hat – sun protection

I like the Outdoor Research Sunrunner.

+1 on the OR SunRunner. Comes in several sizes which is nice!

Uber geeky, but oh so effective.

Had mine for 10 years now.

Plenty of protection on the neck and over the eyes.

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/store/adventure-hats.html

-Tony

Try a Brockabrella.

–B.G.–

I have recently concluded a four-month test of the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat for BackpackGearTest and think it's the best backpacking hat I've ever worn.

+ 2

+3 on Sunday Afternoons Adventurer Hat

Fair skin here too and currently use a collared shirt and brimmed hat. I turn up the collar during sunny hours and am impressed with how well it works.

The broad brims keep the sun (and rain) off the face, ears and neck and some of their models are very reasonably priced.

I bought a white XXL Capilene 1 and cut a large square off front. I wear this under a Headsweat Supervisor. The band of the Supervisor also serves as the headlamp band. For windy conditions I sometimes used a small binder clip to keep the two hanging sides together below the shin.

I've been using an OR Sombriolet Sun Hat. It's a smidgen heavier (3.1 oz vs the Sunrunner's 2.8 oz), but I like it enough not to look for a replacement. Personally, I like it more than a ball cap-style hat because of the wider wrap around brim.

The annoyance some folks would have is that the brim behind your head might not jive well with your pack. Not a problem for me personally, but folks with packs tall enough to bump your head might not like it. The brim is flexible and can curve downwards between your neck and pack.

another satisfied customer!

Looks like a good hat for my significant other, but he needs at least a 3" brim, wider is better.

+2 for the OR Sunrunner.

I like that I can switch back and forth between a normal ball cap and a ball cap with the neck skirt, when needed. Breathes well and keeps me reasonably cool too.

+3 for the OR Sunrunner.

I like it for winter, too…Tighten the flaps down, combine with a thin cap, and it cuts windchill well.

…That, or a trucker cap with bandanna tucked in.

I like the "sun runner style" as it is more "hood friendly" than a wide brimmed hat, and it is less likely to fly in a strong wind.

@Deborah
I'll measure it and get back to you later…

Tilley LTM6 airflo hat. Wide Brim, mesh around the top for venting, holds its shape well. Mine that I bought 3 years ago weighs 3.5oz, but the website now shows 4oz so I'm not sure whats changed. The dual straps means it stays on in really strong winds. They are sold in hats sizes not S/M/L so its easy to fit your head.

Brim size: Front: 3 1/2" Back: 3 1/2" Sides: 2 1/2"

Another satisfied Sunday Afternoons customer here! I not only burn very easily but am allergic to most sunscreens. Unless I'm close to water, snow, or light-colored ground (with lots of reflectivity) I don't need to use sunblock on my face when wearing this hat! Another great thing about it is the drape in back rather than a brim, so there is no conflict with the brim's hitting my pack. The hat works fine in rain with my rain jacket hood pulled over the crown of the hat–keeps the rain off my glasses. (This is another reason I like having the drape, rather than a brim, in back.) On the other hand, there is plenty of ventilation in the crown so it is quite comfortable on hot days.

The first time I saw one of these (being worn by a man, BTW), I thought, I want one of those! As soon as I got home from my hike, I ordered one! Mine is on its 5th year and still looks as good as new.

@Deborah
Brim is 3 3/8" wide on my Large.

RIVERZ = BEST HATS EVER. PERIOD. (www.riverz.com)

I have the 'Scout' and it is perhaps my favorite piece of gear. For some reason it seems like Grand Canyon boatmen are about the only people who have discovered these, never seen another hiker with one, even here in AZ, though they are EVERYHERE on the river.

They are a bit pricey, but are about as wide-brimmed as they come, won't shrink, maintain shape when wet, have far better ventilation than fabric hats, they float, and don't look geeky off the trail. Mine's two years old and still looks new (when I wash it).

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Anyone have a picture of with the Sunday afternoon hat and the Outdoor Research Sunrunner on? They both look like they offer good protection but I'd like to see what they look like actually on people.

Sunrunner is great for sun protection–fits great so that it doesn't interfere with your pack, or with a hood. Its horrible in the looks department IMO.

I've been running a REI paddler's hat
http://www.rei.com/product/766026

Mesh offers great breathability, wide brim does all the hardwork. Often times I have a folded bandana hanging out the back for neck protection. I'll wet the bandana on hot days. More or less the same protection as the sun runner, but better looking imo. Also, bandana is dual use, as always.

However, even with all this on, I apply copious amounts of sun screen on the face if I'm traveling on snow. That reflective UV destroys everything short of SPF30

boonie hat in sand. guess it would be the only thing cotton i take into the field. wearing it with a fleece headband extends its temp range. while not waterproof it stands up to rain pretty well and gives great sun protection.

early may at about 9,000' on rainier. temp is around 15* f. snowing moderatly, but no wind (yet)