Boating can be a wonderful and relaxing activity. However, while on a boat, harmful UV rays reflect off the water and onto you. These increase your risk of getting a sunburn while also making you uncomfortable.
A nice hat is an easy way to combat this issue. On top of this, a nice hat can be a key piece of your boating attire.
If you're looking for a hat to bring with you the next time you're out on the water, keep reading. You'll soon discover the best sailing hats out there.
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1. American Hat Makers: Soaker - Men's Breathable Wide Brim Sun Hat
The Soaker from American Hat Makers is the ideal hat for staying cool on the water. The hat has a tall crown with great ventilation. It also has a very wide brim, perfect for keeping you protected from the sun's rays. Together, these factors make a hat that will keep you cool while also giving you some UV protection.
This hat is also water resistant. With other hats, you may have to worry about them being ruined if they fall in the water or if water splashes up on them.
Meanwhile, this hat can be submerged completely without worry. While this means it can fall in the water and be fine, it still comes with a chin strap to keep it securely attached to your head.
On top of all of this, this hat has style. It captures some of the same vibes you would expect from a cowboy hat, yet in a way that works better for a boat.
This makes sense if you think about it because heading out on the plains with your horse is a lot like heading out to sea with your boat. If you are looking for something that looks great on a boat, this is the hat for you.
Breathable sun hats are a great way to beat the heat and sun! Check out all of our sun hats right here!
2. Tilley: Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat
This is another hat that prioritizes sun protection and airflow. The Tilly Endurables Airflo Hat has a high crown, ventilation slots, and a wide brim. With these factors in place, you don't have to worry about getting too hot or sweaty in your new hat.
This hat also comes with a few cool features. It is water-repellent and will float in water, which is perfect for something you plan on bringing on a boat. It also has a secret pocket where you can store a bit of cash or small valuables. These features give the hat some unique appeal.
We really appreciate the fact that this hat comes in a variety of different colors. This allows you to pick something that will better match your personal style.
3. American Hat Makers: Barcelona - Men's Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat
The Barcelona is a wide-brim straw sun hat that perfectly suits life on the water. The design is evocative of the original Panama hat, which immediately makes one think of both adventure and relaxation. So, it will suit your style whether you're going on an intense adventure or just looking to relax out in the waves.
Like the Soaker, the Barcelona's design and construction make it particularly helpful for staying cool on a boat. The high crown and ventilation holes draw out heat and keep your head feeling refreshed. Meanwhile, the wide brim improves visibility while protecting you from the sun. The material can also get wet without worry.
The biggest difference is that the Barcelona comes to the table with an even more lightweight design. Straw is an incredibly light material that feels just as light when placed on your head.
However, you don't have to worry about this hat blowing away while on the water, as it also comes with a chin strap. So, if you're looking for something light and airy, a nice straw hat is a great option.
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4. Sunday Afternoons: Ultra Adventure Hat
If you're seriously worried about sun protection, the Ultra Adventure Hat from Sunday Afternoons may be the choice for you. This hat has a wide brim that will fully cover your head.
However, it also has a neck cape that drops down from the back of the hat, completely covering your neck. Since the neck and shoulders are the most common locations for sunburn, this coverage can be very helpful.
The Ultra Adventure Hat even has a place to clip on your sunglasses. This is a neat feature that most other hats don't have.
The biggest problem with this option is that it is a bit more cumbersome. Some people dislike having the neck cape. So, make sure you think about if this is something you are alright with dealing with before you buy this hat.
5. Nike: AeroBill Visor
Want to shift things up when it comes to your sailing attire? Try out the sporty look instead. To do so, go with the Nike AeroBill Visor.
This is a simple visor with a pretty straightforward approach. It doesn't have as much flash or pizazz as other hats, but it does everything a visor needs to do.
Visors can be of great utility on a boat, especially when it is sunny. They are about as breathable as a hat can get, so they don't leave your head feeling sweaty and gross. They are also easy to pack and dry extremely quickly.
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The downside is that the visor leaves the top of your head exposed to the sun. As skin cancer on your scalp is possible, this is something to think about.
As a piece of sports equipment, this hat offers a few unique advantages. It is designed to be lightweight, to prevent it from impacting your sporting performance, and to hold onto your head firmly, to prevent it from flying off during a run or other excursion.
These are both helpful on a boat as well since you don't want to worry about your hat getting in the way or flying off.
The Best Sailing Hats and Boating Hats
If you're looking for the best boating hat, this list is a great place to start. Consider what style you are looking for and if there are any specific options that appeal to you. Once you do so, you will be ready to grab your new hat and hit the water.
Looking for a stylish sun hat made just for women? Take a look at our selection of women’s sun hats!