Runners Don’t Hit the Trail Without One of These Sun-Blocking, Sweat-Wicking Hats (2024)

Ciele’s GOCap is truly ideal for runners: It’s lightweight, provides UPF +40 sun protection, and is made of an ultra-breathable, quick-drying fabric. Plus, it has reflective detailing for night run visibility and is easily packable thanks to its soft, pliable brim. It’s a pick recommended by Clayton—and a personal favorite of Prevention’s senior commerce editor, Christie Calucchia.

“I wear my Ciele hat for protection from the sun and rain on outdoor runs. It’s lightweight, adjustable, and dries quickly, whether I’m sweating or running through rainy weather,” she says. “I love that it’s machine-washable and offers UPF protection. I even trusted mine enough to wear it while running my first marathon in rainy London earlier this year.”

Corio recommends this classic running hat from Nike for its breathability and sweat-wicking features. Indeed, the perforated holes on the front and side panels of the cap ensure maximum breathability and air flow,while the moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you cool and dry. “It has a lightweight design and adjustable strap for a personalized fit,” Corio adds.

Reviewers also say that it’s perfectly lightweight and comfortable for running. “My girlfriend loves the hat and she uses it almost everytime we go running,” writes one reviewer. “It’s comfortable, the fit is perfect on her head, and very lightweight and keeps her head vented during hot weather. Great buy.”

Need a hat that will keep you cool during sweaty runs? This best-selling cap (which has over 8,000 five-star ratings on Amazon!) is made with a unique cooling technology fabric that cools instantly when activated with water and stays cool for up to two hours. Not only that, but it also offers UPF 50 sun protection.

“It’s lightweight but sturdy, and you can douse it in water, wring it out, and then wear it to cool down,” says Prevention’s editor-in-chief, Sarah Smith. “I find it cooling even without the water—the fabric wicks away sweat and it never feels hot. I literally never run without it!”

If you’re specifically looking for a visor, this top-rated Adidas hat has you covered. Sleek and lightweight, it features mesh panels that provide plenty of air flow and wick away moisture—making it a great pick for keeping sun and sweat out of your eyes. Reviewers rave that it’s comfortable, stylish, and has a great fit—not to mention, it’s an editor favorite, too.

“I love this running visor because it’s lightweight, has a convenient velcro strap at the back for adjusting, and it’s easy to rinse off if it gets sweaty after a long run,” says Prevention’s digital director, Allie Early.

Made with fast-drying and tear-proof material, this popular running hat is designed to be “featherlight” while also helping to keep your head cool and dry, according to the brand. The laser-cut ventilation holes at the sides provide maximum airflow and breathability, while the curved brim shields from sun or rain.

“I am a female with a larger head and this hat worked perfectly!!” writes one reviewer. “Love the extra ventilation on the sides. Going to order some other colors!”

This Lululemon hat is another “favorite” of Clayton’s to run in, precisely for being lightweight, moisture-wicking, and providing great ventilation as well as full face coverage. Designed specifically for running, it features an interior mesh fabric sweatband that wicks away moisture, as well as reflective details in the stylish design.

Reviewers rave that it’s the “perfect lightweight hat for running,” with one Lululemon customer also writing: “Great fit, love the fabric, keeps air circulating and cool. Very stylish too.”

This popular running hat from Headsweats comes in bright colors and features reflective details around the brim and bottom of the hat for extra visibility—making it a great pick for night and evening runs. Lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, it also features a terry sweatband in the inner rim that will absorb and quick dry sweat, and black under-visor to help reduce glare on sunny days. Did we mention it’s also a customer favorite on Amazon?

“I use this hat when I hike, walk, run, and want to be seen. Not only is it highly visible, but it is light, comfortable feeling, and doesn’t hold sweat. I’m about to get another!” raves one reviewer.

If you’re looking for a hat to run in during especially sunny days, this pick from Trailheads has you covered. It offers excellent sun protection thanks to its UPF 50+ rating and long, wide brim. It also has a dark underbill to reduce glare and shade your eyes from the sun. Reviewers love that it’s lightweight, has a great fit, and is machine washable, raving that it’s especially great for running in the sun.

“I needed a hat for running. The best route by my house is kind of exposed, and I was getting really overheated. This hat is very lightweight, keeps me cooler, and prevents sweat from running into my eyes,” writes one Amazon customer.

✔️ Find your desired coverage. First, you’ll want to figure out what type of hat best suits your needs: Do you want a cap that provides maximum coverage and protection, or a visor that allows some airflow at the top of your head while still providing shade for your eyes?

✔️ Check for UPF protection. If you’re looking for a hat that will shield you from the sun as much as possible, go for ones with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, says Corio. UPF rates the effectiveness of sun-protective clothing in protecting against both UVA and UVB light. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends fabrics with a UPF rating of 30 or above (and UPF 50 or above is considered excellent).

✔️ Look for sweat-wicking or cooling features. You’re bound to sweat while you’re running, so you’ll want a hat that’s breathable and/or offers moisture-wicking features. Corio specifically recommends choosing hats made from sweat-wicking materials, such as polyester and nylon, and ones that feature mesh panels or ventilation holes for breathability and sweat management.

✔️ Check the fit and adjustability. “Make sure the hat fits comfortably and has adjustable features for a secure fit,” says Corio. While most hats come in one size, they typically feature an adjustable back closure so you can adjust for the perfect fit.

Running hats “can protect you from the various conditions you experience outdoors,” says Clayton. First, they provide sun protection to prevent sunburn and skin damage, shielding your face, neck, and scalp from the sun’s harmful UV rays. They can also protect your eyes: “Hats with visors reduce glare and provide shade, improving visibility on sunny days,” explains Corio.

Not only that, but some hats can also help regulate your temperature while you’re running. “Some hats have cooling technologies or breathable fabrics to keep your head cool in hot weather or provide insulation in colder conditions,” says Corio. Plus, those made with moisture-wicking materials can help keep sweat away from your face and eyes—ultimately making for a more comfortable run.

Both caps and visors are great options for running hats. Which one you should opt for largely depends on your specific needs. “Caps provide more coverage, protecting your scalp, face, and neck. They’re suitable for longer runs, trail running, or when you want extra sun protection,” says Corio. On the other hand, visors allow for more airflow by leaving the top of your head exposed, while still shading your face—making them “great for shorter runs or when you prefer a lighter feel,” Corio notes.

In a similar vein, you’ll also want to consider the season and weather you’re running in, too. “If you’re running in the winter, a hat will keep you warmer, as heat escapes from the top of your head,” explains Clayton. “In the summer, opting for a visor is a great option if you get easily heated and want more ventilation.”