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Best Running Hats of 2024

JUMP TO: CIELE ATHLETICS GOCAP | BUFF PACK RUN CAP | REI SCREELINE CAP | RNNR DISTANCE HAT | ON RUNNING ZERO CAP | OUTDOOR RESEARCH SUN RUNNER CAP | BUYING ADVICE | COMMON QUESTIONS

Authors: Steve Edgerton, Sam Brilleman | Updated: Jan 28, 2024
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The Short Version

The Long Version

When you run, you want to stay comfortable no matter the conditions. And let’s be honest — running is a tough enough endeavor by itself, without having to worry about the additional nuisances posed by dripping sweat or flailing hair. Not to mention the gruelling sensation of excessive sun exposure.

So a running hat can be an important component of your running kit. And that is true regardless of whether you are hitting the tarmac (road running) or venturing into the hills (trail running).

 
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Ok, perhaps a hat isn’t the most important piece of running kit. But it can still make your run that much more comfortable, especially in exposed conditions or for those with long hair.

In this review we cover the best running hats you can currently get your head into. Fortunately there is no shortage of style and performance amongst the running caps below.

If you enjoy reading this review of the best running hats, then you'll likely love some of our other gear review pages:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

A hat is simple right? Well, yeah, kind of. But not entirely. There is still a bunch to consider… Comfort. Weight. Stability. Breathability. Moisture wicking. Reflective details. Flippable brims. UPF ratings. Adjustable sizing. And the list goes on…

If you are unsure about some of the buying options and critical considerations for running hats then check out our buying advice at the bottom of the page.

 

Best overall: CIELE ATHLETICS GOCAP

WEIGHT: 2.2 oz / 62 g

UPF RATING: 40 (brim, front panel, and back panel only)

PACKABLE: Yes

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: Yes

ADJUSTMENT: Adjustable webbing strap and push buckle

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Stylish, Quick-drying, comfortable

CONS: Not the cheapest running hat

Available in a large range of funky colors and styles, the Ciele Athletics GOCap features a modern and clean design that we and countless other runners love.

But you don’t buy a running hat merely for aesthetics, and the GOCap also provides outstanding protection and performance. It is our go-to running cap thanks to its lightweight yet durable construction, quick-drying fabric, and comfortable fit. Plus, it is made using Repreve — a recycled performance fiber — so its footprint is that little bit gentler on the environment.

Providing UPF 40 sun protection, the Ciele Athletics GOCap is equipped with a reflective front-facing logo so you can be easily seen at night. Created with runners in mind, it only weighs 2.2 ounces (62 grams) and is adjustable to ensure a good fit. The cap is also machine washable and comes with a pliable brim that makes it easy to pack away mid-run or when you travel.

Best for Minimalists: Buff Pack Run Cap

WEIGHT: 1.1 oz / 30 g

UPF RATING: 50 (brim, front panel, and back panel only)

PACKABLE: Yes

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: Yes

ADJUSTMENT: Silicone drawstring

PRICE: $$

PROS: Ultralight and packable, high UPF rating

CONS: Can feel floppy due to its ultralight construction

The Buff Pack Run Cap has an ultralight, super-packable design that makes it ideal for those looking for something minimal. It compresses easily, allowing it to be stowed in your pocket. The four-panel design and stretchy materials ensure a secure fit that isn’t binding. It also includes a sweatband that helps to control moisture without adding a lot of bulk.

The lightweight polyester upper and mesh side panels help to wick away perspiration while the crushable polyurethane brim quickly snaps back into shape after you fold it. The lightweight materials are the strength of this cap, but that may also be the deal breaker for some, since it makes this cap more floppy than some of its competitors.

The upper material is rated UPF 50, thereby providing protection for long training days or races. Only weighing one ounce, you will barely know that you have it on. And the reflective front logo and back tab will add to your low-light visibility if you run near traffic.

If the “fluro” detailing shown in the inset photo isn’t really your thing, never fear, since there are many more designs and colors available — ranging from much more subdued through to ultra-vibrant.

Best on a Budget: REI CO-OP SCREELINE CAP

WEIGHT: Not specified

UPF RATING: 50+

PACKABLE: Yes

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: No

ADJUSTMENT: Adjustable webbing strap and push buckle

PRICE: $$

PROS: Effective sweatband, sunglass loops, durable and versatile design

CONS: No reflective detailing, bulkier than some running hats

If you are chasing a versatile running cap then the REI Co-op Screeline Cap is a pretty sure bet. Offered at a slightly lower price point than some of the other running hats on this list, the Screeline Cap provides solid quality at a reasonable price.

The upper of the cap is predominantly made from a quick dry nylon mesh that offers significant breathability. Even though the upper is mesh, it uses a tight enough weave to provide UPF 50+ sun protection which is as good as it gets for running hats.

