The retro style continues with a chin strap that can be worn loose or tied up if it's a little breezy out. Gore-Tex is a thin layer of Teflon in-between layers of nylon and polyurethane. When added to fabric, it becomes waterproof. Gore-Tex is also lightweight and breathable, so the waterproof shell doesn’t make this hat any less comfortable. It’s still lightweight, foldable, and easy to toss in your bag. And even though it's designed without any air vents, it won’t trap sweat and heat when you wear it. Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.

In addition to the sun, many hiking hats can also protect you from other elements. On hot days, Rimon and Filley recommend a sun-protective hat that’s breathable to prevent you from overheating. In the rain, Rimon advises wearing a hat with a waterproof Gore-Tex shell. And on windy days, he recommends a hat with an adjustable chinstrap to keep it from blowing away. During colder months, an insulated hat with sun protection will keep you shielded from the weather. And if you’re worried about bugs, look for a hat finished with a bug-repellent treatment, like Outdoor Research’s Bugout Brim Hat. Whether you've got a holiday booked to tropical climes or you're getting a head start (ahem) on your seasonal wardrobe, it's always a good idea to be prepared with a sun hat that is both functional and stylish.

Comfort: Depending on the type of hiking you plan on doing, you may need to wear your hiking hat for eight or more hours a day. Therefore, look for something adjustable, as the fit is an important piece in comfort. Cotton may be comfortable and stylish, but it absorbs sweat and doesn’t breathe very well in hot climates. Cotton can still work for you, but I’d look another direction if you tend to break a significant sweat while you hike. As such, I’ve only included a few cotton hats in this post.

Breathability: Having a breathable hat can help your head stay comfortable. Many hiking hats are built from breathable materials or include mesh patches to increase airflow. Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa. There are some key features you can consider when shopping for sun hats: first of all, fabric. Cottons and natural woven fabrics offer breathability, while additional mesh panels are great for ventilation. This hat wins our Editors' Choice for Technical Use for being the highest performing and most versatile of the bunch Anything that mentions UPF 50 will give you added sun protection, while it's also important to pay attention to the size of the brim as this is what will keep you shaded.Insect Repellent: Not every hiking hat includes insect repellent, but some do have some sort of deterrent built into the material. If you’re hiking somewhere where bugs could be an issue, look for a hat that will keep them away from your head.