A hat is essential to pack for summer trips, whether you’re headed to the beach or the mountains. But no one wants to be the tourist tying an oversized sun hat to their carry-on, hoping it doesn’t get smashed to death in the overhead compartment. We’ve found the solution: six perfectly packable hats that fold nearly flat in your luggage and bounce back to hold their shape when you’re ready to wear them. These are the best packable sun hats, caps, and more that we’ve personally tried and road-tested.
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Made from a recycled nylon blend, Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap is ultra-breathable, water-resistant, and quick-drying, with UPF 40 sun protection built into both the hat and brim. We love it for hiking, biking, or even skiing, since its low profile fits perfectly under a helmet. It weighs a mere 2.5 ounces, and mesh panels keep it breathable even on the hottest days, while a moisture-wicking headband keeps sweat out of your eyes. Underneath the brim, a dark fabric helps reduce glare. A quick-release back buckle lets you get a custom fit without any painful Velcro pulling at your hair.
Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat
A straw sunhat adds style to a beach vacation, and Columbia’s Global Adventure Packable Hat rolls up and ties together with its built-in strap, so it takes up less room in your suitcase. Unroll it and it looks good as new, with a wide brim offering UPF 30 protection and a chin strap to keep it on your head on windy days.
TrailHeads Women’s Running Hat: Traverse Series
TrailHeads’ Traverse Running Hat is made from recycled plastic bottles, resulting in a material that’s impressively lightweight (the hat weighs just 2 oz) and water-resistant. Laser-cut vents along the sides allow for great airflow to help keep you cool, and the brim has a dark underbill to reduce glare and keep light from reflecting into your eyes. Designed for running, the hat is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, with an internal sweatband that catches anything left over. We love the cam buckle adjustment, which lets you stash the extra strap in a channel hidden in the hat’s lining instead of leaving it to trail behind you.
Coolibar Men’s Holden Packable Travel Fedora
Coolibar’s Packable Travel Fedora is built for hot-weather destinations, with UPF 50+ sun protection, a moisture-wicking sweatband, and a vented crown for airflow. It packs flat without losing its shape for good.
Lululemon Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat
Most hats require a low ponytail, but if you hate having sweaty hair stuck to your neck, pack Lululemon’s Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat.It has a larger opening in the back so you can wear higher hairstyles while running or hiking, plus reflective detailing for nighttime wear.
Scottevest Tec Hat
Go hands-free with the Scottevest Tec Hat, a ball cap with two hidden pockets. There’s one underneath the brim and one accessible one on the side with a nearly invisible zipper, so you can stash your hotel room key or a credit card when you head out on a run.
