The Best Packable Travel Hats of 2022

If there was ever a place and time to wear a hat, it's on vacation. But how do you travel with your hat without ruining it? We’ve rounded up the best tips and tricks on how to travel with hats, the best travel hats for women and men, and the packable travel hats that you’ll love in 2022. 

It is a universal struggle to try and pack a hat for travel without later opening your suitcase to find the squished remnants of a hat you once loved. Luckily, there is a solution- travel hats that are designed specifically with your vacation in mind. 

Good travel hats are not only a great way to add to your wardrobe, they’re also practical. They can keep the sun off your face in hot locations, keep your head warm in chillier climates, and can even help wick sweat during outdoor adventures.

Travel-specific hats save you the stress of potentially ruining your favorite accessory as your bag gets tossed around the airport or car. Travel hats are designed to be packed in your luggage without fear of damaging them. There are many options, so you’ll just need to choose the one that best fits your style and destination.

This Years Best Packable Travel Hats: Women’s

1. Reversible Organic Cotton Ponytail Hat

This is one of the best women's travel hats for UPF sun protection on the market. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation from the sun reaches your skin through a certain material. The Reversible Organic Cotton Ponytail Hat has a UPF rating of 50+, meaning that those dangerous rays won’t be able to harm your skin. And, this travel hat has a ponytail hole and a reversible design. With this style, you can keep your hair off your neck and the sun off your skin all at the same time- and look great doing it! 

1. BC Hats Cool as a Breeze Canvas Ladies Hat

If you’re searching for a hat that can do it all, look no further. This travel hat is packable, stylish, and even waterproof! Complete with a chin cord and a removable scarf, you can guarantee that this packable travel hat is up for any destination

1. French Beret 

Everyone needs a beret in their collection. And what better time to wear it than when you're exploring a new place. This french beret is a perfect travel hat to add some style to a new destination. This hat is compact and packable so you don't have to worry about this statement piece fading on the journey to the final destination. 

2022 Best Packable Travel Hats: Men’s

1. Aztec Boater Recycled Hat

This mens travel hat has a UPF protection rating of 40+, and it’s made from recycled plastic bottles. Plus, it floats and is completely waterproof. This travel hat also packs down flat so you can fit it in just about any bag without fear of damage.

1. Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat

This hat will keep you dry in wet weather. With a 2.75 inch brim and waxed organic cotton fabric, it’s a great size to keep you covered from the conditions while remaining compact for travel. It features an organic cotton inner band that wicks sweat and a secret pocket for small essential items.

 

1. Legionnaire Waterproof Recycled Sun Hat

If you’re going to a sunny location, make sure you pack this hat! This mens travel hat has a 50+ UPF rating. And for added sun protection, it features a neck sunshade and an elastic size adjuster in the back for a custom fit. The Legionannaire hat is waterproof and won’t fade or shrink in the water or other harsh elements. For those heading out on an outdoor-focused trip, this is the perfect hat for you.

How To Travel With Hats

Finding a hat you love is one thing. Making sure it gets to your destination safely is another. The most important tip on how to travel with hats is to pick styles and materials that are durable. The hats recommended above can easily be backing into a suitcase without fear of breaking or damaging them. But if you’re adamant about bringing a hat that’s not designed for travel, you’ll want to learn how to pack a hat for travel. 

How to pack a hat for travel

If you want to bring a non-travel-specific hat, there are some steps that you should take to protect your hat while you travel. First, make sure to pack your hat at the bottom of the suitcase. This might seem counterintuitive, but it gives you the opportunity to create a cushion for the hat to take some weight off. Stuff the inside of your hat with socks or clothes and pack the rest of your soft items around it. Don’t place anything on the crown of the hat. This will help your hat maintain its shape without crumpling under the weight of the world or getting wrinkled in transit. 

If you find that your hat gets wrinkled or misshapen along the journey, try these tips to smooth it out once you arrive.

Carrying on a hat for travel

One foolproof way to protect your hat while you travel is just to keep it on your head! This way the safety and care of the hat is guaranteed. However, it can become a bit cumbersome to handle during security and board. So another option (if your hat has a chin cord),  is to tie it to a luggage strap. Or, choose a hat with a clip that can easily attach to your purse or backpack. Then, you can just carry it on as a part of your personal item. You could also use a hat box to protect your hat, and bring that along as carry on luggage.

However, if you have a packable hat, none of that matters! You can add it to your luggage without any worry or stress.

Ready to find your next favorite travel accessory? Explore our collection of packable travel hats.