Staying cool in the summer sun can be a challenge. A high-quality cooling hat uses innovative fabrics and technology to keep your head cool and comfortable on hot days. The best cooling hats wick moisture, provide UV protection, and even employ cooling gels or ice packs.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed and ranked the top cooling hats on the market in 2023. We compared critical features like fabric, fit, level of cooling, and overall comfort and effectiveness. Whether you need maximum sun protection for all-day wear or a cooling cap to get you through a sweaty workout, we have an excellent option. Read on for the 10 best cooling hats that keep you feeling chill even when temperatures rise.
GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat for Men and Women
The GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Bucket Hat is unisex for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, gardening, and beach outings. It offers UV protection with a UPF rating of 50+, shielding the wearer from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The hat is 100% polyester, making it durable and suitable for machine washing. One of the critical features of this hat is its wide brim, which provides extensive coverage against the sun. The cap also includes a drawstring closure for easy adjustment and a perfect fit. It is breathable and comfortable, equipped with mesh vents to keep the head cool and dry. The hat is also water-resistant and quick-drying, making it ideal for use in various weather conditions.
The GearTOP hat is lightweight and packable, allowing it to be easily folded and fitted into any handbag or backpack. This makes it a convenient accessory for on-the-go sun protection. The hat is available in one size that fits adults with a head circumference of 22 – 23.5 inches. Customer reviews highlight the hat’s effectiveness in providing sun protection, comfort, and adjustability. Some users have noted that the cap can be heavy on windy days, but overall, the product has received positive feedback for its quality and functionality. The hat is priced at $14.99 and has a 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
MISSION Sun Defender Cooling Hat- Instant Cooling Technology.
The MISSION Sun Defender Cooling Hat is a high-performance gear designed to provide relief from heat and keep you cool and comfortable in hot conditions. This product is scientifically proven to absorb heat, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as gardening, golf, construction work, camping, hiking, baseball games, beach outings, and fly fishing. The hat features an instant cooling technology that activates when wet, reducing the temperature by 30 degrees below average body temperature in under 30 seconds. This cooling effect lasts up to 2 hours, and the hat can be easily reactivated by re-wetting and snapping it.
In addition to its cooling properties, the hat offers UPF 50-UV protection, shielding you from harmful UV sun rays. It is machine washable and incorporates a permanent chemical-free cooling technology that will not wash out, ensuring long-lasting use. The hat is designed with a wide brim and a neck guard, providing comprehensive coverage against the sun. It also includes an elastic closure for an adjustable fit, making it suitable for both men and women. The hat is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
The MISSION Sun Defender Cooling Hat is available on Amazon.com and has received positive customer reviews for its effective cooling performance, sun protection, and comfort. It is priced at $24.98 and comes in a green color. The product was first available on February 21, 2023, and as of August 16, 2023, it ranks #9,916 in Sports & Outdoors and #90 in Fishing Hats on Amazon.
Arctic Air Hats
The Arctic Air Hat is a unique product that provides cooling and UV protection. This hat uses controlled evaporative cooling technology, where the inner liner retains cool water and slowly evaporates it, keeping your head up to 20°F cooler. You wet the inner lining and wear the hat to activate this feature. This provides instant relief from heat and can keep you cool for hours. In addition to its cooling properties, the Arctic Air Hat also offers UV protection. It has a built-in radiant barrier deflects and blocks 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and reflects 80% of its heat. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor activities in sunny conditions.
The hat is made from durable, breathable, and lightweight materials, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The same technology used in the Arctic Air Hat is also used by professional athletes, the US military, and emergency services, attesting to its effectiveness. The Arctic Air Hat is adjustable and designed to fit most sizes, making it suitable for the whole family. It’s perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, golfing, fishing, walking, and camping.
The hat is available for $19.99 and has a free return policy. If unsatisfied with the product, you can return it in new and unused condition without shipping charges. The product dimensions are 14.17 x 16.14 x 3.74 inches, weighing 5.61 ounces. Customer reviews for the Arctic Air Hat are generally positive, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 4,934 ratings. Users have praised the hat for its cooling capabilities and UV protection, with many stating that it significantly improves comfort during hot and sunny days.
EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women
The EINSKEY Sun Hat is a versatile and practical accessory for men and women. It is beneficial for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, gardening, or beach outings. The hat is made from 100% polyester, making it water-repellent and suitable for wear in drizzling rain. One of the critical features of this hat is its wide brim, measuring 3.9 inches, which provides ample sun protection for the face and neck. This feature is further enhanced by the hat’s UPF 50+ rating, ensuring maximum protection against harmful UV rays.
The hat also boasts a breathable design, with mesh panels that allow moisture and heat to escape, keeping the wearer cool throughout the day. An in-built sweatband aids in removing sweat from the eyes and face. The EINSKEY Sun Hat is adjustable and unisex, fitting head circumferences of 22-24 inches. It has an elastic drawstring at the rear and an adjustable chin strap to secure the hat on windy days. A unique feature of this hat is its foldability. It can be folded in half, making it easy to carry in bags and ideal for travel. However, some users have noted that the folding feature can affect the aesthetic quality of the hat, causing it to appear uneven when worn.
Despite this minor drawback, the hat has received positive reviews for its functionality and value for money. It is praised for its excellent sun protection, comfort, breathability, and adjustability. Some users have also appreciated its lightweight and packable design, although others found it slightly bulky for travel. The EINSKEY Sun Hat is available in various colors and is priced at $14.99. It can be hand-washed with mild detergent and should be hung dry. Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Lifeguard Beach Sun Straw Hat
Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Lifeguard Beach Sun Straw Hat
The Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Lifeguard Beach Sun Straw Hat is a high-quality fashion accessory for those seeking comfort and performance in adventure sports. The hat is made from 100% raffia straw fiber, which should not be submerged in water or stored in a way that compromises the integrity of the hat crown. The Pierside hat features classic styling with its weaved straw construction, wide brim, lined headband, and adjustable chin strap. This makes it ideal for beach days, yard work, or outdoor adventures. The hat includes an elastic draw cord chin strap, a toggle to customize your fit, and a lined headband for added comfort.
The product has received positive customer reviews, with many praising its comfortable fit and adequate sun protection. However, some customers have noted that the hat can start to fall apart after some use and may not hold up well if it gets incredibly wet or is sat on. Despite these concerns, many customers would still recommend the product due to its quality and functionality.
The hat is available in various sizes, and according to customer feedback, it fits true to size. It is sold for $22.00 and rated 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 18,600 ratings. The product was first available on December 16, 2015, and is manufactured by Quiksilver Young Men’s Sportswear.
Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat Wide Brim Fishing Hat with Neck Flap
The Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat Wide Brim Fishing Hat with Neck Flap is a versatile and practical accessory for outdoor enthusiasts. This hat is designed to provide optimal sun protection, making it an essential item for summer. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, gardening, traveling, fishing, hunting, cycling, boating, and beach or pool visits.
The hat features a large brim that shades the forehead effectively, while the neck flap offers excellent protection for the neck and ears. The hat is made from premium polyester/nylon material, which is breathable, quick-drying, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. It also includes mesh vents for cooling airflow through the crown, a moisture-wicking sweatband, and an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit.
One of the key features of this hat is its UPF 50+ rating, which means it can block out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. The cap is also equipped with a drawstring closure and should be hand-washed only. It is available in one size that fits head circumferences between 22″-23.23″ (56-59cm), and customers have reported that it fits true to size. Home Prefer, and ships from Amazon sell the hat. It is eligible for return, refund, or replacement within 30 days of receipt. The product is priced at $17.99 and has received positive reviews from customers who praised its sun protection, comfort, and durability.
Quiksilver Men’s Bushmaster Sun Protection Floppy Visor Bucket Hat
The Quiksilver Men’s Bushmaster Sun Protection Floppy Visor Bucket Hat is a highly-rated outdoor accessory that combines style, functionality, and durability. This hat is made from 100% cotton and is designed to provide optimal sun protection with its large brim that shields the face and neck from harsh sunlight. It features an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit, even in windy conditions, making it ideal for various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The hat’s design pays attention to detail, with lightweight and breathable fabric that keeps the wearer cool even on hot days. Its moisture-wicking properties help keep sweat at bay, ensuring comfort during outdoor pursuits. The hat’s rugged aesthetic adds a touch of adventure to any look while maintaining a timeless charm.
