Running is most commonly an outdoor activity, and the effort it requires quite often leads to you sweating quite a bit. Especially if you’re running out in hot weather.
There are plenty of ways to accommodate the different weather conditions while you’re out running, from different clothing to different accessories, depending on whether it’s cold, rainy, or way too warm.
One of the most annoying outdoor factors when running is the sun. Not only can it get in your eyes as you run, making it hard for you to see.
It can also cause some nasty face and neck sunburns, which you should try to avoid at all costs.
The best accessory for avoiding the inconveniences of both the sun and sweating is a good running cap.
One that will keep the sweat at bay from your face, and one that will also protect you from the sun’s light and UV rays that can cause sunburns.
There are plenty of running caps suitable for summer use against sweat and sun, with the market being full of options.
However, that means that it can be quite tricky to determine which product is the best option for you.
We’ve compiled a list with our top ten picks for the overall best runnings hats to keep off sweat and sun, and we’ve included a helpful buyer’s guide to help you make your choice. Let’s get right into it!
Wearing an appropriate running cap can be vital when keeping off the sweat and sun, and the higher quality the hat is, the better it will do so and the more comfortable it will be to wear.
Here are our top ten favorite running hats against sweat and sun:
OUR TOP PICK
Adidas is an incredibly well-known brand, which instantly makes this running cap a reliable and recommended product option.
It’s available in many different colors, to better suit your style, and it is also a top-selling choice.
Made from 87% Polyester and 13% Spandex, it is also made from entirely recycled materials, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
It comes with a hook-and-loop back closure, for an adjustable fit, and it is a lightweight 6-panel cap with the Adidas sports logo.
The mesh it features provides excellent airflow, as well as being moisture-wicking to deal with any sweat.
And as for protection against the sun, it features a UPF 50 sun protection to guard against its rays.
EDITORS CHOICE
This GADIEMKENSD running cap is also an excellent product option, highly recommended by previous buyers.
It features a hook and loop closure, with adjustable sizing, and it is available in different colors.
It has been made out of a special material that features an anti-UV coating, protecting you from the sun’s rays with a UPF of 50+.
It also has a wide and long visor, designed to protect your face from the sun and to shield your eyes from its brightness when running.
This outdoor cap also has lightweight moisture-wicking fabric with a mesh design, which allows for a great air-flow, keeping you cool.
It also keeps sweat at bay, and it allows for the cap to dry extremely fast when wet.
What’s more, this cap is also water-repellant against light rain, and it features a reflective brim and edges for use during the night.
BEST VALUE
The Headsweats Performance running cap is another great product option, ideal for outdoor running and other activities.
It has been made with the Headsweats Proprietary Eventure Fabric Technology, which allows for an extremely fast moisture-wicking functionality.
The material is also very lightweight, for comfort, and is highly breathable, keeping you cool and free of sweat.
It features an adjustable rear buckle, making its size adaptable, and it also has a ponytail rear for those with long hair that’s tied up.
It’s available in different colors, and it also features a reflective brim and edges, to ensure you’re safe during night time running.
RUNNER UP
If you also want to protect not only your head and face but also the back of your neck, then the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap might just be the right product for you.
Made from 100% Nylon, it features a removable cape that can cover the back of your neck, protecting it from the sun.
It also has a dark fabric under brim, with external breathable mesh panels to keep you cool and comfortable as you run.
The fabric is of very high-quality, and it is water-resistant, breathable, moisture-wicking, and incredibly lightweight. It also offers a UPF 50+ protection against the sun.
One of our favorite things about this product option is that it is also one of the most durable caps, and is 100% machine washable for convenience.
RUNNER UP
The Ergodyne running cap is a great option for those wanting to be fully protected against the sun’s heat and UV rays.
It’s extremely lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
It shades the head, the face, and the back of your neck, keeping them safe from the sun. it is also moisture-wicking, and it features a Terry Cloth Sweatband that stops any sweat from dripping into your eyes.
It is available in two colors: high visibility lime and high visibility orange, and as both names indicate, it has been designed to offer high visibility at night time, so that you can run safely.
RUNNER UP
The Under Armour Women’s Shadow Hat is another highly popular product option, available in a few different colors to better suit your taste.
Made from 100% Polyester, it features a four-way stretch construction, allowing it to move better in every direction, and therefore sit more comfortably on your head.
This also means that it’s one size that fits all.
The mesh insets that it features allow for increased ventilation and the material is completely moisture-wicking and quick-drying, keeping the sweat at bay.
It also has a reflective front logo, and a rear label, ensuring visibility during nighttime or low lighting so that you can run safely.
RUNNER UP
The LETHMIK QuickDry Sports Summer Cap is another amazing product option, ideal for keeping off both sweat and sun as you run.
It is made from 100% Polyester of the highest quality, with a highly professional design.
The hat is one size that fits most, with an adjustable rear closure to keep it safely on.
With a UPF 30+ sun protection, and the quick-dry mesh material, it is incredibly efficient against the sun, and it keeps your head cool and comfortable as you run.
