A good boating hat is always an appropriate choice when on the water. Wearing a sun hat in the warmer months protects you from harmful UV rays. Additionally, a lined hat helps you retain body heat and keeps your ears warm in the colder months. Caps also offer protection in windy conditions.
Essentially, different types of boating hats have various purposes – depending on the boat and environment. Boaters often wear a sailing hat with a lanyard or a baseball cap with a tether to prevent it from flying away while racing. Additionally, wearing a skull-protected hat can prevent injuries while tacking or jibing. So basically, hats are incredibly multifunctional!
Best Boating Hats on the Market Right Now
Want to know the best boating hats to buy in 2024? We've rounded up the best options on the market (that won't break the bank):
1. MUSTO EvolutionFast Dry Brimmed Hat
The MUSTO Fast Dry Brimmed Hat 80033 has ventilation on the sides for cool air, making it perfect for activities in the heat. Its wide-brimmed shape provides excellent sun protection. And its fast-dry fabric ensures your head won't stay wet long after a big splash.
We love this hat by MUSTO because it has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 40 and a drawstring for easy adjustments. The Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) coating also allows faster drying times by letting water run off the fabric.
2. SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor
Say goodbye to annoying drops of water running down your neck! The Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Head Gaitor is perfect for lightweight protection from the waves or any water that comes your way.
This hat's full-cover design and micro-fleece liner keeps you dry and protects you from the elements – so you can stay dry on the move. And if you're a biker, this hat by Sealskinz also fits under a helmet.
3. Quicksilver Pierside Straw Lifeguard Hat
If you're searching for a straw hat, the Quicksilver Pierside Straw Lifeguard Hat is an excellent option because its adjustable chin strap keeps it securely in place. Straw hats are a classic nautical style that has been around as long as boats have existed. Why? They are designed to let cool air in and offer sun protection on hot days – so you can focus on the good times.
4. Helly Hansen Syolvaer Sou'Wester
Boaters often want fishing hats that stay dry while reeling in big ones. The Helly Hansen Syolvaer Sou'Wester, thanks to its PVC fabric, will keep you dry 100% of the time. Whether water splashes you from below or your elbow-deep noodling, rest assured that you are protected.
We included this hat by Helly Hansen because its brim design provides an excellent field of vision and prevents moisture from dripping down the back of your jacket.
5. Middle Harbour Booma Protective Sailing Sports Safety Cap with Bump Cap Insert
As we mentioned earlier, if you plan on racing, you'll need a boating hat that provides skull protection. The Middle Harbour Booma Protective Sailing Sports Safety Cap has a removable Bump Cap insert for extreme conditions. And the best part is that it looks like a ballcap!
We love this choice because it is versatile, and the drawstring prevents it from accidentally blowing away. The only downside is that it doesn't protect the back of your head. If you need that level of safety, get a sailing helmet.
6. Under Armor Iso-Chill Armourvent™ Fish Adjustable Cap
Finally, we included our favorite fishing baseball hat — the Under Armor Iso-Chill — on our list of boating hats to buy. This cap has vents to release heated air and keep your head cool while blocking the sun's rays. Additionally, it has a cooling band to keep sweat at bay and wicks moisture, providing protection from rain.
