Best Running Hats of 2026

While there are endless options for running hats — and choosing the right one can seem like an impossible task — the best running hats have several features that make them stand out from the rest. Hats can shield your face, eyes, scalp, and lips from the sun, keep rain off your face, wick sweat, and keep hair contained. Today’s best running hats have evolved from simple and utilitarian tools into nuanced pieces of gear. They offer UV protection, wick sweat, dry swiftly, and help regulate temperature, and some trail runners and ultrarunners place a premium on hats that fit into running packs without losing their shape. Hats need to pair well with our favorite running sunglasses, adjust easily on the fly, and not impair visibility.

To help you choose the best running hat, our crew of professional, competitive, collegiate, and recreational trail runners and ultrarunners donned a range of top-rated running hats — and a few that aren’t on the typical runner’s radar — for hundreds of miles through all seasons of the year. We ran from dusk to dawn across the Rocky Mountains and the western U.S. in all types of weather. We loved the Headsweats Performance Running Hat for its excellent performance in nearly all conditions as well as its low cost, turned to the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap when we needed maximum sun protection, and chose the Sauce Swift Toque for winter conditions.

You can learn more about our testing and methodology, how to choose a running hat, or our answers to frequently asked questions.

[Editor’s Note: This guide received a full update in July 2026. New models were added, while prices, links, and availability were confirmed.]

Best Running Hats

• Best Overall Running Hat: Headsweats Performance Running Hat
• Best Overall Running Hat — Runners-Up:
  • Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap
  • On Lightweight Cap
• Best Running Trucker Hat: Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat
• Best Sun Shade Running Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
• Best Bucket Running Hat: Ciele GOBucket
• Best Winter Running Hat: Sauce Swift Toque
• Best Running Hat Patterns: Skida Packable Run Cap
• Best Running Hat for Big Heads: Dynafit Tech Trucker Cap
• Best Budget Running Hat: Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap
• Best of the Rest Running Hats:
  • Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap
  • The North Face Summer LT Run Hat
  • Outdoor Research Swift Ultralight Cap
  • Fractel M-Series Running Cap

Best Overall Running Hat: Headsweats Performance Running Hat ($25)

Pros:

• Tremendous value
• Great fit

Cons:

• Brim may sit too low for some
• Not a standout for style

Sometimes, you just want a hat you can put on your head and run, and the Headsweats Performance Running Hat comes with a price tag that allows you to not think twice about owning it. This hat is extremely comfortable and packed with features. It doesn’t bounce or shift during a run — in fact, we barely noticed we were wearing it at all. The knit polyester material is soft and supple, and the cap sits lightly on your head. The brim shades well, too, and the hat never felt restrictively hot while we tested it on dusty summertime trails in southern Colorado. Its solid color options lack the fun flare that a hat with vibrant prints or patterns adds to the running kit, but it’s been a solid performer among our testing team for literally decades.

Some of our testers thought that the brim sat too low over their eyes, even when they tightened it, which makes for excellent shading but a limited field of view, especially when traveling in brushy terrain. This limited field of vision can potentially create a dangerous situation if you’re running on trails with low overhanging branches or rocks. It’s worth noting that other testers did not experience the same issue and, instead, prefer the robust brim specifically for its generous coverage. Overall, that’s a small knock on an otherwise excellent and budget-friendly hat.

Shop the Headsweats Performance Running Hat

Best Overall Running Hat — Runner-Up: Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap ($38)

Pros:

• Easily packable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• May not work for larger heads

If you’re searching for a barely-there hat that will keep the sun off your face, look no further than the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap. Weighing only 29 grams, there’s really nothing much to this hat, and it packs away to nearly nothing. It’s an excellent option for a hat that will scrunch up and fit into almost any running pack if you don’t want to wear it for the entirety of a run — ideal for someone who starts or ends runs in the dark, when you don’t need a hat to protect your face from the sun anymore. We appreciate that the bendy foam brim retains its shape, even after riding around in a pack for hours, and it provides enough sun protection for the face.

