As an avid runner, I’ve learned that the right gear can make or break your performance. One often overlooked but crucial piece of equipment is a good running hat.
Don’t only focus on keeping the sun out of your eyes – a quality running hat can regulate your body temperature, wick away sweat, and protect you from harmful UV rays.
After years of testing various options, I’m excited to share my top picks for the best running hats for women.
1. Nike Featherlight Women’s Running Cap
The Nike Featherlight cap has earned it’s place at the top of my list for good reason. This hat embodies the perfect balance of lightweight design and functionality, making it an ideal choice for runners of all levels.
The standout feature of the Featherlight cap is Nike’s proprietary Dri-FIT technology. This innovative fabric wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even during the most intense workouts.
The moisture management is so effective that you’ll often forget you’re wearing a hat at all.
Comfort is key when it comes to running gear, and Nike has nailed it with the Featherlight’s adjustable back closure. This feature allows you to customize the fit to your head size, ensuring the hat stays securely in place without causing any pressure points or discomfort.
Breathability is another crucial factor for running hats, and the Featherlight doesn’t disappoint. The perforated panels on the sides of the cap promote excellent airflow, helping to regulate your body temperature during your run.
This ventilation system works in tandem with the Dri-FIT fabric to keep you cool and dry.
The curved bill of the Featherlight cap provides just the right amount of shade to protect your eyes from the sun without obstructing your vision. This is particularly important for maintaining proper form and awareness of your surroundings during your run.
One of the most practical aspects of this hat is it’s machine washability. After a sweaty run, you can simply toss it in the wash with your other running gear, and it comes out looking and feeling fresh.
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The standout feature of this hat is it’s lightweight, quick-drying fabric. This material wicks away sweat effectively and dries rapidly, preventing that uncomfortable damp feeling that can continue long after your run is over.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Fast and Free Run Hat is it’s ponytail-friendly design. As a runner with long hair, I’ve often struggled with hats that don’t accommodate a high ponytail.
Lululemon has solved this problem with a cleverly designed opening at the back of the hat, allowing you to comfortably wear your hair up without compromising the hat’s fit or function.
Safety is always a concern for runners, especially those who prefer early morning or evening workouts. Lululemon has addressed this by incorporating reflective details into the hat’s design.
These reflective elements increase your visibility to drivers and other pedestrians in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety to your run.
The Fast and Free Run Hat also features an adjustable back closure, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your head size. This ensures the hat stays securely in place during your run, without causing any discomfort or distraction.
While style might not be the primary concern when choosing running gear, it’s certainly a nice bonus. The Fast and Free Run Hat comes in a variety of colors and has a sleek, modern design that looks great both on and off the running trail.
3. Adidas Superlite Performance Hat
Adidas brings it’s A-game to the running hat arena with the Superlite Performance Hat. This hat is designed with a focus on keeping you cool and comfortable during your runs, no matter how challenging they may be.
The Superlite Performance Hat is crafted from 100% polyester fabric, a material known for it’s lightweight properties and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. This fabric choice ensures that the hat stays light on your head, even when saturated with sweat.
One of the standout features of this hat is it’s UPF 50 sun protection. This level of UV protection is crucial for runners who spend a lot of time outdoors, helping to shield your scalp and face from harmful sun rays.
It’s an added layer of defense against skin damage and potential long-term health risks associated with sun exposure.
The built-in sweatband is another feature that sets the Superlite Performance Hat apart. This sweatband does an excellent job of catching and absorbing perspiration before it can run down your face and into your eyes.
As any runner knows, keeping sweat out of your eyes is crucial for maintaining focus and comfort during your workout.
Adidas has put a lot of thought into the construction of this hat. The six-panel design offers a comfortable, contoured fit that stays put even during high-intensity workouts.
This means you won’t need to constantly adjust your hat mid-run, allowing you to focus on your performance.
The Superlite Performance Hat also features an adjustable back closure, allowing you to customize the fit to your head size. This ensures a snug, secure fit without causing any pressure points or discomfort.
While performance is clearly the priority with this hat, Adidas hasn’t neglected style. The Superlite Performance Hat comes in a range of colors and features a sleek, modern design that looks great both on the running trail and in casual settings.
4. Under Armour Fly By Cap
Under Armour has long been a trusted name in athletic wear, and their Fly By Cap shows why. This hat combines performance, style, and comfort in a way that makes it a top choice for runners.
The Fly By Cap features Under Armour’s proprietary ArmourVent technology, which ensures most breathability. This innovative fabric allows air to flow freely through the hat, helping to regulate your body temperature during your run.
The result is a cooler, more comfortable experience, even on hot days or during intense workouts.
