Best running hats to buy in 2024

Essential for keeping you cool during those hot summer runs or warm during those winter sessions, the best running hats will be an irreplaceable part of your running kit lineup.

We’ve included running caps, visors and also warmer hats here so you can find your preferred style for race day, training sessions and any other needs, no matter the weather.

Below you’ll find our reviews of the best running hats (here’s how we tested them), plus some options if you’re looking for visors or winter hats.

And if you’re looking for more sun protection, take a look at our list of the best running sunglasses.

Best running hats in 2024

On Lightweight Running Cap

• £40 / $44.99

This running hat may have understated styling, but it comes in a range of colours and when it’s on it actually looks quite good (in my opinion, of course).

It features a soft sweatband and, as you can see in the picture, is designed to offer good ventilation thanks to the many lazer-cut holes on both sides.

The ventilation is very good in practice and even on warmer runs it didn’t feel like the hat was causing my head to overheat at all.

It’s also worth noting that the peak on this cap is among the largest and longest on test, at 7cm, offering a substantial amount of coverage against the sunshine.

Of course, that long peak also protects against rain, and I’ve found the cap keeps the wet stuff at bay pretty well on the whole, while it also dries quickly.

Despite its lightweight nature, it’s proven to be durable over many months, with no notable signs of wear.

It only comes in one size, but this should work for most people, as the adjustable strap at the rear allows for quite a range of adjustment. It’s easy to tweak on the fly, too.

One minor quibble I do have (apart from the steep price) is that the sides of the cap do sit quite low on the head. So much so that it comes into contact with my ears, which can be a slight annoyance at times, but this may not be an issue for people with hair!

Oh, and On doesn’t stipulate any UPF rating for the hat, so it’s unclear at this stage how much protection you get from the sun’s UV rays.

Of course, all of the ventilation holes do mean that these will get through, which may or may not be an issue for you depending on how much hair you have!

Montane Coda Cap

• £25 (UK only)

For a cool design with interesting colours, give this Montane running cap a try.

Alongside the visuals, the Coda Cap performs well, too.

It’s super lightweight but still features a stiffened peak and can be easily adjusted via a Velcro strap at the rear.

As it’s so light, it’s really easy to stuff it into a pocket on your running backpack when not needed.

It’s comfy to wear and quick to pull on, while ventilation holes help avoid overheating.

The moisture-wicking sweat band kept any errant drips away from the face and dries quickly, too, making this running hat one for particularly sweaty runs.

The stretchy material is designed to provide flexibility, and the addition of reflective detail should help ensure you’re easily spotted by cars.

If you’re not a fan of the colours, it’s available in black too.

Soar Sahara Cap

• £50 / $64

This hat wouldn’t look out of place at the Marathon des Sables, but it has merit closer to home, too, particularly in heatwaves.

The combination of light materials and mesh on the side help keep things cool and wick moisture away well, while the rear canopy and stiff, wide-brimmed peak (both rated to UPF50) keep the sun off your neck and face effectively.

That being said, if it’s a windy day the rear canopy will blow about, but that’s the same with all running hats in this style.

And truthfully, it didn’t cause me any issues on a windy but sunny day running up Scafell Pike in the UK’s Lake District last summer as part of The ROC triathlon.

It comes in one size, with an adjustable drawcord at the rear that’s easily adjusted on the move. It’s not cheap, though.

Buff 5 Panel Go Cap

• £29.95 / $35

Buff’s 5 Panel Go Cap is designed with running in mind and, as such, the brand says it features a moisture-wicking sweatband and comes with a UPF50 rating for sun protection.

It’s good to see a sun protection rating for peace of mind, while there’s also a reasonably wide peak on the hat.

However, this peak isn’t particularly long, measuring 5.5cm, so the coverage over the face isn’t class leading. Of course, this does mean that it doesn’t catch the wind as much as a larger peak.

Staying on the topic of sun coverage, the hat also doesn’t come down quite as far on the side of your head. This isn’t necessarily an issue, but if you’re lacking in the hair department, like myself, then it does mean there’s more skin to cover with sun lotion.

