Great running shoes? Check. Great running shorts? Also check. But don’t head out for the trail, course, road, or race without a hat, too. Running hats can be a lifesaver in all kinds of weather and climate conditions, protecting you from a light drizzle, shielding you from the sun’s harmful rays, or keeping wind out of your eyes.
Styles of running hats vary, but the sign of a better one will be the addition of breathable side and back panels that allow air flow, which keeps you cool. Moisture-wicking fabric will provide comfort while preventing sweat from dripping in your face. Some hats even include sweatbands on the interior or hidden pockets to stash a credit card or an energy gel.
Best Running Hats
The Expert: I’m a running enthusiast based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I’m also a freelancer who covers health and fitness best practices in addition to writing about elite runners and inspirational competitors for Runner's World, The Guardian, Women’s Running, PodiumRunner, Men's Health, Trail Runner, Wingfoot, and Competitor.
When not writing, I’m running, hiking with my two Vizslas, or traveling with my husband to races around the world—I’m constantly on the quest for a personal best. I’ve completed more than a dozen marathons, countless half-marathons, and a handful of ultramarathons and triathlons, all while donning hats. I’ve worn them during quests to PR on blustery days, attempts to BQ on sunshiny days, and even while battling the elements in the infamous 2018 Boston Marathon. I’ve even worn hats simply for fun. In 2018, when I completed the Walt Disney World Marathon, I wore a Jafar hat, cape, and a bird on my shoulder as part of my race day attire.
The Benefits of Running Hats
A good running hat will keep the elements—rain, sun, and wind—out of your eyes, wick away moisture, and keep sweat from dripping down your face and impairing your vision. Another bonus of moisture-wicking is that, in cold weather, it can move the sweat away from your skin so you stay dry and warm.
Many running hats have built-in UPF protection for an added layer of protection against sun damage. If you're are a runner with longer hair, have bangs, or locks that are just short enough that you can’t pull them back, then one of these running hats will serve double duty by moving moisture away while keeping strands and flyaways from distracting you mid-stride. The last thing you need to do on a run is stop to fix your hair. (A running headband can also work wonders.)
What to Look for in a Running Hat
A hat might be a small accessory, but choosing one that fits comfortably and serves its purpose—like keeping sun and rain out of your face—might not be as easy as grabbing one off the shelf or clicking purchase without doing your homework.
How We Selected These Running Hats
I recommended these hats based on my experience running in all sorts of weather and for both workouts and in races and marathons. I evaluated each cap on performance, price, comfort, and style. I also drew on previous versions of this article written by contributor Heather Mayer Irvine, which considered input from the RW editors and test team. Our combined efforts bring you the best running hats you can buy now.
Pros
- Featherlight
- Fast-drying
Cons
- Hard to adjust sizing while on
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Features: Laser-cut ventilation |
Whatever the weather you encounter, this featherlight, fast-drying running hat is designed to keep you comfortable and dry. Cutting-edge laser-cut ventilation provides protection and cooling factors, plus there’s a soft sweatband inside. Made with tear-proof, woven fabric, this cap gets a best overall nod for not only its performance features but its low-key style. It’s suitable for the roads, trails, and everywhere in between.
Pros
- Sizable zipper pocket on side of cap
- Reflective logo
- Rigid brim for face coverage
Cons
- Less visibility due to wide brim
| Adjustability | Buckle and backstrap |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lightweight fabric |
Face the elements head-on with the Transit Tech cap that provides UPF 50 protection and a DWR finish for extra rain coverage. Plus, it’s foldable and has a small zip pocket for a key, card, or cash.
Pros
- Flexible brim for packability
- Lightweight fabric
- Quick drying
Cons
- Small for textured, curly hair
| Adjustability | Bungee |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lasercut holes on sides |
Born on the trails, Hoka gear holds up on the roads, too—and in all weather. This performance five-panel hat is breathable and lightweight and is easily packable thanks to its flexible brim. The bungee closure makes any necessary adjustment a cinch. Tested on the windy trails of Moab, Utah, this hat didn’t budge. And its wide brim shades your face.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packable
Cons
- Small, short brim
| Adjustability | Buckle and backstrap |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Mesh side panels |
The high-end running brand partnered with Ciele Athletics, known for its cycling caps, to create a lightweight, packable hat made for going off-road. Its five-panel design promotes breathability, and its 100 percent recycled polyester keeps runner stank at bay.
