How to choose a hiking hat: The ultimate guide.
Are you gearing up for your next outdoor adventure? If so, you’re going to need the right gear. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a good hat. Hiking hats are used for protection from the sun and rain, and they can also help keep you warm on colder days. In this post, we’ll review the best hiking hats available today.
Let’s begin with a simple question: what hiking hats are used for? Then we well see together the three kinds of hats you can choose , and some important requirements and considerations when selecting your hiking hat.
What hiking hat is used for?
This kind of hat is used for protection from the sun and rain, and they can also help keep you warm on colder days.
What are the 3 types of hiking hat
Wide brimmed:
Hiking hats with wide brims offer the most sun protection. They’re ideal for hot, sunny days when you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Many wide brimmed hats also have features like mesh panels or built-in sunglasses that help keep you cool and comfortable.
Flap or caped:
A hiking hat with a cape is a great option for days when you need a little more coverage. The cape helps keep the sun off your neck and shoulders, and it also provides some extra warmth on colder days. Hiking caps with capes are typically made from lightweight materials like nylon or polyester, which makes them breathable and easy to pack.
Ball cap:
Ball caps are a popular choice for hikers because they’re lightweight and packable. They don’t offer as much sun protection as wide brimmed hats, but they’re great for keeping the sun out of your eyes. Ball caps also tend to be more comfortable than other types of hats, since they don’t have a tight band around the head.
Requirements to Choose a hiking hat
To choose a hat, you must respect some of the requirement bellow.
Fit:
Hiking hat should fit snugly but not be too tight. It should also have an adjustable strap or band that helps keep the hat in place, even on windy days. With an adjustable hiking hat you can adjust the fit throughout the day for more confort.
Weight:
Hiking hats shouldn’t weigh you down. Look for a hat made from lightweight materials like nylon or polyester.
Breathability:
Hiking hats should be breathable to help keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. Look for features like mesh panels or vents.
Packability:
Hiking hats should be easy to pack so you can take them with you on all your adventures. Look for a hat that folds or rolls up easily.
Points you should consider before buying a hat for hiking
There are also many points that You should also consider when you choose a hat:
MATERIAL:
The material of your hiking hat is also important. Hiking hats are typically made from nylon or polyester, which are both lightweight and breathable materials. However, you may also find hats made from other materials like wool or cotton. It’s important to choose a material that will keep you comfortable on hot days.
SUN PROTECTION:
Hiking hats should offer sun protection. A UPF rating of 50+ is standard and means that the hat will block more than 98% of harmful UV rays.
Some hats, such as those with mesh areas, don’t come with a UPF rating. This is often because they might not shield you from UV rays as well as other hats do. Make sure to always check the UPF rating of any hat before you buy it to ensure you’re getting the best sun protection possible.
RAIN PROTECTION:
Hiking hats should also offer some protection from the rain. Look for a hat with a water-resistant or waterproof material.
WIND PROTECTION:
Hiking hats should be able to withstand windy conditions. Look for a hat with an adjustable strap or band that helps keep the hat in place.
WIDTH: 2 ½ INCHES OR MORE:
When looking for a hiking hat, make sure to get one with a minimum visor or brim width of 2 ½ inches. If the visor is shorter, you won’t get the necessary sun protection.
FABRIC: PREFER A SYNTHETIC FABRICS
Tightly-woven synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester offer the best protection from the sun. They’re also lightweight and breathable, which helps keep you cool and comfortable on hot days.
You should avoid loosely-woven fabrics like cotton, which don’t offer as much sun protection. Loosely-woven fabrics can also be heavier and less breathable, which can make you feel hotter on warm days.
COLOR: DARKER COLORS ABSORB SUNLIGHT, LIGHTER COLORS REFLECT IT
While the color of your hiking hat doesn’t affect its performance, it can be an important consideration for some hikers. Many people prefer to hike in hats that are brightly colored or have reflective strips. This helps them stay visible to other hikers and reduces the risk of getting lost.
Lighter colors like white, silver, and beige reflect sunlight and help keep you cool. Darker colors like black, green, and blue absorb sunlight and can make you feel hotter.
REFLECTIVE MATERIALS:
Hiking hats with reflective materials help you stay visible to other hikers and reduce the risk of getting lost.
MESH VS NO-MESH: MAXIMUM BREATHABILITY, MINIMAL SUN PROTECTION
Hats with mesh panels or vents offer maximum breathability. However, they don’t provide as much sun protection as solid hats do.
If you choose a hat with mesh, make sure to also pack a sunscreen and apply it liberally to your face and neck.
LINING: HELPS KEEPING YOUR HEAD COOL
A lining can help wick away sweat and keep your head cool and comfortable. It’s especially important on hot days.
You may find hats with a removable lining, which is a nice feature if you want to be able to wash the hat or adjust the level of insulation.
SIZING: SEARCH FOR EASILY ADJUSTABLE HATS
Hiking hats come in a variety of sizes. Make sure to try on the hat before you buy it to ensure a good fit.
Look for a hiking hat that’s easy to adjust. Many hats have an adjustable strap or band that helps you get the perfect fit.
Some hiking hats are also available in different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your head.
INSECT PROTECTION: YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
Hiking hats don’t usually offer much protection from insects. If you’re hiking in an area with mosquitoes or other biting insects, you’ll need to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
You may also want to consider wearing a head net over your hiking hat for added protection from insects.
SUNGLASS LOCK: A NEAT LITTLE FEATURE
Where can you keep your sunglasses with a hiking hat? The answer is simple: a sunglass Lock
A sunglass lock is a neat little feature that helps keep your sunglasses in place.The sunglass lock is usually a small piece of fabric or elastic that’s attached to the hat. It goes around the arms of your sunglasses and helps keep them from falling off.
How to wash your hiking hat while hiking?
Most hiking hats can be machine-washed on the gentle cycle. You may want to wash your hat by hand if it’s made of a delicate material.
To help keep your hat in good condition, avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. You should also avoid putting your hiking hat in the dryer. Hang it up to air dry instead.
But if you are in a hiking journey, to wash your hat you must respect these steps:
– Find a stream or river.
– Fill your pot with water and place it on your stove.
– Place your hat in the water and let it soak for a few minutes.
– Gently scrub your hat with a soft brush to remove any dirt or sweat.
– Rinse your hat in clean water.
– Hang your hat up to air dry.
When should you replace your hiking hat?
You should replace your hat if it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear. If the fabric is fraying or the color is fading, it’s time for a new hat. You should also replace your hiking hat if it no longer fits well or feels comfortable.
Conclusion:
Hiking hat is an essential piece of gear for any hiker. In this post, we’ve reviewed how to choose the best hats. When selecting a hat, make sure to consider fit, weight, breathability, and packability. Here you’ll surely find a hiking hat that will suit you
And don’t forget to pack insect repellent and sunscreen, and you should remember, stay safe and have fun!
