Best Running Hats of 2024
Lightweight running caps for hot weather, wicking sweat, sun protection and cooling heads
March 20th, 2024
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I'm a runner who lives at 7,000 feet altitude in the high country of Colorado, where I encounter various environmental conditions, sometimes on the same day, which merits adding, adjusting, removing, and stuffing running hats.
I also don’t have much hair and can be critical of the protection hats provide! I find the perfect hat is so comfortable that I have to periodically check if it’s still on my head, keeps salty sweat out of my eyes, dries quickly, and is easily adjustable on the fly. To find the best running hats, we spent hours researching to find the 28 top-rated running hats to find the 14 most promising to test.
Whether on a short or long run, casual or all business, a running cap makes it into most people’s running gear kits every time. Like a shirt, shorts, or shoes, hats are a given on a run and play a huge role in keeping your face shaded, managing sweat, and keeping you comfortable out there.
After sourcing a collection of the top running hats available, we think the Ciele Athletics GOCap is the Best Overall choice for the Best Running Hat. Though some hats had more coverage, breathed better, or packed smaller, no other hat scored with as consistently high marks as did the Ciele GOCap when it comes to considering moisture wicking, breathability, coverage, weight, packability, ease of care, warranty, and comfort.
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Running hats comparison table
| RUNNING HAT | TREELINE AWARD | MATERIAL | ADJUSTABILITY | BREATHABILITY | FIT | BRIM WIDTH | SIZES | UPF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ciele Athletics GoCap | Best overall Read why |
100% recycled polyester | Rear strap and plastic buckle | Excellent | Average | 2.5" x 7.5" | O/S | 40+ |
| rnnr Distance Hat | Best affordbale Read why |
100% polyester | Rear strap and plastic buckle | Good | Average | 2.5" x 7" | 56 cm (S) and 58 cm (Standard) | 40 |
| Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat | Best trucker Read why |
100% recycled nylon and polyester | Rear strap and plastic buckle | Excellent | Small | 3" x 7" | One size fits most, adjustable | n/a |
| Sunday Afternoons VaporLite Tempo | Best bucket Read why |
100% polyester | Single hand barrel adjuster | Excellent | Average | Bucket 2" | M/L | 50+ |
| Nathan RunCool Ice Run Hat | Best cooling Read why |
100% polyester | Rear strap and plastic buckle | Good | Average | 2 ⅞” x 7” | O/S | 50+ |
Interested in running? Check out the Running Gear section:
The winners
Best overall running hat: Ciele GOCap
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Adjustability: Y
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: 2.5” x 7.25”
Color options: Y (many)
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: 40+
What we liked: Luxury feel, optimal fit for most, breathability, structure, packability, and aesthetic
What we didn't like: Price runs higher than most, but has a lifetime warranty, and is a premium hat.
After many miles of running and testing more than 14 hats, the Ciele Athletics GOCap is the overall winner for the best running hat. Ciele is a Montreal, Canada-based company and is a running hat company first. The GOCap is the original cap from their now extensive lineup of running hat styles.
Just from picking up a Ciele GOCap, the quality and feeling of holding a premium product are evident in its fabrics. Ciele is known for its branded polyester Cool Wick, which focuses on sweat-wicking. They seem to have figured out everything to make the best running hats, from fabric breathability, durability, and overall hat performance.
Compare prices of the Ciele Gocap
The Ciele GOCap, Run Mountains edition. Ciele offers many colors and pattern combinations, so you can tailor the look to your style. Photo by Trey French
Fit and Design
Compared to other O/S hats (one size), it seems to have the fit figured out for a wide range of head sizes and hair volumes, too.
The GOCap isn’t the lightest or heaviest hat on the list at 56 grams (weights vary from one GOCap style to the next), but somewhere in the middle. It's middle of the range for the brim size and firmness, too, measuring 2.5” x 7.25”.
Balance of Features
This running cap strikes a balance of pliability and stiffness, sun protection, and is compact enough to stash away when not needed. The mesh on the side of the hat is slightly more dense than the fabric on the top, lending it some tear resistance when catching branches on the trail but retaining an optimal balance of breathability and sun protection up top.
The three variations of the same GOCap design that we tested, with the middle one recovering from being sweat through. We love that you can alternate between hat material construction and keep the same fit and general feel. The two on the left are the exact same with different patterns. The one on the right has a denser foam front panel with a mesh body. Photo by Trey French
Sun Protection
The front, sides, and rear panels sport a UPF 40+ protection, with the top being unrated.
How we Tested
The GOCap is our reviewer’s go-to for pavement, dirt roads, the local foothill singletrack, and mountain trails, as it’s cool enough for pavement and cinches down securely for windy peaks at 14k feet. We’ve even used this hat on 1,000 miles of a long-distance hiking trail in the past, plus a year of trail running before retiring it.
Rather than retire it because it was falling apart (it wasn’t), we did so because someone gifted our reviewer a new one!
