High-tech running caps are a huge step up from old-school baseball caps. Image: iRunFar/Esther Horany
While there are countless options for running caps and choosing the perfect one can seem like an impossible task, the best running caps tend to have a few standout features. Wearing a hat to protect your face, eyes, and lips from the sun can save energy while running, increase comfort, and prevent recovery difficulties later. Today, the best running caps have evolved from simple utilitarian gadgets to sophisticated pieces of gear. They block harmful rays, wick away sweat, dry quickly, and help regulate body temperature. Some trail runners and ultramarathoners also favor hats that can be stashed in a running bag when not in use. A cap should pair perfectly with our favorite running sunglasses, be easy to adjust on the go, and not obstruct our field of vision.
To help you choose the best running cap, our team of professional runners, athletes, college students, and trail and ultra runners logged hundreds of miles all year long wearing the most popular and highly rated running caps, as well as ones the average runner wouldn’t even look at. We ran from dusk to dawn, across the Rockies and the American West, rain or shine. We love the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap, which is suitable for almost any weather condition; the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap for maximum sun protection; and the Sauce Swift Toque for winter.
Want to learn more about testing and methodology, how to choose a running cap or get answers to frequently asked questions? Please keep reading.
The best running caps strike a balance between staying cool and providing reliable sun protection. Image: iRunFar/Esther Horany
If you’re looking for a virtually invisible hat that effectively blocks the sun, the Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap is the one for you. Weighing in at just 29 grams, this hat is lightweight, portable, and easy to stow away. It’s a really great option that’s easy to roll up and fit into almost any running pack, eliminating the need to carry it around for the entire run – perfect for those times when your run starts or ends in the dark and you don’t need a hat to protect your face from the sun. We really liked the flexible foam visor, which kept its shape even on long backpacking trips and provided ample sun protection for your face.
The elastic at the back of this hat makes it easy to tighten and adjust when the wind picks up, but even when we rolled it up tightly, it didn’t feel too tight. The material dries quickly, making it ideal for keeping your head cool while swimming in a stream during a mountain run. As with many of the brand’s products, sustainability is a top priority: the AFO fabric is made from 88% recycled polyester. It’s also Bluesign certified, which means the manufacturing process meets strict environmental and safety standards.
The Janji AFO Hyperlight Baseball Cap is available in a variety of colors, as well as more muted shades and patterns. Image: iRunFar/Esther Horany
The Ciele Athletics ALZCap SC meets all of our requirements for a quality running cap. Not only does it provide great sun protection, but it’s also quick-drying, breathable, and portable. Ciele has improved on their original ALZCap style by adding a softer, pre-curved brim for runners, a design they call the Softcurve. The short, flexible brim makes it easy to stow the hat in your pack when you’re not using it. We also prefer to wear the hat backwards to keep the brim out of the way of your pack. The bulk of this hat is made from Coolmatic mesh, a recycled polyester that’s highly breathable while still providing UPF 40 sun protection.
We love the understated style, and the mesh material is cool enough to keep you comfortable even on hot runs. Available in a variety of colors, this Ciele cap features reflective lettering on the front for increased visibility at night and in low-light conditions. The brim features a band to keep sweat out of your eyes, and the adjustable strap has a hidden storage pocket to keep the strap from dangling. This hat is a far cry from Ciele’s many popular, large-brimmed sports hats. We like the sleek, sophisticated style of this hat better than other models from the brand.
The On Lightweight Baseball Cap is one of our favorite sports hats, offering a comfortable, secure fit and a durable bill. It continues the classic style of a traditional running cap with a medium-sized brim and unstructured material that hugs the head. The material is flexible and soft, while the stiff, wide brim is durable and will keep its shape and protection for a long time. Unlike the increasingly popular flat-brimmed caps, this baseball cap has a curved brim for sun protection.
The vents are evenly distributed on both sides of the hat. These vents are laser cut and printed on polyester fabric. The one-inch wide headband is quite soft and can effectively block salt water droplets. The hat also has a storage container for the end of the adjustment strap. When the sun is shining directly on your head, tuck the brim of the hat into the hat – this will reliably protect your face, neck and the area above the ears from the sun’s rays.
The Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat is comfortable, breathable, quick-drying and lightweight, making it ideal for running and cross-training.
