Fishing is fun, but there is nothing exciting about drenching in your sweat while fighting a fish on the line. Regardless of the time of year, high temperatures, humidity, wind, hail and all sorts of natural phenomena can kill the joy of angling. And that is why you should invest in the best fishing hat to protect your head and neck while on the water.
A fishing hat protects you from the sun and rain. The hat also keeps the harmful rays of the sun away from your nose, ears, and neck. A wider brim version with flaps can even protect you from bugs.
Our fishing hat reviews cover the most popular brands on the market. It also provides a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed shopping choice. At the end of this piece, you will have vital information on the ideal fishing hat to keep you comfortable on your angling trips.
Table of Contents
Best Fishing Hat Reviews
1. EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women
This sun hat from EINSKEY is designed for ultimate comfort in the unforgiving outdoor environment. At 22-24 inch, it is suitable for most men and women.
The EINSKEY Sun Hat measures 3.7-3.9-inches wide, enough to create a canopy around your head, face, and neck for optimal protection against the ultraviolet rays from the sun. This hat does an excellent job of keeping moisture out so you can wear it even while it’s drizzling.
The adjustable chin cords deliver a perfect fit regardless of your head size and keep the hat securely on your head regardless of wind conditions. It also features a two-side mesh vent that helps dissipate heat.
The EINSKEY weighs only 4 ounces, making it lightweight enough to pack in your pocket. It is ideal for fishing and other outdoor activities.
2. Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Hat
The Bora Bora II Booney Hat is not an ordinary fishing hat. This simple boonie-styled headgear features an ingenious sweat-wicking headband that keeps your head dry and comfortable at all times.
The Bora Bora II features a mesh vent panel that helps manage moisture and keep your head cool when things get hot on the water. Its Omni-Shade design with a wide brim and tight-weave texture is optimized to prevent UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin, helping you avoid sunburns and serious skin damage.
There is also the Omni-Wick band that drains sweat off your head on hot days.
The Bora Bora II delivers a perfect fit most of the time. It comes with an adjustable chin strap and an adjustable toggle at the back that keeps it snugly fit on your head even during gusty weather.
3. Home Prefer Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Cap Wide Brim Fishing Hat
This fishing hat does more than protect your head and neck from the sun. It features a beautiful and well-made construction with breathable and quick-drying polyester. It is light, effective, and easy to use in any weather.
The Home Prefer sports a wide brim and UPF 50+ protection. It ensures your head and neck do not suffer from the UVA and UVB sun ray, reducing the risk of skin damage.
This hat comes with mesh vents in the crown and back flap for improved ventilation and cooling. It is ideal for men and women with head sizes up to 22″-23.5″ and has an adjustable and detachable chin strap for a custom fit.
The neck flap not only protects your neck from the sun, but it can also act as a mosquito net to prevent insects from reaching your neck and ears.
4. Under Armour Men’s Tactical Bucket Hat
This tactical bucket hat from Under Armour is a durable and comfortable fishing hat for male anglers. It is made from a poly-woven textile that provides exceptional durability and outdoor survival.
Featuring a beautiful bucket-shaped design, this hat fits right on your head and provides exceptional cooling regardless of the temperature.
Thanks to the HeatGear sweatband around the crown, this hat wicks away moisture on your head for improved comfort while in the sun. The hat offers a great performance indoors even when the temperature is high and you are clean-shaven. And the adjustable strap allows you to achieve a snug and comfortable fit.
While the Under Armour bucket cap is lightweight, easy to pack and durable, its brim is narrower than most people would like. However, this does not reduce its effectiveness when you are fishing.
5. DDYOUTDOOR Trade 07-281 Sun Protection Fishing Cap
If you want complete protection from the sun and a Zorro-like swag, this fishing hat from DDYOUTDOOR offers great value for money.
The hat features a large bill and removable flaps that provide an all-around protection from UVA/UVB sun rays, helping to prevent long-term sun damage. There is also a face mask that not only shields your face from the sun and gusts but also offers adequate ventilation for your eyes.
This hat is made from a waterproof nylon material that keeps your face and neck dry at all times. It has a mesh side panel that provides adequate cooling and moisture regulation on the sides.
The hat features a rear adjustable elastic drawstring for easy adjustment of the hat size for a customized fit. This product is lightweight, foldable and easy to pack. It is ideal for fishing and other outdoor activities.
6. Columbia Men’s PFG Mesh Ball Cap
This mesh ball cap from Columbia is exceptionally beautiful and offers a snug and comfortable fit. But you would rather not make it your frontline fishing cap.
The cap features Flexfit design which makes it ideal for a wide range of head sizes and those who don’t like snap-style hats. It contains 2 percent Spandex, which gives it impressive stretch and comfort.