The author on the trails in the Ciele Go Cap.
Easy Washing
Regarding durability when it comes to hat care, one other aspect that we like about the Ciele GOCap is that Ciele says that we can machine wash them. We still like to put them in a small laundry bag to protect the plastic rear snaps, but we haven’t had any issues from front loading washing machines. We can also get a thorough wash in with regular hand washes in the shower or sink. See our section on Care below for more details on washing running hats.
Sizing
Any complaints that we have are minor. If you find that you struggle with finding a hat that’s small enough, we’d recommend the Ciele ALZCap SC Standard Corp Small hat. If you want a full open mesh crown, check out one like the Ciele GOCap Range Patch, or similar.
Value
Ciele hats do tend to be on the costly side, at around $45-55 for most. We find their durability, comfort, and Cool Wick tech to be enough to justify it if it’s in your budget. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty on their hats.
The Bottom Line
Despite any minor flaws, we still feel strongly that the Ciele GOCap and all the variations of it will suit most runners in most conditions. There aren’t a lot of written reviews out there for the GOCap, potentially because there are so many different types out there (each color gets a different name).
But we found that many video reviewers found it to be the hat they reached for the most. They’re a favorite at our local running store, and every runner in our reviewer’s town seems to have one.
Interested in running? Check out the Running Gear section:
Best affordable running hat: RNNR Distance Hat
Material: 100% Polyester (we think)
Adjustability: Y
Breathability / Ventilation: Good to excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: 2.5” x 7”
Color options: Y (several)
Sizes: 56cm (S) and 58cm (Standard)
UPF rating: 40
What we liked: Solid 5-panel construction, breathable side mesh, UPF 40+, comfortable, wicking polyester band and crown, great value
What we didn't like: Runs slightly warmer than our top pick
The rnnr Distance Hat is one of the best running hats out there, and at its price, it is our winner for a budget best running hat. We love the founder, Kate’s, rnnr story. Even though she’s a lifetime runner and former Track and XC coach, she takes a less serious approach to running and racing. “We don’t run for time. We run for a good time!”
Even though Kate focuses on running as a less serious activity than some companies, rnnr doesn’t skimp on quality and provides excellent running hats at a fair value.
View the RNNR Distance Hat
The rnnr Distance hat was the most fun hat of the bunch Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Value
We couldn’t help but compare the Distance Hat to the Ciele GOCap, given so many similarities. Still, given the average $10+ difference between something like the rnnr Distance hat, and the Ciele selections, the Distance Hat is worth considering if you have a capped budget on your running kit (pun intended), and want some quality headgear. A better reason? You like the message of a fun-first approach to running.
The rnnr Distance Perennial pattern, Sasha’s favorite hat. Pictured here is the typical nylon strap and plastic buckle closure to make adjustments for higher volume hair. Photo by Trey French
Design and Features
The Distance Hat weighs 61 grams with a 2.5” x 7” brim, a nice balance of weight, and coverage. rnnr uses their branded SPDwick fabric to highlight their focus on creating a hot weather hat that wicks and breathes well, with a large side mesh hole construction to keep the evaporative cooling going.
Comfort
Our reviewer found this running cap one of the most comfortable hats we tested. Our reviewer's partner saw the “Take it Easy” lettering on the Distance Perennial design, put it on, and never took it off. We haven’t seen it to this day. We can’t blame them. Luckily, the reviewer still had another rnnr Distance hat for testing. The hat really is that comfortable.
After multi-year testing, the rnnr Distance lasts.
Sasha running in the rnnr Distance hat Perennial Photo by Trey French
Breathability
There’s not a lot to dislike about the Distance hat, but we do find it to run marginally hotter than the Ciele GOCap. It has a clearly thicker fabric on the top of the hat. But we also find that the mesh helps offset the decreased breathability up top.
Sun Coverage
The rnnr Distance has a large mesh hole design on the sides. Some users may also prefer something with more coverage —especially if they don’t have any natural sun-blocking barriers there (such as hair!). Our reviewer doesn’t have much natural coverage, so typically reaches for a hat with more comprehensive UPF protection than the Distance hat can offer.
The Bottom Line
In the end, if you like the aesthetic, 5-panel style, and want a durable, comfortable, fun hat at a good value, we suggest giving the rnnr Distance hat a try.
Best running trucker hat: Patagonia Duckbill Trucker
Material: Body: 100% Recycled Nylon. Mesh: 100% Recycled Polyester
Adjustability: Rear strap and plastic buckle
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average to Small
Brim: 3” x 7”
Color options: Y
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: n/a
What we liked: It’s packable and breathable for a trucker style. Rear strap is easy to adjust on the fly
What we didn't like: Some users found it too small.
Among endless trucker hat options out there, the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker hat stands out for its packability, breathability, and ease of adjustment—not to mention its sustainability. Style-wise, it sports the typical big brim and the tall front panel found on trucker hats. It works just as well with the bill facing up front or back. It also has some thoughtful features for runners, like a sleeve for holding down the adjustable strap to keep it from flying around when loosened up.
