The 7 Best Sailing & Boating Hats [Cold & Warm Weather]

man sailing wearing a sailing cap

Table of Contents

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Sailing hats are very essential whenever you are out on the sea regardless of the amount of time you intend to spend out on the sea. Much more than being a stylish piece of clothing, sailing hats offer great benefits.

Being out on the sea will leave you exposed to different weather conditions including the cold, rain and sunshine and you require a sailing hat to offer you the best protection possible from these conditions.

One of the crucial importance of sailing hats is UV protection. Most people are insecure about getting harmful UV rays on their faces hence the need for sailing hats. They help to reduce your exposure to the sunlight as too much of it can be a health hazard to you.

The cold and wet weather also requires that you protect yourself against the harsh and extreme weather when you’re out at sea and a sailing hat provides you with the warm protection you need.

One thing is clear, sailing hats are important clothing to have along to improve your sailing experience and this article would help you to know the things to consider before buying a sailing hat as well as a review of some of the best sailing hats to help you find the best sailing hat for you.

 

 

Product Image Product Name Key Features Star Rating Buy Now
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
  1. Foam stiffened brim which floats if dropped into water
  2. External drawcord adjustment
  3. Moisture-wicking inner headband
Check Price & Reviews
 style= Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
  1. Moisture-wicking headband
  2. Rear sizing strap
  3. Foam-stiffened brim
Check Price & Reviews
GILL Race Cap
  1. Hook and loop closure
  2. Retainer cord and clip
  3. Glare reducing brim
Check Price & Reviews
SEALSKINZ Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat
  1. Adjustable fit
  2. Hook and loop closure
  3. Foldable ear panels
Check Price & Reviews
GILL Technical UV Sun Hat with Hat Retainer
  1. Stiffened and non-absorbent brim
  2. Volume adjustment
Check Price & Reviews
Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad Brim Recycled
  1. Dark under-brim to shield the eyes from the sun glare
  2. Wide brim
Check Price & Reviews
Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney
  1. Adjustable drawcord
  2. Wide brim
Check Price & Reviews

 

 

 

Things to consider when buying a sailing hat

 

There are different sailing hats available on the market for purchase and that is why you should know some important things to consider before buying a sailing hat to make sure that you purchase the right one for you.

Below are a few of these things;

 

Material

 

Being out on the water means that your sailing hat is going to be wet most of the time and that is why you have to check out the type of material which the hat is made of.

The perfect sailing hat should be made of a material that is lightweight to dry fast but also strong enough to not spoil or degrade easily after repeated wetting.

Nylon and the nylon-polyester blend are the two materials that most sailing hats are made from.

 

 

Water/sweat resistance

 

The risk of UV rays on your face and skin when you are at sea and there’s too much sunlight is not the only headache you have to worry about.

Under this condition, you also get to lose a lot of water through sweat and the head is one of the ways through which this happens.

Some sailing hats, however, are made from moisture-wicking material which helps to ensure that you don’t sweat as much when in a sunny weather condition and you must consider that a sailing cap is water and sweat resistant before buying it.

 

 

Wide brim

 

The brim of a sailing hat is an important point to consider before settling on your choice of the hat to go with because if it’s not wide enough for you, then it would not be able to offer you protection for your face and neck.

A good sailing hat should have a wide brim to shield your eyes, face, and neck without blocking the breeze from your neck. This would allow the hat to block at least 98% of the harmful UV radiation from the sunlight.

However, the brim of the sailing hat should not be too big as well to avoid it being carried off by the winds at sea.

 

 

Style

 

Sailing hats come in a variety of styles ranging from fedora hats to bucket hats and because you can decide to go on a sailing boat for different reasons, it is also important that you consider the style of the hat to be sure that it fits with why you’re going out to sea.

Also, different hat styles provide different amounts of protection which is why considering style is very important before purchasing a sailing hat.

For example, some styles protect only your head and face leaving your neck exposed while some styles offer full protection by covering your face, head, and neck from the sun.

 

 

Where you are going

 

Your destination when setting out for a sail on the sea should be considered before purchasing a sailing hat.

For example, a person going out to sea just to go a short distance to catch a glimpse of the water and a person who is going to a place far away would purchase different types of sailing hats.

 

 

Product Review

 

Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

 

The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat is a top-quality hat made from durable materials that ensure that the hat lasts for a long time.

 

 

With a UPF 50+ rating, the Outdoor Research hat provides UV protection and has a water-resistant property which makes it a great choice.

