When it's super hot and you're planning a long walk in the hills, wearing a hat is an excellent idea.
I love a hat!
My favourites? An adventure green bucket hat with embroidered flowers that makes me look very silly but holds great memories of Kilimanjaro and a large peaked truckers cap that means I don't have to wear sunglasses and makes me feel like I'm about to cruise down Route 66 in a Cadillac.
I know, I know! Only some people like wearing a hat; they can make you feel hotter, can blow off in a stiff breeze, and aren't exceptionally stylish.
However, if you know you get waffy when it's hot or are a bit thin on top, a fantastic hat can make the difference between an enjoyable or a miserable day of walking in the sunshine.
So, which to choose?! Here are our recommendations for the best hat for hiking in the UK.
Best wide brimmed summer hat for hiking: Fjallraven Abisko Summer Hat
Price on writing: £55.00 | Buy now from Fjallraven
A hat covering the entire face and neck is ideal when the sun is high in the sky, and the air is heavy with heat.
The Fjallraven Abisko isn't cheap, but it is durable, is expertly made from high-quality materials, and provides maximum protection.
This fantastic hat is made from G-1000 Lite, a super tough polycotton. It has a sturdy 7 cm wide brim, and poppers allow you to fold up the sides for a more streamlined look.
We love the look of this hat; it has a cowboy vibe and comes in four neutral colours and sizes.
On windy days, the wide brim may be an issue; however, it has an adjustable chin strap so that it won't fly off. It can also be waxed and waterproofed, so it's a hat that will keep you dry during summer storms and short sharp showers.
Best waterproof cap: Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Cap
Price on writing: £27.00 | Buy now from Go Outdoors
The Montane Minimus Cap is a brilliant hat for people who don't like wearing them; it is lightweight, only 35g, and has fully taped seams, so there is no risk of rubbing and chafing.
The rounded peak is large enough to protect your face and eyes from the sun and small enough not to be intrusive. The styling is simple, and adjustability and the stretchy fabric make it ultra-comfy to wear.
Montane designs outdoor gear that works hard and is built to last. The Minimus is made from robust, breathable material and has plenty of ventilation to keep your head cool.
In addition, a Pertex shield wicks away moisture, and it has a CoolMax internal headband, so you don't get sweat in your eyes.
Best bucket hat for walking: Peter Storm Unisex Tech Bucket Hat
Price on writing: £20.00 | Buy now from Millets
The Peter Storm Unisex Tech Bucket Hat gives more protection than a baseball cap but is lighter and more packable than a wide-brimmed style. It also makes you feel like a Gallagher brother at Glastonbury in the 90s.
Made from a breathable cotton blend fabric with a water-repellent coating, this fab hat is practical and hard-wearing; it can be scrunched up and shoved in your bag without fear of damaging it.
This hat comes in two colours, adventure green and grey and two sizes. It also features a bungee cord that can be easily tightened if you have a small head or it's windy.
The best budget hat for hiking: Forclaz Travel Cap
Price on writing: £8.99 | Buy now from Decathlon
Decathlon is an excellent shop for good value outdoor kit, and this fantastic cap is an absolute bargain. Designed by people who spend time backpacking, it's no surprise that the Forclaz Travel Cap has many positive consumer reviews.
This hat is super packable and very comfortable to wear; it is made from a lightweight and breathable UPF50+ rating cotton and polyester blend. Two sizes are available, and they can be adjusted at the back.
The prominent, stiffened peak will protect your face, eyes and head from the sun, and we like the American military styling and cool blue colour. (It comes in brick red too.)
Best luxury sun hat: Tilley Airflow Organic Wide Brimmed Hat
Price on writing: £74.95 | Buy now from Amazon
The Tilley Airflow Organic Hat has a medium brim and a moisture-wicking headband. The organic 98% stretch cotton fabric has a water-repellent shield and 50+ sun protection, so it's excellent in all weather.
Available in many colours from classic black and denim blue to bright purple and this heat-reflecting medium beige. If you're a bit of a hothead, the mesh fabric around the crown will give much-needed ventilation.
Inside the hat, you'll find a cord system that can be adjusted for the perfect fit and temporarily tightened on blustery days.
Read next: The best walking poles for hiking
Is was thinking this for my latest fashion accessory
Son got me the Montane waterproof hat (orange) for Mother's Day, and I used it on the WHW. It is indeed very waterproof and particularly useful for those of us with glasses. Raincoat hood over the top to keep it from blowing it off and bob's your uncle. 👍👍