Hiking Hats

Sustainable Sun Protection for Trail & Peak

Conner Hats designs hiking hats for outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to choose between performance and environmental responsibility. Every hat is handmade from sustainable materials—organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, hemp, and cruelty-free wool—and built to deliver the sun protection, breathability, and durability serious hikers demand.

Why Choose Conner Hiking Hats

UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Wide brims (3–4 inches) and UPF-rated fabrics block 98% of harmful UV rays, protecting face, neck, and ears during all-day exposure

Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Materials: Mesh ventilation panels, soakable designs, and quick-dry fabrics prevent heat buildup and keep you comfortable on strenuous climbs

Eco-Friendly Construction: Made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, hemp, and responsibly sourced materials in a 100% solar-powered warehouse

Trail-Tested Durability: Water-resistant coatings, crushable designs for packability, and adjustable chin cords that stay secure in wind

Lifetime Warranty: Every Conner hat is warranted against defects for life

Our hiking hat collection includes wide-brim outback styles, bucket hats with ventilated crowns, and packable designs that fold into your backpack. Whether you're hiking desert trails, alpine peaks, or coastal paths, Conner combines function, sustainability, and style in hats built to last.

FAQs

Most Conner hiking hats feature UPF 50+ rated fabrics, which block at least 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays—the highest sun protection rating available. This is critical for hikers, as UV exposure increases approximately 4-5% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Our wide brims (3-4 inches) provide additional coverage for face, neck, and ears. Models like the Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat, Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat, and Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat all deliver UPF 50+ protection.

Conner hiking hats use moisture-wicking, breathable materials specifically chosen for outdoor performance:

  • Recycled polyester/nylon blends: Lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking (Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat, Sunblocker Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat)
  • Organic cotton: Naturally breathable with excellent moisture absorption (Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat, Aussie Surf Organic Cotton Hat)
  • Mesh ventilation panels: Strategic mesh placement in crown and sides increases airflow while maintaining UPF protection (Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat)
  • Hemp: Naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and durable (Black Creek Safari Hemp Hat)

Mesh sweatbands are more breathable than elastic bands and help prevent heat buildup along the forehead during strenuous activity.

Several Conner hiking hats feature water-resistant treatments:

  • Water-resistant cotton: Bounty Hunter, Indy Jones, and Tracker hats use weathered cotton with water-resistant coatings that shed light rain
  • Waxed cotton/oilskin: Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat and Murchasin River Hat offer waterproof protection with sealed seams
  • Quick-dry materials: Recycled polyester hats (Airflow, Tarpon Springs) dry rapidly after exposure to moisture

For extended rain, pair with a waterproof jacket hood. For sunny hikes, water-resistant coatings help manage sweat and brief showers.

Match your hat to your hiking conditions:

  • Desert/high-altitude hiking: Wide-brim hats (3–4 inches) with UPF 50+ and mesh ventilation (Tracker Water Resistant Cotton Outback Hat, Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat)
  • Humid trail hiking: Lightweight, moisture-wicking materials with maximum breathability (Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat, Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat)
  • Backpacking/multi-day trips: Crushable, packable designs that fold without losing shape (Weathered Cotton Bucket Hat, Aztec Boater Recycled Hat)
  • Rainy conditions: Water-resistant or waterproof hats with wide brims (Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat, Bounty Hunter Water Resistant Cotton Hat)
  • Windy trails: Adjustable chin cords keep hats secure (most Conner hiking hats include adjustable chin straps)

Yes. Many Conner hiking hats are designed to be crushable and packable:

  • Bucket hats: Weathered Cotton Bucket Hat, Dusty Road Aussie Waterproof Cotton Hat, and Aussie Surf Organic Cotton Hat fold easily into backpack pockets
  • Recycled material hats: Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat and Tarpon Springs Recycled Floating Sailing Hat compress without losing shape
  • Organic cotton: Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat packs flat and reshapes when needed

Avoid crushing hats with structured brims (like leather outback styles) for extended periods, but most fabric hiking hats are built to withstand being stuffed in a pack.

