Best Running Hats for Hot Weather, Sun Protection, and Wicking Moisture (2024)

When it comes to choosing the ideal running hat, it’s not just about style—it’s about finding the perfect balance of functionality, comfort, and protection from the elements. That’s why our expert product testers here at Garage Gym Reviews put seven different running caps to the test after careful research and combing through customer reviews. 

Our goal is to help you find the best running hat for your head—because we’re all different. In this roundup of running caps, you’re going to hear our personal experiences in addition to the cold, hard facts. No matter how big or small the product is that we review, our team of experts review all products thoroughly just like we do in the best treadmills for home gyms or best running shoes for beginners. 

Best Running Hats 

• Best Running Hat Overall: Smartwool Feel Good Cap
• Best Running Hat for Sun Protection: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
• Best Running Hat for Women: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat
• Best Running Hat for Hot Weather: Nathan Sports RunCool Hat
• Best Water-Resistant Running Hat: Arc’teryx Calvus Cap
• Best Ultralight Running Hat: Topo Designs Global Hat
• Most Breathable Running Hat: Kavu Trail Runner Hat

Best Running Hat Overall: Smartwool Feel Good Cap

Good for: Runners looking for a comfortable, stretchy, and sweat-wicking hat 

Best Overall

Smartwool Go Far, Feel Good Runner’s Cap

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Lightweight
• Adjustable clip closure
• Merino 150 mesh fabric
• Quick-drying
• 5-panel design for a great fit

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has reflective elements to make you more visible in low-light conditions
• Curved brim fits a variety of face shapes
• The adjustable clip helps you get just the right fit
• Designed to block the sun
• Dries quickly, keeping your head comfortable in a variety of conditions

Cons

• Some customers felt it ran a little big
• Can’t machine wash

Bottom Line

This would be a great option to wear for hiking or any outdoor activities as it can keep your head protected from the sun and the sweat out of your face.

This Smartwool running cap features a five-panel design with stretchy polyester fabric on the exterior and a merino wool and polyester blend for the interior. 

We know what you might be thinking when you read the words wool blend: I don’t need a sweater on my head! But trust your friends here at GGR: wool is the OG of sweat-wicking materials. In fact, when we tested the best running socks, Smartwool was our top pick for moisture-wicking capabilities. 

Expert product tester and GGR writer Amanda Capritto notes that this Smartwool cap “performed well in all kinds of conditions—it even started raining on me once and the hat didn’t get heavy or soggy.” Now that is what we like to hear about running gear. 

Amanda also comments on the fit saying, “It’s super flexible. There is almost no structure to this hat—it’s like a beanie with a visor bill.

“It’s also extremely lightweight and breathable, and flexible to the point where it feels like it molds to your head,” Amanda adds. 

Although the hat offers stretchy materials and a comfortable, lightweight fit, you’ll also like knowing that you’ll have an adjustable strap on the back of the hat for a customized fit. Plus, there are a few reflective details (including the edge of the visor) to keep you visible in low-light conditions. 

Best Running Hat for Sun Protection: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Good for: Anyone looking for a hat with a 40+ UPF rating plus extra neck and shoulder coverage

Best Sun Protection

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• 8 color options
• UPF 40 rating
• Quick-drying
• Mesh side panels to protect your neck
• Available in 4 different sizes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A 2-in-1 training cap that is unique and versatile
• Water-resistant to protect your head from outside elements
• Breathable and lightweight materials that are comfortable to wear
• The brim is designed to wick away sweat while also shielding your face from the sun

Cons

• Some customers felt the stitching could be stronger
• Slightly difficult to determine what size would fit best

Bottom Line

This is a great cap to wear on its own, but also can be worn under a bike helmet for the same level of protection. If you have issues with remembering sunscreen but love spending time outside, this might be a great hat to add to your collection of outdoor gear.

Although the Outdoor Research sun running cap is not the most aesthetically pleasing hat you’ll ever wear, if you appreciate utility over fashion then keep reading. This hat features nylon fabric with a UPF 40+ rating to protect your skin from UV rays. 

If you’re anything like me and get sunburns easily, this hat takes sun protection headwear to the next level with a removable cape (yes, you read that right). 

