Best Running Hats of 2023

May 28, 2023

Whether pounding the pavement or hitting the trail, we've found the best running hats for every use and budget.

Along with well-fitted running shoes and a comfortable pair of shorts, a dependable running hat rounds out the go-to kit of many passionate runners. The best running hats should wick away moisture, keep sweat out of your eyes, and protect against the sun, wind, and rain.

In 2023, running hats no longer resemble the heavy cotton baseball caps of the past. Instead, today’s running hats are lightweight, breathable, stylish, and impressively unobtrusive. From quick neighborhood jaunts to grueling ultramarathons, the proper running hat can immediately fit into your gear kit and add plenty of benefits to your training or racing.

At the end of our top picks list, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide for advice on how to choose the best running hat for your needs. Also, check out our Comparison Chart to see how each model’s specs stack up against one another, and our FAQs for understanding everything you need to know about running hats.

From its unique “ponytail portal” to its reflective brim lining, the Performance Race Hat ($20-30) from Headsweats has been thoroughly engineered to meet the needs of competitive and recreational runners alike.

This running hat is ideal for everyday use thanks to its thoughtful features and elegant design. With minimal weight and maximum comfort in mind, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing a hat at all.

A moisture-wicking sweatband lines the entire hat, and the polyester fabric shell breathes easily and keeps light moisture out. The adjustable strap fits heads of various sizes, even ones covered in lots of thick or curly hair.

For those without hair, you may not get the sun protection you need from this model, as the large rear opening to accommodate ponytails may leave part of the back of your head exposed.

The Headsweats Performance Race Hat features all the traits that represent a solid modern running hat. At $20 (for some colors), it’s also an excellent value, earning it a spot as the best running hat on our list.

This hat is ideal for runners who travel frequently. A clever folding design allows the whole hat to easily fit in a small suitcase or pants pocket without damaging the brim. Like other quality hats on this list, the GADIEMKENSD Outdoor Hat ($15, and often on sale) comes with thoughtful features such as a reflective brim and a UPF rating of 50+ to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

This affordable running hat is made for outings in all kinds of weather. A water-repellent treatment keeps raindrops from absorbing into the fabric. And if it does manage to get wet, this hat’s quick-drying polyester fabric won’t stay damp for long. Breathable mesh strips complete the design for maximum ventilation.

True to size, the elastic inner band will stretch to accommodate all but the largest heads. The Outdoor Hat may not wick sweat as well as other options on the list, but for $15, it’s a good feature-packed budget option that holds its own with the best running hats we tested.

Ultralightweight fabrics and hardy construction combine to make the Sunday Afternoons Aerial Cap ($30) one of our favorite picks. A classic minimalist design features breathable polyester with strategic strips of mesh sewn into the hat’s crown for additional ventilation.

Like many other running hat models, the Aerial Cap comes in only one size. A secure and highly adjustable fastening system in the back fits heads between 21.6 and 24 inches in circumference. The Aerial Cap is known for its substantial sun protection and is rated to 50+ UPF.

At $30, this hat is a bit more expensive than other options (and we worry about the durability and wear of the adjustable strap), but a potent combination of ventilation, wicking, and sun protection makes it a good value anyway.

We highly recommend the Sunday Afternoons Aerial Cap, especially for runners who love long outings in sunny climates.

This is the hat for running on the hottest of days. For runners based in consistently toasty regions of the world, the Nathan RunCool ($25) is specifically designed to beat the heat, stay comfortable, and maintain your running schedule despite the blazing sun.

Most notably, the RunCool has a built-in stash pocket for ice. This unique pocket can be filled before your run begins or at aid stations along the way.

As you run, the cooling ice melts and helps prevent overheating. For runners who aren’t used to extreme heat but suddenly find themselves signed up for a hot-weather race, this hat is an invaluable piece of gear.

Along the entire inside lining of the RunCool is a soft mesh-wicking sweatband that keeps sweat out of your eyes and allows you to stay focused on the path or trail ahead. The outer material is lightweight and includes two dry tech polyester mesh panels to offer ventilation.

One size fits most, thanks to an adjustable single strap. In addition to ice, pockets on either side can be used as cargo space for credit cards, keys, and energy gels. Note the extra material adds a smidgen of weight, but we think that’s worth the usability.