One of the standout features of the Fly By Cap is it’s built-in HeatGear sweatband. This isn’t just any ordinary sweatband – it’s designed to wick away moisture quickly and efficiently.
By drawing sweat away from your skin and allowing it to evaporate rapidly, the HeatGear sweatband helps keep you dry and comfortable throughout your run.
The pre-curved visor is another thoughtful design element that sets the Fly By Cap apart. This feature provides excellent sun protection without the need for constant adjustments.
The visor is perfectly angled to shield your eyes from the sun without obstructing your vision, allowing you to maintain proper form and awareness of your surroundings.
Safety is always a concern for runners, especially those who enjoy early morning or evening runs. Under Armour has addressed this by incorporating a reflective logo into the design of the Fly By Cap.
This reflective element increases your visibility in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety to your workout routine.
The Fly By Cap also features an adjustable closure at the back, allowing you to customize the fit to your head size. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, preventing the hat from shifting or bouncing during your run.
While performance is clearly the priority with the Fly By Cap, Under Armour hasn’t neglected style. The hat comes in a variety of colors and features a sleek, modern design that looks great both on and off the running trail.
5. Brooks Chaser Hat
Brooks is a brand that’s synonymous with quality running gear, and their Chaser Hat is no exception. This hat is designed with the needs of serious runners in mind, offering a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and style.
The Chaser Hat is crafted from a lightweight, quick-dry fabric that’s specifically engineered to keep you cool and dry mile after mile. This material wicks away sweat effectively and dries rapidly, preventing that uncomfortable damp feeling that can continue long after your run is over.
One of the standout features of the Chaser Hat is it’s internal sweatband. This isn’t just any ordinary sweatband – it’s designed to manage moisture with exceptional efficiency.
By drawing sweat away from your skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly, the sweatband helps keep your face dry and your vision clear throughout your run.
The adjustable back closure is another thoughtful design element that sets the Chaser Hat apart. This feature allows you to customize the fit to your head size, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that won’t distract you during your workout.
The adjustability also means that this hat can accommodate a variety of hairstyles, making it a versatile choice for runners with different hair lengths and textures.
Safety is always a concern for runners, especially those who enjoy early morning or evening runs. Brooks has addressed this by incorporating reflective elements into the design of the Chaser Hat.
These reflective details increase your visibility in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety to your workout routine.
The Chaser Hat also features a slightly curved brim that provides just the right amount of sun protection without obstructing your vision. This is particularly important for maintaining proper form and awareness of your surroundings during your run.
While performance is clearly the priority with the Chaser Hat, Brooks hasn’t neglected style. The hat comes in a variety of colors and features a sleek, modern design that looks great both on and off the running trail.
6. Headsweats Performance Race Hat
When it comes to managing sweat during intense workouts, the Headsweats Performance Race Hat is in a league of it’s own. This hat is designed to handle even the sweatiest of runs, making it a top choice for endurance athletes and those who train in hot, humid conditions.
The standout feature of the Performance Race Hat is it’s Eventure knit she’ll. This innovative fabric is engineered to provide superior moisture management, wicking sweat away from your skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly.
The result is a hat that keeps you dry and comfortable, even during the most grueling workouts.
Complementing the Eventure she’ll is a terry sweatband that runs along the hat’s interior. This sweatband works in tandem with the she’ll to absorb and manage moisture, providing an extra layer of defense against sweat dripping into your eyes or down your face.
One unique feature of the Performance Race Hat is it’s black undervisor. This isn’t just a stylistic choice – the dark color helps to reduce glare, protecting your eyes and improving visibility on bright, sunny days.
This can be particularly useful for runners who are sensitive to light or who frequently run in open, sunny areas.
Headsweats has also addressed a common issue for runners with long hair by incorporating a ponytail opening into the hat’s design. This clever feature allows you to comfortably wear your hair up without compromising the hat’s fit or function.
It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in comfort during long runs.
The Performance Race Hat is incredibly lightweight and packable, making it an excellent choice for travelers or runners who like to stash a hat in their gym bag. Despite it’s light weight, the hat maintains it’s shape well, even after being folded or compressed.
Adjustability is another key feature of this hat. The rear buckle closure allows you to customize the fit to your head size, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that won’t distract you during your run.
While the focus is clearly on performance, Headsweats hasn’t neglected style. The Performance Race Hat comes in a variety of colors and designs, allowing you to choose a look that matches your personal style.
7. Outdoor Research Swift Cap
For runners who enjoy hitting the trails or need extra protection from the elements, the Outdoor Research Swift Cap is an excellent choice. This hat is designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, from hot sunny days to light rain showers.