The bungee strap on the back of this hat makes it easy to tighten down and micro-adjust when the wind picks up, but it never felt like the hat fit too tightly, even when we had it cranked down to keep it on our heads. It’s worth noting that this hat fits heads up to 23 inches (58 centimeters) and may feel too small for folks with bigger heads.

The material is fast-drying and great for dunking in a creek during a mountain run to cool the head. As with many products from Janji, environmental impact is a top consideration, and the AFO fabric is made of 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane. It is also bluesign certified, meaning that the manufacturing process met strict environmental and safety standards. And, best of all for some of us, it comes in some classic colors and cool designs.

Shop the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap

Best Overall Running Hat — Runner-Up: On Lightweight Cap ($45)

Pros:

• Quick-drying
• Lightweight
• Ventilation ports in sweatband

Cons:

• Sweatband texture is a bit abrasive
• Not easy to adjust tightness while being worn

The feather-light On Lightweight Cap fits comfortably and securely, and it features a robust bill, making it one of our favorite workout hats. It has the classic style of a traditional sleek and streamlined running hat with a fairly normal-sized brim and non-structured material to cover the head. The cap material is pliable and soft, while the rigid, wide brim will withstand abuse and offer consistent form and protection over time. Unlike flat-brimmed trucker caps that are becoming increasingly popular, this brim has a fairly significant curve to provide sun protection.

The cap’s sides feature uniform ventilation holes laser-cut into the polyester fabric. The reasonably soft one-inch-wide sweatband snags salty droplets well so that they don’t end up in your eyes. The hat also has a garage to secure the adjustment strap’s tail. When the sun is overhead, the bill does an excellent job of keeping light from hitting the face, neck, and the top of the ears if you tuck them into the hat.

Shop the On Lightweight Cap

Best Running Trucker Hat: Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat ($40)

Pros:

• 100% recycled nylon
• Back clip is easy to adjust while being worn
• Super breathable
• Fits large heads

Cons:

• Mesh portion on half of the cap doesn’t keep sun off head
• Pliable bill can curl upward over time
• Not everyone loves a foamy hat

The Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat is comfortable, extremely breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight, making it perfect for running and cross-training adventures.

This running hat hardly needs an introduction. We originally bought this hat for trail running years ago and have pulled it on for nearly every other type of outdoor adventure. The front of this cap is a nylon-foam blend, and the back is made of a polyester mesh, which is super breathable. Unfortunately, the mesh doesn’t provide much sun protection, which is something to consider if you don’t have a lot of hair to cover your head. However, we’ve found this to be one of the best cooling hats, and the design fits seamlessly beneath climbing and mountain bike helmets, making it a versatile option if you do a lot of sports. Testers with larger-than-average noggins or thick heads of hair also loved the fit of this hat, though the foamy trucker-style front isn’t for everyone. The crown and bill have a durable water-repellent finish that wards off rain, splashes, and snow. To our surprise, the material floats well, too, as a tester discovered on a multi-day standup paddleboard trip.

The plush sweatband is soft, absorbs sweat quickly, and dries fast. If you’re looking for a comfortable, breathable, heat-releasing hat that pairs well with other activities, this is your new best friend.

We don’t love that there isn’t a garage for the adjustment strap, as we found that it bounced around when we ran. This was mostly only a nuisance when wearing the hat backward. We also found that the brim took on various shapes after being packed away for extended periods and would curl upward over time.

Shop the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat

Best Sun Shade Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap ($45)

Pros:

• UPF 40 rating
• Convertible hat that pairs with a breezy sun cape
• Great value

Cons:

• Bill is an iota smaller compared to other hats tested
• Not a hat to wear outside of running or other outdoor activities

The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is a versatile option that can provide unmatched skin protection for the head, face, and neck for those who want as much sun protection as possible. The breathable and moisture-wicking sun cape is detachable, so you can wear this as a simple hat or one with neck protection. This hat features a water-resistant, breathable, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying material, and while the sun cape makes it hotter than other options, we could still wear it comfortably in warm temperatures. While testing the hat and cape, we experienced no issues with the field of vision, either upward or in the periphery.