This running cap needs no introduction. We originally purchased this hat a few years ago for trail running and have worn it for just about every outdoor activity we’ve done. The front of this hat is made from a nylon foam blend, while the back is made from a super-breathable polyester mesh. Unfortunately, the mesh doesn’t provide much sun protection, which is something to consider if you don’t have a lot of hair to cover your head with. We’ve found this to be one of the best cooling hats for men and women, and the design fits perfectly under climbing and mountain biking helmets, making it a versatile choice if you do a lot of athletic activity. The crown and brim have a durable water-resistant coating to keep out rain, splashes, and snow. To our surprise, the material also holds up well in water, as we discovered during our multi-day paddleboarding trips.
The soft and comfortable plush headband wicks away sweat and dries quickly. If you’re looking for a comfortable, breathable, heat-wicking hat that’s also suitable for other sports, this is your best bet. We rated this hat as a top choice for hot-weather running in our guide to the best hot-weather running gear.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated storage compartment for the adjustment strap, as we found that it bounced around a lot while running. This usually only caused problems when we wore the hat backwards. We also found that the brim lost its shape when stored for long periods of time and tended to curl upwards over time.
If you’re looking for a hat that’s great for outdoor runs, coffee shops, and anywhere else, check out the Boco Gear Technical Trucker Hat. While it looks like a traditional baseball cap, its technical features make it more than just a decoration. The sides and back of the hat are made of mesh fabric with laser-cut holes, which we found to be effective at dissipating heat during intense workouts and hot weather. The front of the hat is highly breathable, and the material is non-abrasive, so the hat won’t wear out quickly. This hat has a more structured brim and bill than the traditional running caps that some people prefer. It has a larger brim than many of the other hats on this guide, which provides ample sun protection. We liked how securely the hat fits and how our sunglasses didn’t get flapped around on the brim. However, this hat is not easy to fit into a regular running backpack, and if you force the brim into an unnatural position, it will tend to stay that way.
The sweat-wicking lining works great, and we never had any issues with sweat getting into our eyes while running. The material dries within minutes. It retains the style of a baseball cap, but is darker than most running caps. Please adjust the hat before use, as one of our testers experienced ear irritation due to improper adjustment. This hat comes in a variety of styles, and its appearance at first glance will not lead people to believe that it is a “tech sports hat.”
Sometimes you just need a hat to wear on your head while you run, and the price of the Headsweats Running Hat makes it a no-brainer. This hat is affordable, comfortable, and functional. During our outdoor excursions, we didn’t feel any movement or shifting in the hat—in fact, we barely felt any movement at all. The polyester knit material is soft and stretchy, allowing the hood to fit comfortably on your head. The brim also provides good sun protection, and during our testing on the dusty summer trails of southern Colorado, the hat didn’t feel stuffy.
The downside is that even if you pull the hat tightly, the brim is low enough to cover your eyes. While the light blocking is good, your field of vision is limited, especially when looking straight up. This limited vision can be dangerous if you are running on a trail with low branches or rocks.
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Visor is a versatile option that provides excellent protection for your head, face, and neck. The breathable, moisture-wicking sun cape is removable, so you can wear it as a regular hat or as a neck protector. This hat is made from waterproof, breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying material. While the sun cape will be hotter than other options, it’s still comfortable to wear in warm weather. When testing the hat and cape, we didn’t notice any issues with visibility, either looking up or looking out.
Overall, this hat is very comfortable. The fabric of the cape will fall naturally and will not stick to your face. There is a chin tie that prevents shaking, distraction, and noise. This hat is better than many others on the market because it is made of 100% nylon that has been specially treated to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The wide band of the cap absorbs sweat and sits softly on your forehead. The mesh side panels effectively dissipate heat, and the entire hat is lightweight and easy to carry.
While a hat with a sun visor may be overkill for short runs, it can be a great choice for longer walks during periods of high UV index.
When it comes to cold-weather running, the cross-country skiing industry invests heavily in gear, so it’s no surprise that the Sauce Swift Toque is our favorite winter running hat. We also rated it as our favorite hat in our guide to the best cold-weather running clothes. The Bozeman, Montana-based company was founded by a former elite Canadian skier, and its product names reflect its Canadian origins. Skiers and runners have very similar needs for breathability and warmth—both sports are highly aerobic and performed at relatively similar paces—and this hat provides just the right amount of warmth in cold temperatures. We found it to be too warm for moderate temperatures, especially high-intensity running, and not warm enough for extreme cold temperatures, especially easy runs, but it’s perfect for the temperatures most of us face on winter runs.
