Best Running Hats In 2021
A hat-lover’s guide to keeping a cool head in summer, a hot head in winter, and a stylish head all year round.
Whether you’re on the trail or the road, having the right running hat makes for a more enjoyable experience. The proper hat protects you from the elements, like sun and rain, so that you can focus on your distance and pace day in and day out. In this guide, we’ll explore the best running hats with different features geared towards your next running adventure.
Hats get a bad rap. It’s something you throw on when you’re in a rush or when you don’t feel like trying. But they’re more than a mere cloaking device—they’re an essential and versatile piece of kit for any serious runner. Think about it: The best running hats keep you warm in winter, shaded in the summer, and looking cool all the time. Can your fancy gloves do that? Didn’t think so.
For such a comparably small investment, the best running hat can be worn while jogging your favourite trail or while enjoying a soirée on the town. As you’ll see, the only time not wearing a hat makes sense is while running in slow-motion on the beach, your long, golden locks flowing in the wind. Now, I don’t know what your life is like, but those slow-mo runs happen only rarely in mine.
TL;DR: Our top pick for 2021’s best running hat is the . The TRL Cap offers runners a welcome intersection between function, cost, and style.
The Best Running Hats Reviewed
Lightweight
Breathable
Moisture-wicking
Style
Waterproof
Sun safe
Eco-conscious
Ultralight
Breathable
Fast-drying
Ice Pocket
Breathable
Lightweight
Compact
Ultralight
Drawcord
Comfortable
Efficient
Absorbent
Best Overall Running Hat:
Keep your head protected while staying comfortable and cool with the . It’s re-designed and updated with even more lightweight and breathable fabric. The COOLwick back panels and AIR-Mesh front panel make this hat perfect for warmer weather. There’s also a beautiful reflective brim so you can wear it in low-light settings.
Pros
Lightweight
Breathable
Moisture-wicking
Style
Cons
Hard to find the right size
Best Hat for Running in the Rain:
Designed for heavy downpours in the PNW, the Seattle Rain Cap by Outdoor Research offers seam-taped protection so that you can keep on running. The cap uses three layers of GORE-TEX technology to hold the elements at bay but ensure excellent breathability for when you want to push your pace. The cap also features a TransAction™ Headband that wicks away moisture in humid conditions. Lastly, the cap has a UPF rating of 50+ to reduce your sun exposure risk, keeping you safe from harmful rays. Sustainability check: This cap uses 100% bluesign® approved nylon in order to reduce environmental impact and protect workers.
Pros
Waterproof
Sun safe
Eco-conscious
Cons
Price
Best Lightweight Running Hat:
If you’re looking for a hat that breathes great and dries almost instantly, you can’t go wrong with the XA Compact Cap. It’s incredibly light, which is perfect for high-intensity activities where you don’t want to overheat. The cap also folds small enough to fit into your pocket, even with the sweat-absorbing visor. The oversized breathable mesh back panel is the secret element that maintains a breezy airflow.
Pros
Ultra-lightweight
Breathable
Affordable
Fast-drying
Fits in pocket
Cons
So flexible the visor can crease
Best Running Hat for Hot Weather:
The by Nathan is our favourite for those sweltering days. As the name so eagerly implies, this hat was designed with the sole purpose of keeping your head cool. Besides its lightweight, breathable materials, you might be wondering what makes it superior to the competition. Well, a stash pocket allows you to store actual ice inside your hat. The pocket is handy for other things, as well.
Pros
Lightweight
Breathable
Stash-pocket
Cons
Too icy for winter
Best Trail Running Hat:
While Karpos may be relatively new to the outdoor gear scene, they’re built on a truly outstanding legacy. So it’s no surprise that their ranks among our favourites when running trails. This cap is as ultralight and breathable as you’d expect, and even features a collapsible visor which lets you carry it in your pocket. A rear drawstring allows for precise adjustments.
Pros
Collapsible visor
Compact
Ultralight
Drawcord
Breathable
Cons
Price
Best Running Visor:
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, reliable running visor, you can’t go wrong with the Black Diamond Dash Visor. A wicking sweatband and anti-UV breathable material helps runners manage sweat and moisture, plus the full coverage brim guards you from the sun.
This visor is perfect for a variety of sports such as mountain training, long-distance running, or biking. There’s also an elasticized rear and an adjustable webbing closure in the back for a secure fit.
Pros
Low profile
Air-permeable
Repels moisture
Cons
Runs small
Not adjustable
Best Cold Weather Running Hat:
When the frigid winds start to blow, you’ll want to grab the Buff Midweight Merino Wool Hat for your run. Your head will be warm and toasty with super soft material made from natural Merino wool. The removable pompom makes it versatile, and the reflective band It's great for running and great for the environment: the fibres used proceed exclusively from nature: they are 100% sheep origin.
Pros
Colourful options
Warm and comfortable
Lightweight
Cons
Not insulated
What to look for when buying a running hat
Choosing the best running hat isn’t complicated. Here, we make it easier still by detailing exactly which features to focus on.
Fit
Choosing something with an adjustable band is best. Velcro and drawstrings are especially good, as they give you the full range of snugness.
Lightweight
Especially for trail running, it’s nice to have a hat that’s not just light on your head, but can be easily folded and tucked away into a pocket. Lightweight hats also tend to be cooler, which is good for hot days.
Breathability
This is true for both winter and summer running hats: get something that breathes! Be mindful that sweat needs to evaporate. Otherwise, it can accumulate on your scalp and change your core temperature.
Reflective Bands
If you’re especially fond of night and foggy weather running, opt for a hat with reflective bands. This safety feature helps ensure you stay visible to drivers in unfavorable conditions.
Washable Fabric
Imagine how much sweat accumulates inside a running hat. So make sure to choose something that’s easily washable and fast-drying. Always follow the washing instructions, especially with delicate fabrics like mesh
FAQs for running hats
Is it better to run with a hat?
It may seem counterintuitive, but the answer is actually yes. Summer running hats are designed with moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics which permit evaporative sweating. Additionally, their UV-resistant outers protect from the sun’s harmful rays, while the visor reduces glare.
Do you run hotter with a hat on?
There’s no solid evidence one way or the other—it mostly comes down to context and personal preference. Indeed, placing fabric over your head will reduce evaporation, but it will also protect your scalp from direct heat. If you are worried about running hot, consider or opt for a .
Can you run in a beanie?
Traditional beanies may be the go-to headwear for chilly winter days. But warm and toasty as they are, they’re also usually made of that dreadful c-word: cotton. So, if you’re going to run in a beanie, make sure it’s a synthetic or wool-blend. We recommend the Ciele FSTBeanie.
Conclusion
For most endeavours, you can’t go wrong with the . Still not sure? Keep browsing—we’ve got plenty of running hat styles to choose from. Next, check out our Complete Guide to Cold Weather Running!
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