Compared to other hats on this list, the Nathan RunCool is thoughtfully designed and packs a notable number of features into a single lightweight running hat. For $25, it’s a stylish and practical choice for warm-weather runners. If you’re a midday runner who likes to sweat, this might be the best running hat for you.

The Headsweats Reflective Race Hat ($25) is made with a lightweight knit fabric that Headsweats designed to dry three to four times faster than cotton. It also has a terry cloth sweatband on the interior for comfort, and a black undervisor to reduce glare. We also like that the hat’s fit is easily adjustable, and it works well for those with or without ponytails.

While a breathable, lightweight, comfortable fabric is one perk, the best part of this hat is its reflective trim for visibility that wraps around the entire brim. This hat will provide plenty of visibility — and you won’t have to worry about being seen from the front or behind.

The Reflective Race Hat does fit a bit larger than the average running hat and keep in mind that while you’ll be seen, there’s no sun protection built in. And if you aren’t a fan of the bright “hi-vis yellow” color, this reflective cap comes in 11 other colors.

The Patagonia Duckbill Cap ($35) is one of the most airy and comfortable running hats that we’ve tested. It includes a mix of thoughtful design features, including a short bill that provides surprisingly solid sun protection, a durable water repellent (DWR) bill and front panel to help shed moisture, and a recycled polyester mesh crown and back panels to enhance breathability.

The foam brim folds away easily for stashing and then returns to its shape, and the dark underbill does the advertised job of helping reduce glare. The brim can also flip up while running, and the hat also works well when worn backwards.

Even at a wildly lightweight 1.5 ounces, the sweat-wicking internal sweatband wraps the head with additional softness, and includes an antimicrobial treatment for odor control. The spandex included on the front panel enhances the comfortable fit, and the open mesh pattern provides excellent breathability, though the open mesh could expose bare heads to the sun. The rear buckle includes an adjustable elastic band that holds in place once set to your desired size.

While highly comfortable and breathable, the Patagonia Duckbill Cap does succumb to heavy moisture, whether rain or sweat, which can weigh down the bill and front panel, sometimes causing some sagging in the bill. Overall, the Duckbill Cap is one of the most comfortable, lightweight, and breathable running hats available.

Fit, packability, and lightweight breathability set the standard for the Topo Designs Global Hat ($34). Designed for a mix of activities including running, the hat’s domination of mesh across much of the five-panel construction is geared toward breathability.

This hat is ideal for multiple conditions with the water-repellent stretch nylon and open mesh. The internal band does a quality job of wicking sweat away from the eyes, and the mesh keeps your head cool.

The pliable bill — with a good length for sun shading — can mold into varying shapes and even stays flipped up during a run. On the back, the brand’s “signature adjustable webbing buckle” closure is easy to maneuver and helps make this one of the best-fitting and comfortable running hats available.

The combination of the materials and design allows for the Topo Designs Global Hat to easily pack away tightly (the bill returns to shape), and a small bungee loop on the back gives you the option to clip it to a pack.

One downside is the lack of a UPF rating for the fabric and mesh design across the top of the head, opening you up to some sun exposure.

One of the more comfortable and best-fitting hats with a truly packable design, the Topo Designs Global Hat may well fit the name and be great for a mix of adventures and running destinations the world over.

This running hat from KAVU has 360-degree mesh panels to let that sweet, sweet breeze keep you cool. “Trail Runner” ($35-40) is a fitting name for this cap — it’s ideal for long runs on burly trails in the summer sun.

Like many running hats, the Trail Runner has a five-panel profile and a slightly curved bill. What sets it apart is the combination of unbeatable breathability and durable materials. The stitching is reinforced and an extra layer of heat-laminated fabric on the bill adds structure.

On the underside of the bill, a layer of dark fabric reduces glare, and KAVU’s signature Coolmax sweatband prevents perspiration from seeping into the wearer’s eyes.

With such a premium on mesh and openings, this KAVU option doesn’t include UPF sun protection. Still, if your dome is prone to overheating on the trail, this is one of the best running hats to buy.

The Brooks Propel Mesh ($36) is highly breathable, thanks to its standout lightweight mesh outer material. On sunny runs, this hat offers a cooling effect and thorough coverage, shading you from UV rays without trapping heat.

Designed to be durable and packable, this hat won’t fall apart or deform when thrown into a pack or suitcase. Made from 84% polyester and 16% spandex, it can stretch to accommodate various head sizes or hair types. A sweat-wicking internal headband keeps perspiration from running into your eyes.