Pros
- Foldable brim for packability
- Satin lining prevents tangling and frizz
- Larger circumference to fit all hair types
Cons
| Adjustability | Bungee and toggle adjustment |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Mesh panels |
When runner and activist Alison Mariella Désir collaborated with women’s activewear brand Oiselle to design her AMD collection, she pushed them to rethink a fan-favorite accessory, the Runner Trucker hat. Désir, who wrote Running While Black, voiced that her number-one concern (and priority) was to make sure textured hair would be protected. To do this, she proposed using a satin liner, which would also promote breathability.
Size was another factor. In a blog post, Oiselle admitted the original cap’s smaller size was preferential to certain hair types. A larger hat accommodates Black women’s natural, textured hair.
And finally, Désir wanted a hat that “normalized” her experience and needs without screaming, “I’m so different, I need a different product.”
Pros
- Fun color options
Cons
- There are no basic, muted options
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Mesh side panels |
This relatively new apparel company doesn’t take itself so seriously—it’s all about fun on the run, which is why you’ll find bright colors and tie-dye socks on its site. The company's hats are equally cool, sans slogans. All of the models are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and highly breathable. The Lightweight Distance Hat, in particular, has huge netting panels down the side to help you stay cool but also afford some protection from the sun on the top of your dome.
Pros
- Good sun protection
Cons
- Limited colors available
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Hook-and-loop Velcro |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Perforations |
Lightweight and cooling are where this lid from Nike excels. The AeroBill, as its name suggests, moves air across your scalp thanks to a slew of ventilation holes along the front and sides of the hat. The top is closed—which we like for sun protection, though that usually means heat build-up. In this case, the thin fabric doesn’t get overly hot. Bonus: The hook-and-loop closure means you don’t have a strap flapping on the back of your head as you run.
Pros
- Fun style
Cons
- Bill has no plastic or cardboard to maintain structure
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Moisture-wicking technology |
This Montreal-based upstart is infusing fun and playfulness into the sport. Make no mistake, these lids are made for performance first, but they look great, too. The GoCap is one of the brand’s signature styles and comes in a range of colorful options. We like the fast-drying Coolwick fabric that keeps your head dry on hot days, plus the multi-panel construction that allows for a sleek, comfortable fit. The soft, bendable brim and reflective accents are bonus features that roadies and trail runners, respectively, will appreciate.
Pros
- Flexible brim
Cons
- Low-profile fit might not work well for people with thick hair
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Bungee |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lightweight fabric |
Janji sells a couple of hats that we love, including the Transit Tech Cap, a five-panel hat with a water-repellent finish and a zippered pocket. That one comes in fairly conservative colors. For more flair and better performance on really hot days, the AFO Hyperlite delivers. A flexible foam brim and a stretchy cord closure on the back make it exceptionally flexible—you can crush it up and stash it in a pocket or pack effortlessly. Worth noting: It has a lower-profile fit than more traditional hats, which works better for those of us without a lot of hair.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Basic design
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Knit shell |
For variety, you can’t beat Headsweats. The brand makes a ton of styles—like truckers, race hats, and even visors—in just about any color or design you could want. We like the Reflective Race Hat for its versatility. Some might bristle at hi-vis color schemes, but it’s useful for runs late in the day. And, when you stay out after the sun sets, the generous striping around the rim of the hat increases your chance of being seen by drivers.
Pros
- Unique designs; you can even upload your own
Cons
- No added features
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Velcro |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Mesh vents |
Express yourself with the fun designs from Sprints. RW Test Editor Amanda Furrer’s favorite is the now-retired ice cream print, which she says, “says a lot about me.” Although Sprints makes its hats with polyester, we wouldn’t necessarily call it a performance hat; it lacks run-specific features (odor control, reflectivity, and storage, for example), but it’ll keep sun and rain out of your face.