The sun hat is very light and is easily washable. It dries quickly and can easily be folded for convenient packing and storing.

 

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Nylon
  • Size: Medium, Large, X-large
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: 4 ¼ inches
  • Chinstrap: Removable chin cord with a cord lock that holds the hat in place on windy days

 

Features

 

  • Foam stiffened brim which floats if dropped into water
  • External drawcord adjustment
  • Moisture-wicking inner headband

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • Increased durability
  • Extra-wide brim
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • UPF 50+ protection

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The Outdoor Research hat is quite expensive and may not be affordable for everyone

 

This type of sailing hat is best for persons who would be out on the water for long periods. It is a top-quality hat that provides comfort and protection making it a top choice.

 

 

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

 

The Sunday Afternoons Adventure hat is one of the most recognizable sun hats in the market. With its sun-conscious design of a 4-inch front brim and an extended 7.5 inches rear cape, the adventure hat offers full protection for the face and the neck.


 

With its UPF 50+ rating, the Sunday Afternoons hat provides UV protection as well as a waterproof assurance for users. It is lightweight, can be folded and packaged easily, and dries fast when wet.

The Adventure hat has a dark under-brim to help shield your eyes from sun glare and is durable.

 

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Nylon
  • Size: Medium, Large
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: 4 inches (front) and 7.5 inches (back)
  • Chinstrap: Adjustable

 

 

Features

 

  • Moisture-wicking headband
  • Rear sizing strap
  • Foam-stiffened brim

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • The Sunday Afternoon hat has a neck cap and a wide brim that makes it perfect for sun protection
  • Foam-filled brim that makes the hat float on water
  • Mesh ventilation with inner sweatband

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The style of the hat may not be the most fashionable of all the sailing hats

 

If you are looking for a sailing hat that provides comfort and full protection of the face and neck from the sun all day long, the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat should be your top choice.

 

 

GILL Race Cap

 

The GILL Race cap is a well-designed sailing cap with a close-fitting shape that makes the hat stay on once it has been worn.

 

It is designed with lightweight materials that allow for quick drying and has a waterproof exterior. Its 50+ UPF rating makes it excellent for UV protection and the retainer cord can be attached to your collar to keep the hat from getting blown away.

 

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Nylon
  • Size: Medium
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: Not specified
  • Chinstrap: Detachable cord

 

 

Features

 

  • Hook and loop closure
  • Retainer cord and clip
  • Glare reducing brim

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • This sailing cap combines all the features you want in a sailing hat such as the wicking headband, UV protection, and waterproof quality alongside a great design.
  • The Gill cap is fashioned like a baseball bat which means you can wear it even when not sailing.

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The GILL Race cap does not provide as much all-around protection from the sun as other sailing caps because the back of your neck will be left exposed to the sun.

 

If you are looking for a hat that is fashionable but functional and provides the basic needs of a sailing hat, the GILL Race cap is the perfect choice for you.

 

 

SEALSKINZ Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat

 

The SEALSKINZ Waterproof hat is one of the best sailing hats in the market. Designed with rugged three-layer construction, the SEALSKINZ hat has a 100% waterproof middle layer sandwiched between a fleece-lined inner layer and a nylon outer shell.

 

It is designed with an adjustable rear elasticated Velcro tab to make sure it fits perfectly and incorporates ear panels to keep you warm which can be tucked in if not needed.

 

Specifications

 

  • Material:
  • Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-large and XX-large
  • Brim: Not specified
  • Chinstrap: No

 

Features

 

  • Adjustable fit
  • Hook and loop closure
  • Foldable ear panels

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • Three-layer construction and fleece lining for warmth and waterproofing
  • Foldable ear panels for added insulation
  • Durable

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • Even though the ear panels can be tucked away, they can be very uncomfortable for some people.

 

If you’re looking for a hat that can keep you warm in the harshest and most extreme weather conditions including snow, rain, and wind, the SEALSKINZ Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat is the top choice to go with.

 

 

GILL Technical UV Sun Hat with Hat Retainer

 

The GILL Technical UV Sun hat is designed with a lightweight water repellent fabric that provides 50+ UV protection.

The wind-resistant headwear incorporates a removable and adjustable chin strap as well as a moisture-wicking inner headband that takes away moisture.

The casual and stylish Sun hat dries very fast and floats on water. It offers an easy-care wash making it easy to be washed when dirty.