Typical of Patagonia, the bulk of the hat is made from recycled fabrics, and the DWR Patagonia uses on the brim and front panel of the hat is PFC (polyfluorinated chemicals) free, so you can rest assured that you’re taking a sustainable approach to your headwear with this hat.
Compare prices of the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker
The Patagonia Duckbill Trucker provides excellent coverage, breathability, and is packable for a Trucker style Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Adjustability
Compared to some other hats in our line-up, the rear nylon adjustable strap is easier to adjust without removing the hat, but otherwise stays in place. Rather than having to tuck the nylon strap into a sleeve into the body of the hat, there’s a small movable sleeve on the nylon strap that you can tuck the nylon strap into to keep the flap down.
Comfort
Similar to the rnnr hats we tested, the left-hand side of the rear of the hat strap is elastic where it meets the hat body. We love this stretchy material for a comfortable fit.
Performance In Wind
Like other trucker hats, the brim on this one is long and wide at 3” x 7”. On out and back runs, when turning towards wind gusts, we found it easy enough to cinch the hat down to prevent the wind from ripping it off, given the big windsail over our eyes.
A typical static nylon strap and plastic buckle closure adjustable system in the back. This one tucks into a strap “garage” on the right side of the photo, but also has a small sleeve in case you need to loosen the cap with the strap otherwise hanging out. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Packability
Being that it’s a trucker hat, similar to a high volume bucket hat, it’s not going to be the most packable hat choice. That said, compared to other truckers, the brim is a little less stiff and overall more packable.
Characteristic of many trucker hats, they’ve got a big bill for good sun coverage! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Sizing
It's worth noting that some user reviewers found the hat to fit on the small side, and found it ran up their head during runs. We didn’t experience this, so we can’t speak to this problem. In response to a customer complaint in a review, Patagonia states that the circumference of this hat measures 22.83”. Now that’s exact!
Design
Lastly, the message on the front of the hat that we tested, “Unpave the Roads,” is definitely aimed at trail runners. Still, Patagonia also makes this hat available in other colors without the design.
The Bottom Line
Sizing complaints considered, we still feel confident in recommending this trucker hat for your running and general outdoor activity.
Best running bucket hat: Sunday Afternoons Vaporlite Tempo
Material: 100% Polyester
Adjustability: Single hand barrel adjuster
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: Bucket 2”
Color options: Yes
Sizes: M/L
UPF rating: 50+
What we liked: Vents well, the fit, easily adjustable
What we didn't like: Bucket hat style not for everyone
Compared to the more traditionally “ball cap” style running cap, the bucket hat style provides more sun protection and is more akin to what you’ll see on a river trip, a sunny day hike, and other non-running outings. We’ve seen more pro runners choose bucket hats in the last few years, especially for sunny race days and training runs.
Take Jim Walmsley, for example, who ran under 15 hours to his 3rd consecutive win at the infamously hot Western States 100-mile run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, wearing a bucket hat. Our reviewer admittedly couldn’t resist picking one up soon after the race. The Sunday Afternoons Vaporlite Tempo incorporates lightweight, breathable, high-performing materials, resulting in a bucket we enjoy wearing all day long.
Compare prices of the Sunday Afternoons Vaporlite Tempo
The Vaporlite Tempo shown here with its easily adjustable chin strap to keep things secure. It was intuitive, stayed put, and the excess cord didn’t swing into our face! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Material
The Vaporlite uses UPF 50 fabric for the top and brim fabrics and vents well through the sides of the crown part of the hat, with a construction similar to the Ciele GoCap.
Adjustability and Windproofness
The hat is easily adjusted using a barrel lock and elastic shock cord in the rear. Single-hand adjustable! We also found that cinching the hat securely on the chin is really intuitive and simple to tighten and loosen, requiring that you simply pull your hands away from the other below the plastic piece to tighten (plastic piece towards the chin), and above the plastic piece to loosen (plastic piece away from chin).
The author running in the Sunday Afternoons Vaporlit Tempo bucket hat. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Moreover, though the cord below our chin bounced around while running, it seems to always bounce out of the way, rather than slapping us in the face. Best of all, we enjoyed having a hassle-free way to cinch the hat down tight to keep it on our heads during windy days. Since bucket hats aren’t the most aerodynamic, the cinch cord came in clutch during gusts.
Compatibility with Hoods and Ponytails
Being it’s a bucket, it’s not going to be the best hat to wear in conjunction with a hooded jacket like a rain jacket or wind shell, or a base layer like a sun hoody. You’ll either have to pull the hood over the hat and crush the rear brim, which is awkward at worst, or place the hat over the hood on your head, also just awkward. This is a design issue with all bucket hats though, so we can’t fault the Vaporlite for it.
