10 Best Cooling Hats 2025 in the United States

The MISSION Cooling Anywhere Boonie Hat is a solid choice if you're looking for a hat that keeps you cool and protected outdoors. Made mostly of polyester with mesh vents, it's lightweight and breathable, which helps with airflow and comfort during warm days. Its standout feature is the HydroActive Wet-to-Cool technology—it cools your skin quickly by up to 30 degrees below body temperature and lasts for about two hours after activation with water. This is great if you spend time hiking, fishing, or just being outside in the sun. The hat also offers strong UPF 50 sun protection, shielding your face, neck, and ears effectively.

Fit-wise, it has an adjustable chin cord that ensures it stays in place and suits different head sizes, making it comfortable for both men and women. Plus, the pull-on design and wide brim add to its protective coverage. The built-in zipper pocket is a convenient touch for small essentials. On the downside, while the cooling effect is impressive, it requires re-wetting to maintain coolness, so you need access to water during long outings. Also, since it’s mostly polyester, some might find it less soft compared to natural fabrics.

It’s machine washable and resists odors, which is handy for regular use. Style-wise, the etched camo black forest pattern is functional but may appeal mostly to outdoor enthusiasts rather than casual wearers. If you want a dependable, cooling hat for outdoor adventures with solid sun protection and good ventilation, this hat does a great job.

The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is designed for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and need solid sun protection combined with comfort. Its material blend of nylon and polyester makes it lightweight and durable, while the water and stain-resistant fabric helps keep the hat looking clean during adventurous activities. The standout feature is its UPF 50+ rating, providing excellent protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is ideal for protecting both the face and neck thanks to the wide brim and 6-inch neck cape. Ventilation is well thought out with breathable mesh panels on both sides of the crown, helping to keep your head cool even in hot weather. The hat also includes a wicking sweatband to manage moisture, adding to the cooling comfort. Fit is adjustable with a drawstring crown and chin strap, allowing a secure fit even on windy days. Its packable design means you can easily fold and carry it without damage, which is great for travelers and hikers. On the style side, it offers a unisex look in a neutral eucalyptus color, suitable for various outdoor settings.

A consideration is that the hat requires hand washing, which may be less convenient than machine-washable options. Also, while the mesh aids airflow, some users might find the neck cape a bit bulky in very hot climates. This hat represents a strong choice for anyone looking for reliable sun protection, breathability, and adjustable comfort during long outdoor activities.

The Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat is designed to keep you cool and protected during outdoor activities. Its lightweight and breathable ripstop nylon/polyester blend fabric is water-resistant, quick-drying, and wicks away moisture effectively, which helps with cooling and comfort on hot days. The hat offers excellent sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, making it a solid choice if blocking harmful UV rays is important to you. The floating foam-stiffened brim not only keeps the sun out of your eyes but also adds a bit of ventilation by allowing air to move around your head.

The one-handed drawcord adjustment and removable chin cord make it easy to get a secure, comfortable fit, and the packable design means you can easily take it along on hikes or trips. However, the hat is hand wash only, which might require a bit more care than machine-washable options. Also, while the brim’s foam stiffness helps with structure and airflow, it may feel less flexible than some prefer.

The style is functional and practical, with a darker fabric under the brim to reduce glare, but it leans more toward outdoor utility than fashion-forward looks. If you want a durable, protective sun hat that focuses on cooling and UV defense, this model is a strong fit, especially for activities like hiking, fishing, or gardening.