Unlike many running hats here, the 5 Panel Go Cap comes in two different sizes, yet it also has an elasticated, adjustable strap at the back that can be easily tweaked on the move.

That rear strap proved super comfortable against my skin, too, which isn’t always the case with other brands.

One thing that I found annoying, however, is that the sweatband would drop down when pulling the running hat on or off, leaving it poking through onto my forehead. It’s not a big issue, but it does effect how good it looks and will also have a minor impact on comfort and moisture capture.

Speaking of which, while this hat soaks up sweat rather well, it’s not the best at wicking it away or drying out quickly.

There’s also minimal ventilation holes, so there are definitely better hats in this test for very warm runs or for people who sweat heavily.

Buff offers this hat in an impressive 11 styles, though all are multicoloured like the one I have on test here, which may or may not be to everyone’s taste.

Salomon Cross Cap

• £25 / $25

This running hat from Salomon feels like one of the lightest on test and it packs down nice and small, too.

It’s comfortable, with a soft, textured sweatband feeling nice against the skin, while it also wicks moisture well.

The Cross Cap only comes in one size, but the strap at the back is elasticated and can be adjusted super easily, so I had no issue achieving a perfect fit.

A combination of the lightweight material and ample ventilation holes ensures a decent amount of ventilation and breathability, while it also means this hat dries quickly, too.

The peak is wide and 7cm long, ensuring there’s good coverage from the sun on the face, though there’s no sign of a UPF rating on the Salomon website.

One thing I have noticed is that the sweatband is visible on the outside of the hat as it creates a bump all the way round, which may or may not be an issue for you.

Soar Run Cap

• £40 / $51

This run cap from Soar has been with me on a couple of triathlon races now and it’s never really missed a beat.

It’s incredibly lightweight (28g) and packable, so is easy to stuff into a pocket when not needed.

When on, it feels comfortable, with dozens of lazer-cut ventilation holes combining with the lightweight fabric to ensure very good breathability and ventilation. Vitally, the fabric dries quickly, too.

Of course, those holes do mean that the sun’s UV rays will get through, which you’ll need to bear in mind if you’re lacking in hair.

Sun coverage from the peak is exceptional, with an 8cm length making it the longest on test. It’s also articulated, which means it angles down over your eyes, yet you can flip it upward and it’ll stay there for as long as needed.

There’s only one size, but this worked for me, with the elastic drawcord allowing me to easily and quickly achieve a good fit.

Multiple colours are available and, while that’s a very steep price, I’d be tempted to say it’s absolutely worth it.

Stance Kinetic Adjustable Cap

• £28 / $30

Stance is a popular brand thanks to its trendy kit and standout designs, but the Kinetic Adjustable Cap on test here is one of the subtler options available.

Despite all of that, performance is part of this hat’s makeup, and it does some things very well.

For a start, the lightweight polyester fabric is perforated to promote breathability and moisture wicking, which works very well.

The wide-brimmed peak is among the largest here and is 7cm deep, offering good coverage on the face. However, the peak is rigid, so can’t be bent, while there’s no UPF rating on the hat, either, likely due to that perforated material.

The sweatband is more substantial than we’ve seen in other running hats here, which means it catches moisture well, but does increase the heat a little.

A weight of 64g also puts it among the heavier hats on test. While that may not sound like much, it’s worth considering if you’re carrying it for part of your run/race.

One final thing I’d add is that the fabric of this hat sat a little loose and baggy on my head, though this is unlikely to have been the case if I had any hair!

Angry Pablo Tech Cap

Buy now from Angry Pablo

• £30 / $40

While its roots are in cycling, Brighton-based Angry Pablo also crosses over into other sports with its range of active clothing.

The Tech Cap is part of that an it boasts a solid spec sheet. For a start, it’s made from 100% recycled polyester, which is great to see.

That fabric isn’t quite as thin as some other hats here, but the breathability isn’t really hampered because of that, with the ventilation holes on either side offering some much needed ventilation.