The standout feature of the Swift Cap is it’s superior sun protection. With a UPF 50+ rating, this hat provides excellent defense against harmful UV rays.
The longer brim offers extended coverage for your face and neck, making it an ideal choice for long outdoor runs or races.
The Swift Cap is crafted from a lightweight, breathable fabric that excels at moisture management. This material wicks sweat away from your skin and dries quickly, helping to regulate your body temperature during your run.
The fabric’s quick-drying properties also make this hat a good choice for runs in light rain or misty conditions.
One of the most impressive features of the Swift Cap is it’s TransAction headband. This isn’t just any ordinary sweatband – it’s designed to wick moisture away from your skin with exceptional efficiency.
By drawing sweat away from your forehead and allowing it to evaporate quickly, the TransAction headband helps keep your face dry and your vision clear throughout your run.
The Swift Cap also features mesh panels for enhanced ventilation. These panels allow air to circulate freely through the hat, helping to keep your head cool even on hot days or during intense workouts.
This ventilation system works in tandem with the moisture-wicking fabric to provide superior temperature regulation.
Adjustability is another key feature of the Swift Cap. The rear adjustment system allows you to customize the fit to your head size, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that won’t distract you during your run.
The adjustability also means that this hat can accommodate a variety of hairstyles, making it a versatile choice for runners with different hair lengths and textures.
While performance is clearly the priority with the Swift Cap, Outdoor Research hasn’t neglected style. The hat comes in a variety of colors and features a sleek, modern design that looks great both on the trail and in casual settings.
8. Ciele Athletics GOCap
Ciele Athletics may be a relatively new player in the running gear market, but their GOCap has quickly gained a devoted following among serious runners. This hat stands out for it’s unique blend of performance features and distinctive style.
The GOCap is crafted from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric that offers UPF 40+ sun protection. This level of UV defense is crucial for runners who spend significant time outdoors, helping to shield your scalp and face from harmful sun rays.
It’s an added layer of protection against skin damage and potential long-term health risks associated with sun exposure.
One of the most innovative features of the GOCap is it’s soft, pliable brim. Unlike traditional running hats with stiff brims, the GOCap’s brim can be easily folded or flattened without losing it’s shape.
This makes the hat incredibly packable – you can easily stash it in a pocket or small bag without worrying about damaging it.
When you’re ready to wear it again, the brim springs back to it’s original shape.
Visibility is a key concern for many runners, especially those who enjoy early morning or evening workouts. Ciele has addressed this by incorporating reflective detailing on the front, back, and sides of the GOCap.
This 360-degree reflectivity increases your visibility to drivers and other pedestrians in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety to your run.
The GOCap also excels in the area of moisture management. The fabric is designed to wick sweat away from your skin quickly and efficiently, helping to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your run.
The hat’s construction also promotes excellent airflow, aiding in temperature regulation even during intense workouts.
Comfort is another area where the GOCap shines. The hat features a soft, flexible construction that conforms to your head shape without causing pressure points.
The adjustable back closure allows you to fine-tune the fit, ensuring the hat stays securely in place without feeling tight or restrictive.
While performance is clearly the priority, Ciele hasn’t neglected style with the GOCap. The hat comes in a wide range of bold colors and eye-catching designs, allowing runners to express their personal style while they work out.
The distinctive look of the GOCap has made it a favorite not just among runners, and among fashion-conscious athletes in various disciplines.
9. Buff Pack Run Cap
For runners who prioritize versatility and packability in their gear, the Buff Pack Run Cap is a game-changer. This ultra-lightweight hat is designed to meet the needs of runners who want performance features in a compact package.
The standout feature of the Pack Run Cap is it’s incredible packability. This hat can be easily folded or rolled up to fit in a pocket, small bag, or even the palm of your hand.
Despite it’s ability to compress, the hat springs back to it’s original shape when unfolded, maintaining it’s structure and performance features.
The Pack Run Cap is crafted from a high-performance fabric that excels at moisture management. This material wicks sweat away from your skin quickly and efficiently, helping to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your run.
The fabric’s quick-drying properties also make this hat a good choice for runs in various weather conditions.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pack Run Cap is how well it stays in place during high-intensity workouts. The hat features a flexible, low-profile design that conforms to your head shape without causing pressure points.
The adjustable back closure allows you to fine-tune the fit, ensuring the hat stays secure even during sprints or hill climbs.
Sun protection is another area where the Pack Run Cap shines. The hat offers UPF 50+ protection, shielding your scalp and face from harmful UV rays.
The flexible brim provides sun protection when you need it, but can also be folded up or down depending on your preference and the conditions.