At $36, this is one of the more expensive hats on our list. However, for those looking for lots of ventilation, the Brooks Propel Mesh is a high-quality product — one of the best running hats available.

The REI On the Trail Cap ($27) offers plenty to like but sometimes falls short of having that one element to love. Still, this is a quality option for a running hat, especially if you’re looking for a more comfortable fit on the enclosure and ample space for a ponytail to slide through.

Expect above-average ratings across the hat, even without that one standout element. The comfort is above average, fitting well and giving a feeling of a baseball cap. The sizing does run tight, so if you have a large head, steer clear of this one. The internal sweatband is extremely comfortable, as is the bungee-style enclosure on the back. The hat remains just as comfortable when worn backward, thanks largely to the bungee strap being one of the best in the business.

The $27 price tag is a decent grab for the quality and the mixture of coverage-to-breathability falls nicely in a non-extreme range. The full-coverage hat (read: no mesh) offers a UPF rating of 50+, but still has five laser-cut ventilation holes on either side of the cap to help with breathability. The bill, about 2.5 inches long, is a great medium length for suitable sun coverage that still stays well intact on a windy run. Add in that the bill can flip up — and stay that way while running — and you’ve got an additional feature.

The comfort and performance of the internal sweatband — we like that it reads “a life outside is a life well lived” on it — helps keep sweat from dripping into your eyes but can leave both the sweatband and bill heavily sweat-laden during a longer run.

The REI On the Trail Cap offers a pleasant non-extreme option for runners. You get everything you need in a comfortable cap without any of the elements that make it a prized choice for just one element of the running population. For those with a smaller head, annoyed by clunky back enclosures or simply needing somewhere for their ponytail, the On the Trail Cap may well just go from like to love.

When Janji calls their AFO Hyperlight Cap ($38) lightweight, they aren’t joking around. Weighing just 1 ounce, this is one of the lightest running hats available, and it comes with full coverage material (no mesh) and a UPF 25 sun protection rating. It is made from moisture-wicking recycled polyester stretch fabric and includes an internal sweatband.

The low-profile fit includes a crushable foam brim, meaning you can stash the hat away in a backpack or duffel bag and it will return to shape for your next outing. The hat is very thin and lightweight, and while the brim provides adequate sun protection, there isn’t as much coverage as provided by other models.

The bungee-style toggle closure on the back of the hat adds an extra element of customizable fit, and is easily adjustable on the run without removing the hat. The loop on the end of the bungee allows for clipping onto a pack if needed. Note that this bungee-style closure doesn’t make for a comfortable — or stylish — switch to a backward hat.

The main drawback of the AFO Hyperlight Cap is its less-than-roomy design. This may not work for someone with a larger head or for those who need to cover a lot of hair. The foam brim is super pliable but may not retain an exact shape.

The AFO Hyperlight Cap is certainly a top choice for someone looking for an incredibly lightweight full-coverage option for high-temperature running.

Often compared to a Nike running hat, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap ($30) is a water-resistant and stylish hat great for running, golfing, or simply hanging out in the fresh air. Packable and lightweight, this hat takes up very little space in your luggage and is sure to come in handy when you get to wherever you’re going.

With a nylon top panel and mesh sides, this hat is a little warmer than others on the list, but the mesh does offer some cooling breathability. A curved bill offers protection from the sun at all hours of the day.

At $30, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap isn’t strictly a running hat. It’s a do-it-all cap for any and all outdoor adventures.

This practical and stylish hat from Ciele was thoughtfully designed for runners. From its pliable brim to its fast-drying performance, the GOCap ($40-45) does everything a purpose-built running hat should do.

The GOCap hat holds up to frequent active use. It can be easily stuffed into a pack without losing shape or integrity. When it’s dirty or covered in sweat, you can throw it in the washer without a second thought. The brim, front, and back panels all come with UPF 40+ sun protection, and the COOLwick fabric helps prevent sweating and overheating.

On early morning or evening runs, reflective detailing on the front and back of the GOCap improves visibility. Though it only comes in one size, it’s highly adjustable and will fit most runners. In the Slater color option, this hat is also stylish enough to spice up your leisure wear for a casual summer outing.

The Muir Cap ($30) checks all the boxes a good running hat should. It’s lightweight, well-made, and supremely breathable.

