On exposed days in the mountains, an outdoor hat offers lightweight coverage when there’s little natural shade. From superlight caps for high-output trail runs to classic panel, trucker and brimmed styles for longer days outside, Arc’teryx outdoor hats and caps feature breathable, stretch-woven materials and durable, packable construction for regular use on and off the trail.

Outdoor caps vs hats

The choice between an outdoor cap and any other style of outdoor hat comes down to activity and how much coverage you need. Trucker caps use ventilated constructions to increase airflow, making them a comfortable option for warmer hikes and everyday wear. Lightweight panel caps provide streamlined coverage for running and hiking, while thin low-profile designs can sit comfortably under a climbing helmet.

Bucket styles and wide-brimmed hats are designed for long, exposed days on the trail or at the crag where greater coverage is important. Compressible styles fit easily into an outdoor backpack or back pocket, adjustable chin straps help keep your hat secure in strong winds, and built-in sweatbands wick away moisture as your output increases.

Across the range, Arc’teryx men’s and women’s outdoor hats feature different technical fabrics like our Fortius™ softshell that breathes well, dries quickly and folds down into a pack without losing its shape. FC0 DWR finishes help repel light moisture without the use of intentionally added PFAS, while nylon stretch ripstop and abrasion-resistant fabrics stand up to repeated use on the trail.

Other outdoor accessories include purpose-built outdoor socks designed to manage comfort and moisture over long days on foot, as well as technical outdoor gloves for versatile warmth and protection across changing mountain conditions and varied objectives.

Frequently asked questions about outdoor hats

How do I choose the right outdoor hat?

As with any outdoor clothing, choose your headgear by thinking about how you’ll be moving and how much coverage you need. For speedy trail runs, look for a light, breathable outdoor cap with a low-profile brim. For exposed hikes, a bucket hat or shade hat adds more coverage.

What type of outdoor hat is best for hiking?

For most hikes, a lightweight outdoor cap is the simplest choice because it is versatile, breathable and easy to wear for long hours. On sunny trails, a shade hat or bucket hat gives broader coverage, and for prolonged exposure on trails above the treeline, our Sima 5 Panel Cap features an integrated neck cape and UPF 50+ sun protection to shade both your head and neck from strong UV rays.

What features should an outdoor hat have?

A good outdoor hat should be breathable, comfortable and easy to pack without losing its shape. Depending on the activity, conditions and pace, useful details include lightweight stretch-woven materials, abrasion-resistant nylon ripstop, low-profile brims and FC0 DWR finishes for light moisture. For cooler temperatures, consider an outdoor beanie to help retain warmth.