If you're a fly fisherman, then you know that a good hat is an essential piece of gear. Not only does it protect you from the sun and the rain, but it can also keep the bugs away from your face. What many people do not recognize is that the hat also prevents glare and aids in spotting fish below the surface waters. This is very helpful in stream fishing for trout and flats fishing.
There are many different hats on the market designed specifically for fly fishing, but which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best hats available for different conditions and give our recommendations for each one.
Check out our reviews to see and buy the perfect hat for you!
How We Choose GearHacking.com Recommendations
We have personally read thousands of reviews on Amazon and different guides to find the best fly fishing hat to fit weather conditions, style, budget, and expectations.
Why is a hat important? Hats can improve the fishing by cutting glare and reflection and helping you to see the fish. Hats should provide sun protection, rain protection, bug protection, and cold weather protection. You may need several hats to fit the different conditions you will encounter throughout the year.
Selection of Your Fly Fishing Hat – What You Should Look For
When choosing a hat for fly fishing, there are certain criteria that you should take into consideration. These factors vary based on weather and environmental conditions. These factors include sun protection, weather protection, bug protection, style, cost, quality, materials, and colors.
Baseball caps are often worn by anglers, however, they provide little protection from the sun and are not ideal for sun protection. Hoodies are often also used for sun protection or for cold weather, but they can be cumbersome and reduce visibility. Using these items can be a personal preference, but are not considered in this article on hats.
There are many different types of hats available on the market that are specifically designed for fly fishing. These hats offer a variety of features that make them perfect for anglers, such as brim size, neck and ear coverage, ventilation, and floatation. We will look at what to look for in a hat and then present top choices for wide-brimmed hats, hats that provide neck and face coverage for extra sun and bug protection, and beanies for cold-weather.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is the most important factor to consider when choosing the best fishing hats. You will be spending long hours in direct sunlight, so it is important to choose a hat that provides good coverage and has a wide brim. A hat with a brim that is at least three inches will provide good coverage for your face, ears, and neck. A neck flap can provide extended protection from the sun. The best sun protection hats are made from light-colored fabric that is breathable and has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating.
Protection from Rain
A good fishing hat will also keep your head dry in the event of a sudden downpour. Look for a hat that is made from waterproof or water-resistant material. The best rain protection hats have a wide brim and are made from breathable fabric to prevent your head from getting too hot.
Protection from Bugs
If you are fishing in an area with lots of mosquitoes or other insects, it is important to choose a fishing hat that has mosquito netting built into it. The best bug protection hats have a wide brim and mosquito netting that covers the face and neck. A neck flap or netting often provides the best protection from biting insects.
Style
While function is more important than style, you will want to choose a hat that you feel looks good on you. After all, you will be wearing it for long periods and you want to be comfortable with the way you look. You may like the look of bucket hats, fishing caps, wide brim hats, or baseball caps. You want to choose a hat that looks good with your fishing gear and clothing and provides the protection you need. A good fishing hat will be available in a variety of colors to blend into the environment you are fishing.
Cost
Fly fishing hats can range in price from $15 to $150. It is important to find a fishing hat that fits your budget. Costs are related to materials, size, quality, and brand names. This will be something that you need to factor into your buying decision.
Quality
When it comes to fly fishing hats, you generally get what you pay for. A higher-quality hat will last longer and perform better than a cheaper one. It is important to find a hat that is well-made and will withstand the elements. Check reviews to see what others have said about the quality of the hats you are considering.
Materials
Fly fishing hats are made from a variety of materials, including straw, wool, polyester, cotton, and nylon. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, straw hats are lightweight and cool but do not provide much protection from the sun or rain. Wool hats are warm but can be bulky and uncomfortable in hot weather.
Best Colors
The best colors for fishing hats depend on the environment. Fishing the flats, you will want to choose a light-colored hat to blend in with the sand and water. In the woods, a dark-colored hat will help you blend in with your surroundings. On the open water, a light blue or gray will help you blend in with the sky. The best fishing hats need to match your specific conditions.
Choosing the right hat can make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment while fly fishing. Be sure to consider all of the factors we have discussed before making your purchase. Now let's take a look at some of the best fishing hats on the market.
Best Wide Brimmed Hats
1 - Premium Gear – Stetson Bozeman
Gear Greatness
The Stetson is a high-quality premium wide brim hat with lots of style. It comes in three colors and protects from the sun. The design of this hat is sharp and professional-looking and will command attention on the water. This is a high-quality hat that you will enjoy for years. This hat is not waterproof and will require care to keep it looking sharp. If you enjoy looking great and taking care of quality gear, this is the hat for you.
