10 Best Cooling Hats 2025 in the United States

The MISSION Cooling UPF Bucket Hat is a versatile unisex hat designed for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and fishing. One of its standout features is the innovative water and sweat-activated cooling technology, which can cool the hat up to 30 degrees below the average body temperature in under a minute and keep it cool for up to two hours. This is great for anyone who spends extended periods outdoors and needs to stay cool and focused.

The hat also boasts impressive UPF 50 protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays, which is essential for sun safety. The hat is made from 100% polyester, making it lightweight and breathable, which enhances comfort during wear. Additionally, it is machine washable and resistant to odors, ensuring easy maintenance and long-lasting freshness.

The design includes an adjustable neck cord and a flexible brim with snaps, allowing for a customizable fit for most adult head sizes. However, while the hat's cooling features are excellent, it may require frequent rewetting for prolonged cooling effects, which might not be convenient for all users. Some might also find the style too sporty for more formal outdoor occasions. Nonetheless, this hat is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for effective cooling and UV protection in a practical, easy-to-care-for 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.

The GADIEMKENSD Dri Fit Running Hat is designed for those who enjoy outdoor activities like running, hiking, and sports. Made from 100% nylon, the hat is both soft and durable. Its key advantage is the UPF 50+ protection, which offers excellent defense against harmful sun rays, making it a great choice for sunny days.

The hat features an unstructured front panel, making it easy to fold and carry without taking up much space, ideal for travel and outdoor adventures. The breathable fabric and two-sided mesh design enhance ventilation, ensuring your head remains cool and dry, even during intense activities. The built-in sweatband also helps in absorbing sweat, preventing it from dripping into your eyes and face.

The exterior size adjuster combined with stretch comfort sizing ensures a secure and relaxed fit for most head sizes, suitable for both men and women. However, the hat requires hand washing, which could be seen as inconvenient for some users. A variety of colors and styles are available, making it a versatile fashion choice. While the hat excels in performance and comfort, its loose fit might not be preferred by everyone. Additionally, while the mesh vents aid in cooling, they do not contribute to the UV protection. Ideal for gifting, this hat proves to be a functional and stylish accessory for various outdoor activities.