Outdoors & Fitness
The Best Sun Hats for Hiking, Fishing and Travel: 4 Compared (and One to Skip)
We compared four wide-brim sun hats on the UPF rating each maker states, brim width, chin cord and wind security, packability and ventilation.
The short version
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat is the best overall: a stated UPF 50+ rating, a 3 1/2 inch front and back brim, a tuck-away wind cord, mesh crown ventilation and a for-life guarantee. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is the value pick, with UPF 50+ that includes the mesh, a 6 inch neck cape, an adjustable chinstrap and a brim that packs small and flat at 2.6 ounces. The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat depends on your plans: it is a light, well-built hat with a detachable chin cord, but its 2.75 inch brim is narrower than the 3 inches the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests. The Wallaroo Catalina is the one to skip for sun protection, because its maker page describes a hand-crocheted raffia hat and states no UPF rating, no chin strap and says packing is not recommended. Pick on the facts a maker will put in writing, and treat a pretty straw hat as a style item. Best for: Tilley for anglers and hikers who want one hat for years, Sunday Afternoons for travel and trail days.
Our picks at a glance
- Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat - Buy. A rated UPF 50+ broad-brim hat with a tuck-away wind cord, mesh crown vents and a for-life guarantee.
- Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat - Buy. A UPF 50+ hat with a neck cape, adjustable chinstrap and a brim that packs small and flat.
- Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat - It depends. A very light UPF 50+ nylon hat with a detachable chin cord and a narrower 2.75 inch brim.
- Wallaroo Catalina - Skip. A hand-crocheted raffia hat with a 3 1/2 inch brim that states no UPF rating and is not meant to be packed.
The verdict in 30 seconds
What mattered most
- Maker-stated UPF
- Brim width
- Neck coverage
- Chin strap or wind cord
- Ventilation
- Packability stated
A sun hat does one job that sunscreen cannot do alone: it puts shade over your face, ears and the back of your neck for hours without reapplying. Most listings promise UPF protection, wind security and cool airflow, but the maker pages differ a lot in what they actually state. We read the product pages for four current wide-brim hats from Tilley, Sunday Afternoons, Outdoor Research and Wallaroo and compared only what each maker puts in writing. For neighbouring gear, see our guides to neck gaiters and beanies, and to mineral sunscreens for the skin the hat does not cover.
A rated UPF 50+ broad-brim hat with a tuck-away wind cord, mesh crown vents and a for-life guarantee.
Best for: Anglers, hikers and boaters who want one durable hat they will wear for years.
- Tilley states the hat is rated UPF 50+ and lists a 3 1/2 inch brim at front and back with 2 1/2 inches at the sides.
- A tuck-away wind cord and mesh ventilation at the crown cover wind security and airflow in one hat.
- The maker lists the hat as buoyant, moisture-wicking and guaranteed for life, which suits fishing and boat days.
- It fits snug, and Tilley suggests sizing up for its traditional fit, so check the size chart before ordering.
- The page does not describe the hat as packable, so do not assume it folds flat like a travel hat.
- There is no neck cape, so your neck relies on the brim and a collar or gaiter.
- It sits in the premium tier, which is hard to justify if you wear a hat only a few times a year.
A UPF 50+ hat with a neck cape, adjustable chinstrap and a brim that packs small and flat.
Best for: Travellers and day hikers who want neck coverage and a hat that packs flat.
- The maker states UPF 50+ and says the rating includes the mesh, which is the part buyers often wonder about.
- A 3 1/2 inch brim plus a 6 inch neck cape covers the face and the back of the neck.
- At 2.6 ounces with a Reverse Split Brim that packs small and flat, it is easy to carry in a bag.
- The chinstrap is described as adjustable, but the page gives no detail on wind ratings, so test it in a breeze.
- The page says ventilation is thoughtful and lists a mesh crown, but gives no vent count or placement.
- A neck cape can feel warm and closed in on hot, still days.
- Some owner comments say colors look darker than the product photos.
A very light UPF 50+ nylon hat with a detachable chin cord and a narrower 2.75 inch brim.
Best for: Runners and hikers who prioritize light weight and a secure chin cord over maximum shade.
- Outdoor Research states UPF 50+ and lists a detachable, adjustable chin cord plus a crown cinch for fit.
- At 2.41 ounces in bluesign approved 100% nylon it is among the lightest hats here.
- The page describes the fabric as breathable, quick-drying, water resistant and wicking.
- The 2.75 inch brim is narrower than the 3 inch minimum the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends for shading face and neck.
- The page does not state that the hat is packable.
- No vent count or crown ventilation detail is given beyond the word breathable.
- There is no neck cape, so your neck is exposed from behind.
A hand-crocheted raffia hat with a 3 1/2 inch brim that states no UPF rating and is not meant to be packed.
