Fishing Hat Comparison Table

Why Every Angler Needs a Fishing Hat

Qualities to Look for in a Good Fishing Hat

Fishing Environment

Sun & Wind Protection

Adjustability & Comfort

For hot summer angling, a ventilation patch is important, as is adjustability with a chin strap and adjustable drawstring to tighten the hat around the head. Measure the circumference of your head first, and match it up with the correct hat size. A little too big is better than too small, especially if there’s a chin strap and tightening string.

Waterproof Features

Waterproof means water rolls off the hat without the fabric becoming wet at all. Quick-drying means the hat absorbs water and sweat, but the moisture evaporates quickly. Wet fabrics have a lower UPF than dry materials.  Plus, if you're heading out on the ocean in a kayak, you may need a hat that can float for quick retrieval should it fall.

Pockets & Patches

Some hats feature small pockets to store small items such as keys and medications.

Style

If aesthetics are important to you, pick an option with color options to suit your style, and fade-resistance to keep the hat in good nick all year round.

Price

Consider cost-per-wear and durability. For example, a higher-priced hat with excellent materials and protective features will last longer, especially important for regular usage.

1. Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II

First up, our top-rated model is a super-affordable Columbia fishing hat, the Unisex Bora Bora II. This 100% textured nylon poplin boonie hat is excellent for summertime angling and hours of sun exposure. This is thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool, dry, and also keeps the hat dry due to fast evaporation. This is excellent considering that the wetter the fabric, the lower the UPF protection.

The textured nylon poplin has a UPF of 50, with a 3-inch brim for thorough sun protection for the eyes and top half of the face. Note that the air vents at the front of the bucket are not UPF, so extra sunscreen should be used underneath these sections.

This unisex wide brim fishing boonie hat comes in eight color options, including bright red and blue. The dark blue, grey, and green options are the best for sun protection as dark colors absorb UV rays the most effectively.

You don’t need to worry too much about getting the size exactly right, as there’s an adjustable drawstring around the circumference of the head and a chinstrap to keep the hat from blowing away. We recommend this boonie hat for long fishing trips during spring and summer when you need to remain cool and dry. However, be aware that the rim is a little too flimsy, which may be an issue in very windy conditions

2. The Hat Depot 300N

The best fishing bucket hat is The Hat Depot 300N Sun Hat, an extremely affordable hat that won’t cost you more than ten dollars. What’s more, there are many colors and patterns including camouflage and hot pink, great for kids and those who like a little style with their protective gear. You could kit the whole family out with a protective sun hat at a super-cheap cost.

In true bucket hat style, the hat sits low on the head, with a down-facing brim of 2 - 2.25 inches depending on what size you pick (S/M, L/XL). The brim is flexible enough to be bent upward when required, perhaps when driving or momentarily indoors. Plus, the 100% cotton construction (for solid colors) is soft, malleable, and won’t lose shape when crushed during travel or storage.

Thick 100% cotton blocks UV rays and helps to keep your head cool, and is washable when things get a little grubby. Since there’s no chin strap or adjustable cord, we recommend this for calmer days when the wind is minimal. This would be excellent for casual summertime angling, protecting the eyes from sun, breeze, and bugs. You could also try the larger size with a thin beanie underneath during colder months.

3. ICOLOR Sun Cap

The IColor Sun Cap is our pick for the best fishing hat with neck flap, and one of the most protective fishing hats on our list. The base is a traditional baseball cap, with a long brim (3.5 inches). A removable flap attaches to the cap and covers the neck and ears, and a ventilated face cover covers the entire face, excluding the eyes. This is excellent for humid areas where mosquitoes and bugs are rife, and for people with very sun-sensitive skin who require ultra coverage.

The hat, flap, and face cover are made from 100% nylon, a fabric that is great at repelling UV rays, with a UPF of 50+. Plus, it's exceptionally lightweight and very quick-drying should you capsize. What's more, the hat has been designed for easy travel as it folds up to a compact size for stashing into tight packs. Style-lovers will be pleased to know there are eight color choices, with natural, dark shades and fashion-forward bright colors.

