#10 on this list
Explore Booney Hat
Buff
The Buff Explore Booney Hat is designed for casual trail wanderers and weekend hikers who want a packable, low-fuss sun hat that delivers practical protection without over-engineering. Buff took the loose, laid-back feel of a bucket hat and stretched the brim into a wider booney shape, striking a pleasant middle ground between compact packability and wide-area sun defense. The hat uses a lightweight, UPF 50 certified fabric that packs down into its own self-storage pocket, making it easy to toss into the top lid of a pack or keep in your car's glove compartment for impromptu outings. Side mesh ventilation panels allow steady airflow when you are working up an incline, and the built-in wicking sweatband does an admirable job capturing moisture before it drips. An adjustable rear toggle and a standard chin cord help dial in the crown tension against passing breezes. Because the materials are soft and lightweight, the brim has very little internal structure. When caught in a moderate headwind, the front brim tends to flutter or invert upward, and sustained downpours or heavy sweat will cause the brim to droop. For casual trails, camp chores, and low-wind summer hikes, it provides comfortable, packable shade at an accessible price. **Highlights** - Highly packable design compresses into a pocket for quick storage - UPF 50 certified fabric provides dependable sun protection - Lateral ventilation ports improve airflow on warm, still days - Rear bungee toggle allows quick circumference micro-adjustments - Soft internal sweatband absorbs brow moisture cleanly **Watch-outs** - Soft brim lacks stiffness and readily flips up in moderate winds - Fabric can sag and flop against the brow when soaked through
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#1 on this list
Sun Runner Cap
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap has long been the gold standard for high-exposure environments where standard ball caps fail. Built around a lightweight, quick-drying baseball-style cap with a substantial curved bill, it pairs with a snap-on fabric cape that shields your ears, neck, and the sides of your face. For exposed desert washes, glaciated snowfields, or high-altitude ridges, this legionnaire setup provides comprehensive protection without the wind-catching profile of a traditional full-brim hat. On the trail, the Sun Runner's adaptability shines. When early mornings are cool or you are moving under heavy tree canopy, you can strip the cape off and run it as an airy, highly breathable running cap with mesh side panels. When the sun crests the canyon rim, snap the cape back on. OR updated the cape closure system to cinch cleanly under the chin, meaning high winds will not tear it off your head like a wide-brim hat. The fabric carries a UPF 50+ rating, dries exceptionally fast after drenching sweat, and folds completely flat into any pocket. The trade-off is aesthetics and ambient warmth. With the cape buttoned up, you look like you are joining the French Foreign Legion, and the wrapped fabric naturally traps some heat around your collar. Even so, when the sun is relentless, physical shade beats airflow every single time. **Highlights** - Removable snap-on sun cape offers modular, 360-degree neck and ear coverage - UPF 50+ lightweight fabric blocks harsh radiation - Breathable mesh crown panels vent heat effectively in cap-only mode - Secure chin cinch on the cape prevents blow-offs in gale-force gusts - Packable build stuffs flat into running vests or hip-belt pockets **Watch-outs** - Cape can trap heat and humidity around the neck when there is zero breeze - Legionnaire styling is utilitarian rather than casual
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Explore Booney Hat | Sun Runner Cap |
|---|---|---|
| UPF Rating | UPF 50 certified protection | UPF 40+ |
| Brim Style | 360-degree soft unstructured booney | — |
| Weight | Approximately 2.8 oz (80 g) | 2.8 oz (79 g) |
| Closure System | Rear cinch cord and adjustable chin strap | — |
| Packability | Compresses into integrated self-storage pocket | — |
| Primary Material | Recycled nylon shell with polyester sweatband | — |
| Main Fabric | — | 100% Supplex nylon with polyester mesh |
| Brim Length | — | 2.75 inches (7 cm) |
| Adjustment | — | Rear quick-release buckle and cape chin cord |
| Care | — | Machine wash cold, line dry |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Explore Booney Hat
- Stows into its own self-contained pocket for compact, effortless packing
- Certified UPF 50 fabric shields against harsh high-elevation solar radiation
- Featherlight, soft crown eliminates friction points and headaches on long treks
- Dual-cinch retention system secures crown fit against moderate trail winds
- Unstructured brim flips upward readily when walking into moderate headwinds
- Fabric saturates and droops over the eyes during sustained rainstorms
Sun Runner Cap
- Modular cape detaches instantly when sun drops or wind shifts
- Streamlined profile will not blow off your head in heavy ridge winds
- Folds completely flat for effortless packing in running vests or pockets
- Fast-drying nylon and wicking browband manage heavy sweat buildup
- Comprehensive coverage shields ears, nape, and sides of face from harsh UV
- Fabric skirt can trap heat around the neck on windless, humid days
- Hook-and-loop attachment points can collect trail debris over time
- Distinct French Foreign Legion aesthetic lacks casual crossover appeal
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.