It is a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but it’s very high-quality and excellently designed for use during any outdoor activities.
RUNNER UP
Nike is a huge brand name, making this product instantly reliable, and highly recommended by all of its previous buyers.
It features a highly breathable design, combining sweat-wicking fabric with mesh panels for the best results during outdoor activities such as running.
The sweat-wicking technology is also excellent for keeping you dry and free of sweat.
The hat is adjustable in size, thanks to the back closure, and it is made from 100% recycled material, making it a more environmentally-friendly option.
It features the Nike logo at the front, and the cap is very lightweight, meaning it’s also very comfortable to wear during prolonged amounts of time.
RUNNER UP
Another great running cap for fending off the sun and sweat is the TrailHeads Folding Bill Running Hat for Women.
It’s made from 100% Polyester and has an adjustable fit thanks to the velcro closure. It’s our favorite option when traveling, as it features a foldable bill that allows it to easily fit into a pocket or pack.
Ideal for on-the-go! It’s available with a pretty floral design. It’s also super lightweight, with a moisture-wicking sweatband to keep away the sweat.
To protect against the sun, it has a UPF of 50+, keeping you safe from those UV rays.
The brand is also highly reliable, and if you’re not satisfied with the purchase you can request a replacement or refund, with no limitations or extra charges.
RUNNER UP
The FitCare Running Hat Pack is a great value option, as it comes as a pack of two running caps, able to keep away the sweat and sun.
It has been designed with multiple air vents, maximizing the airflow and allowing for excellent breathability. Therefore, it keeps you cool and comfortable for prolonged amounts of time as you run.
It is also very lightweight, with a sleek design and moisture-wicking fabric. It offers great protection against the sun, keeping you safe from any skin damage.
The pack comes with one lime hat and one orange, both reflective for high visibility during night time running.
The brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so it’s a highly reliable purchase, and if unsatisfied, you can get your money back without a struggle.
Top 10 Best Running Hats Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a running hat to keep off sweat and sun
Choosing the right running cap for you can be difficult with so many product options available.
It’s important that you choose a high-quality hat, able to suitably protect you from both the sun and the sweat caused by running. But how do you choose?
We like to take a few basic factors into consideration, comparing each product and ensuring our final product choice meets as many requirements as possible.
Here is a small summary of those basic factors:
Size and fit
In order for a running cap to be comfortable, while also remaining securely on your head as your run, it needs to have the right fit.
Most running caps come as a single size that fits most, with adjustable closures at the back to adapt it to your needs.
However, some of these one sized caps won’t have adjustable closures and instead will feature extra stretchy fabric, so that the cap can be put on no matter your head size.
Moisture-wicking feature
In order to keep away the sweat, you need to ensure that the running cap you choose features moisture-wicking capabilities.
In addition to this, look out for hats that are quick-drying, as it will further enhance the moisture-wicking capabilities, and help keep the sweat at bay.
Sun protection
Sun protection is vital, especially when you’re running under direct sunlight. Look out for running caps that are coated with UV-protection, and aim for the highest UPF rating possible, 50+.
To protect your face from the sun, look for larger brims. And if you also want to protect the back of your neck from being sunburnt, look out for running caps that include a cape at the back.
Fabric and breathability
It’s very important that the running cap is as lightweight as possible so that it remains comfortable to wear during prolonged amounts of times as you run or move around.
It is also very important to make sure it is made from highly breathable fabric, as this will allow your head to remain cool, and for a good airflow that will keep you all the more comfortable, and all the less sweaty.
Durability
A running cap can be given quite the use. As you’re using it during outdoor sports, it can become worn quite fast.
That’s why it’s important to look out for premium or high-quality materials, to ensure durability.
A good sign is when the cap is machine washable, as it means the materials are more resistant, and it will also make it a lot more convenient to wash.
In Conclusion
A high-quality running cap is a perfect accessory for protecting yourself against sun and sweat while you run or perform any other outdoor activity.
To ensure it is apt, look out for the basic factors that can determine its overall use and worth. In this case, look out for sun protection, moisture-wicking capabilities, and the fit and comfort that it provides.
Some keywords during your search are adjustability, breathability, UV-protection, and quick-drying moisture-wicking fabric.
Check out our list of top ten options for the ten overall best running hats to keep off sweat and sun!
Suzie here, the oldest and wisest of the two! I am a married mother with two small children and a cheeky cat, Milo. I started running after Ihad my second child as a way to shift some baby weight. At first, I hated it. No, I would have to drag myself down the street, moaning under my breath. It took a while, but the love of running came.
Now I can chase after my children and feel fitter and healthier than ever before! But while I was searching for new trainers or a good running route, many reviews and sites seemed tailored to men. Not only did it annoy me, but it made me wonder, is there a gap in the market?
I wanted to create a safe space online that was inclusive to everyone, so I convinced fitness fanatic, Lizzie to join me and create Psycho Wyco to empower others to feel comfortable and confident about running.
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