Overall, this is a very comfortable setup. The cape fabric hangs around, not against, your face. A chin cord tightens so the fabric won’t flap around, keeping it from being distracting and noisy. Superior to many hats here, the 100% nylon fabric is treated to protect skin against harmful UV rays. The hat’s wide sweatband absorbs sweat and feels soft against the forehead. Mesh side panels release heat effectively, and the entire hat is light and packable.

While a hat with a sun cape might be considered overkill for shorter runs, it could be an excellent option for longer outings during periods when the UV index is high.

Shop the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Best Bucket Running Hat: Ciele GOBucket ($75)

Pros:

• Easy to adjust on the fly
• Deep bucket provides good amount of shade over eyes and neck
• Breathes well in the heat

Cons:

• Most expensive hat in this guide

With the rising popularity of bucket hats in trail running, we included some top performers in our most recent round of testing, and the Ciele GOBucket came out on top (pun intended). With a 360-degree brim and a deep bucket, this running hat provides excellent sun coverage for the face and neck without blocking peripheral and overhead views. It’s adjustable and comes in multiple size options, so it can fit a wide range of head shapes and sizes.

Some runners believe bucket hats look dorky, while others see them as a fashion statement or worth it purely for their functionality. Regardless of your stance, this is a great running hat when sun protection is paramount. The GOBucket is lightweight, with stretchy mesh panels on top that allow plenty of airflow on hot days. The material is also quick-drying and odor resistant, and the lightweight, soft hat can easily pack into a hydration vest or running belt when the sun is low in the sky. On the back, a toggle and cord allow for easy adjusment on the fly, keeping it very secure even on windy days.

The only drawback with this hat is that it’s by far the most expensive in this guide, and while it performed great in testing, there are certainly other great running bucket hat options out there if this one’s not in your budget.

Shop the Ciele GOBucket

Best Winter Running Hat: Sauce Swift Toque ($32)

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Fun patterns
• Cozy

Cons:

• Might be too warm for mild temperatures

When it comes to cold-weather running, the cross-country ski industry has dialed in gear, so it’s no surprise that the Sauce Swift Toque emerged as our favorite winter running hat. Based out of Bozeman, Montana, Sauce was founded by a former elite Canadian cross-country skier, and the names of the products reflect the Canadian heritage. We also named this our favorite beanie in our Best Cold Weather Running Gear guide. Cross-country skiers’ and runners’ needs are fairly similar regarding breathability and warmth — they are both highly aerobic sports performed at relatively similar speeds — and this beanie provides the right amount of warmth for cold temperatures. We found that it was too warm for merely mild temperatures, especially for high-effort runs, and not quite warm enough for the extreme cold, especially during easy jogs, but it was perfect for the temperatures most of us encounter during our winter runs.

The majority of the hat is made of a single layer of fabric that is doubled over on itself on the forehead to provide extra warmth. The stretchy and cozy material blocks wind, but we found it to release enough heat that we didn’t overheat, even when running hard. The hat comes in two sizes and can stretch to fit nearly any head size comfortably. It comes in various fun patterns — with fun names — and you can add a tassel or leave it as just a beanie.

Shop the Sauce Swift Toque

Best Running Hat Patterns: Skida Packable Run Cap ($42)

Pros:

• Packable without losing shape
• UPF 50+ fabric
• Fits a wide range of head sizes
• Delivers big smiles

Cons:

• Short brim can leave you squinting

One of the best — or most challenging — things about the Skida Packable Run Cap is all the fun prints from which to choose. Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one. One of our testers went with the classic Strawberry Fields, while another opted for the blue floral Juliet print. Fun fact: The original strawberry print used a scratch-and-sniff fabric that smelled like strawberries. Although the current fabric doesn’t emit fruity aromas, any of Skida’s prints are sure to bring smiles to your run.