What I would say, though, is that this hat feels a little warmer than some of the lighter options (this hat weighs 45g) and the black design doesn’t help with that. There’s no other colours, either.

The sweatband is also thicker (and warmer) than some others, but the tradeoff is that it is also one of the softest and most comfortable.

Moisture wicking is reasonable and the Tech Cap dries reasonably well, too, just not as quick as the likes of the Soar and Salomon caps here.

There’s good coverage against the sun, with the wide peak doing its job well, though it’s only 6cm deep, so isn’t the longest.

It’s one-size-fits-all, with a simple drawstring cord at the back for easy adjustment. It worked fine for me, but if my head was any larger (I wear medium-sized helmets) it would be a bit of a squeeze.

This is a decent cap and while it doesn’t match the best running hats for summer performance, I’ve come to love it – particularly in winter, spring and autumn.

Buff 5 Panel Explore Cap

• £29.95 / $40

This cap from Buff was one of my favourite running hats visually. I loved the understated style and on the face of it, the 5 Panel Explore Cap had a lot going for it.

Buff says it’s designed for both city and outdoor adventures, with both moisture-wicking sweatband and quick-drying fabrics.

Now, the fabric, which is made with 80% recycled content, did dry quickly and the hat is thin enough that it’s reasonably breathable, too, but there’s a limited number of ventilation holes.

An even bigger issue is comfort and fit. This running hat only comes in one size. While the elasticated cord on the back allows you to loosen and tighten it, the hat feels on the small side.

Worse still is that the peak of the hat feels unfinished (even though it’s not). There’s no fabric covering the foam, only the sweatband, which itself is rather thin.

This, combined with the small size and perhaps the shape, meant that the edge of the peak digs into my forehead to such an extent that it causes discomfort and leaves dents in my skin.

Admittedly, this may not be the same for you if you have a smaller head, but my head really isn’t that large.

On a more positive note, the hat does have a UPF rating of 50, though the peak is a little on the short side, measuring 5.5cm long.

Seven colours are available in the UK (three in the US), with our ‘brick slen’ colourway costing £29.95 and others rising up to £33.95 ($40).

How we tested

All of the running caps tested here have been reviewed by 220 Triathlon‘s content editor Rob Slade, who has over a decade of kit testing to his name.

Each of the running caps included here has been worn on multiple runs in various weather conditions, with a test period stretching from last summer, through autumn, winter and spring.

That means they’ve been worn in blazing sunshine, heavy downpours and blustery conditions, as well as race environments.

When testing, we analysed each hat on the below:

Coverage: Does the cap have a sun protection rating to demonstrate how well it fends off harmful UV rays? Is the peak large enough to keep your face (or neck, if you spin it around) in shade?

Breathability and moisture wicking: Does the hat breathe well or do we become much sweatier than in other options? Vitally, does the hat wick moisture away from the head to the outer of the fabric so it can evaporate?

Ventilation: How well does the hat promote airflow? This is usually via ventilation holes, so how many are there?

Comfort: Does the sweatband feel nice against the head? Are there any pressure points? Does the rear strap sit nicely against the head? Is there any irritation from seams?

A rating of 90% and above shows that a product is almost perfect, while 80-90% represents a very good running hat that comes highly recommended.

Scores between 70-80% are attached to hats that perform well, but may have a few minor flaws, while below that you’ll find products with significant issues, but they may still be worth considering if it’s an issue you can live with.

Best running visors

Zone3 Race Visor

Most cooling

The Zone3 Race Visor features an adjustable Velcro strap at the rear to help find the best fit. There’s a polyester mesh on the inside for breathability and a lining for sweat absorption. The curved peak is also adjustable for best fit.

Lomo Triathlon Running Visor

Alongside the waft of the burger van or timing chips arriving in the post, sporting a running visor always feels like a sign of summer and race day, making us feel like a triathlete after an off-season of single-discipline pursuits. This Lomo running visor makes for an affordable kit bag spare or summer training companion.

