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Finding a waterproof hat might not seem like a top priority when you plan on going hiking or traveling, but that will likely change with the slightest rain. Sometimes a waterproof hat even comes in handy at the beach if, for example, you want to stand in the water and still have sun protection.
However you plan on using it, it can be tough to decide on the best option if you haven’t owned one before, so this guide will lead you through the process.
Waterproof hats can be beneficial during almost any outdoor activity. Whether it’s a simple walk in the fresh air or a hiking trip, a waterproof hat will often come in handy.
Some of the main things to have in mind when buying this type of hat are to get your money’s worth with breathable materials, sun protection, and a lightweight design. There are other factors that can make a big difference in terms of comfort, convenience, and effectiveness, so take a look at some important ones below.
Perhaps the most important thing is that you feel comfortable wearing the hat and that the materials are breathable. It’s best to use nylon or polyester hats with mesh lining. These waterproof materials will keep the rain off your face.
Hats of these materials are also good options for using at the beach when you want sun protection without worrying about a water-logged hat.
It’s also crucial to purchase a hat with a wide brim, especially if you are going to be spending some time in the sun. When it comes to sun protection, a wide brim is key to protecting your eyes, face, and neck from UV rays.
Hot Tip: Some waterproof hats come with adjustable brims, so you can raise or lower the edges as you like.
As much as the waterproof factor is important on the outside, the anti-sweating belt is the most important factor on the inside. You can find quality waterproof hats with a sweat-absorbent belt that keeps your forehead cool and dry.
Many outdoor adventures involving the possibility of water are warm-weather activities, so a sweatband for overall wearability shouldn’t be overlooked.
You can find some polyester waterproof hats that are easy to wash and just as easy to dry. Especially when venturing into nature, you will want a hat that can be quickly cleaned and ready to use again.
That’s where fast-drying materials come in — such hats make the best options if you need to be on the go constantly while traveling.
Hot Tip: For more waterproof gear, check out our guides to waterproof shoes, waterproof socks, waterproof jackets, and waterproof pants.
With all these aspects in mind, let’s dive into the top picks for the best and most versatile waterproof hats. The listed items vary by brim size, materials, and purposes, but all will serve you well.
One of the best overall options for hiking and spending the day in nature is Hillman’s super-wide-brim bucket hat. With an extremely large brim ring of 5.5 inches, you will never have to worry about water — or sun — reaching your face.
It has UPF 50+ protection, combining sun protection with the waterproof properties of the hat. Because of this, it is a multipurpose hat, and the 100% nylon material makes for easy cleaning and drying.
It’s also stain-resistant, which is a good thing if you plan on spending time outside. Finally, the lightweight design makes it breathable and ensures that the hat is suitable for most users.
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If you are looking for a compact and lightweight waterproof hat that you can put in your backpack just in case, look no further. The Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero is a great option to protect you from rain, and it easily fits into any storage space.
With a solid pattern and a 100% nylon build, it’s also durable and dries quickly. It’s great for sun protection with a UPF 50+ factor, and there’s even a removable chin cord. The fabric and pattern of the hat allow the highest comfort while wearing it, making it a great option.
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Adjustable waterproof hats are great for a wide range of uses, and one of the most versatile options is the Ordenado Waterproof Sun Hat. Throughout the cap and the brim, you can see the breathable mesh design that allows for airflow.
It offers ultimate sun protection with UPF 50+ graded UV ray protection, and it can be used for fishing, hiking, traveling, and almost every outdoor activity. Most importantly, if you’re on the go, this hat can be quickly washed and dried for further use.
It also comes with a sweat-absorbent belt, which is especially important on hot summer days. The hat is fully adjustable, meaning you can adjust the chin strap with an anti-drop button.
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Having a packable waterproof hat can be useful when you simply want to prepare yourself for bad weather. That’s where the Frogg Toggs waterproof bucket hat comes in handy, as it can be folded and packed into even the smallest of spaces.
Regardless of how you pack it, you can easily use it without any adjustment. It’s perfect for unexpected rain, or even for wearing to the beach. It has a shock-cord tension adjustment and a short brim that’s just wide enough to protect your eyes and neck.
The UPF 50+ sun protection makes this hat a great option for a wide range of outdoor activities.
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A unique solution for rainy and humid weather, the Hairbrella satin-lined waterproof hat has an adjustable and foldable strap closure that is easy to use. When folded, the hat’s size is perfect for carrying in a bag or a backpack.