Style points aside, this running hat is highly functional. It’s soft and pliable, and can easily be stuffed into a running vest pocket over and over again without losing its shape. It offers a good balance of breathability and sun protection, with UPF 50+ solid fabric panels over the top of the head, mesh panels along the sides, and sweat-wicking material along the brim. It’s comfortable over the course of many hours, sized to fit most, and is easily adjustable on the go (though tucking the hat strap into its “garage” requires some focus and dexterity). And as light as it is, our testers found that it stayed put on blustery mountainsides.

This hat is decidedly in the short brim camp, which many runners like, but it can leave you squinting when the sun’s close to the horizon.

Shop the Skida Packable Run Cap

Best Running Hat for Big Heads: Dynafit Tech Trucker Cap ($40)

Pros:

• Flat brim style yet lightweight and functional
• Good coverage without feeling hot

Cons:

• Might feel too rigid for some
• Not the most packable

If you’re a fan of traditional flat brim trucker hats but want something that’s functional in the outdoors and fits a wide range of head sizes, the Dynafit Technical Trucker might be your new favorite running hat. This hat weighs less than 1.5 ounces and has a light, papery material on the back with laser-cut perforations, so it feels incredibly light and breathable. The front of the hat and the brim are stiff, holding their structure even after many miles of trail wear. The front material is thin enough to feel breathable and the large brim offers a good amount of shade.

This hat is a favorite among testers with larger-than-average sized heads, though one tester with a medium-sized noggin loved it as well. It has a snap adjustment on the back that adjusts for a wide size range. The hat’s fit and structure also make it feel more secure on blustery days in the alpine. Although it has some perforations, this hat provides more sun coverage for runners with less hair than many of the other hats in this guide. Finally, the traditional trucker hat style transitions well into other outdoor activities and casual wear.

Nevertheless, not everyone loves the flat brim style, and the trade-off of this hat’s rigid structure is that it doesn’t pack as well into a pocket or hydration vest.

Shop the Dynafit Technical Trucker

Best Budget Running Hat: Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap ($25, but often $15)

Pros:

• Great value
• Great performance, no complaints!

Cons:

• Limited size range

Kiprun has a couple of solid running hats for a very wallet-friendly price, and our testing team agreed that the Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap offers the best performance for the price. This hat is everything most runners need or want in a running hat. It’s lightweight, breathable, and stuffs easily into a pocket or hydration vest.

The mesh fabric breathes well and dries quickly, and the five-panel design ensures a comfortable fit for most head shapes and sizes. The back strap is similar to other designs in this guide, including the Skida and Territory Run Co. hats, and it can be easily adjusted. Finally, it has a simple yet fun color block design with bright color options that add style points. If you’re looking for a basic, but not too basic, everyday running hat, this one is a great value.

Like the Janji hat above, this running hat has a claimed size range of 21.3-22.8 inches (54-58 centimeters). Runners with heads on the smaller or larger end of this range may hit the limits of this hat’s fit. That said, we haven’t found any complaints about this hat’s fit thus far.

Shop the Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap

Best of the Rest Running Hats

Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap ($40)

Pros:

• Great fit
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Can wear outside of running

Cons:

• Fit may be too shallow for some

We must admit that we love a performance hat with a fun design, and the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap appeals to both our function and fashion senses. It is light and breathable, and it stays put throughout long runs, including on fast descents and along windy mountain ridges. Its five-panel design offers an excellent fit for a wide range of head shapes and sizes. And it comes from a small company based in Portland, Oregon.

We were quickly able to adjust the hat and never experienced any headaches or irritations, even when wearing it for many hours while training for and racing the IMTUF 100. This breathable hat with laser-cut perforations is nice and cool even during intense efforts, and we’d often dunk it in the water during creek crossings on especially hot runs. This hat also provides more sun protection than a minimalist mold, and its brim stuffs into a pocket without getting creased or losing its shape.