Note that users who wear their hair in a ponytail will also find that bucket hats allow for only a low ponytail since there’s no hole.
Brim and sun protection
The brim on the Vaporlite is in the middle to small side at 2”, relative to some other bucket hats, so you may find that it allows for more clearance in the back when compared to other buckets.
The Vaporlite Tempo was the only hat to incorporate a sunglasses garage. We found it difficult to find the holes, and it doesn’t work well with large frame sunglasses like these from Tifosi, at least not oriented right side up. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
The Bottom Line
Despite the inherent drawbacks of bucket hats, we’ve found the Sunday Afternoons Vaporlite Tempo to shine among its competitors. There aren’t many reviews out there on the Vaporlite, but with our experience with the hat, and the Sunday Afternoon brand's good reputation in the hiking world (it's the overall winner in our Best Sun Hats for Hiking guide), we think it can hold a place in your running kit, too, especially for outings on high sun, hot days.
Best cooling running hat: Nathan RunCool Ice Run
Material: 100% polyester
Adjustability: Rear strap and plastic buckle
Breathability / Ventilation: Good to Excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: 2 ⅞” x 7”
Color options: Blue only
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: 50+
What we liked: Ice pockets on the sides, price, black underside of brim to reduce glare
What we didn't like: No garage or sleeve for the rear nylon strap, a little warm when dry
In our Best Running Vests guide, we loved a Nathan Vest for its hydration technology, and were intrigued to learn of the Nathan RunCool Ice Run hat with similarly innovative hydration technology..
The Nathan RunCool incorporates 4 x ice pockets on the hat, two on each side, which you can stuff with ice before your run, or at aid stations during a trail race where aid is generally more extensive than on a road run.
On a hot trail run, we’re always happy to get a chance at pulling some water from a cold stream to refresh our face and head. You’ll see marathon runners doing it, too, at water aid stations, throwing cups over their heads and faces.
The Nathan RunCool hat uses that same principle for cooling you off during a hot trail run. Evaporative cooling works!
View the Nathan Runcool Ice Run
If you don’t mind the funny-looking knobs of ice protruding from your head, the ice pockets on the Nathan Run Cool Ice hat create a slow drip of cold water down your head! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
How the Nathan Cool Hat Works
We took after a customer reviewer's recommendation and wet our hat before stuffing the pockets with ice to help the ice stick to the fabric better. We’re not sure that not wetting it would make a difference, but the ice did stick well with the fabric pre-wetted!
We thought the ice pockets were a little small at first, but we comfortably fit 5 x pieces of typical ice tray-sized ice on each side — 3 in the bigger sleeves and 2 in the smaller ones.
Cooling Technology
Admittedly, the ice made our heads look pretty goofy, but we quickly forgot how it looked after the ice started to melt a little onto our heads and neck, sometimes feeling even a little too cold on our scalp!
As a bonus, Nathan uses a black fabric on the underside of the brim to reduce glare from the road and other sun-reflective surfaces.
Comfort and fit
Though not the most comfortable hat we tested, it’s still pretty comfortable and not undersized by any means. One feature we like with sizing was that it incorporated a small elastic strap into the remainder of the static nylon strap in the back, creating some stretch in the hat even when cinched down tightly.
One thing about adding pockets to a hat, even if they’re for ice, the hat is going to inherently be warmer in those places when ice isn’t present, as it essentially turns into a dual layer fabric. The top of the hat isn't especially thin like the Ciele GOCap, and runs a little warmer, but we’re nitpicking on that one.
Ice sneaking out of the pockets. It stays remarkably well when the hat’s worn. Photo by Trey French
Tips for Cooling Off While Running
Customer reviewers do report that they love the cooling effects of the ice, one noting that they used the ice at aid stations to reload their pockets– with joy. We didn’t run any trail races with aid stations, which meant we could only reload the pockets with ice by bringing a cooler with ice and running loops or doubling back to the cooler.
Fortunately, we have trail running access a half mile from our house, so we just loaded up at home, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering the hat. One reviewer also mentioned wearing a towel around your neck to soak up the cool water dripping down from that hat to get even more cooling. We found that a bandana or technical neck gaiter works equally well for this.
If you run in an especially hot climate, want to try something new on your next race, or run from your house all summer, we suggest trying out the Nathan RunCool Ice hat.
Best lightweight running hat: Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap
Material: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
Adjustability: Y, rear bungee
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: 2 ⅜” x 6.5”
Color options: Y
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: 25
What we liked: Minimal packed size, no frills, comfortable
What we didn't like: Not widest coverage, but fits the lightweight construction
There are many great lightweight hats out there, but after testing, we think the Janji AFO Hyperlight is the best lightweight cap for running. Compared to our other lightweight hats like the Patagonia Duckbill and Brooks Lightweight packable hat, the Janji AFO Hyperlite had the best balance of weight, brim stiffness, and adjustability. It also is the most comfortable and has that “barely there” feel.
