It will keep your head and ears warm without making you too hot.
Second, consider the type of activity you’ll be doing while hiking. If you’re going to be doing a lot of scrambling and bushwhacking, a brimmed hat is a good choice. It will protect your face from branches and the sun. If you’re planning on doing mostly walking on well-defined trails, a hat with ear flaps might be a better choice. It will keep your head and ears warm without being too bulky.
Finally, think about your personal style. Do you want a hat that’s functional and practical? Or do you want a hat that’s stylish and looks good? Fortunately, plenty of both types of hats are on the market today – and we’ll go over some later on in this article.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Hiking Hat?
There are plenty of benefits to wearing a hiking hat, regardless of the style you choose. Here are just a few:
Protection from The Sun
A good hiking hat will protect your face, head, and neck from the sun’s harmful rays. This is especially important if you’re hiking in a hot climate.
Protection from The Cold
If you’re hiking in a cold climate, a hat with ear flaps is a good choice. It will keep your head and ears warm without making you too hot.
Rain Protection
A brimmed hat can help keep the rain off your face, which is always appreciated when you’re out on the trail.
Bushwhacking Protection
If you’re planning on doing a lot of bushwhacking, a brimmed hat is a good choice. It will protect your face from branches and the sun.
Dust/Debris Protection
A hat with a brim can also help keep dust and debris out of your eyes, which is always appreciated.
Improved Visibility
In low-light conditions, a brightly-colored or reflective hat can help make you more visible to other hikers – and to search and rescue teams if the need arises.
What Kind of Hat Should You Wear While Hiking?
There are plenty of different styles available, so it really depends on your personal preferences. Here are a few of the most popular options, along with a bit more information on each style:
Baseball cap
A ball cap is a good choice for hikes that are mostly walking on well-defined trails. They provide good sun protection and can also help keep the rain off your face.
- Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, good sun protection
- Cons: Not as warm as other options, can be difficult to keep on in windy conditions
- When to wear one: Ball caps are a good choice for shorter hikes in milder climates. They provide good sun protection and can also help keep the rain off your face.
- View Baseball Caps on Amazon
Boonie hat
A Boonie hat is a good choice for hikes that involve a lot of scrambling and bushwhacking. They provide excellent sun and rain protection and help keep debris out of your eyes.
- Pros: Good sun and rain protection, helps keep debris out of your eyes
- Cons: Not as warm as other options
- When to wear one: Boonie hats are also good for hikes in hot, sunny climates, especially on trails with lots of vegetation.
- View Boonie Hat’s on Amazon
Trail Runner hat
A trail runners hat is a good choice for hikers who want a light, comfortable option that provides good sun protection.
- Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, good sun protection
- Cons: Not as warm as other options
- When to wear one: Trail runner hats are a good choice for shorter hikes in milder climates. They provide good sun protection and can also help keep the rain off your face.
- View Trail Runner Hat’s on Amazon
Beanie
A beanie is a good choice for cold-weather hikes. They help keep your head and ears warm without being too bulky.
- Pros: Warm, lightweight
- Cons: Not as good sun protection as other options
- When to wear one: Beanies are a good choice for cold-weather hikes. They help keep your head and ears warm without being too bulky.
- View Beanie’s on Amazon
Balaclava
A balaclava is a good choice for very cold weather or for anyone who wants ultimate head and face protection.
- Pros: Extremely warm, good sun and wind protection
- Cons: Can be difficult to breathe in, can be hot in milder weather
- When to wear one: Balaclavas are a good choice for very cold weather – think winter in Vermont. They can also be worn in windy conditions to help keep the elements at bay
- View Balaclava’s on Amazon
Sun Hat
A sun hat is a good choice for hot, sunny hikes. They provide excellent sun protection and can also help keep your head cool.
- Pros: Good sun protection, can help keep your head cool
- Cons: Not as warm as other options
- When to wear one: Sun hats are a good choice for hot, sunny hikes. They provide excellent sun protection and can also help keep your head cool.
- View Sun Hats on Amazon
Ear Flap Hat
An ear flap hat is a good choice for cold-weather hikes. They provide good sun and wind protection, and they also help keep your head and ears warm.
- Pros: Good sun and wind protection, helps keep your head and ears warm
- Cons: Can be bulky, can be difficult to keep on in windy conditions
- When to wear one: Earflap hats are a good choice for cold-weather hikes. They provide good sun and wind protection, and they also help keep your head and ears warm.
- View Ear Flap Hats on Amazon
What To Look For In A Hiking Hat?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a hiking hat:
Sun Protection
Sun protection is the most important thing to look for in a hiking hat. Choose a hat with a wide brim that extends all the way around the hat. And, make sure it’s made from a material that will provide good sun protection.
Wind Protection
Wind protection is also important if you’re hiking in exposed areas. Choose a hat with a brim that will help keep the wind at bay. And, look for one that’s made from a wind-resistant material.
Water Resistance
If you’re hiking in rainy conditions, you’ll want a hat that’s water resistant. Look for one with a waterproof or water-repellant coating.
Thermal Protection
If you’re hiking in cold weather, you’ll want a hat that will help keep you warm. Choose a hat with ear flaps or a balaclava for extra warmth. And, look for one that’s made from a wind-resistant material.
Shape Of The Brim
The shape of the brim on your hiking hat can make a big difference in how well it protects you from the sun. A wide brim that extends all the way around the hat is going to provide the best protection.
Material
The material your hiking hat is made from will also play a role in how well it protects you from the sun. A hat made from a lightweight, breathable material like cotton is going to be more comfortable to wear in hot weather. But, it won’t provide as much sun protection as a hat made from a heavier material like wool.
Adjustability
An adjustable hiking hat is a good choice if you want to be able to adjust the fit of the hat to your head. This is especially important if you’re planning to wear the hat for extended periods.
A hiking hat can be a great way to protect yourself from the sun, wind, and rain. But, not all hats are created equal. Be sure to choose one that’s right for the conditions you’ll be hiking in.
Size Of The Hat
Make sure the hat is not too tight or too loose. A good fit is important to ensure the hat stays in place and doesn’t blow off in windy conditions.
Comfort
Hiking can be tough enough without having to deal with an uncomfortable hat. Choose a hiking hat that’s made from a breathable, lightweight material. And make sure it has an adjustable strap so you can customize the fit (if it’s a cap).
Conclusion
While a hiking hat isn’t entirely necessary, it can be very helpful in protecting you from the sun, the wind, and all the other elements you’ll encounter on the trail. Be sure to choose one that’s right for the conditions you’ll be hiking in and that fits well. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect hiking hat to keep you comfortable and protected on your next hike.