Ventilation is crucial for running hats, and Buff has addressed this with strategically placed mesh panels. These panels allow air to circulate freely through the hat, helping to regulate your body temperature during your run.
This ventilation system works in tandem with the moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry.
While the Pack Run Cap is designed primarily for running, it’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking, traveling, or just need a hat for casual wear, the Pack Run Cap’s combination of performance features and packability make it a versatile addition to your gear collection.
Buff offers the Pack Run Cap in a range of colors and designs, allowing you to choose a look that matches your personal style. The hat’s sleek, modern aesthetic looks great both on the running trail and in casual settings.
10. Patagonia Duckbill Cap
Rounding out our list is the Patagonia Duckbill Cap, a favorite among ultra-runners and endurance athletes. This hat stands out for it’s unique design and exceptional durability, making it an excellent choice for runners who push their gear to the limits.
The most distinctive feature of the Duckbill Cap is it’s extra-long bill. This extended brim provides superior sun protection, shielding not just your eyes but a significant portion of your face from harmful UV rays.
Despite it’s size, the bill is designed to be flexible and lightweight, maintaining comfort during long runs.
The Duckbill Cap is crafted from a durable ripstop nylon fabric. This material is chosen for it’s ability to withstand the toughest conditions, from intense sun exposure to unexpected rain showers.
The fabric’s durability ensures that this hat will stay a reliable part of your running gear for years to come.
Moisture management is a key focus of the Duckbill Cap’s design. The hat features a built-in moisture-wicking headband that efficiently draws sweat away from your skin. This headband works in tandem with the hat’s breathable fabric to keep you dry and comfortable, even during the most grueling workouts.
Ventilation is another area where the Duckbill Cap excels. The hat features mesh panels that allow air to circulate freely, helping to regulate your body temperature during your run.
This ventilation system is particularly useful for runners who frequently tackle long distances or run in hot, humid conditions.
One unique aspect of the Duckbill Cap is it’s low-profile design. This makes it compatible with bike helmets, a feature that’s particularly appreciated by triathletes or runners who incorporate cycling into their training regimen.
The hat sits comfortably under a helmet without causing pressure points or discomfort.
The dark underbill of the Duckbill Cap serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. This darker color helps to reduce glare, improving visibility on bright, sunny days.
This can be particularly useful for runners who are sensitive to light or who frequently run in open, sunny areas.
While the focus is clearly on performance, Patagonia hasn’t neglected style with the Duckbill Cap. The hat comes in a variety of colors and features a distinctive look that sets it apart from more traditional running hats.
It’s unique aesthetic has made it a favorite not just among runners, and among outdoor enthusiasts in various disciplines.
Key Takeaways
When choosing a running hat, consider factors like breathability, moisture-wicking ability, sun protection, and fit. Look for hats with adjustable closures, reflective elements for safety, and designs that accommodate ponytails if you have long hair.
The best running hat is one that you forget you’re wearing – it should be comfortable, lightweight, and effective at keeping you cool and protected throughout your run.
People Also Asked
Are running hats worth it?
Running hats offer many benefits including sun protection, sweat management, and temperature regulation. They can significantly enhance comfort and performance during runs.
How do I choose a running hat?
Consider factors like breathability, moisture-wicking ability, UV protection, fit, and adjustability. Your specific needs (e.g., long hair, sensitivity to sun) should also guide your choice.
Do running hats keep you cooler?
Well-designed running hats can help keep you cooler by providing shade, wicking away sweat, and allowing for proper ventilation.
Can I wear a regular baseball cap for running?
While possible, specialized running hats are designed to be lighter, more breathable, and better at moisture management than regular baseball caps.
How often should I wash my running hat?
It’s best to wash your running hat after every few uses, or immediately if it’s particularly sweaty or dirty. Always check the care instructions for your specific hat.
Are there running hats for people with big heads?
Yes, many brands offer adjustable running hats or sizes that accommodate larger head sizes. Look for hats with stretchy materials or adjustable back closures.
Can running hats help prevent headaches?
By providing shade and helping regulate temperature, running hats can potentially help prevent headaches caused by sun exposure or overheating.
Are there running hats specifically designed for long hair?
Yes, several brands offer running hats with ponytail openings or designs that accommodate high ponytails or buns.
Do running hats provide enough sun protection?
Many running hats offer UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, with UPF 50+ providing excellent sun protection. However, it’s still important to use sunscreen on exposed skin.
Can I wear my running hat backwards?
While possible, wearing a running hat backwards may reduce it’s effectiveness in providing sun protection and managing sweat. It’s generally best to wear it as designed.