Compare prices of the Janji Afo Hyperlight Cap
Running amongst the summer high desert shrubs in the Janji AFO Hyperlight hat. We felt fast in this one! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour.
Weight
Weighing 28 grams (our scale), this one-ounce lightweight cap is barely felt in your pocket, waist belt, or running vest when not used. When on your head, the brim is big enough to provide coverage from the sun, stiff enough not to droop when soaked with sweat or rain, and small enough that it doesn’t catch wind gusts.
Windproofness
When the wind is ripping, the rear bungee and plastic barrel lock type closure excel in adjustability to tighten and secure the hat while keeping a low profile back there.
Reflective Detailing
Similar to tights from Janji that we’ve tested for our Best Running Tights guide, Janji incorporates reflective detailing on the rear of the hat with a logo. The elastic cord in the rear integrates reflective material, so even when wearing their muted black color AFO hat, you can still remain seen/visible before the sun makes an appearance. You can read more about other reflective running apparel in our guide on Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark.
The Janji AFO Hyperlight running lightweight cap has our favorite adjustable rear closure — an elastic cord with a plastic barrel lock to easily cinch and loosen the hat on the go. It also has reflective material integrated into the cord. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Fit and Comfort
We don’t really have any complaints about the Janji AFO Hyperlite hat, and reviewers don’t have many negative things to say either, with one reviewer mentioning that it wasn’t quite big enough for their head. Most users find the fit comfortable, and this running cap excels in high winds regarding security.
Multi-use
Other users note that they’ve used this lightweight cap for general outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, climbing, and casual use, too. We find it to have some aesthetic resemblance to a traditional cycling cap, with a larger brim, and generally find it flattering to wear.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a do-it-all hat or a lightweight, minimal hat specifically with a bungee rear closure as an alternative to the more common nylon strap found on running hats, the Janji AFO Hyperlite is an excellent choice.
Other running hats we tested
Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat
The Brooks Lightweight Packable hat has a pocket in the rear that allows it to be packed into itself. Minimal to the fullest! Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Material: 100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop
Adjustability: None
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average to small
Brim: 2 ⅜” x 7”
Color options: Y
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: 50+
What we liked: Minimal, breathable fabric, looks good, exceptional comfort for right head size
What we didn't like: Runs small, non-adjustable, no ponytail hole
At a gossamer 18 grams, a not too minimal brim size of 2 ⅜” x 7”, and a pocket that the hat can be stowed into, the Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat is a good “why not bring it” minimal hat. We didn’t give it a category winner because it tends to run too small for many users, is non-adjustable, has no ponytail hole, and we couldn’t find the material specs for this lightweight cap anywhere.
Compare prices of the Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat
RNNR Pacer Hat (Party Pace & Era White)
The rnnr Party Pace Pacer hat is an eye grabber! Photo by Trey French
Material: Not stated
Adjustability: Rear nylon strap
Breathability / Ventilation: Good
Fit: Average
Brim: 2.25” / 7” (Party Pace) % 2” x 6 ¾” (White)
Color options: Y
Sizes: 56cm, 58cm
UPF rating: 40+
What we liked: Looks great, cool message, UPF 40+ protection
What we didn't like: No materials specs, fabric a little scratchy
The rnnr Party pace and rnnr Era White are two visual styles of the same hat. Both Hats are five-panel, low profile, with laser-cut perforations all over except the front panel and brim.
The perforated 4 panels almost feel like stiff nylon, though we can’t be sure. The rnnr Party Pace and rnnr Era White fit our heads well, but with the non-stretch fabric, it might not suit everyone.
The breathability was average, neither warm nor cold. We don’t have any major complaints with the Pacer hat, though it didn’t stand out as a category winner. Our reviewer is going to wear the Party Pace hat the next time he paces someone in a race!
Related: How to Crew and Pace an Ultrarunner
Running in the Patagonia Duckbill, a classic minimal running hat. We love it, but it was just edged out by the Janji AFO Hyperlight in the lightweight/minimal category. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Material: Front panel: 100% recycled nylon, Mesh: 100% recycled polyester (recycled fish nets), Brim: 100% recycled nylon
Adjustability: Rear nylon strap
Breathability / Ventilation: Excellent
Fit: Average
Brim: 2.5” x 6.5”
Color options: Y
Sizes: O/S
UPF rating: n/a
What we liked: Beautiful fit, minimal branding, comfortable, recycled fishnet mesh
What we didn't like: Not quite as much coverage as our lightweight/minimal hat winner. Brim is too floppy for some users
We really like this classic Patagonia Duckbill Cap. We didn’t give it a category winner just because it was in the same class as the Janji AFO, and we preferred the coverage, fit, and rear closure of the Janji more. If you want to stick with the Patagonia brand for its eco-consciousness and are after a minimal hat with little structure, take a chance with the classic Duckbill design.