To maintain UPF protection and extend hat life:

  • Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent (avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which degrade UPF fabrics)
  • Air dry in shade — avoid tumble drying and direct sun exposure during drying
  • Spot clean sweatbands after hikes to prevent odor buildup
  • Reshape while damp if the hat becomes misshapen from packing
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Water-resistant treatments may need reapplication after repeated washing. Use a spray-on DWR (durable water repellent) treatment designed for outdoor fabrics.

Both materials are sustainable but offer different performance characteristics:

Organic Cotton (Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat, Aussie Surf Organic Cotton Hat)

  • Naturally breathable and soft against skin
  • Excellent moisture absorption
  • Biodegradable and grown without synthetic pesticides
  • Heavier when wet and slower to dry
  • Best for moderate-intensity day hikes in dry to humid conditions

Recycled Polyester/Nylon (Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat, Sunblocker Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat)

  • Lightweight and quick-drying
  • Superior moisture-wicking (pulls sweat away from skin)
  • Made from recycled plastic bottles (diverts waste from landfills)
  • More durable and abrasion-resistant
  • Best for high-intensity hiking, water activities, or multi-day backpacking

Yes. Conner hiking hats are available in sizes Small through XXX-Large, with many styles offering sizes up to XXX-Large (see individual product pages for size availability). Adjustable chin cords and internal sizing bands help customize fit. Measure your head circumference at the widest point (about 1 inch above eyebrows) and consult our hat sizing guide for the best fit.

Choose Your Hiking Hat Material

Material Best For Key Benefits Featured Hats
Recycled Polyester/Nylon High-intensity hiking, backpacking, water activities Lightweight, quick-dry, moisture-wicking, made from recycled plastic bottles Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat ($82), Sunblocker Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat ($80), Tarpon Springs Recycled Floating Sailing Hat ($94)
Organic Cotton Day hikes, moderate activity, humid climates Naturally breathable, soft, biodegradable, grown without pesticides Yellowstone Cotton Outdoor Hiking Hat ($68), Aussie Surf Organic Cotton Hat ($69), Weathered Cotton Bucket Hat ($66)
Water-Resistant Cotton Variable weather, light rain, rugged trails Durable, weather-resistant coating, classic outback style Bounty Hunter Water Resistant Cotton Hat ($88), Indy Jones Water Resistant Cotton Hat ($82), Tracker Water Resistant Cotton Outback Hat ($86)
Waxed Cotton/Oilskin Heavy rain, wet conditions, Pacific Northwest hiking Waterproof, sealed seams, repels moisture Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat ($85), Murchasin River Water Resistant Hat ($95)
Hemp Eco-conscious hikers, antimicrobial needs, durability Naturally antimicrobial, breathable, sustainable, durable Black Creek Safari Hemp Hat ($82)
Leather (Australian-made) Serious backpackers, lifetime investment, outback style Shapeable brim, water-resistant, ages beautifully, lifetime durability BC Hats Bac Pac Traveller Oily Australian Leather Hat ($185)

Hiking Hat Features That Matter

  • Wide Brims (3–4"): Maximum face, neck, and ear coverage recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
  • Mesh Ventilation Panels: Strategic placement in crown and sides increases airflow without sacrificing UPF protection
  • Moisture-Wicking Sweatbands: Prevent heat buildup along the forehead during strenuous climbs
  • Adjustable Chin Cords: Keep hats secure in wind without choking (breakaway designs available)
  • Crushable/Packable Designs: Fold into backpack pockets and reshape when needed
  • Floating Designs: Select models float in water for river crossings and water activities
  • Quick-Dry Materials: Recover rapidly from rain, stream crossings, or sweat
  • Sizes Small–XXX-Large: Inclusive sizing with adjustable fit systems