The removable cape is definitely the standout feature for this hat, which offers sun protection all the way down your neck and partially over your shoulders. For me, this is not only a good running hat, it’s an ideal summer hat for hot days in a kayak or at the beach.

RELATED: Best Running Water Bottle

The interesting part about this (other than how ridiculous it looks) is how much the cape changes the way it feels around my head during the testing process. The hat alone offers a snug and comfortable fit, but once I used the metal snaps to fasten the cape on, the elastic band that is sewn into the back of the cape squeezed my head too much for my liking. 

I did notice that when I wore the cape higher on my head (not directly over the adjustable strap on the cap) it was more comfortable. The higher position almost covers the side mesh panels for ventilation, but it’s not a dealbreaker. The cap also features a wicking headband and a dark fabric under brim that helps reduce glare.

Best Running Hat for Women: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat

Good for: Ladies on the hunt for a running cap with a fashionable flare

Best for Women

Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Running Hat

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Sweat-wicking
• Adjustable back closure
• 4-way stretch
• Quick-drying
• Variety of colors and patterns are available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Functional, yet cute and stylish
• Interior mesh fabric sweatband designed to wick away moisture
• Workout-friendly
• Includes reflective details for running in low-light conditions
• The lightweight swift fabric feels good for all-day wear

Cons

• A little bit pricey compared to some competitors’ similar options
• Some customers had issues with the Velcro catching in their hair

Bottom Line

This is a simple style from a well-known brand that knows how to create products that people love. It is cute, comfortable, stylish, and ideal for outdoor running.

The Lululemon Fast and Free running cap features a classic baseball cap design along with a breathable, durable, and moisture-wicking material. 

Amanda tested the Lululemon cap and notes that it was her favorite of all four running hats she put to the test. “I’ve worn it more than any of the others because it feels like wearing a baseball cap but way more comfortable.”

Amanda also admits that she never used to run in hats but says, “this particular hat converted me into a hat-wearing runner. It’s light, comfortable, stays put, is easy to adjust, and keeps sweat and sun out of my face.”

Well, you can’t go wrong with a testimonial like that, can you?

It’s worth noting that because it fits more like a baseball cap, you may notice it covers more of your head than some of the other low-profile running caps we tested. 

It comes in six different colors, has a plain front panel, and Lululemon custom branding on the adjustable back strap. It’s also worth mentioning this running hat comes in one size and has a fabric hook-and-loop fastener on the back for a customized fit. 

Best Running Hat for Hot Weather: Nathan Sports RunCool Hat

Good for: Folks in warm climates looking for a hat with built-in cooling solutions. 

Best for Hot Weather

Nathan RunCool Ice Run Hat

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Fun ice blue color
• UPF sun protection
• Made with high-quality materials
• Lightweight
• Soft-mesh sweatband on the inside that wicks away sweat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable back closure for the best fit
• The sweatband on the inside keeps sweat out of your eyes
• Black underside of the bill helps reduce glare
• Pockets for ice to keep you cool on extremely hot days

Cons

• Some customers noted that the hat ran a little small
• Pockets could be a little larger

Bottom Line

The Nathan RunCool Ice Run Hat gives you just about everything you need with some fun bonus features that most of the competitors don’t have.

Runners living in hot climates: listen up! This Nathan running cap features dry tech polyester  mesh pockets sewn into the side panels for ice. 

You read that correctly. This hat is designed so you can put ice cubes on top of your head while you run on hot or humid days. On top of that, the polyester material is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and doesn’t leave you feeling drenched from your own sweat (or the ice cubes, which will inevitably melt). 

I personally tested this hat in the middle of winter, so I didn’t add ice for my morning walks or runs, but I did test how much ice you can fit in each side panel. Turns out you can put about four ice cubes per side! 

RELATED: Best Hydration Vests for Running

It’s also packable, machine washable, and features a flat and mostly pliable visor. The adjustable back strap is easy-to-use and offers a more custom fit to the one-size-fits-most option. It’s also worth noting that the two-tone blue is the only colorway you’ll find for this specific running hat with ice pockets. 