The towelling does a fair job of wiping sweat from our brow, while the Velcro fastening system ensures it’ll fit the vast majority of head types. Sadly, it’s not as comfortable worn backwards when the sun is behind you, as the Velcro tab has a tendency to rub, while the 64g weight doesn’t stand up well when compared to other visors.

HUUB Running Visor

As well as keeping the sun out of your eyes, visors are useful for wet race days too as they can protect you from the rain. Offering a lightweight and quick-drying design, pop this HUUB visor in your kit bag so you’re prepared for all weather.

A good-looking pick for the golf course, and a nice choice for a sport-filled weekend away.

Salomon Visor

Best for secure fit

This Salomon running visor offers a stretchy fit and features an adjustable buckle closure if you’re looking for an extra secure fit.

Handy for long hair too, pop your hair in a high ponytail or bun while still protecting your face and eyes from the sun.

The integrated sweatband should keep sweat off your face, and at just 51g it’s nice and light.

It’s also claimed it’ll stay securely on without giving you a headache – great for lengthy training sessions or race days when you’re out for a long period.

For more sunny weather running gear, take a look at the best running accessories and the best lightweight towels.

Best running hats for cold weather

Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof All Weather Cap

This versatile running hat from Sealskinz is designed to handle all sorts of weather conditions, so may be a good option for its versatility.

It’s said to be both windproof and 100% waterproof, which means it can take on both light showers and heavy rainfall, while also faring well against a serious breeze on stormy autumn days.

Sealskinz says it’s made from a breathable polyester material to help you avoid overheating as you clock up the kilometres, with a peak that’ll help keep the sun out of your eyes when it brightens up during the spring.

Inov-8 Train Elite Beanie

Make sure you stay at a nice temperature during your next cold weather run with this Train Elite beanie from Inov-8.

It aims to simultaneously keep you warm from external conditions while wicking sweat away from your head to help with temperature regulation.

It’s made to be stretchy, so it should comfortably contour to the shape of your head for a streamline fit.

Ronhill Classic Beanie

Stay warm and dry even if the wind and poor weather picks up with the Ronhill Classic Beanie.

It’s a light option weighing a claimed 63g while boasting a thermal fit that’s designed to keep you toasty on those miserable days.

You can choose from multiple colours and designs including this black and charcoal colour if you’re looking to keep things subtle during the day, or a vivid yellow that will help you stand out in low light.

Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Training Beanie

Designed to deliver a strong level of reflectivity on both the front and back, this beanie from Smartwool promises to be an ideal go-to if you’re running in low light on cold nights.

It’s made from merino wool to keep you nice and snug even if the temperature drops, with the material known for its ability to be anti-bacterial and stay warm even when wet.

Made to be a solid option for those bright days when you need an extra layer of protection from the wind, it even has an opening on the hat so you can comfortably wear glasses without either piece of kit falling out of place.

Kalenji Running Hat

Made mostly from polyester, this beanie from Kalenji is said to be smooth to the touch, with enough elastane to give it plenty of stretch so it fits a variety of sizes.

It’s designed for running in the wind and the rain, while the brand says it can also be popped under your triathlon helmet in early-season races, too.

Montane Via Stretch Headband

More of a headband than a hat, this one still ticks the boxes when it comes to keeping your ears warm during those colder runs, but is less likely to make you overheat.

It should also help stop the rain dripping into your face should the weather turn on you, and it has a reflected element to help keep you visible if you’re running in the dark.

It’s been designed with an ergonomic shape to help it fit a variety of head shapes, with flat bonded edges to keep it streamlined and comfortable while you run.

• Best men’s running tights for winter

Benefits to wearing a beanie while running

From direct sunlight beating down on you, to wicked winds whipping around your ears or rain hitting your face, the ever-changing climate can sometimes put you off your stride.

A reliable running hat will help protect you from the elements so you can keep your focus on the run itself.

We’ve taken a look at a variety of styles and put together a list of some of our favourites, helping you block out the conditions and keep your focus on your training all year around.