View the Patagonia Duckbill Cap
A good running hat has excellent fit, comfort, and adjustability for bouncing on trail. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Buying Advice
Fit, comfort, and adjustability
A running hat should not be so tight that it leaves imprints on your head; it should also be adjustable enough to keep it on your head during wind gusts.
Adjustability is especially important if you plan on doing any higher altitude mountain running when conditions can vary drastically, and the loss of a hat can be consequential to your comfort and protection.
Some hats fit specific head shapes better than others, having odd contact points on some runners that can cause irritation.
Another factor to consider is a hat’s compatibility with sunglasses. Depending on how your sunglasses fit, the hat can interfere with the glasses’ side arms. Usually, the only way to know is to try it on. In a nutshell, we like hats that we forget we’re wearing.
Minimal hats like the Brooks Lightweight Packable hat are light and pack down well, but don’t provide the most coverage. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Coverage
The brim length will vary across all hats. Take the Patagonia Duckbill hat, for example. The non-trucker style has a short brim, and while some folks may like them aesthetically, they may not be the best choice for high sun conditions.
Other hats go to the other side of the spectrum with lots of coverage on a wide brim. But a too-long brim may create a wind sail effect in windy conditions and be prone to flying off, especially if the hat fits on the loose side. Another alternative is the bucket hat, which has a degree of coverage around your entire head. We’ve seen an uptick in trail runners using these. That's partly because of the fashion trend, we think, but they also bring utility regarding coverage.
There's also the running visor for runners with a lot of hair or those doing really high output running. It provides no coverage up top but keeps the sun out of your eyes like a conventionally-styled hat. Because it doesn't provide coverage up top, we didn't test any for this guide.
For extended runs, or ones up at altitude all day that also involve slower modes of travel like hiking and scrambling, consider using a hat with an incorporated “desert flap” for neck and ear coverage, especially if you don’t have much hair back there. Examples are the Sunday Afternoons Ultralight Adventure or Outdoor Research Sun Runner. See our Best Sun Hats guide for other recommendations.
Price
Prices vary from $10 to designer-level prices, but most hats cap at around $50. In some cases, those higher-priced hats may have patented technical fabrics, a focus on fit and cooling, and durability; in other cases, it may be just a brand price sticker.
Ciele uses their patented polyester weave, COOLwick, to manage sweat. Photo by Trey French
Material
Like many of us, you may have a beloved, weathered baseball hat at home that fits just right; it might even have some sentiment rubbed into the brim and frayed edges. However, everyday wear hats made of natural materials are usually not best-suited for high output activities like running.
Outside of potentially having a merino wool-lined headband on the interior of a running hat to wick sweat, running hats are usually polyester blends to aid in quick drying, moisture wicking, ease of cleaning, and general temperature regulation. You may see some hats made of full nylon. While these are often highly UV protective, stain resistant, and durable, they may run hotter than their polyester counterparts.
Reflective Details
There are many ways to wear reflective details for running, which is especially important for road runners in low light conditions around dawn or dusk and beyond. Unlike shoes, shorts, and some shirts, there is often less reflective detailing on hats, maybe to make them look less technical. Still, reflective detailing on hats is available and only encourages “being seen” for safety. Note that it’s always possible to add a strip of reflective tape or something similar to brims. You can also tape a “tail” hanging off of the rear closure of a hat.
When running on hot and exposed trails and roads, having a good hat can wick away sweat and allow heat to escape. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
What you should know about running hats
Does Running with a Hat Make You Hotter?
In hot weather, some running hats can make you feel hotter. Most running hats are made of a blend of synthetic fibers that work to wick sweat away from your head and also allow heat to escape, sometimes using perforations to encourage airflow and evaporative cooling.
Hats made of cotton or overly thick materials may hold in heat and lead to overheating.
If overheating, you may need to remove your hat periodically to let some heat escape.
Lastly, fully waterproof hats will be the worst at venting. Rain jacket marketing departments spend a lot on promoting their jackets as breathable. Typically, the better something is at keeping water out, the worse it is at keeping water (and heat) from escaping from within. If it’s going to rain and you need protection, especially in cold weather, I recommend using a rain jacket hood to get by.
Can I Wash my Running Hat?
Yes! Running is a high-output activity and produces a lot of sweating. Though you don’t have to wash it with every use, you’ll want to clean out the salty remnants of past runs periodically.
While you may be able to wash some hats in the washing machine, at a minimum, we recommend putting them in a small mesh laundry bag to protect the clips and any small pieces on the hat from damage. To encourage long-term durability, hand washing in a sink or when you shower with some mild soap and hang drying is the way to go. See our Best Sports Detergent guide for our recommended ways of cleaning technical apparel.
Ciele hats are machine washable! That’s not the norm though. Always check the care label before throwing them in the wash. Photo by Trey French
Does the color of a running hat matter?