This would be ideal for intrepid fishing travels where bugs, dust, and intense heat are expected. The cap can be worn alone for general use, such as city touring or traveling, then add the neck flap and face cover for all-round protection.

4. Camo Coll Outdoor

At number four, the best fly fishing hat, the Camo Coll Outdoor Anti-Mosquito Mask Hat. This is a boonie hat with a wide brim and adjustable chin strap to keep the hat on your head (and out of the water). The 100% polyester construction has a UPF of 50+, is lightweight, and quick-drying, all excellent features for traveling and camping.

A full-coverage mosquito net is attached to the hat and features a drawstring cord so you can close it tightly around the body to keep bugs out. This is a great option for fly fishing in bug and mosquito-populated areas. Plus, it would be excellent for traveling to areas where a mosquito bite can potentially turn nasty.

There's only one size (22.8-inch circumference), and it's designed for adults, so kids have to pass on this one. A downside is that the net isn't removable, so you can't wear the hat alone. Plus, some users have noted that the lighter colors are hard to see through, especially after dusk.

5. EINSKEY

Next, the best waterproof fishing hat is the Einskey Sun Hat, an extremely affordable boonie hat. The polyester construction is waterproof, ideal for fishing in unpredictable weather when rain can break any moment. This is excellent as a dryer hat that has more sun protection and helps to prevent chills and hypothermia. An adjustable drawstring chin strap keeps the hat on your head (or around your neck) during breezy boat trips.

The extra-wide brim provides extra sun protection over the eyes, face, and back of the neck. However, some users have found that the top of the hat is a little too flimsy and thin to provide the level of sun protection they require. In saying that, the hat is listed as “blocking 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays”.

There are six color options, with dark, UV-protecting shades like navy and charcoal, and a couple of fashion shades like pink and green. This would be an excellent pick for fishing during unpredictable weather where the sun is bright, but rain is a threat. People with thin or balding hair may want to apply extra sunblock on their head to make up for the more delicate fabric. 

6. LETHMIK Boonie Hat

The best fishing boonie hat is the Lethmik Boonie Hat, made from 100% polyester. Not only is this hat waterproof, but it has a UPF of 50+ for excellent sun protection. Plus, the extra-wide brim provides thorough shading of the eyes and face. If you want to make the hat a little smaller at the sides, you can clip them up with the brass buttons. 

This is an excellent travel fishing hat as it has been designed to fold into a compact unit for space-saving packing. The adjustable chin strap with drawstring keeps the hat securely on your head, or you can hang it down your back when it’s not needed. The waterproof nature of the fabric means it can withstand rain, capsizing, and a wipe-down to remove sand and salt without having to be left out to dry.

The Lethmik Boonie hat would be ideal for summer and spring fishing trips, and for traveling in sun-drenched places. Note that it only comes in one size and is reported to be on the smaller side (22-24 inches), so make sure to measure your head first. 

7. YINGEE

The best budget/cheap fishing hat is the Yingee Outdoor Fishing Hat, a cheap baseball cap with versatile options. For one, it has a detachable neck flap and face cover for keeping bugs, dust, wind, and sun away from the face. The cap brim is extra wide, casting a shadow over the entire face. These extra protective measures make this a smart option for people with very sun-sensitive skin, and fishing in areas where flying bugs, sand, and dust kick-up are rife.

Despite the low cost, the polyester-cotton blend provides UPF 50+, is lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable in warm climates. A quick-drying hat is important for travel, as you can give it a quick rinse, leave it in the sun for a small moment, then pack it away. Speaking of travel, the hat folds up into a compact unit so you can tuck it discreetly into your backpack or fanny pack. It comes in one color, deep navy, for best sun protection combined with unisex style.

While it only comes in one size option, there’s an adjustable buckle to fit the hat more snugly to smaller heads. This hat would be excellent for daily wear, travel, and fishing in mosquito-infested areas during the height of summer.