The Screeline was designed with hiking in mind as much as running, so it is a little bulkier and does away with the reflective detailing that road runners may appreciate having. Nonetheless, it holds up as a budget friendly and versatile hat that trail runners in particular will love. It has a flexible outer edge on the brim that means the cap can be folded and packed away, but retains its shape when worn. 

We also love the Screeline’s comfortable moisture-wicking sweatband and the understated colorway, which lends greater versatility compared to the sporty and flashy aesthetic of most running hats.

Best for Quirky Style: RNNR DISTANCE HAT

WEIGHT: 2.1 oz / 61 g

UPF RATING: 40 (brim, front panel, and back panel only)

PACKABLE: Yes

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: Yes

ADJUSTMENT: Adjustable webbing strap and push buckle

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Highly breathable, available in dozens of fun designs

CONS: Many styles are often sold out

“Keep Running Rad” is the rnnr brand motto, and that ethos is on full display in the unapologetically fun designs of the rnnr Distance Hat.

Available in dozens of varieties that mix and match colorways, graphics, taglines, and brand collabs, the Distance Hat is the perfect way to add some individual flair to your running kit. The hat is constructed from cooling SPDWick fabric and features large mesh side panels to maximize breathability. This, paired with the UPF 40 rated brim and front and top panels, make the Distance Hat a favorite for hot and humid summer runs.

The brim is flexible, so it can be worn flat, curved or flipped upwards, and can easily be folded and stashed into a running vest. Many of the coolest designs are quick to sell out, which can be frustrating, but there is never a shortage of options to choose from.

Best for Neutral Style: ON RUNNING ZERO CAP

WEIGHT: Not specified

UPF RATING: Not specified

PACKABLE: Yes

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: Yes (front-left only)

ADJUSTMENT: Adjustable webbing strap

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Sleek, versatile aesthetic and reliable performance

CONS: Pricy for a running hat

Fast-drying and lightweight, the On Running Zero Cap is a high-quality running hat, built to simply get the job done. Its sleek, refined look is a refreshing counter balance to the neon colors and loud designs that have become standard elements of running and fitness gear.

The hat uses a tear-proof woven polyester that almost resembles a soft-shell material, and has laser-cut ventilation holes instead of the more common mesh. The crown and brim blend polyester with spandex for a better fit and to create a flexible brim, which can be flipped up or curved to suit your preferences. All-in-all, the material and design provide a hat that is lightweight and breathable in warmer weather, but can also offer some protection in the rain.

It has a couple of nice touches that make it feel like a slightly more plush hat (and thereby justify its slightly higher price tag!). These include fabric lining along the seams to help avoid chaffing, lightweight recycled materials, and excellent overall build quality.

The Zero Cap features a narrow adjustable strap that can be tightened with a drawstring-link cinch component. It is available in a small range of relatively neutral (but stylish) colors, so if you are looking for bright and funky then perhaps look elsewhere.

Best for Sun Protection: OUTDOOR RESEARCH SUN RUNNER CAP

WEIGHT: 2.8 oz / 80 g 

UPF RATING: 40

PACKABLE: No

REFLECTIVE DETAILING: No

ADJUSTMENT: Adjustable Velcro strap

PRICE: $$

PROS: Thorough sun protection with 2-in-1 versatility

CONS: Sun hats have never exactly been fashion-forward

Running in a sun hat may never look cool (despite Beau Miles’ best efforts), but for epic trail runs in hot and exposed terrain, keeping cool becomes far more important than looking cool. And the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap will keep you cool better than any other running hat.

The Sun Runner’s UPF 40-rated Supplex nylon fabric is breathable, water-resistant, and ultra-protective. The cape provides thorough coverage for your ears and neck and can be cinched securely to prevent any flapping in the wind. 

Best of all, the sun cape is fully removable to maximize versatility. On its own, the cap provides effective sun protection for your head and face and looks more like your standard hiking or running hat. Mesh side panels maximize breathability and the moisture-wicked sweatband effectively keeps sweat out of your eyes. The Velcro strap works well and is easy to adjust.

The Sun Runner excels as both a highly protective sun hat and as a typical ball cap, offering outstanding value for the price. Sure, it’s not the most stylish option, but we’ll take a dorky sun hat over sun burn and heat exhaustion every single time.

BUYING ADVICE FOR RUNNING HATS

Materials and moisture management

Anytime you run in the heat, you will work up a sweat. To help ensure that sweat does not build up under your running cap, you want materials that provide adequate moisture management.

There are three things that help: breathability, moisture wicking materials and a sweatband.

Most hats are made from polyester, but breathability and moisture management can be significantly affected by the type of polyester and its weave. Most quality brands (like those in this article) develop patented materials that are designed to have good moisture wicking properties.

