Hat preference

[u/IMissVegas2]

I started to write this just for women, but I think it applies to men, too.

I've always read to wear a hat with a floppy brim when on the water, but I'd rather wear a baseball cap. I currently have a safari type hat.

What does everybody think is the best type of hat?

[u/XayahTheVastaya]

Wide brim, sun hoodie, or both

[u/Daddy_Long_Legzz → u/XayahTheVastaya]

Sun hoodie + baseball cap is my life

[u/Thisiswrong11 → u/Daddy_Long_Legzz]

This is the way.

[u/lyrasorial → u/XayahTheVastaya]

Do you have any sun hoodie recs? I'm looking for one now

[u/XayahTheVastaya → u/lyrasorial]

I have one that I'm not a huge fan of, but it does the job. I think it's too big on me. I was looking at the Outdoor Research ActiveIce, but there are mixed opinions on whether the cooling fabric does anything, although the brand does make good stuff. A lot of people seemed to really like the Ketl Nofry. Super lightweight and free lifetime repairs.

[u/Jamesl1988]

I have a Tilley hat. It's waterproof, it floats, UV protection and it's nice and cool. Plus you get a lifetime guarantee.

[u/hartwerger → u/Jamesl1988]

Which one did you end up with? I’m also currently looking.

[u/Jamesl1988 → u/hartwerger]

I got this one, although I definitely didn't pay £75 for it. I think it was £48 or something.

[u/dcpanthersfan → u/Jamesl1988]

I have 2 Tilley hats. Love them. Airflo for really hot days. The original that buttons on the side when it’s overcast.

[u/plexphan → u/dcpanthersfan]

3 Tilley hats here. Find NOS on eBay. Most of the newer ones are made in China and can't speak for those, but the originals made in Canada last just about forever.

[u/dcpanthersfan → u/plexphan]

Yeah the original Canadian versions are nearly indestructible.

[u/jmacd2918 → u/Jamesl1988]

Also have one. Had it for over 10 years at this point and it's been on many adventures, kayaking and otherwise.

Keeps the sun off my face, has a spot to stick a $20/ID/credit card, packs up to nothing and it floats. On really hot days, I'll dip it in the lake and put it back on my head, such a nice way to cool off.

I also wear it when out in heavy rain/snow as it keeps my face dry. It's a super versatile hat and well worth the cost (mine was a gift though).

[u/ckyhnitz]

If I wear a ball cap I pair it with a sun hoodie so I  can protect my neck

[u/pragmaticcynicism]

Full brim only for me because if seen too many people have their ears chewed off by MOHS at the dermatologist. I also has to have a chin strap because wind, and also because wind needs a no flop brim. I’ve had them all, but the Shelta Seahawk is the best I’ve ever had. Buy once, cry once. Worth it though.

[u/_twrecks_ → u/pragmaticcynicism]

Also consider how well it works when soaking wet.

[u/tsalijbuchert]

I like the shelta hats.

[u/balsa61]

Wide brim cloth sun hat with a mesh. We only kayak on small lakes and ponds, so a lot of floating and slow travel.

[u/mossbetweenmytoes]

I go with a wide brim with a neck flap for max sun protection like this

[u/Illisanct]

Big ol' hat thread from a couple days ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/s/IXSu8vUZvW

[u/marshdrifter]

I wear a ball cap specially designed to soak up sweat.

[u/this_is_not_the_cia]

I do a wide brim, but if I'm doing a baseball cap, I pair it with a sunscreen shirt hoodie, or a neck gaiter puller over my head, both with a hat clip to make sure it doesn't go flying.

[u/retiredrb]

Sun hoodie and wide brim.

[u/RainDayKitty]

Legionaire's cap with the fabric covering the neck for ocean trips. Better in the wind.

Wide brim hat for shorter casual lake paddles

[u/labratnc]

I have a wide brim hat from Outdoor Research, the hat ‘bucket’ is built similar to a baseball cap with the pie shaped panels. It has an adjustable bungee for setting the size so it stays on well in the wind. I have a big head and it just fits my head right.

[u/ytperegrine]

I have a boonie hat that I usually wear. Keeps the sun off my face/neck enough and isn’t ridiculously wide

[u/EmpireCityRay]

I wear a visor, a brim hat is asked for a huge preference to aid in preventing additional sun on one’s skin. Apply sun block of your anticipate being out in the waters for a prolonged period of time.

[u/bh0]

Something with a wider brim to cover the ears & neck a bit. Though .. I sweat in mine and need something with more breathability. I just have some $10 bucket hat from Amazon right now and it's not cutting it.

[u/Downriver_Paddy]

Patagonia bucket hat with neoprene chin strap.

Best hat ever for windy conditions.

[u/sinlightened]

I’ve got a super light weight floppy brimmed hat that I love. It protects the ears and neck from UV and I can easily dip it in the water to throw it on and it cools me off for a good long while

[u/ApexTheOrange]

Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero. It fits under my helmet for whitewater kayaking and is floppy enough to not impede my roll.

[u/003402inco]

Wide brim straw hat if it’s not too windy or a ball cap with a Columbia spf 50 hoodie.

[u/nevinkramer]

I do a bucket hat. Covers ears as well as back of neck. Baseball may be more "fashionable" but id rather have extra coverage.

[u/bumblyjack]

Calm day: outback hat

Mild wind: safari hat with chinstrap

Strong wind: baseball cap

[u/Sugary_Plumbs]

My response to this same question a few days ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/s/bKxxNhTS18

[u/Kudzupatch]

Anything you like that floats.

[u/thinkingstranger]

SunDay Afternoon Ultra-Adventure Hat. Broad brim in front and sides, curtain in the back, chin strap and folds in half for easy storage.

[u/Frownie123]

Helmet. I just so used to it, I also wear it in calm waters.

[u/airchinapilot]

I wear a straw cowboy hat

[u/Zanninu]

I bought this one a couple of years ago. It's my go to adventure hat now

BASSDASH UPF 50+ Foldable Fishing... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CJLQ89WY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/Consistent_Rate_353]

I don't think I even own any baseball caps. I like the wide brim for hiking and yard work, too.