Some say that darker colors hold heat and should be avoided, but we find that the difference in cooling between colors is marginal. If you want a dark blue running hat and don’t need the visibility of a brighter hat for road running, then feel free to opt for darker colors. With that said, there’s a lot of light-colored clothing at the Badwater 135 infamously hot road ultra in Death Valley, California!
Some runners find that light-colored hats are more cooling. This is our favorite all white hat, the rnnr Pacer hat in Era White, if that’s your fancy. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Do I still need to wear sunglasses with a running hat?
The brim of a hat will keep the sun off the top half of your face and shield your eyes depending on the sun's angle relative to your running direction and time of day. With that said, you’re still exposed to a lot of UV rays while wearing a hat, from reflections and light from your peripheral. At the least, sunglasses will keep eye strain down and headaches away; at most, they will protect your valuable eyes from UV rays in the long run.
Do I still need to wear sunscreen with a running hat?
UPF ratings on hats are not a replacement for sunscreen, and sunscreen should be applied around vulnerable, exposed places on your head and face. If your brim provides adequate coverage over your forehead, you might get away without sunscreen there, avoiding sweating sunscreen into your eyes and causing irritation. See our guide to The Best Face Sunscreen and our guide to The Best Sunscreen for Your Body for our recommendations.
The Ciele GOCap was the best running hat at moisture wicking and staying cool. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
How we judged the winners
Moisture Wicking
Most of us sweat a lot from our heads, and it’s no exception when it comes to having fabrics that wick sweat away from our heads and keep things cool. Head sweat is one of the reasons to avoid natural fabrics like cotton and go for thinner, technical polyester blends.
Cinching down the rnnr Pacer Era White, with a static nylon strap, plastic buckle, and in this case, an elastic webbing between the left hand index finger and thumb, to allow for some stretch. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Adjustability
Though some companies offer different hat sizes, we’ve seen that most hats are one size (OS), or one-size-fits-all. This approach simplifies things on the manufacturing side but does require a high degree of adjustability for the hats. Typically, the only adjustment point will be in the rear of that hat, where the “ponytail” hole will be. On running caps, they’re usually a nylon webbing that adjusts through a low-profile plastic buckle or the increasingly popular bungee cord through a barrel lock.
Beyond adjusting for the size of your head, a good running hat has a way to cinch down tightly during high wind outings to help keep the hat on your head.
UV Protection
Some hats advertise UV protection, and some simply provide a barrier between your head and harmful UV rays. Our reviewer, who has little head hair for natural scalp protection, is a big fan of hats with UV protection.
Sunscreen placed on the top of the head can sweat down into the runner’s eyes and cause irritation. Either way you look at it, UV protection can’t hurt! We found that most of our hats with advertised protection expressed in terms of UPF, and they were typically 40-50+ UPF, which is as good as you can get.
Hats with widespread mesh holes like the Patagonia Duckbill will inherently have less coverage from the UV rays. You can see the tag and our reviewer’s head through the mesh holes here. Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
Brim Coverage
Small brims may be an aesthetic choice for some. Other runners may find smaller brims to be more aerodynamic and less prone to blowing off, but they won’t offer as much sun protection. Small brims can be great in lower light conditions.
The larger the brim, the more prone to wind gusts pulling it up, but they offer more sun protection and can be best in bright conditions. Beyond length, some brims are also on the wider side. You’ll see this on many trucker hats.
Ventilation
Running caps may rely on thin fabrics or mesh holes to encourage venting. Mesh holes will be poor performers for UV coverage but do score high on venting. Thin fabrics may be an excellent middle ground as they tend to be air permeable but can also have high UV scores using technical treatments.
Packability
Packability is important for runners who will be out in variable conditions where hats may not be necessary the whole time. For example, you probably won't need a cap if you're running in the dark in the morning or through the night during a trail ultra marathon.
Smaller-brimmed, thin fabric hats are usually the most packable. One thing to keep in mind is that if your brim is too small, it may not provide adequate coverage. If the brim is too pliable, it may flop in the wind! You’ll see this floppiness in some bucket hats that have brims with no structure built in. The bucket hat we recommend, the Sunday Afternoons, has some structure, so won't blow in the wind.
Why choose running-specific hats?
Running hats are made from moisture-wicking, breathable material, specifically designed to withstand the sweat and increased body heat that comes along with running. Other hats are often made with cotton, which traps moisture, and tend to be thicker, which makes them hotter than running-specific hats.
Moisture management
Most running hats are made with polyester, nylon, or a combination of the two. Polyester in particular is excellent for wicking moisture rather than retaining it (nylon wicks moisture as well, but may run a little hotter). While you will still likely get sweaty, you’ll be significantly less sweaty than you would be if you were running in a non-running hat.
Breathability
Running hats are ventilated to help with moisture management and temperature regulation. The exception to this is waterproof hats, which are sealed and treated to prevent water from seeping through. This sealant means air won’t circulate and heat won’t escape — thus, waterproof running hats are meant for heavy rains in cold conditions.
