The Best Sun Hat Review

Protection
We chose protection as the most important rating because this is usually the reason you buy a sun hat in the first place. The best hats have enough protection to keep you fully protected throughout the day while still maintaining your sense of dignity. The most effective hats had capes that went down the back of them, completely covering your neck, and had high UPF ratings. The Top Pick award winning Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is the perfect example of this. Keep in mind that the most protective hats are usually not the most stylish.

Comfort
Comfort is essential in a sun hat. If your hat isn't comfortable it's less likely that you will grab it while going out the door whereas the most comfortable hats you want to wear even when it isn't sunny out. The most comfortable hats are usually very soft internally and are very lightweight. The Outdoor Research Sun Bucket and the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap were the winners in this category.

Breathability
Breathability is key when selecting a sun hat. On hot days when the sun is beating down on your head, you will want a hat that not only protects you but that allows the pent up heat to escape. The best hats have ample ventilation and are made with breathable fabrics so that your head can stay cool on hot days. The most breathable hat we tested was the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat. It has some of the most breathable fabric we tested and also is covered in mesh ventilation so that you can stay cool.
Durability
A good durable sun hat will last you a lifetime of healthy skin. The most durable hats are well made with strong materials and a crushable brim. The best ones can be crushed for days without the brim being affected at all and are able to be tossed around carelessly without worry. The worst can't even be crushed and fall apart at the seams over a short time. The most durable hats we tested were the Tilley hats – each one was given our maximum rating for durability. Tilley T3 Cotton Duck Hat, Tilley T5MO Organic Cotton airflo Hat, Tilley LTM3 Airflo Hat.

Style
Style can make or break your dignity; it is often what your decision of a hat will ultimately come down to. The most stylish hats have sleek classic looks, while the least stylish have huge brims and weird capes. Usually the more protective a hat is the less stylish it is. So you will have to make the decision for yourself as to how much protection to sacrifice so that you look good. The most stylish hat we tested in our opinion was the Coolibar Crushable Ventilated Canvas Hat. We didn't think the brim was too large and it has a very classy look to it.

Winners

Editors Choice
The Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat is the overall best hat we tested. It has great protection, and is very breathable while still maintaining its comfort and durability. It's not the most stylish hat we tested.
Top Pick
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap won our Top Pick award for being the most protective hat we tested and one of the most comfortable.
Best Buy
The REI Paddlers Hat wins the Best Buy award for being the best value hat at a very reasonable price. It was especially good with protection, comfort, and breathability.