Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
And while we’ve written about ways to stay dry in the rain — including the best umbrellas, rain jackets, and rain boots — here we’ve rounded up the best rain hats, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
Best-rated rain hat
With 747 reviews — 79 percent of which give this hat 5 stars, at the time of posting — the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero is the best-rated pick available by a large margin. It’s more expensive than some of the other options, but reviewers say it’s the best rain hat out there and worth paying the little extra up-front. “This is my second” Seattle Sombrero, writes one reviewer. “The first finally gave up after 15 years of serious use camping, hunting, and fishing in the wilds of Oregon.” Comments highlight a few things: the overall high-quality construction, breathable Gore-Tex fabric, excellent waterproofing, and easy packability. As one reviewer recalls: “Last year, my husband and I traveled to Russia on vacation. One cold, rainy day, when all of our fellow travelers were huddled under umbrellas, I unpacked this hat and enjoyed the freedom of being able to walk anywhere, hands free to snap some gorgeous pics, snug as a bug.”
Best-rated (less expensive) rain hat
Reviewers love this Frogg Toggs rain hat for being waterproof, breathable, and, most of all, a great deal. It might not be as waterproof and breathable as our top pick — nothing can match Gore-Tex in those categories — but it’s still one of the best rain hats out there. As one reviewer writes: “Let me just say this, this hat is a steal at this price! I work in the elements all year long and needed protection for the sun, rain, sleet, and snow. This hat is totally waterproof and has a big enough brim to give me protection down to my chin and the back of my neck.” Reviewers also say this hat is lightweight and packable in addition to being functional in the rain. As one reviewer notes, “You can easily fold up the brim for packing or carrying, and you can crush the head portion into any shape you want … it’s easy to get it pocket-sized for a jacket or poncho pocket or a decent-sized pants pocket.”
Best umbrella hat
“No, this product won’t last as long as a Mercedes-Benz car or an Armani suit, but you’re not paying that kind of money,” writes one reviewer. Many note that they bought it for the novelty factor, but it actually ended up coming in handy: “I bought this as a joke but ended up having to wear it as a lifeguard when our umbrella broke. Worked well and the patrons found it hilarious.” A lot of reviewers found the umbrella hat to be great for sun protection. “It really does keep the sun off your face nicely,” says one reviewer, while another adds, “I used it during a festival and everyone loved it. If you have to be in the sun, I highly recommend it.” Other reviewers appreciated it as a fun fashion statement, calling it “the perfect kind of ridiculous.” One confident reviewer writes, “You will look like an absolute rock star with this hat, I promise you.”
Best stylish rain hat
This classic-looking rain hat might not look waterproof, but it’s made from Australian oilskin fabric, which is heavy cotton that’s been treated with oil to repel water. Reviewers appreciate the old-school waterproofing technology, and say it works really well. “In a downpour my head stays bone-dry,” one writes. “Water beads up and rolls right off,” says another reviewer. People appreciate this hat for being both functional and stylish. “It is not a hat to hide in your pocket,” writes one reviewer, “but it is a hat to keep you comfortable no matter what Mother Nature sends. I was prepared for the weather, but I also knew that I looked very cool!” Reviewers say this hat is really well-made, and a “fantastic quality for the price.” According to one enthusiastic reviewer, “the durability of this hat cannot be overemphasized!” In summary: “It is very handsome, the fit is spot-on, and it should develop a nice patina over time.”
Best rain hat for hiking
“This hat is the perfect hiking companion!,” writes one reviewer. “The all-around mesh ventilation is amazing, and I was really surprised at how comfortable that one detail kept my head temperature.” They also loved the fact that the side can button up to “send water backwards” so it doesn’t go into their face. “It’s a serious outdoor hiking and adventuring upgrade,” and the low price means they won’t “feel guilty if they ever have to pick up another one.” Another reviewer said they took this on a trip to Death Valley where they were caught in some unpredictable weather and thankful to have this hat: “Even with the surprise shower, it kept me dry and cool.”
Best rain hat for backpacking
People say this rain hat is great for backpacking because it’s waterproof and has built-in UV protection, which comes in handy when you’re out and about all day. “I never got sunburned when traveling around the U.S. and Europe this summer,” writes one reviewer. “Also, the strap kept the hat secure during very windy conditions.” The other thing that makes this a great choice for backpackers is that the thin material is incredibly lightweight and easy to fold-up and stash away. “It travels well in a backpack until you need it,” adds another reviewer.
Best rain hats for women
This rain hat gets high marks from buyers for its extra-wide brim, easy packability, and fun color options. One enthusiastic reviewer writes: “It’s perfect! Love the Blue color. I get compliments all the time. Here in FL we get so much rain and too much sun. This amazing hat protects me from both. Love it!” Reviewers love that it’s so thin and easy to compress: “It can be folded small enough to fit in my purse,” writes one. While many people choose this one for its style, it’s quite functional too, according to one reviewer who wears it to walk her dog, tend the chickens, and do other daily activities out and about: “I like it better than just the hood on my rain jacket as that tends to impede my peripheral vision.”
Best rain hat for running
According to the reviews, this hat is great for running — rain or shine. “I use it all the time for hiking and running! Great in rain or sun!” Reviewers like that this hat is lightweight, quick-drying, and easily packable thanks to the folding brim. “It’s perfect for running,” says one reviewer who also notes that the “long bill protects against rain.” It’s great for general outdoor use too, as one reviewer explains: “It kept my hair dry even after a two-hour dog walk in the rain.”
Best rain bonnet
Reviewers say that while this “1960s throwback” might not make for the most stylish headwear, it’s way more practical than a full-fledged rain hat if you just need light coverage to protect a hairstyle. “I have to walk almost the length of a city block to get to my car and this has already saved me from a wet head,” one person writes. Another notes, “It’s the right size for protecting my hair from getting wet. It keeps the dew out of my hair and fits nicely.” People love that it’s so thin and lightweight, which makes them easy to store away and keep on hand. “Just what you need for unexpected rain,” says one reviewer. “Easily fits into my purse.” A lot of reviewers were surprised to find themselves appreciating these simple plastic bonnets: “My Mom always wore one of these. I didn’t think anyone would ever catch me wearing one. I won’t wear it out in public but will use it to run to my car if I’m caught in a shower. It also should help protect the frizzes a bit if the humidity is high.”
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