Sun protection
Hats made from nylon often offer UV protection, making them a great addition to runs in the sun or at high altitudes.
Visibility
You can find running hats with reflective or hi-vis features. This is great if you plan to run in the dark, as anything you can do to make yourself more visible will help keep you safe from oncoming traffic. For more tips on running in the dark, check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Comfort and fit
Running hats are designed for your comfort while running, so if it doesn’t feel right when you’re trying it on, it won’t feel right while you’re running. Find a hat that fits snug enough it won’t bounce around, but not so tight it feels uncomfortable. Most hats are adjustable, so you can appropriately fit them to your head.
Folks with long hair often like having a hole in the back of the hat for ponytails. Most running hats accommodate that.
Performance features
You can often find running hats with useful performance features, like sweat-wicking liners, small zippered pockets, UV protection, reflective features, packability, and more.
Style and design
Running hats come in a variety of styles, like trucker hats, bucket hats, and traditional sports caps. Some have mesh, some have wider brims, some have drawcord adjustments while others have buckles. You can find a range of colors and patterns, too. Basically, there’s a wide world of running hats and you’ll likely have an easy time finding a style that suits you.
Care and maintenance tips for running hats
Cleaning: machine or hand wash?
When it comes to cleaning your running hat, first check the manufacturer’s care instructions. If you are able to machine wash the hat, use a mild detergent. We offer our top picks in our Best Sports Detergent guide. Use cold water to help maintain the integrity of the materials.
Soaps and detergents
For hand washing, any mild soap should be fine. If the care instructions permit washing in a machine, we recommend our top sports detergents here.
What not to wash your hat with (colors and heavy fabrics)
You’ll want to avoid using fabric softeners when washing your running hat, so if you’re putting it in a washing machine, only wash it with other clothing that requires the same care. That is, wash your hat with other running/athletic clothes that require a mild sport detergent, cold water, and no fabric softeners.
Removing sweat stains
Nike offers a simple solution to removing sweat stains from their hats, which includes making a paste from baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide. After testing the paste in a hidden spot on the hat, you can scrub it on the stains. After rinsing the hat with cool water, let it air dry and the stain should be removed.
Air dry
Air drying your hat is preferable, as direct heat can break down the integrity of the material faster. Avoid using a drying machine or direct sunlight if possible.
Reshaping and avoiding wrinkles
If your running hat becomes misshapen or wrinkly, dampen it and reshape it. If there are creases, work them out with your hands. Allow the hat to air dry in the preferred shape.
Storage
Store your running hats somewhere cool and dry if possible, and avoid scrunching or stuffing it somewhere as that can cause it to become misshapen.
How often to wash
The frequency with which you should wash your running hat depends on how often you wear it, in what conditions, whether it comes in contact with sunscreen or dirt, and how much you sweat. The goal is to keep the hat clean and effective, so if you see salt buildup, dirt stains, or noticing any other buildup, it’s a good idea to wash the hat.
We’re serious about testing at all times Photo by Sasha Hashemipour
How we tested
To find the best running hats, we tested hats while trail running in a series of mountain ranges, including the foothills of the San Isabel National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land, Sangre de Cristos, and the Sawatch Range of Colorado-Ute land.
We encountered temperatures between 55°-95° degrees through a warm but wet summer in the Colorado Rockies.
Then, we salt-stained and hand-washed our hats, measured their brims, stuffed them in our running belts, watched them spring back into shape, and appreciated how they shielded us from the sun.
Most of our trail runs averaged about an hour, with some as long as three hours, with a mix of hiking and scrambling.
We encountered sweltering hot conditions in the 90Fs, and afternoon thunderstorms down to around 55°. Most of our running was on dirt trails and roads, with a little bit of pavement mixed in for good measure. Some of the winning hats were comfortable enough that we forgot to remove them after runs and wore them the remainder of the day.
The author Trey French in his running grounds in Salida, Colorado. Photo by Justin Walker.
About the author / Why you should trust us
From trail outings starting and ending on NYC trains; Colorado multi-sport front door-to-door outings containing cycling and trail running; to long-distance thru-hikes on trails like the CDT, PCT, and Long Trail — working with variable conditions is a constant in Trey’s outdoor life. Trey gravitates towards hiking, running, and cycling. He is interested in human-powered, carless travel with the occasional assistance of public transportation or a friendly hitch.
Based out of Salida, CO, at 7,000ft, Trey runs in all seasons — for mental health, fitness, and preparing a base for big mountain adventures once the snow melts in spring. Trey has run the Salida Run Through Time trail marathon, the Grand Canyon double crossing (the “Rim to Rim to Rim”), and many self-made alpine routes in Colorado. He keeps his legs under him by shuffling from the Arkansas River up into the local foothills most days of the week, and he is kept honest by the local Wednesday group run up the town’s namesake mountain. Around 9,000 miles of combined running and hiking miles inform his approach to gear testing.
You can read more of Trey's work at his blog or on his author page.
