Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa. The Kids' Play Hat is close to perfect, but it's not quite. It has a very rigid brim, which is great for protection. However, that rigidness in the brim carries inside to where the hat meets the head. This is less comfortable than some hats with a softer brim. Also, this doesn't have a liner, which would have made it even more comfortable than it already is. Overall, this is a great hat and a favorite among all our testers, both kids and adults. Really cute and great quality material', says one five-star review. How much are the best sun hats for women? It's made from 100% cotton poplin, with a soft foldable design you can carry in your bag and pull out when you need it. 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.

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.To find the best hiking hats, we spoke with Dr. Hadley King, M.D.,dermatologist at Dr. Hadley King Dermatology, Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D.,dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, Justin Rimon,outdoor guide and founder of Just Trek, Alicia Filley, PT, MS,physical therapist and hiking guide, and Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI, walking coach, running coach, and group fitness instructor. King and Ilyas walked us through the basics of sun protection, helping us narrow down which hiking hats had enough UPF protection. Rimon and Filley provided their expertise on other features hiking hats need, like durability, comfort, and fit. Stanten explained how these features can translate to a better hiking experience out on the trail. Unlike safari clothes or safari boots, we would say everyone needs a hat when on safari. Especially in East Africa! Most people coming on safari are from more Northern climates away from the equator and are unaware of the sun’s damage around Africa. The sun near the center of the earth is intense and can leave you sunburned in a matter of minutes. 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. Keep in mind you don’t have to get a safari hat, a regular hiking hat will keep the sun out of your eyes as well! Hiking hats can keep you comfortable in a range of different conditions—protecting you from the sun, shielding you during downpours, and even keeping pesky bugs at bay. “A hiking hat can greatly improve your overall experience in the great outdoors,” Justin Rimon, outdoor guide and founder of Just Trek, says. “You want to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible on your adventures and not feel miserable from nature’s elements.”

DREAMING of summer days? These are the best sun hats for women that you'll want to snap up this year. Before we explore the best hiking hats on the market, let’s discuss what to look for in a hiking hat and the three main types of hiking hats.To ensure that we recommend only top-notch products to you, we analyzed each hat for six essential considerations when putting this list together. Here they are: Materials The Sun Hat: This hat boasts a wide brim to protect you from the sun, and it’s especially useful for hikes without much natural shade. It usually has a chin strap. Not only does a sun hat provide much-needed shade from the strong rays of the sun, but many fabrics are treated with UPF which protects your skin from ultraviolet rays. If you’re going to be wearing something on your head all day, making sure that it is comfortable is a no-brainer. Although safari pith helmets are world famous for being the headwear of famous British explorers and look great in safari photos, they’re terribly uncomfortable. Yes, we’ve tried them. 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.

Why do we hikers wear hats on the trail in the first place? To shield us from the sun’s pesky UV rays, of course. To cover all the bases, I’ve recommended a variety of hats that’ll provide varying degrees of sun protection. Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans. 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. 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. 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.This is hands down our favorite hat for kids because it's comfortable, looks good, and is very protective