The bulk of this hat is made from a single layer of fabric with a double fold at the forehead for extra warmth. This stretchy, comfortable fabric blocks wind but still produces enough heat so we don’t overheat even during intense runs. The hat comes in two sizes and is stretchable, allowing it to fit comfortably on almost any head shape. It comes in all sorts of fun patterns, and you can add tassels or just wear it as a beanie.
The Gone For a Run CoolRun Pocket Cap is lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and has a storage feature. Pockets are a standard feature of running shorts and leggings these days, and this cap offers a convenient place to stash small items like ID or credit cards, making it easy to access your coffee or other beverage after a run. In addition to its storage feature, this hat is also a reliable sun protection item. It is highly windproof and has an adjustable strap for ease of use. The lining has no pinch points or friction, and absorbs sweat before it reaches your forehead. Even a sweaty runner will not feel stuffy wearing this cap. The brim provides good sun protection for the upper face and eyes without blocking peripheral vision.
We found the pockets to be of limited use – items like keychains are too large and bulky to hang over your head, but if it’s a thin piece of plastic or a key, these pockets are fine.
We admit it, we love a sporty cap with a cool design, and the Territory Run Co. Long Haul Cap combines practicality and style. It’s lightweight and breathable, keeping you stable even on long runs, fast descents, and windy mountain trails. The five-piece construction is perfect for a variety of head shapes and sizes.
We were able to adjust the hat quickly and never experienced any headaches or discomfort, even after wearing it for hours during IMTUF 100 training and competitions. This breathable, laser-cut hat keeps you cool and comfortable, even during intense activity. On hot days, we often dunked it in the water while crossing a stream. This hat provides better sun protection than a minimalist hat, and the brim can be stashed in a pocket without worrying about it wrinkling or losing its shape. Overall, this is a comfortable hat that you won’t forget you’re wearing, even after walking dozens of miles.
Long runs in hot weather require strategic cooling, and the Nathan RunCool Ice Running Cap has several features that make it great for these conditions. Made from lightweight, breathable, quick-drying mesh in a light blue shade that reflects sunlight, the cap also features an ice cube pocket, making it a functional addition, especially on race day when you may need to regularly scoop out ice at aid stations.
Best of all, this hat is comfortable to wear and easy to adjust. The brim of the hat not only protects from the sun, but also lifts up easily on cloudy days to provide a wide field of vision. The hat is great at wicking away sweat and effectively preventing it from getting into your eyes. While having ice cubes in the pocket can provide temporary relief during a hot race, this cooling strategy is not as effective as stuffing ice cubes into a hydration vest, sports bra, or leggings worn around your neck. And since the pockets do not have zippers, it is not very convenient to carry cash or other items in them. Overall, this hat is perfect for daily runs, the price is very competitive, and it has a cooling design.
We love the Patagonia Terrebonne lightweight hat because it’s practical and stylish. Or, to put it in one word, versatile. It looks like a regular hat that you can wear for casual or social occasions, but it still looks practical. As the name suggests, this hat is extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 2.6 ounces (74 grams). Plus, the breathable recycled polyester wicks moisture and dries well, and the medium crown fits most head shapes and sizes.
Most of our testing took place in Southern California in late winter and early spring, with conditions ranging from sunny and warm to rainy and foggy. This hat shows off its versatility, able to quickly wick away sweat and evaporate it while running on sunny days, and keep out rain while running on rainy days. Unlike most of the other hats in this guide, the lightweight Patagonia Terrebonne Hat has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that’s PFAS-free.
Since it is made by Patagonia, it meets all the standards of social and environmental responsibility. The hat is made from 100% recycled polyester. The brim reinforcement is made entirely from recycled fishing nets and is made in a fair trade certified factory. Our only complaint is that the adjustment strap is not easy to tighten or loosen, so this can be a problem when you need or want to change the size of the hat.
If you’re looking for a hat that’s made specifically for summer or live in warm or hot climates most of the time, we recommend The North Face Lightrange Summer Running Hat. It’s super lightweight and, thanks to the mesh side panels, is one of the most breathable hats in this guide. The North Face also uses FlashDry technology, which improves moisture management by quickly wicking away sweat and allowing it to evaporate effectively. The Lightrange’s fabric surface has anti-odor technology and passed the odor test after several months of use. We liked the focus on breathability, moisture management, and odor resistance, as we didn’t notice sweat leaving odors or salt deposits on the fabric like we did with other hats we tested in this guide.
