#8 on this list
Sombriolet Sun Hat
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat is engineered for relentless, unforgiving sun environments like open river corridors, white-water paddles, and desert canyons. If you have ever been frustrated by broad-brim hats that fold in half and slap your face the moment a gust hits you, the Sombriolet solves that problem with a heavily reinforced brim edge. It holds its flat, saucer-like shape in windy conditions that would turn softer hats inside out. The brim is substantial, offering wide shade across the face, cheeks, ears, and neck. Piping around the outer circumference provides structural rigidity, while crown vents are strategically placed to let hot air escape without compromising UPF 50+ protection. The underside of the brim features a dark fabric lining that absorbs reflected glare bouncing off water, limestone, or desert scree. A stout chin cord and a rear crown cinch ensure that the hat stays locked onto your head when running river rapids or cresting windy saddles. That extra brim reinforcement comes with a clear packability trade-off. You cannot roll or crush the Sombriolet into a tight ball without permanently warping the edge piping; it needs to be laid flat in a pack or fastened to the exterior. It is also noticeably heavier on the head than the Helios, making it a dedicated sun tool rather than an ultralight emergency layer. **Highlights** - Reinforced, stiffened brim edge holds its shape against aggressive wind - Wide perimeter brim casts extensive shade over neck and shoulders - Dark under-brim fabric dampens severe glare off water and light terrain - Crown venting ports release trapped heat without compromising sun safety - Rear one-handed cinch cord and heavy-duty chin strap lock fit in place **Watch-outs** - Cannot be crushed or rolled into small spaces without damaging the brim edge - Heavier and bulkier than standard ultralight sun hats
- Price
- $65 MSRP
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#9 on this list
Sun Tripper Cap
Sunday Afternoons
The Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap is built for hikers, trail runners, and backpackers who hate the floppy circumference of wide-brim hats but still need serious sun protection. It takes the classic baseball cap silhouette and injects it with technical trail engineering, most notably a reverse-clamshell folding brim and low-profile mesh ventilation panels that keep you cool on long climbs. The highlight of the Sun Tripper is its folding brim. The bill has a vertical hinge down the center that allows it to fold in half cleanly, sliding flat into a hip belt pocket, running vest, or cargo shorts without warping. Despite its low profile, the UPF 50+ fabric and generous bill length cast reliable shade across your eyes and nose. Strategic mesh side panels provide airflow across the temples, while a moisture-wicking sweatband pulls sweat away from your brow. A concealed pocket inside the crown holds an emergency key or folded cash. The obvious trade-off is total coverage. Because it is a cap rather than a full-brim or caped model, your ears and the back of your neck remain completely exposed to the sun. If you choose the Sun Tripper for exposed desert or alpine trails, you must pair it with a hooded sun shirt or be diligent about reapplying sunscreen to your neck and ears throughout the day. **Highlights** - Folding clamshell bill packs flat into compact pockets without deformation - UPF 50+ main body fabric shields the scalp and forehead - Side crown mesh panels vent heat cleanly off the temples - Integrated hidden interior pocket stores emergency cash or a key - Quick-adjust rear buckle provides a tailored, low-profile fit **Watch-outs** - Leaves ears and the back of the neck fully exposed to the sun - Best paired with a hooded sun shirt to compensate for limited coverage
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- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Sombriolet Sun Hat | Sun Tripper Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 86% nylon, 14% polyester ripstop | 100% nylon main body, polyester mesh |
| UPF Rating | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ main fabric (mesh not rated) |
| Weight | 3.1 oz / 88 g | 2.6 oz (74 g) |
| Brim Width | Approx. 3 in front/sides, 4 in back | — |
| Retention System | Rear crown cinch cord plus locking chin strap | — |
| Ventilation | Crown venting ports with mesh lining | — |
| Brim Length | — | 2.5 inches |
| Closure Style | — | Adjustable rear buckle with webbing |
| Packability | — | Split-folding clamshell bill |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Sombriolet Sun Hat
- Rigid brim piping prevents floppy collapse in strong headwinds
- Dark under-brim fabric dampens severe glare off water and pale dirt
- Rear crown cinch and locking chin strap provide rock-solid retention
- Mesh crown venting dumps heat without sacrificing UPF 50+ rating
- Cannot be rolled or crushed into small pockets without warping the brim
- Heavier and bulkier to transport than minimalist trail sun hats
Sun Tripper Cap
- Clamshell folding bill stows flat in running vest pockets without deforming
- UPF 50+ main body fabric provides dense forehead and scalp defense
- Side mesh panels purge heat quickly away from the temples
- Low-profile crown stays stable in high winds without catching gusts
- Leaves the ears and back of the neck completely exposed to sunlight
- Mesh side crown panels are unrated for UPF and admit filtered UV rays
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.