Overall, it’s a comfortable hat you can forget you’re wearing, even after many miles.

Shop the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap

The North Face Summer LT Run Hat ($45)

Pros:

• Super lightweight and breathable mesh panels
• Comfortable
• Easy to adjust the size

Cons:

• Only good in warm climates

If you’re looking for a hat specifically for warm- and hot-weather running, we recommend The North Face Summer LT Run Hat. It is very lightweight and one of the most breathable hats in this guide, thanks to its mesh side panels. The North Face uses its FlashDry technology, which helps boost moisture management by wicking sweat quickly for efficient evaporation. The Lightrange fabric includes anti-odor technology, and after a couple of months of use, it passes the sniff test. We like the emphasis on breathability, moisture management, and odor blocking, as we haven’t noticed stink or salt deposits from sweat on the material like we saw on some other hats tested for this guide.

This hat also has a PFAS-free DWR finish, a flippable brim, and an easy-to-adjust Velcro strap for quick sizing adjustments. It also features some planet-friendly qualities, including mostly recycled materials.

We don’t have any major qualms with this hat. The adjustable band might cause some discomfort if you wear the hat backward for long periods. We envision this hat as an excellent option for anyone running a hot ultramarathon or traditional marathon, or anyone living in a hot climate.

Shop The North Face Summer LT Run Hat

Outdoor Research Swift Ultralight Cap ($52)

Pros:

• Top performer among flexible brim hats

Cons:

• Only understated color options
• Pricey

Among the traditional running hat silhouettes with a flexible brim, the Outdoor Research Swift Ultralight Cap was a top performer. This hat, aptly named, is indeed super light, with an actual weight of just under 1.5 ounces. Designed for trail running and moving fast in the mountains, it’s made with bluesign-approved recycled polyester and a polyester/spandex blend to provide optimal ventilation, quick-drying performance, and a secure (but not too tight) fit. The fabric also has UPF 30 sun protection and a water-repellent finish.

This hat can be easily adjusted with a drawcord closure on the back, and it can be crushed and stuffed into your pocket or hydration vest when you don’t need it. Its five-panel design is smooth on top, so it’s comfortable under a helmet if you want to use it for climbing or ski touring.

We’d love to see some brighter color or print options in the Swift Ultralight Cap, but if performance is your top priority, this hat won’t disappoint.

Shop the Outdoor Research Swift Ultralight Cap

Fractel M-Series Running Cap ($40)

Pros:

• Top performer in hot weather
• Multiple size options
• Machine washable without losing shape

Cons:

• Not everyone loves the fit

With all-day comfort, lots of fun colors to choose from, and sized to fit most, the Fractel M-Series Running Cap checks all our boxes. Like many running hats in this guide, the M-Series has a five-panel design, which generally fits a lot of head shapes and sizes. Five-panel hats also tend to work well under helmets, which is something to consider if you like to ski tour or climb with a hat under your helmet.

Light and breathable, Fractel’s M-Series running hat is made with recycled polyester that’s bluesign approved, which means it meet high environmental standards. The fabric also has UPF-30 sun protection and a brim that’s large and structured enough to provide good shading over the eyes. When the sun sinks low or you need a broader field of view, the brim can be flipped up and the hat still feels just as comfortable. Or, you can easily stuff this hat into a pocket and it won’t lose its shape.

Testers loved this hat for hot alpine runs and noted how well its mesh panels ventilated and its internal headband wicked sweat. They also noted that this hat is easily adjustable, and the stretchy strap on the back lets you cinch it down for a snug-but-not-too-tight fit. Finally, it’s worth noting that a couple of testers preferred the fit of other hats over the M-Series, observing that it didn’t feel quite deep enough. However, this hat is available in two sizes and it’s possible that the issue was one of incorrect sizing.