A mesh running hat will also allow sweat to evaporate fast and also keep your head cool. Running visors can also help provide breathability thanks to their open top. Of course, both mesh and visors don’t provide such good sun protection, which is something to be wary of, especially if your head of hair is a bit thin on top.

On most running hats a sweatband is found along the edge of the cap. The sweatband will pull sweat away from your skin and keep it from running into your eyes.

Rain protection

If you often run in the rain, perhaps look for a running cap that has a durable water repellant (DWR) applied to it. This will help improve the water resistance of the materials. Ideally you also want a material that will be quick drying.

A larger brim will help with visibility in poor weather, but the downside of a larger brim is excess weight, reduced visibility when travelling uphill, and it can also reduce the stability of the cap whilst running.

UV Protection

Wearing any sort of running hat will aid in protecting your head and face from dangerous UV rays, but some to it better than others. Darker colors and solid fabrics offer more protection than a minimal white mesh hat and longer bills are more effective at shading your face wherever the sun is in the sky.

For optimal UV protection, look for a hat carrying an official Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 40 or higher, like the Ciele Athletics GOCap, Buff Pack Run Cap, or the rnnr Distance Hat. However, do note that the mesh side panels of these hats, like most running hats, don’t have an official UPF rating. 

To protect your whole head, along with your ears and neck, you might want to consider a running friendly sun hat, like the Outdoor Research Sun Runner. Technical bucket Hats, like the Ciele Athletics BKTHat, are another option.

Bill

The bill of the running cap will shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. You will find that most brims on hats are bendable, which can help to protect your face from sunlight and rain.

You want a brim that is large enough to provide coverage, but not excessively bulky. All of the running hats in this article have a reasonable brim, with the Buff Pack Run Cap and Ciele Athletics GOCap at the shorter end of the spectrum.

Most running hats will have a foldable brim, so that you can pack your hat away in a pocket or backpack when you don’t require it. This is a useful feature — we’ve marked which hats claim to be “packable” in this article.

Some hats also have a “flippable” brim. For instance, the Buff Pack Run Cap and Ciele Athletics GOCap. This means that the brim can be flipped upwards and out of the way when you don’t want it obscuring your vision (e.g. when running up a steep hill or in low light).

Sizing

Most running hats are sold as a “one size fits all” or “one size fits most”. Custom adjustments can then be made using an adjustable strap at the back of the cap.

If you are at either end of the sizing spectrum, perhaps look for brands that sell multiple sizes instead of “one size fits all”. For instance, the rnnr Distance Hat each comes in Standard or L/XL sizes, allowing a bit more customization in the sizing.

Adjustment

How your cap fits is probably the most important decision you will make when choosing the best running hats. The last thing you need on your run is something that is uncomfortable or that you have to keep adjusting. 

The most common type of adjustment system for running hats is a strapback with a buckle closure.

A strapback running cap allows you to change the hat’s diameter to fit your head using an adjustable webbing strap. The strap is often then secured using a push buckle or something similar.

Of course some variations exist. For example, the On Zero Cap uses a thinner webbing strap and ditches the push buckle closure for a minimal cinch buckle. Whilst the Buff Pack Run Cap uses an entirely different system based on a silicone drawstring.

Visibility

Reflective detailing is a useful feature on a running hat. Particularly if you run really early in the morning or late at night, the reflective details can help motorists and cyclists see you in low light.

Most of the running hats in this article have some sort of reflective detailing, although some only have this feature on the front. We’ve tried to highlight in the article those features so that you can take them into consideration when you purchase.

Bright colors can help somewhat with visibility. But it is the reflective materials that really make the difference when illuminated under headlights.

Alternatives

VISORS: In comparison to other styles of running caps, a visor won’t have any material that covers the top of your head. With this openness you will have less weight on your head, but it will also expose your head to weather conditions. For anyone that wears a high ponytail, a visor can be a great alternative option.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What type of hat is best for running? The best running hats are made of lightweight and quick-drying materials, like polyester or nylon. They have features like moisture-wicking sweatbands, flexible brims, strong UPF ratings, and reflective elements to keep runners comfortable and safe on the roads or trails.

What is the best running hat for running in the rain? Lightweight and quick-drying running hats are best for wet conditions. They are made of mesh-like fabrics that won’t saturate with moisture and often have some find of water-repellant treatment.

Can I wear a ball cap for running? While a traditional ball cap will protect your head and face from the sun, they don’t perform nearly as well as a dedicated running cap. Ball caps tend to be heavier and stiffer, while lacking technical features like reflective logos and quick-drying fabrics.

Is a visor or hat better for running? Visors are lightweight, minimal, and breathable, but we generally prefer proper running hats. The best running hats are hardly heavier than visors, while doing a far better job at protecting your head from sun and rain.

MORE INFORMATION

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