Speaking of the fit, it’s worth noting that this hat does feel tight on my head. Although I like it because it doesn’t move around while I run, walk, or generally move around—I also have an average head and really thin hair. You may have a hard time with this hat if you have a larger head or a lot of hair.

Best Water-Resistant Running Hat: Arc’teryx Calvus Cap

Good for: Folks looking for a water repelling hat that is also stretchy and lightweight 

Best Water-Resistant

Arc’teryx Calvus Cap

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Moisture-wicking
• Short brim
• Breathable side panels
• Lightweight
• Buckle closure

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great for outdoor activities
• Includes an air-permeable Spacermesh sweatband
• Gridded-knit mesh that has great wicking properties to keep away unnecessary moisture
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

• Some customers didn’t love the fit
• Slightly higher in price point than some competitors’ similar styles

Bottom Line

The Calvus Cap has been designed to keep sweat out of your face and to hold up for a lot of outdoor adventuring.

The Arc’teryx Calvus cap is a simple, lightweight, and water-resistant running cap that will keep up with trail running or road running. The interior of the running hat features mesh to wick moisture and allow for breathability, while the exterior is polyester material featuring a light taffeta weave with stretch in addition to a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to repel moisture. 

RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes

Amanda tested this running cap and says, “The fabric is phenomenal. It’s lightweight, flexible, and stretchy. There are mesh panels, too, for breathability.”

She also notes that the look is ideal with just a small logo on the front panel and the aesthetic blend “between a trucker hat and a baseball cap,” she says. 

Amanda wanted to fully love this cap, but it didn’t provide a snug fit on top of her head. She says, “It’s too large for me, in the sense that it’s too ‘deep’ vertically to fit my head. I’d have to pull it down almost over my eyes to prevent there from being space between my head and the top of the cap. 

“I think I have a smaller head, so this probably won’t be the case for everyone,” she adds. 

Best Ultralight Running Hat: Topo Designs Global Hat

Good for: Folks who want a super lightweight hat with several colors to choose from

Best Ultralight

Topo Designs Global Hat

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Easy to pack-and-go
• Adjustable webbing buckle
• Unstructured 5-panel construction
• Breathable mesh back
• Comes in plain colors and patterned options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has an internal band that is designed to absorb and wick away sweat
• The brim is made of pliable materials so you can choose to wear flat or curved
• Can fit comfortably under a helmet
• Includes a loop on the back you can use to hang your hat up or clip onto a harness

Cons

• Some customers had issues with the fit if they had a lot of hair
• The adjustable strap can be a little long depending on the size of your head

Bottom Line

This hat style had a lot of reviews from repeat customers that bragged about its high-quality, great fit, and fun style. It would be an ideal option for someone who does a lot of backpacking or traveling and needs a hat to keep their head protected along the way.

If you’re looking for an ultralight running hat that offers a comfortable fit and maximum breathability, this five-panel Topo Designs hat might be for you. 

Other than the front panel (and the brim) the rest of the hat features a polyester mesh, which means it will be a lightweight cap with breathability benefits for the whole head. 

The internal headband is absorbent and fast-drying while the brim is foam and pliable so it doesn’t add weight to your runs. 

Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and expert product tester, ordered the Topo Designs hat in black and likes the fit and the look. There are several color options you can pick from including funky camo and sand patterns. 

RELATED: Best Running Belts

Nicole notes that the brim comes flat and you can bend it to your liking but notes the brim didn’t keep its shape if she tried to add more of a curve. 

“This is comfy for sure. It doesn’t fit my head exactly—there’s extra space on the top on each side—so I think it looks a bit weird when on, but I will wear this if I plan on running outside on a summer day,” says Nicole. 

“Overall, it stays put and is breathable, so works great for me,” she adds. 