Shop the Fractel M-Series Running Cap

How to Choose a Running Hat

Fit

The majority of the best running hats chosen for this guide are one-size-fits-all with a spectrum of size adjustability. The back adjustment is usually a Velcro, snap, elastic, or buckle-and-slide closure. Consider what system works best for you, your hair, and your hands. For some people, tiny pull-through elastic closures are challenging to adjust on the move, while other people want more precise adjustability than a traditional snap closure. When considering closure systems, you’ll also want to take into account your hair, and if you wear it in a ponytail when you run.

The hat’s shape matters, too. Many runners love the traditional trucker hat style of the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat, though five-panel designs like the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap often fit a great range of head shapes and sizes.

Some running hats, like the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap, are more streamlined and fit fairly precisely, while others provide a smidge more space and structure in the cap but weigh a bit more. Our top pick overall, the Headsweats Performance Running Hat, reaches further down your forehead, which can help stabilize the fit and make it feel more secure while providing additional shade for your face. If you regularly put your sunglasses on top of your head while running, you might consider a hat like the Dynafit Tech Trucker Cap, with a bit more structure to keep your sunnies from bouncing around. Our testers have rated many sunglasses for their ability to stay put on a hat in our Best Running Sunglasses guide.

Ultimately, how a hat fits depends on a runner’s head and forehead size and shape, hair type, and personal preference. It might take some experimentation to narrow down the type of hat that pairs well with your specific needs.

Sun Protection

A long or wide bill on a running hat provides more shade, protecting a large portion of your face, neck, ears, and chest from direct light. The tradeoff with a wider bill is that it has more surface area to catch the wind, so you’ll need to tighten it down if you’re in the wind. Hats with wider bills generally feature a cap with a more relaxed fit as well. The Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap has a wider and flatter bill, and our team loved the Headsweats Performance Running Hat for the longer-than-average curved bill.

Longer and wider bills, depending on the exact shape, can obstruct the field of vision for some runners, which is important to note if running heavily vegetated routes. Runners with wider heads might prefer a wide-billed hat due to the overall coverage.

Alternatively, a narrow bill provides less sun shade but won’t catch wind gusts as easily. Often, a narrower bill has a more streamlined, snug cap. Hats with narrower bills, like the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap, are typically lighter, and runners with thinner faces might prefer this style.

Some running hats, like the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, which features a snap-on cape made of breathable fabric, also protect the entire neck from the sun. If you don’t like the idea of a hat with a cape but still want to protect your neck and ears from the sun, consider a bucket hat like the Ciele GOBucket, which offers 360 degrees of shade around the face and neck, or one of the hooded shirts from our Best Sun Shirts for Running guide.

Increasingly, many hats also offer a UPF label, which informs shoppers how effective the material is at blocking UVA and UVB light. A UPF 15 or 20 rating indicates the fabric provides some protection, UPF 25, 30, or 35 delivers mid-level protection, and UPF 40, 45, 50, and 50-plus are the highest tiers of protection possible. Of the hats we tested, the Skida Packable Run Cap had the highest UPF rating at 50.

Ventilation, Breathability, and Moisture-Wicking Abilities 

The best running hats are made of synthetic materials that wick sweat, breathe effectively, and dry rapidly. The interior is usually lined with a wide, absorbent sweatband to prevent stinging sweat from falling into the eyes. Some hats have additional ventilation features, like laser-cut holes, mesh panels, and streamlined eyelets, to increase breathability, and we frequently dip our hat into streams and lakes on hot days. The The North Face Summer LT Run Hat and the Fractel M-Series Running Cap are some of our favorite hot weather running hats. You can learn more about the proper gear and useful techniques for running in the heat in our Best Running Gear for Hot Weather guide.