It’s made of waterproof microfiber polyester, and it’s satin-lined for maximum comfort. It offers complete coverage for your hair when unfolded, with additional protection for the face and eyes in the form of a visor. The satin-lined interior really is a nice touch when it comes to wearing comfort.
This hat also comes with an integrated storage pouch, so you can take it with you when tackling the outdoors.
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The Sealskinz cap for all weather conditions is the perfect blend of a cold-weather hat and a waterproof cap with sun protection. It has 3 layers that provide comfort and warmth. The sturdy peak protects your face from water and your eyes from the sun.
The middle layer is waterproof, while the inner and outer layers are made of polyester for breathability. It can even serve as a great option for going to the beach, making it a good versatile choice.
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This hat’s simple design might not grab your attention at first, but you will quickly realize the benefits of the Angela & William bucket rain hat. It has a single-piece circumference of up to 22.8 inches, which is more than enough to protect your face and neck.
It also has UV protection, and the wide brim serves as a sufficient shield for your eyes. It comes with a carrying pouch, and the 100% elastic polyester allows for it to be folded easily. So, you can pack it up and bring it along for outdoor activities without having to wear it constantly.
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If you are looking for a universal solution for any outdoor adventure, the Lufute outdoor sun hat is a great option. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used for fishing, as it can cater to a wide range of activities with a foldable design and 100% waterproof material.
It comes with a wide brim and adjustable chin strap, and the best part is it also protects against UV rays with UPF 50+ grade protection. It’s made of 100% polyester with quick-drying mesh lining to help you use it again even after getting it completely wet.
You can easily carry it out on the beach, while fishing, hiking, or any kind of outdoor activity as it has a simple design suitable for most occasions.
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If you don’t care about the design and simply want to have a 100% reliable waterproof hat that prevents any liquid from coming through, this is the one. The Zero Restriction bucket hat relies on Gore-Tex membrane technology to create one of the most reliable waterproof builds available.
Having been used as a waterproof material for decades, the Gore-Tex membrane needs no further introduction. This hat is hand-wash only, and it’s a fitted hat suitable for both men and women. With 100% waterproof material and a wide brim, it meets all the requirements you’re likely looking for.
Zero Restriction’s adjustable-fit hat is a great all-around solution for those wishing to get the most out of a waterproof hat.
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A great option for those looking for a bit of extra comfort is the Frogg Toggs Pilot II. It comes with several additional features that make it a higher quality option than most other waterproof hats.
For instance, the taped and sealed seams and adjustable cord lock are the main additions to the cap part. With a Teflon DWR coating, liquids just slip right off of it without any moisture getting through. It’s made from Frogg Toggs DriPore Gen2 Pilot material with a 100% polyester build.
It also has an adjustable chin strap and a wide brim that ensures no water gets near your face. The sun protection isn’t the main focus of this hat, but you can still get sufficient protection for your neck, thanks to the wide brim ring.
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Since a waterproof hat can come in handy in various situations while venturing outdoors, it’s good to have an idea of the best options you can find. The hats on this list should suffice not only for hiking and fishing, which are the usual applications, but also for going to the beach or traveling in general.
The most important thing is to find a hat with 100% waterproof material rather than a water-resistant one that can’t handle heavy rain. Moreover, the best choice also has a lot to do with wearing comfort and sun protection, so a hat with a single-piece circumference might be the best one to keep an eye out for.
The 100% waterproof hats are best for rain protection because of the water-deflecting materials used. However, you should also pay attention to the hat’s circumference and look for a wide brim that will allow pouring water to run off the edge and prevent it from reaching your face and neck.
If you are looking for a waterproof hat, you should look for a hat made of 100% nylon or 100% polyester. Some waterproof membrane technologies like the Gore-Tex are better for water deflection than others, so it’s also important to look for reliable and tested options among waterproof materials.
When buying a waterproof hat, it’s best if you go for an option that has at least a 2-inch-wide brim, which should suffice to protect your face from water. Better yet, if you can find a reliable waterproof hat with a brim size of 5 inches or more, that could be the best solution.
If you’re venturing outdoors, and especially if you plan on going to the beach, you could benefit from a waterproof hat with UV protection. However, not all the options are suitable for this purpose, so make sure to look for a UPF 50+ designation on a hat if this is relevant to you.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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