This hat offers a secure fit and comes in a myriad colors and designs so you can choose the one that goes with your wardrobe.
The PFG cap has a sturdy and large bill that protects your face and its mesh crown ensures adequate ventilation and comfort in hot temperatures. It’s stylish and comfortable.
However, it may not withstand serious rough handling. If you use it consistently in the sun, it may fade quickly. But it’s an excellent cap for everyday use, especially when paired with colorful fishing spectacles.
7. Gear TOP Fishing Hat
This fishing hat from GearTOP features all the desirable qualities you want in a top-quality outdoor gear. Ideal for men and women, this hat has a wide brim that shields your head, face, and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
It comes with breathable mesh panels that provide optimal cooling for long-lasting comfort on hot and humid days. And the brim has side snaps that allow you upturn for more ventilation and visibility.
This GearTOP hat has an adjustable drawstring and elastic drawcord for a perfect and comfortable fit. And the drawstring ensures the hat stays on your head during heavy gusts.
One great thing about this hat is its durable quality. It is lightweight, fast-drying, and easy to fold for packing in your bag or pocket. Overall, this fishing hat will last a long time in harsh weather so long as you take good care of it.
8. LCZTN Outdoor Sun Cap
If you need a durable, wide-brimmed fishing hat on a budget, the LCZTN Outdoor Sun Cap is a top choice.
This hat has a one-size-fits-all design, so you can wear it even if your head size is 7 5/8. It’s comfortable and offers a snug fit for men and women. The Outdoor Sun Cap provides complete sun and wind protection.
It features a wide brim and removable face and neck flaps that provide UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Thanks to the buckle in the neck flap and an adjustable chin strap, this hat offers impressive shield from the wind and rain.
This fishing cap is 100 percent polyester, making it durable, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. It comes with mesh eyelets and a sweatband for ventilation and its waterproof brim makes it ideal for damp weather.
9. UShake Mosquito Head Net Hat
This fishing hat from UShake comes with a wider brim and a durable fabric veil that provides optimal protection against bugs. Measuring 22.8”-23.2,” this net hat is ideal for men and women. The hat comes with a 360° brim that provides a UPF 50+ protection, preventing sun-burn and skin damage.
The UShake hat features a net veil that folds into the bucket. However, the net does not compromise visibility and has its own drawstring to tighten it around your neck. For adequate ventilation, the bucket has air holes to keep things cool and comfortable.
This hat is made from nylon and polyester, combining the durability and lightweight properties of both materials. It is easy to pack, machine-washable and dries quickly. Plus, this cap is one of the most affordable net hats on the market.
10. YR. Lover Outdoor Boonies Sun Hat
This boonies sun hat offers excellent protection against the sun with its wider and firmer brim. The brim is so big it’s like wearing an umbrella and provides enough shelter for your head, face, and neck in hot weather.
It has a drawstring that allows you to adjust the hat to your head size, but many people complain that this ruffles the crown.
The Y.R Lover sun hat is made from a light and waterproof material. It protects you from the sun, light rain and drizzles. There is a double mesh net on both sides of the crown for adequate cooling. It also has a sweat band that wicks away moisture to keep you cool, dry and comfortable.
This hat has a solid build and folds into an easy-to-pack shape. It is easy to wash and dries quickly despite the thick brim.
11. ICOLOR Sun Caps Flap Hats
If your head circumference is between 21-24 inches, the durable and stylish ICOLOR sun cap makes an ideal fishing hat.
This hat comes with a large bill and neck and face flaps that provide 360° UPF 50+ protection against the sun’s rays. The breathable and removable neck and face flap not only protect your skin from the sun but shield you from insects, dust and the rain.
This sun cap is made from a waterproof and windproof material, providing excellent protection in any weather. The hat has an elastic fast buckle at the back for easy adjustment to your head size.
At 3.52 ounces, this item is lightweight. But it is also durable, easy to wash and quick-drying. Packing this hat is easy as it folds into a small shape for storage in your backpack. This hat makes an excellent gear for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Fishing Hat Buying Guide
A fishing hat is an investment that requires deliberate thought before buying. The hat not only protects you from the sun and rain but makes you comfortable enough to enjoy the thrills of angling.
In this buying guide, we look at important factors to consider when buying a fishing hat, the features to look out for, and more.
What to Consider when Buying a Fishing Hat
The fishing hat industry is full of different designs and models claiming to be the best. However, it helps to know what to look out for in the winning brands. Here are things to consider when shopping for a befitting hat for your angling activities.
Does the Hat Fit?
As it is when buying outfits, one of the most important factors when buying a fishing hat is the size. You want your hat to have a snug and comfortable fit on your head.
While there are many brands that produce one-size-fits-all hats, make sure you read the specifications and user reviews to determine if the hat will fit you.
