What Kind of Hat Do You Wear Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

Backpacking is an adventure for the brave and the bold. Many people love the challenge of packing light and traversing difficult terrain with only the supplies on their backs.

To truly enjoy backpacking, however, it helps to have the right equipment. One of the most essential pieces of gear for any backpacker is a hat.

A hat is vital for protecting your head from sunburn and heat exhaustion, but it also serves important functions like keeping your hair out of your face, blocking wind and rain, and keeping sweat out of your eyes. To ensure you’re prepared for any situation you might encounter while out in nature, it’s important to choose a hat that meets all these needs.

The most popular hat option for backpackers is a wide-brimmed sun hat. These hats are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for long days in hot climates. They also provide excellent coverage from the sun’s harmful rays while still allowing air to circulate around your scalp to keep you cool.

Another great option is a baseball cap or visor. These are lightweight and easy to pack away when not in use, making them perfect for hikers who need to keep track of their space-savings items. They also provide some protection from the sun, although not as much as a wide-brimmed hat would.

Finally, if you’ll be hiking in colder climates or at higher altitudes where wind can be an issue, then it’s a good idea to invest in a warm beanie or fleece cap. These provide extra insulation while still being lightweight enough not to weigh down your pack too much.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a hat for backpacking there are several factors to consider like climate, terrain and personal preference. Ultimately though, no matter what type of hat you choose it should be lightweight enough that it won’t add too much bulk or weight to your pack yet still provide adequate protection from sun exposure or cold temperatures as needed.