Durability is a crucial feature of this hat, with solid stitching and quality materials that ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. This hat is still considered well-constructed and reliable despite changes in manufacturing practices. However, some users have noted that the cap can be tight and uncomfortable when worn for long periods. The Quiksilver Men’s Bushmaster Sun Protection Floppy Visor Bucket Hat is available in various sizes and colors, catering to different preferences. It is priced between $20.80 and $23.50, which many users find reasonable given its quality and performance. As of August 2023, the hat has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,907 global ratings on Amazon, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Arctic Air Hats
The Arctic Air Adjustable Sports Cap is a beige hat that provides cooling and UV protection. The cap, made in the USA, is composed of 52% Polyester, 32% Nylon, 10% EVA, 2% POM, 2% Cotton, and 2% Metal. It features a buckle closure and is recommended to be hand-washed only. The hat’s unique feature is its hydro-chill technology—an evaporative lining that holds and gradually releases water for continuous cooling. This technology, combined with the hat’s built-in barrier that reflects the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays, helps keep the wearer cool. For a maximum cooling effect, it is suggested to wet the hat first before wearing it.
The Arctic Air Hat is lightweight and breathable, with ventilated panels allowing air to flow freely. It is adjustable and one size fits all, making it suitable for various head sizes. It is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, golfing, fishing, walking, and camping, and is also perfect for travel and vacations. The product has been purchased over 400 times in the past month and viewed over 3,000 times. It is sold by ONTEL Products and shipped from Amazon. The hat costs $17.80, with an additional shipping and import fee deposit of $22.37 to Saudi Arabia, bringing the total cost to $40.17.
The product has received positive customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 2,200 ratings. Customers have praised the hat for its effectiveness in keeping the head cool and protecting against the sun’s heat. However, some customers noted that the cooling effect does not last long in hot weather and needs to be re-wet frequently. The Arctic Air Adjustable Sports Cap was first available on January 2, 2020, and its manufacturer is Arctic Air. The product dimensions are 8.2 x 7.1 x 4.35 inches, weighing 2.4 ounces. The item model number is ACAP-CD6, categorized under the Men’s department. As of August 23rd, 2023, it ranks #86,344 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry and #497 in Men’s Baseball Caps on Amazon.
HLLMAN Super Wide Brim Sun Hat
The HLLMAN Super Wide Brim Sun Hat is a high-quality outdoor accessory that protects against harmful UV rays. The hat is made from 100% nylon, which ensures efficient moisture wicking, making it lightweight, washable, quick-drying, and water/stain resistant. The hat features a wide brim of 5.5 inches that protects the face, ears, and neck from the sun’s rays. It also offers UPF 50+ protection, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities. The hat is also equipped with mesh panels that span the entire head circumference, allowing for ventilation and keeping the head cool even on the hottest and most humid days.
The hat comes in one size that fits most adults, with an adjustable size ranging from 22.8 to 24.2 inches. It also includes an adjustable chin drawstring for securing the hat, especially on windy days. The hat suits various outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, gardening, traveling, fishing, boating, hunting, safari, beach, pool, yard work, and field research. Despite its wide brim, the hat is foldable and packable, making it a convenient travel essential. It is available in several colors, including light grey, dark grey, khaki, and army green. HLLMAN sells the hat and can be returned, refunded, or replaced within 30 days of receipt. The cap is priced at $19.99.
Sunday Afternoons unisex-adult Ultra Adventure Hat
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is a versatile and durable product designed for outdoor enthusiasts. This hat results from 30 years of innovation by a family-owned company that prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility in its manufacturing processes. The hat is designed to be both durable and comfortable, with features such as UPF 50+ sun rating, crown ventilation, and a wicking sweatband for added comfort during wear. The hat is made from bluesign-certified main body fabric, an environmentally friendly material. It also has a PFC-free, durable, water-repellent finish, making it suitable for various weather conditions. One of the standout features of this hat is its foldable brim, which allows it to be packed up small for easy transportation. Reflective panels are also included to ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
The Ultra Adventure Hat has been well-received by customers, earning a 4.6 out of 5-star rating based on 182 global ratings. Customers have praised the hat for its quality construction, good fit, and adequate sun protection. Some users have also highlighted its suitability for driving due to the wide brim at the front and sides but not at the back, which prevents interference with car headrests. The hat is available in multiple sizes, including Small-Medium and large-X-large, and can be hand-washed and line-dried. It comes in various colors, including Sand and Cinder/Gray. The hat is priced between $41.64 and $41.99, with free returns on some sizes and colors.