Price and Durability

The running hats in this guide range from $25 to $75 and encompass what we consider to be a range of prices and styles for the best running hats on the market. A well-constructed hat made out of quality materials should withstand years of use if you follow its care instructions. If you sweat a ton, consider buying a darker-colored hat so it doesn’t retain sweat stains quite as easily. We loved the Headsweats Performance Running Hat both for its functionality and its price. The Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap also performed very well in testing and comes in at the same reasonable price, often as low as $15.

Style
For some runners, style might be the top consideration. While inherently subjective, the look of a hat can influence your desire to buy (and wear) it. Some hats, like the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap with its neck cape, provide excellent performance for running but might look out of place at the coffee shop after your run. Others, like the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap and the Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap, have a more understated style that would work in multiple contexts. If you’re someone who likes fun designs and bold colors, check out the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap for the heat, the Sauce Swift Toque for the cold, and the Skida Packable Run Cap for just plain fun.

Why You Should Trust Us

For the initial creation of this guide to the best running hats, we first polled members of the 20-plus-person iRunFar team about their favorite — and least favorite — running hats. We also researched dozens of the highest-ranked, most popular, and top-selling hats for runners, and we looked at popular hats in other sports.

To test hats, we followed rocky and smooth trails through high-altitude deserts and mountain slopes, sandy singletrack, steep granite canyons, sun-beaten loops, dense aspen groves, crusty post-holing ventures, and mud-caked routes. We ran pavement and dirt and endured frigid rain, blasts of snow, sunshine above 10,000 feet, and lip-chapping gales across the San Juan Mountains, Elk Mountains, and Front Range of Colorado, as well as peaks and deserts throughout Oregon, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.

We ranked each hat on its essential qualities, including breathability, sun protection, field of vision, comfort, and overall durability. Based on the scores, we loved the Headsweats Performance Running Hat, Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap, and On Lightweight Cap. Many hats scored high in multiple traits, while others we tested didn’t make the top-tier cut.

Our team continues to take new hats out into the field for testing, and we update this guide regularly with new hats that stand out from the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Hats

What is the best running hat?

The best running hat will fit your head well, be breathable, dry fast, and provide adequate sun and weather protection. For trail runners and ultrarunners, having a hat that doesn’t impede the visibility of trail obstacles is clutch. A hat’s ability to pack down into a pocket or pack during outings that continue after sunset is also important, and we appreciated that we could stuff the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap into our pack without damaging the bill. You’ll also want to consider the style of a hat. If you’re looking for a hat to go anywhere in, consider the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat, which easily doubles as a casual hat.

While this guide can’t possibly cover every great running hat on the market, it’s a good starting point for finding the best one for your needs. Our team voted the Headsweats Performance Running Hat the best running hat we tested for its fit, functionality, and value.

Which is better, a visor or a running hat?

Using a visor versus a hat comes down to personal preference, which might change based on the season and environment. A visor shades your face and eyes from the sun, prevents sweat from dripping into your eyes, and is more breathable than a hat because it doesn’t have a cap. Visors are generally lighter and more packable than most hats because they include less material. They may also provide a better fit if you have a large head or a large head of hair. However, a running hat can help prevent UV radiation from reaching the top of your head. The hat’s crown also protects the top of your head from incoming rain or snow. The material can even protect the top of your head from insects if dense enough. If you want a hat with great ventilation, both the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat and the Skida Packable Run Cap have plenty of mesh to allow for airflow.

Why not just run in a ball cap?

A ball cap should suffice for a short run, so if that’s what you have, go for it! However, most baseball caps are 100% cotton, which retains moisture. Cotton is a hydrophilic fabric that absorbs water, whether in the form of precipitation or perspiration, and it doesn’t dry fast, either. Cotton hats aren’t very comfortable during sweaty jaunts or in the rain. Traditional ball cap designs also lack ventilation. The more time you spend running, the more returns you’ll see from an investment in a running-specific hat.

Can I wear my hat under a helmet?