Best for: Casual town walks where style matters more than measured sun protection.
- The 3 1/2 inch brim is wide and the style suits strolling and sightseeing.
- An inner drawstring adjusts the fit.
- It is made from genuine raffia, which is a lightweight natural fiber.
- The maker page makes no UPF or sun-protection claim for this hat, so its shade is unrated.
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a tightly woven hat over a loosely constructed straw one.
- The page says packing is not recommended and the hat should not be washed, which rules out most hiking, fishing and travel use.
- No chin strap or wind cord is listed, so a breeze can take it.
| Criteria | Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat Top pick | Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat | Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat | Wallaroo Catalina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy it | Buy it | It depends | Skip it |
| Best for | Anglers, hikers and boaters who want one durable hat they will wear for years. | Travellers and day hikers who want neck coverage and a hat that packs flat. | Runners and hikers who prioritize light weight and a secure chin cord over maximum shade. | Casual town walks where style matters more than measured sun protection. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
| Maker-stated UPF | Rated UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ (includes mesh) | UPF 50+ | None stated |
| Brim width | 3 1/2 in front and back, 2 1/2 in sides | 3 1/2 in | 2.75 in | 3 1/2 in |
| Neck coverage | None listed | 6 in neck cape | None listed | None listed |
| Chin strap or wind cord | Tuck-away wind cord | Adjustable chinstrap | Detachable adjustable chin cord | None listed |
| Ventilation | Mesh at crown | Mesh crown | Described as breathable | Crocheted raffia, no vents listed |
| Packability stated | Not stated | Packs small and flat | Not stated | Packing not recommended |
| Weight | 4 oz (113 g) | 2.6 oz (73.7 g) | 2.41 oz (68 g) | Not stated |
| Material | 100% recycled nylon, polyester mesh | 88% nylon, 12% polyester body | 100% nylon | 100% raffia |
Which one is right for you?
- Anglers, hikers and boaters who want one durable hat they will wear for years. Buy it Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat
- Travellers and day hikers who want neck coverage and a hat that packs flat. Buy it Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- Runners and hikers who prioritize light weight and a secure chin cord over maximum shade. It depends Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
- Casual town walks where style matters more than measured sun protection. Skip it Wallaroo Catalina
How we judged the field
Five things matter in a sun hat. First is the UPF rating the maker actually states, because an unrated hat gives you shade but no measured protection. Second is brim width: the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests at least three inches to shade the face, scalp and neck. Third is chin strap and wind security, since a wide brim catches wind and a hat that blows off is not protecting anyone. Fourth is packability, which decides whether the hat survives a travel bag. Fifth is breathability, because a hat that traps heat gets left in the car.
The field splits into technical nylon hats built for hiking and fishing and fashion straw hats built for looks. We picked two technical hats with a stated UPF 50+ rating and different strengths, one lighter technical hat with a narrower brim, and one raffia hat whose maker page makes no sun-protection claim. We compared only what each maker puts in writing, so a missing number means the maker did not state it.
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat is the hat to buy once and keep. Tilley states it is rated UPF 50+, and the brim measures 3 1/2 inches at the front and back and 2 1/2 inches at the sides, which clears the three inches the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests where it counts most. Wind security comes from a tuck-away wind cord, and the crown has mesh ventilation, so the two features most hats trade off are both present. The fabric is 100% recycled nylon with a polyester mesh, listed as buoyant and moisture-wicking, which is useful if the hat ends up in a lake. Tilley guarantees it for life. The trade-offs are plain: it fits snug and Tilley suggests sizing up, the page does not call it packable, and the premium tier is real money for a hat. At 4 ounces it is also the heaviest of the four. It is best for anglers, boaters and hikers who want a hat that lasts.
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is the value pick and the better travel hat. The maker states UPF 50+ and notes that the rating includes the mesh, then adds a 3 1/2 inch brim and a 6 inch neck cape, so it covers more skin than any other hat in this group. The Reverse Split Brim packs small and flat, and at 2.6 ounces it disappears in a daypack. An adjustable chinstrap and a Sunglass Lock help with wind and eyewear. The body is 88% nylon and 12% polyester with a mesh crown, and the sweatband is recycled wicking fabric. The weaknesses are small but real: the page gives no vent count, wind performance is not rated, and a neck cape can feel warm in still heat. Some owner comments say the colors look darker than the photos. It is best for travellers and day hikers who want neck coverage and an easy pack.
The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat is a good hat for a narrower set of buyers. Outdoor Research states UPF 50+, lists a detachable and adjustable chin cord with a crown cinch, and describes the fabric as breathable, quick-drying, water resistant and wicking. At 2.41 ounces in 100% bluesign approved nylon it is the lightest hat with a stated rating here, and the 2026 update brought an improved brim construction. The catch is the brim at 2.75 inches, which falls under the three inches the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends, and there is no neck cape. The page also does not say the hat is packable or describe the ventilation beyond breathable. That makes it a fit for runners and fast hikers who value weight and a secure cord over shade, and a weaker fit for long fishing days.
