Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). If youre out on the water, youll want a hat that protects your ears and neck from the reflective waves. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is an improvement on a model that was already a favorite (a former top pick in our beach and pool guide). Mesh fabrics allow more damaging UVR to pass through, advised Quale. If [the hat is] more breathable and letting some of that heat get away then Ill be able to wear it longer. We picked hats that featured highly breathable fabric and that also allowed heat to escape from the head through strategically placed vents. Though the Ultra Adventure Hat was among the more breathable of the models we tested, our flap-free pick, the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney, offered more ventilation. The light fabric provides UPF 50+ sun protection. When there was a breeze, our testers thought that the airflow to the head on the Ultra Adventure Hat was fine, however they agreed that more mesh and side vents would be an improvement. This hats mesh side panels help to maximize the breeze, so you stay as sweat-free as possible, while the solid top (and Supplex Solarweave Fabric) effectively blocks out the sunlight. Our pick: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat, A less dorky option: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney, For less-aggressive activity: Tilley LTM6 AirFlo Hat, University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute, Asian Beauty Secrets: Ancient and Modern Tips from the Far East, fabric with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, Our Favorite Rash Guards, Swimsuits, Sun Hats, and Other Beachwear for Kids. Kavu Chillba: The Chillba came out second on the melon testkeeping melon heads up to 10 degrees cooler than its counterparts. Trail runners found it less secure than other hatsthe one-size-fits-all fastener on the inner skullcap didnt prevent the brim from catching the wind and inverting. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. To test that, we stuffed it into a bag for a cross-country flight, and were pleased to find that it still looked pretty good on the other side, but we can see how folding and cramming it into a tight space could ruin the shape, so if you need something packable go with one of the two top picks. This design combines the best features of the previous model and improves on them, offering lighter fabrics (that are still UPF 50+) and a slimmer silhouette. Our testers unanimously applauded the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney for its breathability, which makes sense as it has the most generous mesh venting of anything we tested. These fabrics have a very tight weave that prevents most of the ultraviolet radiation from getting to your bodyeven when the fabric is wet (or sweaty), which can pull fibers apart and expose the body to more ultraviolet radiation.
Quale noted that a good sunhat should be made of fabric with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of at least 30.
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Trucker hat: The back portion of the hat has more mesh than a baseball capallowing for more breathability, but less coverage. Is there really a reason to pay $70 for a Tilley hat when a 97 baseball cap from Home Depot works, too? Nonetheless, our testers were crazy about a thick layer of mesh that wraps around almost the entire crown of the hat, providing superior ventilation. Its also designed with an interior elastic band, which provides flexibility in sizing. That should make for some great ultra light jokes.. Weve looked through this guide, and we still stand behind our picks. We took the hats to: We spent 15 hours reviewing sunhat guides and customer reviews, interviewing dermatologists, and reviewing scientific literature on sun exposure for outdoor athletes. The nylon and spandex fabric is rated to UPF 50+, and its more structured than our other picks, which means its not as packablefolding it can cause creases that wont go away. I once held the womens unassisted speed record on the Appalachian Trail (2,185 miles from Georgia to Maine) and each year spend two to five months backpacking. If you have a hat with a UPF rating of 30 or more, the color should not matter, but if it doesnt have a rating, As a general rule, darker colors are more sun protective due to their ability to absorb UVR before it reaches the skin, said Quale. Dont hit the trail without the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat, which offers comfort and maximum protection from the elements when youre out getting your adventure junkie fix. Designed with holes to hold sunglasses plus reflective tape for low-light situations, it also packs down easily for travel and retains its shape afterward. Additionally, two testers (one man, one woman) took the hats on a 100-mile backpacking trip of the West Highland Way in Scotland. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. A cinch lets you adjust the hat to fit your head snugly. The Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Hat (view at Amazon) is also a great choice with adjustable straps and be easily packed without losing its shape. We didnt notice any durability issues, but should you have a problem, Sunday Afternoons will repair or replace any hat with a manufacturing defect for life, or otherwise repair the hat at minimal cost. The flexible fabric folded down in a stuff sack when flown across the country multiple times. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. Thats one reason why lifespanincluding durability and warrantieswere important to our decision-making.