Though there are many features that we like about this hat, the unique ventilation holes are a standout. On the top and side panels of the Muir Cap are a whopping 94 2mm holes that allow the hat to breathe and keep your head cool.

Aesthetically, this is a classic five-panel cap, although some users weren’t sold on the final fit. Functionally, it is a piece of well-designed and affordable activewear. The crushable visor, reflective front logo, and moisture-wicking sweatband all add up to an excellent addition to any running kit. Given the quality, the Muir Cap is fairly priced at $30.

With a mix of look-at-me colorways, the $38 rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat will keep you noticed on any trail. Designed for the hottest days, rnnr’s “moisture-managing” SPDWick polytech fabric is meant to move sweat from your face, and SPF 40 built into the fabric helps to protect you from the sun. It also features the addition of large mesh paneling on the sides to help up the breathability quotient of the hat.

This classic five-panel running design uses its sturdy fabric for pliable comfort, combined with the side-panel mesh to allow for breathability on long runs without exposing your head to direct sunlight.

The soft and flexible brim shapes as you choose with the ability to go back to its original positioning when wanted. On the back, the plastic snap adjustment isn’t easily used on the go but holds the fit in place on a run. The interior band does an adequate job of wicking sweat.

The 58 cm size of the rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat doesn’t make it a great fit for those with smaller heads and can even be a bit of a baggy fit on a medium head. The bill is billed as versatile to match your style — easy to curve, flip, or leave flat — and while maneuverable, it’s short enough that it doesn’t stay flipped up well and doesn’t cover as much of your face from the sun as some other options.

The rnnr Lightweight Distance Hat fits a runner with a large head looking for lightweight breathability with comfortable fabrics.

The GearJunkie team is stacked with runners. From weekend hobbyists to ultramarathon podium threats, we’re diehard runners, through and through.

Like most runners, we use running hats for sweat-wicking and sun protection. Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of running hats in all sorts of conditions.

A good running hat should be durable, comfortable, breathable, and effective against the sun’s harsh rays. The recommendations on this list are the results of our careful observation and first-hand experience. We’re confident these are the best running hats on the market.

As new running hats become available, we’ll be sure to try them out in consideration for this list.

A running hat is a handy tool that offers several functions as a part of your running kit. A well-made cap can provide sun protection, warmth, visibility, moisture-wicking, and water resistance. When shopping for the best hat for you, some key considerations to keep in mind include ventilation, comfort, adjustability, moisture transfer, and reflectivity.

This mix of features makes a running hat different from a typical ball cap. The materials used may keep it lightweight, flexible, and sweat-wicking. Liners can help keep sweat or rain from dripping down your face and depending on your selection, you may find water-resistant materials to keep you dry. Running hats tend to fit snugly for distraction-free aerodynamic movement.

After considering these features and determining your present and future needs as a runner, look over this list to find the option that best meets your criteria. We recommend every hat on the list, but some will suit certain runners better than others.

Even when it isn’t especially warm out, runners tend to get hot and sweaty. In the hot sun, this reality becomes all the more challenging, and it becomes especially important to utilize gear with plenty of ventilation.

Choose a hat with lightweight fabric such as mesh or thin polyester, especially if you spend a lot of time running in warm conditions. Choosing a light color may also help keep your head cool during your run. Some hats, like the Nathan RunCool, are specifically designed for hot weather running. Add in that some hats will include UV protection, which can help provide an extra layer of protection.

Make sure to round out your kit with breathable and comfortable running shirts, running shorts, and running shoes to ensure you don’t overheat or overexert yourself while exercising.

It’s helpful to have a good sense of the size of your own head when purchasing a hat. Once you know your head size, compare it to the dimensions of the hats you’re considering. Next, look for a hat with superior adjustability. Brooks hats, for instance, are known to accommodate larger heads.

Weight also affects a hat’s comfort. It’s imperative to have a well-fitting, lightweight running hat so your gear remains distraction-free, such as the Topo Designs option. A snug, comfortable fit will ensure you’re not worried about adjustments while on the road or the trail.

Not every bill — or brim — is created equal. When selecting a running hat, understand what you want from the brim before making your selection. You’ll want to specifically focus on both the ability to flip the bill and the size of the brim.