8. Solaris

The best wide brim fishing hat is hands down the Solaris Sun Hat with UV Protection. This hat has a boonie style in the front, with an extra-wide brim and a neck flap at the back for shading the back of the neck. Unlike other hats with neck flaps, this one flares wider thanks to the wider brim, meaning it sits further from the neck. The 4-inch brim thoroughly shades the eyes and face, while the UPF 50+ fabric protects the scalp from UV rays.

The microfiber fabric is designed especially for outdoor usage and travel, as it’s quick-drying, lightweight, and folds up for neat storage. If you go on regular fishing and hiking trips during summer and spring, this would be a great choice. However, note that it only comes in one size, which many have found to be too big despite the drawstring size adjuster. 

If you need ultra-protection and coverage for the entire neck, including the sides, you may find this one is a little lacking in this department. However, it offers excellent eye, nose, and face protection. There are plenty of color options, with digital khaki prints and solid colors such as dark green and pale pink.

9. DDYOUTDOOR 07-281

The best fishing hat with sun protection is the DDYOUTDOOR Fashion Summer Fishing Cap made from waterproof nylon. While very affordable, this hat is also very versatile with a removable neck flap and face cover. This is excellent for fishing in scorching, sandy, dusty areas where mosquitoes and flies are in full season. When the months cool down, or you just need a simple boonie hat for sun protection and glare-free vision, simply take the flaps off and store until next time.

The nylon fabric is not only waterproof, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection too. Plus, the lining is made from breathable mesh to keep you cool and comfortable in the baking sun. If you get caught in a shower, or you capsize your kayak, the hat will dry in no-time thanks to the quick-drying fabric. What's more, you won't see it floating off as the adjustable chin strap and drawstring keeps the hat firmly on your head and around the neck should it fall off.

This would be great for you if you live an active lifestyle with lots of hiking, camping, fishing, traveling, and exposure to hot, bug-packed places. There are five colors to suit any taste, including dark grey and hot pink. Note that there’s only one size, plus an adjustable tab, so be sure to get the measuring tape out before buying.

10. Jacobson Hat Company

The Jacobson Hat Company Coolie hat is a large, conical-shaped hat made from woven polyester mimicking traditional straw. This is a great hat for wearing when there's already a decent amount of shade available, as woven polyester doesn't provide much UV protection.

If you've got thinning hair, you'll need backup with a high SPF sunscreen to protect the scalp. However, the brim is very wide, so it thoroughly shields the eyes from glare. This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a straw fishing hat that shields the eyes but also serves style. However, it's not going to hold up to capsizing or heavy rain, as it will likely take a while to dry out. 

Plus, the shape and size mean it's not ideal for traveling as you can't neatly stash it away. If you’re after a hat to protect the eyes and face during a relaxed fishing outing, and something that can also serve you well for BBQs and watching cricket, this would be excellent.

Types of Fishing Hats

Other Ways to Stay Protected While Fishing

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are straw hats good for sun protection?

Do bucket hats protect from the sun?

What is the best color for a fishing hat?

Who makes the best fishing hats?

The best fishing hat brands are Patagonia, Under Armour, Columbia, and Huk as they use SPF materials, and are designed for active users and various environments and climates.

What is the ideal brim length on a fishing hat?

Can I use my fishing hat for all seasons?

It depends on how drastic the seasons are where you live. For cold, frosty winters, a warm, woolen hat is essential for avoiding hypothermia, but you still need sun protection. You can layer a thin merino beanie with a wide-brimmed fishing hat.

Does the season of fishing affect what kind of fishing hat I should wear?

Yes, as you need extra insulation in winter, and extra breathability in summer. However, all seasons require sun protection and a wide brim to protect the eyes from glare.

How do I determine my fishing hat size? What size guide should I use?

The best way is to simply measure the circumference of your head (the measuring tape should sit around the middle of the forehead, above the ears). Match the measurement with the circumference of your chosen hat, and go for the larger size if there’s not a perfect match.

Conclusion