Many runners do multiple sports, some of which include wearing a helmet. If you’re looking to fit your hat under a helmet, you’ll want to find one that has minimal structure and thickness. We found that the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat fit easily and comfortably under a helmet without altering the fit too much. Hats with minimal cap structure, like the Headsweats Performance Running Hat, and five-panel designs (there are many in this guide) also tend to work well with helmets. Most helmets have a bit of adjustability on the head circumference so that you can loosen them up to wear a hat underneath. If you want to wear a winter hat under a ski or mountaineering helmet, the Sauce Swift Toque is thin enough to accommodate most situations. We also wore it under a bike helmet.

Why do I get headaches when wearing a running hat?

External compression headaches caused by headwear occur when a hat places continuous pressure on the head. Most running hats are one-size-fits-all with an adjustable strap in the back. If you experience a headache, adjust the back strap to loosen it. A hat shouldn’t shift around or be too tight and restrictive. Normally, you should not have forehead imprints or red marks after wearing your hat unless you encounter serious wind and need to tighten a hat down for a while. We found that the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap did a great job staying in place without being too tight, and hats with short brims, like The North Face Summer LT Run Hat, also stay put in the wind better. Finally, sometimes the combination of a hat and sunglasses can cause pressure behind the ears that leads to a headache. Make sure your favorite hat and sunnies work well together before heading out for a long run.

Why should I wear a hat when I run?

A hat protects your skin from sunburn and your eyes from strain. Most hats also have an interior sweatband that wicks sweat, preventing salty droplets from blurring your vision or burning your eyes. They can also help protect your face and sunglasses from incoming rain and snow. For runners with a lot of hair, a hat can also secure wisps from flying into their eyes, especially on windy days. On a hot day, dunking your running hat in a stream or lake can help cool you down. Those looking to maximize their protection against the sun will appreciate the removable cape of the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, which provides protection for the ears and the back of the neck without getting too hot.

Which hat is best for racing?

Many trail runners and road runners alike wear hats during their races for all of the reasons we’ve outlined. If you choose to race in a hat, it’s important to find one that you trust and fits well, so you don’t need to adjust it mid-race and potentially lose valuable time. You’ll likely want a lightweight hat that doesn’t weigh you down or cause you to overheat. Most of the hats in this guide will serve you well while racing, with the Headsweats Performance Running Hat having the distinction of being both affordable and able to tick all of the boxes of being race ready. Many ultrarunners opt for a bucket hat like the Ciele GOBucket for both functionality and style.

Can I wear a headlamp while wearing a hat?

If you’re in a race that goes from day to night or night to day, you may not want to mess around with having to put your hat away when the headlamp goes on. Depending on your specific hat and headlamp, there are multiple ways to make everything work. Most people turn their hats around so that their hat brim doesn’t interfere with the lighting. The short brim of the The North Face Summer LT Run Hat makes it easy to wear backward, even if you’re carrying a pack. With a backward hat, you can easily adjust the angle of the headlamp for optimal visibility. If your headlamp is a single strap that goes around your head, you can sometimes wear it comfortably under the brim of your hat. If your hat has a very short brim, it’s possible to wear the headlamp on top of a forward-facing hat above the brim without losing much ground illumination. If you’re considering different options for a lamp that would work with a hat, look at our Best Running Headlamps guide.

Does wearing a hat backward provide sun protection?
Most of the best running hats have a fair bit of versatility in how they can be worn. Hats with shorter brims are more comfortable to wear backward, especially if you’re wearing a pack. We appreciated how easily and comfortably The North Face Summer LT Run Hat can be worn forward and backward with its short brim. That said, a short brim doesn’t provide nearly as much sun protection, regardless of the orientation you’re wearing it in. A hat like the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap has a moderately sized brim that provides a good amount of shade when worn forward and shelters the neck when worn backward. A bucket hat like the Ciele GOBucket provides shade for the front, back, and sides.

Call for Comments

• Have you used any of the hats on our list? Do you agree with our assessments?
• What’s your favorite hat to run in?

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