This hat has other nice features, like PFC-free DWR fabric, a reversible visor, and a Velcro strap for quick and easy size adjustment. Like the Patagonia hat above, this one also has some eco-friendly features, including being made mostly from recycled materials.
We don’t have any major concerns about this hat. The adjustable strap can be uncomfortable if worn backwards for long periods of time. While this hat is great for warm to hot climates, it may not be the best choice for moderate to cool climates. We think this hat would be a great choice for those who run ultramarathons or traditional marathons in hot weather, or who live in warm climates for long periods of time.
The North Face Lightrange Summer Running Cap is made from breathable material, making it ideal for hot weather. Photo: iRunFar/Nathan Allen
Most of the best running caps in this guide are one-size-fits-all, with varying degrees of tightness and size adjustment. Back adjustments typically use Velcro, snaps, elastic, or buckles. Consider which system will work best for you, your hair, and your arms. Some people may find a small elastic closure difficult to adjust on the go, while others prefer a more precise adjustment than traditional snaps (like the Boco Gear Technical Trucker Hat). You should also consider your hair type and whether you wear it in a ponytail while running when choosing a closure system.
Our team tested the headwear in a variety of weather conditions and rated it for breathability, sun protection, field of vision, comfort, and overall durability. Image: iRunFar/Esther Horany
If there is a cold wind and you need to wear a scarf, you can loosen the hat and you will be comfortable. Of course, you can wear a scarf over the hat, but it is usually more comfortable to wear it under a cape.
Some running caps, like the Janji AFO Hyperlight Running Cap, are more streamlined and comfortable, while others, like the Boco Gear Technical Trucker Running Cap, offer more room and structure inside but are also a bit heavier. The brim of some hats hangs lower on the forehead, which helps stabilize the wearer’s head and provides a more secure fit while also providing extra shade for the face. If you often wear sunglasses on your head while running, you may want to consider choosing a hat with more structure to keep your glasses from hanging off. iRunFar testers rated many of the sunglasses in our guide to the best running sunglasses for their durability.
Ultimately, how well a hat fits you depends on the size of the runner’s head and forehead, hair shape, hair quality, and personal preference. It may take some experimentation to find the type of hat that best suits your specific needs. We found the Janji AFO Hyperlight Hat to have the best combination of features of all the hats we tested.
A running cap with a long or wide brim can provide better shade, protecting your face, neck, ears, and most of your chest from direct sunlight. The downside to a wide brim is that it has a large surface area to block wind, so you should always be sure you can tighten the brim around your head if needed. Hats with wider brims tend to fit better on your head. Our team really likes the Headsweats running cap because it has a larger-than-average brim.
A wider brim (depending on the specific shape) can partially obscure the runner’s field of vision, which is especially important to consider if you’re running on a trail with dense vegetation. Runners with wider heads may benefit from a hat with a wider brim, as it provides better overall coverage. A wider brim, whether soft or stiff, will add weight to the hat.
Additionally, narrow brims provide less sun protection but don’t block wind as well as wide brims. Generally, hats with narrow brims are more streamlined and comfortable to wear. Narrow hats, like the Janji AFO Hyperlight, tend to be lighter, and runners with thinner faces may prefer this style because of its snug fit.
Whether worn inside out or inside out, caps are an essential part of most runners’ wardrobes. Image: iRunFar/Esther Horany
Some running caps, like the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, feature a zip-up cap made from breathable fabric and also protect your entire neck from the sun. If you’re not a fan of hooded hats but still want to protect your neck and ears from the sun, consider a hooded sweatshirt from our guide to the best sun jackets for running.
The color of your hat can also affect how well it protects you from the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, darker hats absorb UV rays better and therefore provide better sun protection than lighter hats. In general, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon provide better sun protection than natural fibers like canvas or wool. The tightness of the hat’s construction also plays a role. If the fabric is loose or see-through, UV rays can more easily reach your skin. Shiny polyester fabrics can reflect radiation; some companies treat other fabrics with chemicals or dyes to absorb or reflect UV rays. Mesh hats, like the Patagonia Duckbill Trucker Hat, don’t provide much sun protection, which can be a concern for runners with thinning hair (as opposed to scalp protection).
More and more hats are being labeled with a UPF rating, which tells consumers how effectively the fabric blocks UVA and UVB rays. UPF 15 or 20 means the fabric provides some protection, UPF 25, 30, or 35 indicates moderate protection, and UPF 40, 45, 50, and above 50 represent the highest level of protection.