The size of male hats is determined by the head diameter while female hats come with direct measurements. For example, if you are a male with a head circumference of 24 inches, your hat size will be 12 inches.
However, a female with a 20-inch head circumference will buy a 22-inch hat. Keep this information handy when searching for a fishing hat, especially since it’s impossible to try it on when shopping online.Is the Material Fade Resistant?
The fishing hat takes a lot of beatings from the elements, making it imperative to buy one with a durable and fade-resistant material. Regardless of the fabric quality, your hat will fade eventually after consistent use and washing.
However, you can reduce the bleaching if the hat is made from polyester and bright colors such as white. As white fades, it gets brighter but a darker color loses its shine and aesthetics.Is the Outer shell Waterproof?
Besides protection from the sun, you also want your fishing hat to be waterproof, or at least water-resistant. This makes the hat more valuable as you can use it during sunny and rainy weather.
However, make sure the waterproofing does not affect airflow to your head as this can make the hat hot and uncomfortable.Is it Lightweight?
A fishing hat shouldn’t feel like a helmet on your head. Get a lightweight hat that provides adequate protection from the elements without discomfort. Hats made from polyester and nylon offer the best in terms of weight and also dry faster, making them easier to pack.
A List of the Most Important Fishing Hat Features and Specifications
Here are the most common features found in fishing hat and their functions.
Brim/Bill:
The ideal fishing hat will have a wide 360-degree brim or a large bill. While the bill offers adequate shade from the sun overhead and reflecting off the water surface, the brim goes further by shielding your neck and ears.
Some hats come with a face and neck flap that provide an all-around safeguard for your face, nose, ears, and neck against the elements and bugs.Adjustable Chin Strap
The adjustable chin strap is desirable for many reasons. One, it helps you adjust the hat size to your head circumference even if you bought a bigger size. Second, the chin strap keeps the hat in place during sudden bursts of wind, allowing you to concentrate on the serious business of fishing.
It’s best to buy hats with chin straps that go through the fabric rather than those sewn into it. The latter are inferior and reduce the hat’s quality. Also, you want a leather strap for durability and comfort.Sun Protection Factor
You want a hat that not only offers adequate shade but protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for models that have a high UPF. The higher the UPF the better your protection against the UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Ideally, buy fishing hats with a UPF 50+ rating.
Sweat Band
The sweatband is an ingenious feature used to manage moisture in the hat. This band wicks moisture from your brow, preventing it from drowning your eyes while fishing.
A hat with a sweatband increases your comfort, boosts your concentration, and may even increase your chances of landing that big catch.Vent mesh/ Air Hole
Experienced anglers look for fishing hats that offer adequate ventilation. You want a hat that has mesh vents or air holes on the sides or around the crown for optimal heat dissipation while you are fishing in the sun. Not only does this keep you cool and comfortable, but ventilated fishing hats can also keep your head dryer.
Types of Fishing Hats
There are several types of fishing hats on the market. They include:
Bucket Hat
This is the real fisherman’s hat. It has a shorter brim and earlier versions were made of cotton. These are perfect for short fishing trips on cool days.
Bucket hats are floppy and comfortable. But they provide limited coverage for the neck and ears because of their short brims. However, they are excellent for fishing in mild weather.Boonies Hat
These have a wider brim that provides better shade and protection from the sun. Because of their wider brim, they are ideal for extended fishing on hot days.
Boonies are a bigger version of the bucket and offer more coverage for the neck, ear and face. They are also excellent for hunting as they come with loops for camouflage.Sun Skirts
These hats come with face and neck flaps for extra protection from the sun. The neck and face flaps are lightweight and breathable materials such as nylon that shield the skin on the face, nose, ear, and neck from sunburn.
Wide Brim Fishing Hats
These have the wide brim of boonies but are angled downwards for increased protection for the neck and ears. They offer the best sun protection however their extended brims can reduce peripheral vision.
Legionnaire-style Hats
These protect against the sun from all angles thanks to their longer bills and flaps that protect the face, neck, and ears.
Baseball-style Fishing Caps
These have the same design as the regular baseball caps. However, they only protect the face and the head but expose the ears and neck. They are not good for long periods of fishing.
Boonies Hat vs. Bucket Hat
Boonies are one of the best fishing hats on the market. They come with a wide brim that provides all-around protection for the head, face, and neck. Also, these hats feature stiffer and wider brims for increased durability and shade. They are offered in light colors for higher sunlight reflection and reduced heat absorption.
Some boonie hats come with a series of loops around the crown for adjustment and camouflage. Boonie hats have adequate ventilation as most come with mesh vents or eyelets for proper airflow. They are a common feature in the military.
The bucket hat is the quintessential fisher’s hat. It is popular among anglers and comes with a wide but floppy brim unlike the stiffer types found in boonies.