Most Breathable Running Hat: Kavu Trail Runner Hat

Good for: Folks looking for a unisex option with breathability for hot weather running

Most Breathable

KAVU Trail Runner Hat

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Slightly curved bill with black underbill
• Mesh panels for breathability
• 5-panel design 
• Unique style
• 2 sizes available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tailor-made for trail runners
• Includes a popular Coolmax sweatband on the inside of the hat
• Designed to stay on in any type of environment
• Shorter brim design so you have maximum visibility of surroundings
• Unique patterned nylon-tubular webbing with a KAVU adjustment

Cons

• Some customers felt it ran a little bit small
• Materials can take some time to dry

Bottom Line

This is really a fun style that you can use for a lot of outdoor adventures while keeping your head dry, cool, and protected from the outside elements. It has a unique aesthetic, but is also backed by important features like durability and good ventilation.

The Kavu trail running hat is another nearly full mesh cap we tested. Although not the best option for cold weather running, this Kavu cap provides some of the most air flow you can get without wearing a running visor. 

Amanda tested this Kavu cap and notes, “One thing this hat does right is wick sweat. Your sweat won’t even have time to build up because of the mostly mesh construction.”

RELATED: Tips for Running in the Heat 

Although similar to the Topo Designs hat from above, the Kavu actually has a polyester panel on the top and large mesh panels around the sides, rear, and front of your head. 

However, she mentions the drawback to the polyester mesh is you may feel a little skin irritation. “The nearly full-mesh construction is a great concept, but in reality, it ends up being a bit itchy in use. Along the interior, most of it is mesh, except the front (the part that sits against your forehead), which is paneled in a softer material,” writes Amanda. 

Amanda admits she “loves the earthy colors and the 90s throwback designs,” however she found the fit wasn’t the best for her head and mentions she thought it looked silly. The short brim featured on this cap may make the aesthetic feel different than a traditional baseball cap or trucker hat. 

Other Running Hats We Researched

Proviz Sports REFLECT360 Running Cap: We wanted to have a high visibility option for you folks at home, but during our testing process this hat was out of stock. 

Nike Aerobill Featherlight Hat: Although we didn’t try this dri-fit hat, we think it’s a solid option and similar to the Lululemon Fast and Free running hat. 

Ciele Athletics GOCap: Based on our research we thought this brand offers solid running hats. We didn’t end up ordering and testing the GOCap because we thought the Nathan running hat with built-in gussets for ice offered more for runners with a similar design. 

Headsweats Reflective Race Hat: Another popular running hat option that we didn’t test. It comes in a one-size-fits-all option, several different colors, and features a classic buckle back closure.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Running Hats

Your friendly team of expert product testers, writers, and editors here at GGR work as a team to research, select, and test the products we review. For most roundups, we start with online research to see which products—in this case running hats—are available to buy, popular or trending, and actually worth testing. 

From there, we narrow down our initial list to a smaller list of running hats we actually put to the test. Amanda, Nicole, and I personally ordered and tested each running hat on this list while walking, running, strength training, and even doing some yard work. 

Benefits of Running Hats

Here are a few benefits we see to adding a running hat to your running gear: 

Sun Protection

One of the primary benefits of wearing a running hat is the sun protection a wide brim or long visor can provide on your face, eyes, and neck. If you plan to run outdoors versus on a treadmill, you’ll want to consider how you’ll protect yourself against prolonged sun exposure. 

Potential Temperature Regulation

While keeping the sun out of your eyes, a running cap can also help regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your forehead. Especially ones with breathable mesh panels. 

Improved Visibility

Visibility can go two ways here: A running cap can potentially reduce glare and help you see objects in front of you. The other factor is if your running cap has reflective elements, you will be more visible to drivers and other pedestrians in low-light conditions. 

What to Look for in the Best Running Hats

When choosing a hat designed for running as a beginner, there are a few key factors to consider:

Moisture-Wicking

Look for a hat made of moisture-wicking materials (like polyester) due to the way it draws sweat away from your skin. This can help you stay dry and comfortable during warmer weather training.

Adjustable Fit

While some hats may offer a size selection, many are sold in a one-size-fits-all option. If that’s the case, make sure there is an adjustable strap, buckle, or Velcro closure at the back that allows you to customize your fit. 

Sun Protection

A wide brim and/or a long visor is the first feature to look for with sun protection. If you want to be extra cautious, try seeking out hat with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings for effective UV protection. 

Best Running Hats FAQ

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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