10 Best Cooling Hats 2026 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 Unisex Charter Hat is designed to offer solid sun protection and comfort for outdoor activities. Made from 100% nylon, it’s lightweight, water-repellent, and stain-resistant, making it a good choice for those spending time near water or in variable weather. The hat features a UPF 50+ rating, which means it blocks most harmful UV rays, helping to protect your skin during long sun exposure. Ventilation is well thought out, with breathable mesh on the crown to keep your head cool, while the moisture-wicking sweatband helps manage sweat, enhancing comfort in hot conditions.

Its fit is adjustable with a drawstring and chin strap, which is especially useful on windy days to keep the hat secure. The brim size is balanced, providing ample shade without being cumbersome. Style-wise, it offers a casual, functional look suitable for both men and women, and it’s crushable for easy packing, which is great for travel. Some may find the nylon fabric less soft compared to cotton hats, and while the adjustable sizing covers a good range, those with very small or larger heads might find the fit less ideal. Also, care requires hand washing, which might be less convenient for some users.

This hat is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable sun protection, cooling features, and a durable, travel-friendly design.

The MISSION Cooling UPF Performance Hat is a solid choice for anyone needing a cooling hat for workouts, golf, running, or other outdoor activities. Its standout feature is the water- and sweat-activated Wet-to-Cool Technology, which can cool the hat by up to 30 degrees below body temperature within a minute, offering refreshing relief for up to two hours with simple reactivation. This makes it particularly useful for hot, sunny days when staying cool is a priority.

The hat also provides excellent sun protection with UPF 50, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays, making it a smart pick for outdoor use. Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either—the lightweight, breathable fabric promotes airflow and ventilation to keep your head feeling fresh. The adjustable hook-and-loop closure allows a good range of head sizes to find a comfortable fit, though the unstructured design might not appeal to those who want a more rigid or form-fitting cap.

It’s also machine washable and resists odors, which is convenient for frequent wear. This hat is versatile and practical, especially for active people looking to stay cool and protected from the sun without using chemicals or complicated gadgets.