Pros
- Reflective features
Cons
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lightweight Swift fabric |
We're a fan of lululemon’s running caps, especially the running-specific models that have a higher cut in the back to lift your ponytail off your neck. The lightweight crushable reflective running hat is a favorite. It uses Swift fabric which is stretchy and quick to dry. The flexible brim is well executed and lets you stash the hat in a waistband or just clip it to your belt using the adjustable back closure. Reflective details to ensure you're easily seen by motorists during early morning or after dark runs.
Pros
- Pairs well with sunglasses
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Hook-and-loop Velcro |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Mesh vents |
This hat turns a neat trick: Top-mounted vents can be flipped open on exceptionally hot days or left closed if you want full protection from the sun. The curved lines on the side make it comfortable on long runs, and it doesn’t interfere with sunglasses. The foldable bill dials up usefulness, so you can pack it flat in your gym bag—or tuck it in the waistband of your shorts, if you need to ditch it mid-run.
Pros
- UPF +50 sun protection
- Flexible for packing
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short brim
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lightweight material |
Ciele made the 5-panel hat silhouette cool among runners—thankfully, we’re past our trucker phase. But, seemingly every other hat maker has rolled out their own versions. Fractel is the latest, with an insanely long list of product SKUs, most built around the M-Series cap. It looks like a Ciele hat, but has a more traditional, longer brim which many runners will like for the extra sun protection. You can get it more than 20 colors, but it’s hard to go wrong with the classic white, which also stays cooler under cloudless skies. The fit is adjustable and even accommodated the largest-headed testers on our team. For even more protection, check out the Legionnaire, a tweak on the M-Series with a flap that covers your neck and ears. It looks dumb, but we found it’s great for keeping deer flies from driving you crazy on trail runs in the Adirondack Mountains.
Pros
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Might be too small for runners with large heads
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Hook-and-loop Velcro |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Perforations |
Path Projects makes some novel running shorts, which allow you to mix and match your shorts and base liners. Its Muir Cap isn’t modular, but it delivers unrivaled performance. Thanks to 94 laser-cut holes, your head remains cool—even if you opt for the black version of this lid—and the fabric is durable, which is helpful when you’re scraping along low-hanging branches on singletrack.
Pros
- Easy to tuck into your waistband
Cons
- Requires frequent adjustment
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Sliding adjuster |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Lightweight material |
Smartwool is a fan favorite, known for its durable, comfortable, and naturally odor-resistant socks. Its apparel and hat don’t disappoint, either. We tested the Go Far, Feel Good cap against odor, and thanks to its funk-fighting merino-wool interior band, we fell in love. The lightweight cap features reflective elements and UPF 20 protection. On smaller heads, it might require midrun adjustment, which can be done with a slider.
Pros
- UPF 50+
Cons
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Velcro |
|---|---|
| Breathability Features | Perforated vents |
Specifically designed for the shape of a woman’s head, this hat even has tapered panels sized with females in mind. The back of the hat is engineered so women can wear their hair up, down, or some combination in between. No more struggling if you wear a braid or ponytail. While on your run, this hat’s Breathable CooliningTM materials wick away sweat to keep you cool. Featuring UPF 50+ to protect your eyes and skin from harmful UV, it comes in black, white, navy or hot pink. You may want more than one!
Expert Stephanie Hoppe Gets to the Bottom of What You Want on Top of Your Head. Read Her Tips Before Buying Your Next Running Hat!
Stephanie is a freelance writer and running enthusiast based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who specializes in writing about health and fitness best practices and covering elite runners and inspirational competitors for publications such as Runner's World, The Guardian, Women’s Running, PodiumRunner, Wingfoot and Competitor Magazines. When she's not writing, you can find her running the trails with her two Vizslas or traveling with her husband to races around the world, constantly on the quest for a personal best
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner's World, the author of The Runner's World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:40 5K, and 5:33 mile.