With its buttery soft, suede-like finish and double-braided trim, this boater fits snuggly on your head for all-day wear. A tasteful alternative to your well-worn Yankees fitted. Available in a range of colors, this hat also holds up well to being folded (and even smashed) inside your pack, so its a great choice for everyday use. This cutie has a vibe thats somehow both new and retro, and itll also match with most (if not all) of your outfits, thanks to the versatile design and neutral color. The only drawback is that all this style comes at a price. With its sleek lines and fedora-style fit, this hat is much more fashion-forward than other, similar-performing sun hatswithout sacrificing on what matters. We tested hiking sunhats in two specific situations: in sunny, high-altitude desert and mountain passes, and also during overcast conditions (our dermatologists warned us that burns are almost as likely to happen on cloudy days as when the sun is out). In the wind, the floppy brim flies up against the forehead, exposing the nose to sun rays. Gently scrub dirtier areas if needed, then soak the hat in the water for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. One tester noted that, This brim is so wide, you could hike naked and not get an ounce of sun on your body. (Side note: Sun exposure isnt generally measured in ounces.) You can use a gentle brush, like a soft toothbrush, and a mild dish soap to attack particularly difficult stains. Ptarmigan Pass, Colorado: This high-altitude pass offers high winds and above-treeline sun exposure. And the Paradise Cove Visor is a stunner with its vintage-inspired woven straw design and elastic back, so you can adjust accordingly and achieve the perfect fit. Ad Choices, 22 Summer Hats Even You Wont Look Dorky In, Whether its to shield yourself from the harmful sunsomewhere, your mom just breathed a sigh of reliefor simply to cover up your untamed mop when you wake up late, youre gonna need some hats in your life this summer. When the breeze picks up, you wont lose it, thanksto adjustable sizing and a good chin strap. This perfect shade of washed maroon is every bit as versatile as navy blue. Using honeydew melons, a kitchen thermometer, and a lot of patience, we tested the internal temperature of 10 similarly sized, shaped, and weighted honeydew melons every hour over 6 hours in the Southern California heat. ", Best Packable: Sunlily Roll-N-Go Sun Hat at Amazon, "Toss this hat in your tote or beach bag without worrying about wrinkles forming.
REI Paddlers Hat: It didnt breathe as well as the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat or Columbia Bora Bora II, but it performed well in the wind. Baseball cap: Every dermatologist we talked to warned that the major downside of a baseball cap is that it offers no ear or neck protection. ", Best for Women: Ashton Trimmed Boater at Anthropologie, "Pulls double duty protecting your complexion from the sun's harsh rays and adds style to your wardrobe. If you really want to use the ballcap you have lying around, pay attention to color. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. ", Best for Golf: WYETH Desi Bucket Hat at Madewell, "It's easy to spot clean should you need to get any dirt or grass off of it. She's covered all things Texas for TripSavvy since August 2018. In addition to wearing a sunhat, avoid the sun during peak times, wear clothing with high UPF fabrics and full coverage, wear sunscreen, and use a sun-shading umbrella (a favorite of Bunting, who has backpacked over 30,000 miles across the US with a mylar umbrella). Athletes we interviewed warned us that when they wore a trucker hat, their bald spot would burn through the mesh. In particular, we were interested in how well a hat and its brim would hold up to an outdoor lifestyle. Sun hats dont get much cuter than the Ashton Trimmed Boater from Anthropologie. Available in two elegantly neutral shades (Otter Green and Desert Tan), Summer Packer is also made from 8-ounce dry finish Shelter Cloth which is lightweight, water-repellent, and easy to spot clean, making it the perfect hat for virtually any outdoor activity. Given that its design seems to be inspired by southeast Asian conical hats, as an Asian American wearing this hatthis is realit prompted racist remarks from passersby. Each 8-pound melon head wore one sunhat from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. in full-sun ambient temps ranging from 88 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. One thing we dont like about this hat is the lack of a rigid brim. Outdoor Research Sun Runner: Though our testers frequently received compliments from other folks on the trail about this hats color and innovative design, they all found this hats fabric too hot and not breathable enough to use. The Tilleys brim is not adjustable, so youll need to measure your head and select the perfect size when ordering. If youll be active in very windy conditions, this hat is worth a look. Heres What to Bring Along. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Even a light-colored baseball cap caused our melon head to have a 4 degree higher internal temp. ", Best for Babies: SimpliKids Baby Sun Hat at Amazon, "Designed specifically for sensitive newborn skin, this hat offers full-scale neck and face coverage. It also includes if flaps, Velcro, strings, or cinches rub against the body or hang annoyingly. Let everyone know in the clearest possible terms: its the weekend and youre not to be bothered. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. ", Best for Camping: Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Hat at Amazon, "This style allows air to flow nicely so it's perfect for daytime camping. Lone Flag Palm High distressed blood twill unstructured 6-panel, Ami Alexandre Mattiussi check embroidered hat, Lazy Oaf reversible peep + checkered bucket hat. Once youve got this joint on, the party has officially started. This fishermens hat that combines UPF 50 fabric, a 3-inch brim, and a sweatband was among the most breathable we tested. Health educator Lisa Quale of the University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute mentioned in an email that the face, tops of the ears, neck, chest, hands, and arms are some of the most common sites for skin cancer. She suggested sunhats should be seen as just one part of your defensive lineup. Subscribe now for unlimited access. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. That seriously fierce embroidery was inspired by vintage souvenir jackets. The hats skirt should safely cover the back of your neck. The stiff brim provides protection even in the wind, and extends to the ears, protecting them while also giving the wearer plenty of side vision for navigating and spotting wildlife. This hat is ideal for any outdoor excursion. Another drawback is that the Tilleys ventilation couldnt compare with that of our top picks, so if youre going to be out for long periods of time in hot conditions, you might start to sweat. To keep a sun hat from losing shape in your suitcase, put clothes like underwear and socks into the crown of the hat. It provides full coverage, but still lets you see where youre going, and is lightweight enough you actually leave it on. And if its a particularly steamy day, the built-in sweatband and two mesh vents help to keep your head cool and comfortable. While still wet, mold the hat back into shape and let it air dry. However, if you want to prioritize style you can go with a different material, such as straw or cotton, that has a brim to protect your face and neck from harmful sunrays.
Jared, a runner and ultramarathoner based in Texas, runs long races with heat-themed namessuch as the Jalapeo Half Marathon, Wildlfire Half Marathon, and Habanero Hundredand typically trains 25 to 40 miles per week in 90- to 100-degree Fahrenheit full-sun temps. We took 16 fold-up chairs on three weekend camping trips and used them in the backyard for six months to find some standout ways to sit down in the outdoors. The more exposure to these dangerous rays, the higher the risk, she warned, noting, I see a lot of airline pilots who are exposed to the rays in the air and get more skin cancer.. Never use bleaches or fabric softeners, which may deteriorate some treatments in your hat. We chose hats with cinches, neck straps, and dongles that helped keep all hat parts attached in a breeze. Its packable and durable, and will stay on your head in the wind, too. Every dermatologist we interviewed warned that even during winter or on overcast days, UVR (ultraviolet radiation) hits the earth, and thus, you. Dr. Jhin explained that the higher the elevation, the closer people are to UVA and UVB raysthe kind that cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.
We independently review everything we recommend. Justine Harrington is a TripSavvy writer based in Austin, Texas, where she covers topics spanning travel, food & drink, lifestyle, culture, social advocacy, and the outdoors. Whether youre trying to stay cool under the sun or just contain your quarantine hair, try one of the visors, straw hats, or baseball caps we love. We also found it more stylish than other hats and loved that it could moonlight as a chip bowl. Featuring UPF 50+ protection, this hat will be perfect for outdoor activities. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. Ultramarathoner Jared told us that, as an active person, Im generating so much heat it can get to a point where Ill want to take the hat off.
And the functional features dont stop therethis hats braided leatherette roll strap (with snap fastener) holds the hat closed for travel but also doubles as a decorative band when worn. We initially thought coverage was the most important factor to look for in a hat, but in our first hours of field testing, it was clear that our winner would be a sunhat whose coverage didnt trump visibility. All rights reserved. ", The 14 Best Travel Pillows for Every Kind of Sleeper, The Best Rash Guards to Protect You and the Whole Family.
There are straw hats, and then theres the Freya Gardenia Hat. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
To test these criteria, six testers (three men, three women) took the hats on at least one 4-hour day hike at altitude (between 7,000 and 12,500 feet) in California and Colorado, totaling 100 hours of time that the hats were worn. Find one that works for your lifestyle and youre all but guaranteed to make sun protection a daily habit. Indeed, the melon head wearing the Sun Runner was up to 8 degrees warmer than its counterparts. Soak your hat in the water-soap mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. In airplanes and at night when you dont need it, the Columbia crams down to a minimal size in your pack. "Sun-Protective Clothing. The Tilley LTM6 AirFlo is constructed with UPF 50+ fabric designed to keep your face and neck protected, and is especially good-looking. Bunting has over 20,000 miles of hiking on his shoes, including walking the Triple Crown (the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) three timeswhich requires hiking across New Mexico and Southern California. In addition, losing a hat every time the wind picks up is a losing proposition for your long-term skin care. Jared warned first-time sunhat buyers that Its easy to think that any hat will do, but Ive learned that finding the right hat for you can be as difficult as finding the right shoe.
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