The Wallaroo Catalina is a pretty hat that does not do the job this guide is about. Wallaroo describes it as hand-crocheted from genuine raffia, with a turned-up brim of 3 1/2 inches and an inner drawstring for fit. What the page does not give is any UPF or sun-protection claim, a chin strap, or a wind cord. It also says do not wash and packing not recommended, which rules out most travel, hiking and boating use. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends tightly woven hats over loosely constructed straw, and a crocheted raffia weave is the opposite of that. Wallaroo sells other hats with UPF claims on their pages, so this is not a brand problem, only a product one. It is best for strolling a coastal town where shade is a bonus. For real sun exposure, buy a hat with a stated rating.
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat vs Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat: which should you buy?
The Tilley and the Sunday Afternoons both state UPF 50+, both have brims of 3 1/2 inches and both include a retention cord. The difference is what they add. The Tilley is the more durable, more boat-ready hat, with a buoyant build, a for-life guarantee and a larger weight of 4 ounces. The Sunday Afternoons is the lighter, more covering hat, with a 6 inch neck cape, a flat-packing brim and 2.6 ounces on the scale.
To choose, ask where the hat will live. If it will spend its life on a boat, a lake or a long trail and you will wear it most weekends, the Tilley justifies its premium. If it will be tucked into a carry-on or daypack and pulled out on sunny days, the Sunday Afternoons gives you more coverage and more packability for less. If neck sunburn is your usual problem, take the cape. If wind and water are your usual problem, take the Tilley.
What to look for
- Stated UPF rating: Look for a number on the maker page, such as UPF 50+, and check whether it covers the mesh vents. No number means no measured protection.
- Brim width: The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests at least three inches. Check the measurement on the page, because some hats are narrower than they look.
- Chin cord or strap: A cord keeps a wide brim from turning into a sail. Detachable and tuck-away cords are easier to live with than a fixed strap.
- Neck coverage: A cape or a longer rear brim shades the back of the neck, which a standard brim often misses.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels at the crown let heat out. A hat that holds heat will come off, and then it does no good.
- Packability and care: A maker that says the hat packs flat is making a testable claim. Check the care notes too, since some straw hats say not to wash or pack them.
Our final take
Buy on what the maker will put in writing. The Tilley LTM6 Airflo is the best overall: a stated UPF 50+ rating, a 3 1/2 inch brim, a wind cord, mesh vents and a for-life guarantee, if you accept the snug fit and premium tier. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure is the value pick, adding a 6 inch neck cape and a flat-packing brim. The Outdoor Research Helios suits light-and-fast users who can live with a narrower brim. The Wallaroo Catalina is a style hat, and its maker page claims no sun protection, so skip it for hiking, fishing or travel. Pair any of these with sunscreen for the exposed skin.
Questions, answered
What does UPF 50+ actually mean on a hat?
UPF is a fabric rating for how much ultraviolet radiation passes through the material. The Skin Cancer Foundation says a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays and lets through about 2 percent. The rating covers the fabric the maker tested, so it says nothing about the skin your brim does not shade. Check whether the rating includes the mesh vents, as Sunday Afternoons states for the Ultra Adventure.
How wide should the brim be?
The Skin Cancer Foundation advises a brim of at least three inches to shade the face, scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back. Of the four hats here, the Tilley, the Sunday Afternoons and the Wallaroo list 3 1/2 inches, and the Outdoor Research Helios lists 2.75 inches. A wider brim helps more, but it also catches more wind, which is why a chin cord matters.
Will a sun hat stay on in wind?
It depends on the retention system and the fit. The Tilley has a tuck-away wind cord, the Sunday Afternoons has an adjustable chinstrap and the Outdoor Research Helios has a detachable adjustable chin cord plus a crown cinch. The maker pages do not state wind speed ratings, so try the cord at the length you will wear it. A hat without a cord, like the Wallaroo Catalina, is a poor choice on a boat or a ridge.
Is a straw hat good for sun protection?
Sometimes, but you have to read the page. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends tightly woven hats over loosely constructed straw ones, because gaps let light through. Some straw-style hats carry a maker UPF rating, and some do not. If the page states no rating, treat the hat as shade, not as measured protection.
Can I get a hat that packs flat for travel?
Yes, but check the wording. Sunday Afternoons says the Ultra Adventure brim packs small and flat, while Tilley and Outdoor Research do not describe their hats as packable on the pages we read. Wallaroo says packing is not recommended for the Catalina. If packing matters, buy a hat whose maker says it packs, then store it loosely rather than under heavy gear.
Deciding between the top two? See our head-to-head: Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat vs Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat.
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