It's often left forgotten at the bottom of the rucksack, which is a mistake: on the trail, a hat isn't just for comfort, it's a safety essential. At altitude, UV intensity increases by around 10% every 1,000 metres, and sunstroke can turn a great day out into a miserable one. Choosing the right hat means protecting your head, face and neck whilst staying cool.
A good hiking hat comes down to three things: its UV protection (the UPF rating), its coverage (wide brim, neck flap) and its breathability. We'll cover all of that below — but first, here are three styles we'd recommend depending on what you need.
Our selection
Three hats for three different needs: the anti-UV hat with maximum protection, the compact bucket hat that slips into any rucksack, and a women's style that combines protection with good looks. You can also browse our full range of hiking hats and caps.
Why a hat is essential for hiking
Your head and neck are the most exposed areas when you're walking for hours under the sun. Without protection, the risk isn't just sunburn: it's sunstroke and heat exhaustion, which bring on headaches, nausea and sudden fatigue - sometimes far from help. Up in the mountains, the cleaner air and the glare bouncing off rock or snow make the exposure even more intense. A simple hat cuts this risk right down and keeps you clear-headed and in good shape right to the end of the trail.
Types of hats: which one for what?
Not all headwear is equal when it comes to terrain. Three main types cover most of what you'll need:
- The wide-brimmed hat. The best all-round protection: it covers your face, ears and the back of your neck. The top choice for high-altitude treks, full sun and desert terrain.
- The packable bucket hat. Lighter, it folds up and fits in a pocket. Perfect for short walks through woodland, when packability matters more than maximum coverage.
- The cap with neck flap. Well-ventilated for intense effort, as long as you choose a style with a flap that covers the back of your neck - otherwise the protection is only partial.
For long days out in full sun, a wide-brimmed hat is the safest bet: it shades the whole face, whereas a cap leaves your ears and the back of your neck exposed. It's also the most versatile option - it shields you from light rain, cuts the glare when you're heading downhill into the sun, and gives you that proper adventurer look to boot. If you could only take one piece of headwear on a trek, this would be it: maximum coverage for next to no weight.
£32.90
Pay in 4 instalments of £8.22 with no fees using Shop Pay
UV protection: understanding the UPF rating
This is the number one safety criterion. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how well a fabric blocks the sun's rays: a rating of UPF 50+ stops around 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Aim for at least UPF 40+, especially at altitude or on reflective terrain. Note: a pale or loosely woven hat lets through more rays than a dense, certified anti-UV fabric — colour and material matter just as much as shape. Always check the rating before you buy. To understand sun exposure by location and season, the Sécurité Solaire association publishes useful guidance on the UV index.
Materials and comfort
To walk for hours without discomfort, the fabric makes all the difference. Synthetic materials (nylon, polyester) are lightweight, dry in no time after a shower or a sweaty climb, and often come with built-in UV protection. Also look for a sweat-wicking band on the inside, eyelets or mesh panels to let heat escape, and a chin strap or drawcord — essential as soon as there's wind on a ridge, or you risk watching your hat sail off into thin air.
Don't forget your eyes
A hat protects your head, but not your eyes. At altitude, UV rays also attack your eyes, and the glare off snow or pale rock can tire your vision, or even cause a painful case of "snow blindness" after prolonged exposure. A pair of sunglasses suited to the mountains (category 3, or even 4 on a glacier) rounds off your protection and makes a real difference to visual comfort on long, sunny outings. Look for lenses that filter 100% of UV rays and, if possible, wraparound arms that block light from the sides. Hat plus sunglasses: that's the duo that keeps you comfortable and sharp-eyed, from the moment you set off to the moment you get back.
£25.90
Pay in 4 instalments of £6.47 interest-free with Shop Pay
Men's, women's, kids': there's a style for everyone
The protection logic stays the same for everyone - only the cut and head size change. Women's styles often feature softer brims and a more refined look without compromising on protection. For children, whose skin is more delicate, a covering hat with a chin strap is non-negotiable once the sun's out. The key thing: a snug fit that's neither too loose (it'll blow off) nor too tight (it'll be uncomfortable).
The summary
To choose at a glance based on your terrain and priorities, here are the three main types compared:
| Type | Protection | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-brimmed hat | Face, ears AND neck | High-altitude trekking, full sun, desert |
| Compact bucket hat | Good, folds easily | Short walks, woodland, weight/packability |
| Cap + neck flap | Face + neck | Intense effort, good ventilation |
Kitting yourself out properly, head to toe
The hat is just one part of your protection. To head out with real peace of mind, remember to pack the essentials in your rucksack (sun cream, water, first aid kit) and to choose footwear suited to your terrain. The right kit all round makes for a successful walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UPF rating should you choose for a walking hat? Aim for UPF 40+ as a minimum, and UPF 50+ (98% of UV rays blocked) for altitude, full sun or reflective terrain like snow and pale rock.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap? A wide-brimmed hat gives better protection (face, ears, neck) and suits full sun. A cap ventilates better during intense effort, but choose one with a neck flap.
Is a UV-protective hat really worth it? Yes: a certified anti-UV fabric blocks far more rays than an ordinary pale or loose-weave hat. In the mountains, where sun exposure is stronger, it's a genuine safety benefit.
How do you stop your hat blowing away? Choose a style with a chin strap or toggle cord, adjusted under the chin or at the back of the head. Essential on ridgelines and in windy conditions.