Some hats come with a bill that can mold into different shapes (ideal for long runs), with several styles offering the ability to flip the bill up to move out of the way when desired. The quality of the hat could dictate when the bill is able to flip — and stay in place — if that’s a feature you desire.

The size of the brim is another key factor. Some runners want maximum coverage, both in length and width, to protect against blazing sun. But that size may bother other runners who want a more minimal design that does just enough to provide some sun protection. These are both personal decisions but are key considerations when selecting the right running hat for you.

Moisture transfer reflects a hat’s ability to quickly dry after becoming saturated with sweat or other moisture. Many hats on our list include sweat-wicking internal liners that pull sweat away from your skin and eyes.

Hats made from mesh and thin polyester tend to dry quickly. Wool, with its natural sweat-wicking properties, is sometimes used in a liner, but too much wool can be cumbersome. When shopping for a running hat, avoid materials like cotton.

The sweat-wicking properties help during warm runs but can also provide benefits in cold weather. Moving sweat away from your head can keep sweat from drying, which can make you feel even colder.

Changing the sizing of your hat is one thing but changing it mid-run is vital. When selecting a running hat, be aware of the adjustability options and what might work best for you. The main adjustability options include plastic snaps, Velcro, a slide adjuster, or a bungee pull. Each has its own benefits.

Keep in mind that the plastic snaps and slide adjusters may be difficult to switch on the fly but often remain in place throughout runs, whereas the Velcro and bungee pull may provide an easier on-the-move selection, even if they could loosen during a run.

The flexibility of your running hat is about more than fit and comfort. Sometimes you’ll want to strip off the hat and store it in a pocket or jam it into a travel pouch. Selecting a flexible hat gives you more options for storage, whether on a run or on the way to your favorite route. The GADIEMKENSD offering brings its own unique blend of folding to the running hat space.

A high-visibility running cap reflects light and helps others see you when running in low-light conditions. Good reflectivity increases your safety while running, especially in high-traffic areas. Reflectivity isn’t just beneficial in low-light evening scenarios, but also crucial in low-light morning runs, a common time for runners to hit urban streets.

Running hats range in price from $10 to about $40. Depending on your budget, you’ll want to purchase the highest quality and most durable hat that you can. Durability comes from the quality of the materials used in the hat.

Some hats on this list are well-known for their high-end durability. If affordability is your biggest concern, the GADIEMKENSD Running Hat is just $15 and still offers lots of features.

The best running hats (like the ones featured on this list) are meant to be worn during strenuous exercise and in warm, sunny conditions. Because of their strategic polyester and mesh construction, these hats are designed to breathe and remain well-ventilated throughout your run.

Some cooling hats for men and women, like the Nathan RunCool, even come with integrated pockets to store ice during your run. While these hats are designed to stay cool, you may want to choose a light-colored hat if you’re concerned about heat.

Choosing a visor versus a running hat comes down to your needs and preferences as a runner. A visor will not protect the top of your head from harmful UV rays, nor will it protect your head from rain or snow.

Because a visor is fully open on the top, it’s a good option in warm weather for those who aren’t concerned about UV exposure on the top of their head.

Measure your head before your purchase to make sure the hat you’re interested in will fit. Once you’ve purchased the hat, use the closure system to customize your fit.

While running, you want a nice snug fit that’s also comfortable. In windy conditions, it’s wise to tighten the hat to prevent it from flying off your head.

The best materials for a running hat depend on the weather conditions that you’ll typically run in. If you expect to run in winter, or in especially cool or wet weather, you’ll want to look for a hat that has solid material instead of mesh, a lining, and possible reflectivity for the darkness.

If you typically run in the summer, or it hot and dry weather, you’ll want a hat that is lighter weight, has moisture-wicking materials, mesh construction or other ventilation features, and UPF protection.

Your running hat’s brim shades your face from the sun — and sometimes even rain. The longer the brim, the more shading it provides, but that also means the more weight you’re carrying and the more ability for the wind to catch the hat.

Of course, the size and style of the brim also bring quite a bit of the fashion aspect to the hat, but when it comes to choosing a hat with the right brim, you’ll want to balance the need for sun shading with the worry of wind catching the brim.

From sunny beaches to high alpine trails, our experts evaluated the best men’s running shorts for fit, comfort, mobility, moisture-wicking, and more.

By now, we all know the best running shirts should be moisture-wicking. Not allowing sweat to wick off your skin can be a source of overheating.