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Nylon
  • Size: Medium, Large
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: Wide brim
  • Chinstrap: Removable and adjustable

 

 

Features

 

  • Stiffened and non-absorbent brim
  • Volume adjustment

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • The chin strap can be adjusted and can also be removed
  • The stiffened brim makes it hard for it to fly away

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The hat may not be so fashionable except on the sea

 

The GILL Technical UV Sun Hat with Hat retainer is the perfect choice if you are looking for a functional hat that provides all you want in a hat including UV protection and waterproof at a competitive price.

 

 

Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad Brim Recycled

 

The Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad BRIM Recycled hat combines the unique Airflo technology, UPF 50+ UV protection with a durable water repellent finish making it a unique sailing hat. It has a moisture-wicking hydrofoil that helps to absorb sweat.

 

 

With its wide brim, it assures adequate protection while the mesh in the crown allows for ventilation. The Tilley Airflo hat is lightweight and can easily be packed and hand-washed.

It incorporates a strap that can be tied on to ensure that the hat does not fly away in the wind.

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Recycled Nylon with a Polyurethane Membrane
  • Size: 10 sizes
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: 3.25 inches
  • Chinstrap: Adjustable

 

 

Features

 

  • Dark under-brim to shield the eyes from the sun glare
  • Wide brim

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • The Tilley Ltm6 Airflo hat comes with a lifetime guarantee against wear and shrinkage
  • Lock stitched seams that assure quality

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The purchase price of the hat may be too expensive

 

If you are looking for a unique sailing hat that offers basic needs while also providing a lifetime guarantee of quality, the Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad Brim Recycled hat will be your top choice.

 

 

Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney

 

The Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney hat is a top-quality sailing hat. It incorporates high-performance moisture management with the ultra-sweat-wicking headband to help remove moisture from the skin.

 

With its wide brim and UPF 50+ protection, the Columbia Unisex hat offers UV protection from the sun to avoid long-term skin damage.

It utilises mesh venting technology to breathe and pull moisture away from the skin. It is soft and lightweight making it easy to be packed.

 

 

Specifications

 

  • Material: 100% Nylon
  • Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-large
  • UPF: 50+
  • Brim: 3 inches
  • Chinstrap: Adjustable

 

Features

 

  • Adjustable drawcord
  • Wide brim

 

 

What makes it stand out from others

 

  • It combines the mesh venting technology and sweat-wicking headband to provide comfort and keep you cool
  • Affordable price
  • UPF 50+ protection

 

 

What we don’t like

 

  • The brim is not stiff and it can easily be blown away

 

If you are looking for a functional hat that provides all the basic needs of a sailing hat at an affordable price, the Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney is a perfect choice.

Sailing hats are essential and of great benefit whenever you want to go out to sea. This article has provided the features to consider as well as a review of the best sailing hats to ensure you make the best choice when purchasing your sailing hat.

However, the choice of sailing hat still depends on your comfortability and your budget so ensure you make the right choice to give you the best sailing experience.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Why do I need a sailing hat?

 

A sailing hat is necessary when setting out to sail. A few of the reasons why it is important include;

 

To protect against UV rays from the sunlight

 

Sailing hats have UPF ratings which is the sun protection rating applied to clothing and accessories. This measures the amount of radiation that penetrates the clothing from the sunlight and reaches the skin protecting against skin damage from the sun.

 

To reduce the rate of sweating when out on the water

 

Sweat released from the body can be uncomfortable especially when it enters the eyes for example. Most sailing hats have moisture-wicking materials that allow them to absorb sweat and perspiration and wick them away.

 

men sailing wearing sailing hats

 

 

Can UV rays go through hats?

 

Sailing hats are seen as essential clothing for anyone set to go out to sea primarily because of their UV protection.

This is because hats have a 1/50th Ultraviolet Protection Factor that allows only 150th of all harmful Ultraviolet rays through the hat to the skin. This means that although yes; UV rays can go through hats, it reduces the number of rays that can pass through to the smallest minimum.

Many doctors recommend sailing hats that are rated 50+ UPF rather than the application of sunscreens to help limit the skin damage effect of UV rays on the skin.

 

 

Do hats need to be UPF?

 

Sailing hats are expected to be UV protective to offer protection against skin damage however not all hats are equally UV protective.

Good sailing hats need to be rated 50+UPF. This means that only 1/50th of the harmful Ultraviolet rays from the sun can penetrate through the hat to the skin thereby preventing skin damage that can be caused.

Bill
Bill

Bill is an ISA Sailing & Powerboating Instructor in Ireland. He writes about all things sailing.

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