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10 Best Cooling Hats 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

MISSION Cooling Anywhere Boonie Hat, Etched Camo Black Forest - Unisex Wide-Brim Hat for Men & Women - Lightweight & Durable - Cools Up to 2 Hours - UPF 50 Sun Protection - Machine Washable

The MISSION Cooling Anywhere Boonie Hat is a solid choice if you're looking for a hat that keeps you cool and protected outdoors. Made mostly of polyester with mesh vents, it's lightweight and breathable, which helps with airflow and comfort during warm days. Its standout feature is the HydroActive Wet-to-Cool technology—it cools your skin quickly by up to 30 degrees below body temperature and lasts for about two hours after activation with water. This is great if you spend time hiking, fishing, or just being outside in the sun. The hat also offers strong UPF 50 sun protection, shielding your face, neck, and ears effectively.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,436
Material
Cooling Technology
UV Protection

Most important from
440 reviews

Material
The hat offers superb construction and a perfect fit, impressing even family members who received it as a gift.
Cooling Technology
The cooling technology effectively lowers skin temperature, making it ideal for all-day sun exposure.
UV Protection
It fits larger head sizes well and provides excellent sun protection, especially for sensitive areas like a bald head.
Fit and Adjustability
It fits larger head sizes well and provides excellent sun protection, especially for sensitive areas like a bald head.
Style and Design
The etched camo black forest color appears darker in reality than the listing photos, which may affect expectations.
#2
9.7 score

Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat, Eucalyptus, S/M

The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is designed for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and need solid sun protection combined with comfort. Its material blend of nylon and polyester makes it lightweight and durable, while the water and stain-resistant fabric helps keep the hat looking clean during adventurous activities. The standout feature is its UPF 50+ rating, providing excellent protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is ideal for protecting both the face and neck thanks to the wide brim and 6-inch neck cape. Ventilation is well thought out with breathable mesh panels on both sides of the crown, helping to keep your head cool even in hot weather. The hat also includes a wicking sweatband to manage moisture, adding to the cooling comfort. Fit is adjustable with a drawstring crown and chin strap, allowing a secure fit even on windy days. Its packable design means you can easily fold and carry it without damage, which is great for travelers and hikers. On the style side, it offers a unisex look in a neutral eucalyptus color, suitable for various outdoor settings.

Rating
9.7
Material
UV Protection
Fit and Adjustability

Most important from
1751 reviews

Material
Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, with handy holes on top to hold sunglasses securely.
UV Protection
Provides superior sun protection with a broad brim and neck flap that fully cover face, ears, and neck.
Fit and Adjustability
The adjustable clip and well-stitched chin strap ensure the hat stays firmly in place even on windy days.
Ventilation
Ventilation panels across the crown and forehead keep the head surprisingly cool in hot weather.
Style and Design
The brim folds neatly in half for easy storage while maintaining its shape for effective sun shading.
#3
9.1 score

MISSION Cooling UPF Bucket Hat - Unisex Sun Hat for Hiking, Golfing & Fishing - Sweat & Water Activated Technology, Bronze Green

The MISSION Cooling UPF Bucket Hat is a versatile unisex hat designed for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and fishing. One of its standout features is the innovative water and sweat-activated cooling technology, which can cool the hat up to 30 degrees below the average body temperature in under a minute and keep it cool for up to two hours. This is great for anyone who spends extended periods outdoors and needs to stay cool and focused.

Rating
9.1
Material
Cooling Technology
UV Protection

Most important from
27046 reviews

Material
Perfect for the beach or on a hike, with comfortable material.
Cooling Technology
The cooling effect mainly targets the top and inner rim, providing shade and some cooling relief.
UV Protection
The hat is amazing, with a great color, fit, and it definitely keeps you cooler while protecting your neck from the sun.
Fit and Adjustability
Despite being a bit tight for larger heads, it remains perfectly comfortable for most users.
Style and Design
Lightweight and easy to wear, though the floppy brim can sometimes feel 'bonnet-like'.

Top 10 Best Cooling Hats 2025 in the United States

Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra Adventure Hat, Eucalyptus, S/M

Material: 88% Nylon, 12% Polyester
Cooling Technology: Breathable mesh, wicking sweatband
UV Protection: UPF 50+
Fit and Adjustability: Drawstring crown and chin strap
Ventilation: Mesh panels on both crown sides
Style and Design: Unisex, neutral eucalyptus color, packable

Sunday Afternoons Unisex Charter Hat, Sand/Black, L

Material: 100% nylon
Cooling Technology: breathable mesh, moisture-wicking sweatband
UV Protection: UPF 50+
Fit and Adjustability: adjustable drawstring and chin strap
Ventilation: breathable mesh on crown
Style and Design: casual, functional, crushable for packing

Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat, Fatigue, Large

Material: ripstop nylon/polyester blend
Cooling Technology: water-resistant, quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric
UV Protection: UPF 50+
Fit and Adjustability: one-handed drawcord, removable chin cord
Ventilation: foam-stiffened brim allows air movement
Style and Design: practical, darker fabric under brim reduces glare

Under Armour Men's Iso-Chill ArmourVent Adjustable Hat, (001) Black / / Castlerock, One Size Fits Most

Material: 100% Polyester
Cooling Technology: Iso-Chill sweatband
Fit and Adjustability: Hook and Loop strap, classic fit
Ventilation: Breathable fabric
Style and Design: Pre-curved visor, low-profile look
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Buying Guide for the Best Cooling Hats

Cooling hats are a great way to stay comfortable and protected from the sun during hot weather. They are designed to keep your head cool and reduce the risk of heat-related issues. When choosing a cooling hat, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a cooling hat.
MaterialThe material of a cooling hat is crucial because it affects breathability, moisture-wicking, and overall comfort. Common materials include polyester, nylon, and cotton blends. Polyester and nylon are lightweight and quick-drying, making them ideal for intense activities. Cotton blends are softer and more comfortable for casual wear. Choose a material based on your activity level and comfort preference.
Cooling TechnologyCooling technology refers to the methods used to keep the hat cool. Some hats use evaporative cooling, where you wet the hat, and it cools as the water evaporates. Others use phase change materials that absorb and release heat. Evaporative cooling hats are great for short-term cooling and are easy to use, while phase change materials provide longer-lasting cooling. Consider how long you need the cooling effect to last and how easy the hat is to recharge or reactivate.
UV ProtectionUV protection is important to shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Look for hats with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. A higher UPF rating means better protection. For example, a UPF 50+ rating blocks 98% of UV rays. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during peak sun hours, a hat with high UV protection is essential.
Fit and AdjustabilityA good fit ensures that the hat stays in place and provides maximum comfort. Many cooling hats come with adjustable features like drawstrings, elastic bands, or Velcro straps. These allow you to customize the fit to your head size and shape. If you plan to wear the hat during active pursuits, a secure and adjustable fit is important to prevent it from slipping or falling off.
VentilationVentilation refers to the hat's ability to allow air to circulate, which helps keep your head cool. Look for hats with mesh panels or ventilation holes. These features enhance breathability and prevent overheating. If you are engaging in high-intensity activities or spending long hours in the sun, good ventilation is key to staying comfortable.
Style and DesignWhile functionality is important, the style and design of the hat also matter. Cooling hats come in various styles, such as caps, wide-brim hats, and bucket hats. Choose a style that suits your personal preference and the activities you will be doing. For example, wide-brim hats offer more sun protection for your face and neck, while caps are more compact and sporty.

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