The Best Packable Sun Hats of 2024

The EINSKEY Waterproof Wide Brim Bucket Hat is every outdoor adventurer’s dream. The unisex style has multiple features and characteristics that align with hiking, camping, or any extended period of time spent outside. For starters, the water-repellent polyester material is incredibly lightweight and effective at preventing rain from getting through the barrier.

The hat maintains a UPF rating of 50+, and the brim measures nearly 4 inches, which means it works wonders to shield your eyes, face, and neck from the sun. Additional attributes include breathable mesh panels, a built-in sweatband, and a convenient ponytail hole. To ensure a proper fit, adjust the elastic drawstring and chin strap as needed. When not in use, it can be folded and stored in your hiking backpack.

Tips for Buying Packable Sun Hats

Choose a hat with a high UPF rating and adjustable features

A summer hat’s first job is to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. To determine just how well it will perform, look for its UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating. This number indicates how much a piece of clothing or accessory will protect against ultraviolet energy — and how much UV radiation could reach your skin. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a sun hat with a UPF of 30 or higher; the higher the UPF, the better. The highest UPF rating is 50+, which means the hat will block at least 98 percent of UV radiation. You’ll also want to consider a sun hat that has adjustable features — whether the brim itself can be molded to your preference, the chin straps can be tightened or loosened, or the band can be taken in or out to perfect the fit. This flexibility guarantees the hat will sit atop your head properly, and you’ll get the most wear from your purchase.

Think about your intended activity

Before you purchase a new sun hat for your Caribbean trip or Florida vacation, take a look at your itinerary. While a wide-brim sun hat is ideal for lounging at the beach, you may want something more secure for more active pursuits like hiking or running. Visors combine protection with ventilation (and they’re more comfortable for lying back in a chair). And if you’re going to be on a boat or somewhere especially windy, choose a hat with a chin strap to ensure it doesn’t blow away.

Consider the material

Sun hats come in a variety of different materials and fabrics, but some will keep you cooler and more covered than others. For the most part, you’ll want to stick with breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight materials, such as nylon, linen, straw, palm, and cotton. You can then narrow down your selection based on the materials’ qualities: straw is one of the most breathable options, but it’s harder to clean. Nylon, palm, and linen all serve to wick away moisture; cotton, although comfortable, doesn’t hold its shape when wet.