They have shorter brims which do not provide enough shade for the neck, ear, and nose. Bucket hats are ideal for short fishing trips but may expose too much skin to the sun on long fishing expeditions.
Different Materials and Their Benefits
Fishing hats come in a wide range of fabrics including cotton, polyester, poly-cotton, nylon, poly-nylon, and others. The original fishing hats were made of cotton for its excellent moisture wicking abilities. However, cotton is heavy and takes longer to dry.
Polyester is lighter, more durable, and longer-lasting. It is also breathable and lacks affinity for moisture. Thus, polyester fishing hats last longer and offer a combination of comfort and durability.
However, the material cannot wick moisture and can drown you in sweat or rainwater. Hat makers solve this problem using sweat bands or a blend of polyester and cotton to combine the qualities of both materials.
Some hats are made of a polyester-nylon blend. Nylon is far lighter compared to polyester but less durable. Poly-nylon hats are lightweight and fast-drying without compromising the durability. You will also find hats with Spandex, which helps to add some flex to the material to deliver a snug and comfortable fit for different head sizes.
Why Do I Need a Fishing Hat?
Do you need to wear a fishing hat? Most likely, yes. Whether you are fishing in cool weather or blazing hot days, a hat serves several purposes that can help you enjoy your time on the water. Here are reasons to wear a fishing hat.
Sun Protection
The most important function of fishing hats is to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin and extended exposure can lead to skin cancer (melanoma). Why cause yourself unbelievable pain over your passion for angling?
A quality fishing hat with a high UPF rating which covers your head, face, neck, and ears can reduce the risk of skin damage and make your outdoor activities safer and memorable.Comfort
There is no fun in fishing while standing under the scorching summer heat. With a wide-brimmed fishing hat, you can spend hours angling in relative comfort. The hat will not only protect you from the sun, but will also keep your head cool and comfortable, reduce distraction and prevent sweat from clouding your vision.
Extended Visibility
A fishing hat can help you look farther across the water by blocking the sun’s glare. The hat’s brim acts like a sunshade, allowing you to enjoy a longer range of sight for more successful line casting.
Why It Is Important to Blackout the Sun
The main reason to block out the sun is to prevent sunburn and its ugly defects. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays burn the skin, especially the face, neck, and other parts of the body which are usually exposed.
Over-exposure to the sun’s rays can inflict serious damage on the skin. It can cause scars and skin cancer. Therefore, it’s important to wear fishing hats with a high UPF rating, preferably 50+.
Boonies, wider brim hats, and fishing hats with neck and face flaps offer the highest sun protection factor. You want these hats to always be in your fishing backpack when you plan to spend hours angling under the sun.
It helps if you can apply sunscreen on exposed body parts which the hat does not cover. Also, you can wear long-sleeved shirts to protect your hands from the sun rays.
Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the high-quality fishing gloves reviews!
How to Care for Your Hat
This depends on the material of the hat. Read the washing direction to determine if your hat is machine washable. However, most fishing caps are hand washable but need careful handling so they don’t lose their shape.
Cotton, polyester, nylon, and fabric blends can all be washed with warm water and mild detergent. But take care when ironing as some materials can melt or even burn under high temperature. Again, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to care for your fishing hat.
FAQ
- Can a fishing hat replace a sunscreen?
No, a fishing hat is not the same thing as a proper sunscreen. While many people dislike the feel of sunscreen on their skin; it provides a safe and effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Get proper fishing glasses and a sunscreen with a high SPF rating besides your hat.
Are fishing hats ideal for cold weather
A fishing hat serves well in hot or cold weather. In summer, the hat keeps you cool and comfortable. During the winter when the temperature drops to uncomfortable levels, a fishing hat can help keep heat in your head and keep things warm and cozy. - What fishing hat is ideal for warm season?
In the warm season, look for a lightweight, breathable, and light-colored fishing hat. Such hats will have a wide brim for optimal protection from the sun, a sweatband for moisture-wicking and vents, or eyelets for adequate ventilation.
You also want the hat to have a light color such as white for improved light reflection and lower heat retention.
When you’re done, read our best fishing sunglasses round-up and guide for choosing the right fishing waders!
Wrap Up
Fishing hats are an important part of any angler’s gear. They come in different sizes and styles and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you are an experienced angler or beginner, you want the best fishing hat whenever you go out on the water.
That is why our fishing hat reviews cover all the vital information about these crucial gear and how to get the ideal type for your needs.
Regardless of your head size or the season, it is best to always have a proper hat with you. Not only do these hats protect your skin, but they keep you cool, dry and comfortable.
You can choose from different styles and materials but always buy durable and lightweight for summer. Thick, warm hats will be a valuable accessory during the winter months. This will ensure that you stay warm and safe while fishing in frigid temperatures.