Tech Specs
- 100% Wool
- Made in the USA
- Sun protection
- Pinch Front Crown
- 3 1/4 inch brim
- Crown: 4”
- Leather Hatband
- Drilex Leather Sweatband
2 - Mid-Tier Gear – KastKing Sol Aramis Fishing Hat
Gear Greatness
This hat is a great mid-tier option for those looking for quality sun protection while fishing. The KastKing Sol Armis fishing hat features UPF 50+ sun protection to help keep you safe from the harsh rays of the sun. The hat is made of durable, water-resistant fabric and has a wide brim to shield your face and neck from the sun. The hat features a mesh vent panel to help keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather. This is a great all-around fishing hat that will serve you well on the water. It comes in several colors that are great for fishing your favorite waterbodies.
Tech Specs
- UPF 50 sun protection rating
- 360-degree brim for full sun coverage
- Lightweight and breathable 100% polyester fabric
- One size fits most with an adjustable drawstring chin strap
- Stuff it in your pocket when not in use – no need for a hat box!
- Comes in 12 different colors
3 - Economy Gear - FROGG TOGGS Waterproof Breathable Boonie Hat
Gear Greatness
The outdoors can be a tough place to live. Folks who make their living from fishing, including guides and outdoor enthusiasts, require gear that works like it's supposed and functions beautifully.
The Frogg Toggs Waterproof Boonie Hat is a great economy-level fishing hat for those looking for sun and rain protection. The hat is made of durable, water-resistant fabric and has a wide brim to shield your face and neck from the sun. The hat features a mesh vent panel to help keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather. This is a great all-around fishing hat that will serve you well on the water. It comes in several colors to match your needs on various waterbodies.
Tech Specs
- Machine washable hat with 90% Polypropylene and 10% Polyester
- Waterproof and breathable Boonie
- Rain, Sun, and UPF 50+ UV protection
- Crushable and packable for easy traveling
- Features a short, round brim
- 1-inch internal band
- Shock cord tension adjustment for sizing
- Chin strap for retention
Neck and Face Covers for Sun and Bugs
Hats should protect from sun and bugs for a variety of reasons. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, and bug bites can transmit diseases.
Hats protect your skin from the sun by shielding your head and face. The brim of a hat helps to deflect sunlight from your eyes and the back of your neck. Many hats also have a built-in UPF rating to help you choose the most sun-protective option.
Hats can also protect you from bugs by shielding your face and head from bites. Many hats come with a built-in mosquito net or have the option to add one. This is a great way to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away from your face.
1 - Premium Gear – Coolibar Caleb
Gear Greatness
If you like the look of a baseball cap, the Coolibar Caleb convertible fishing cap is a high-quality, premium option for those looking for sun protection. If you decide you prefer a cap to wide brim hats, this is the option for you. The hat is made of durable, water-resistant fabric and has a wide bill to shield your face and neck from the sun. The hat features a tuck & zip-away neck drape, removable chin strap, and floatable foam brim. These features allow you to customize your hat for the fishing conditions.
The fishing cap is made with a fabric that is a breathable, lightweight material with quick-drying properties. Cooltect technology helps wick moisture away from your body to keep you cooler while fishing.
Tech Specs
- 100% Polyester that requires hand washing
- UPF 50+ to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays
- Neck drape,
- Removable self fabric chin strap
- Floatable foam brim
2 - Mid-Tier Gear – ANTVEE Bucket Hat with Net Mesh
Gear Greatness
The ANTVEE Bucket Hat is a great hat to choose if you are always fighting bugs while fishing. This could be in a southern swamp or a northern lake. This bucket hat is made from light, breathable, nylon fabric that is comfortable. The fishing hat has vents and mesh lining in the crown for cooling and moisture management. The net is not removable, which is the only drawback of this fishing hat system. However, the net can be rolled up and cinched to the crown of the hat to keep it out of the way when bugs are not bad.
Tech Specs
- Soft nylon fabric with a nylon mesh
- Net drawstring for complete closure
- Fits men and women
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Wide brim for sun protection
- Netting 16.8" long;
- Brim: 2.95" wide.
- Adjustable chin strap for retention
3 - Economy Gear – Outrip Fishing Hat
Gear Greatness
The Outrip Fishing Hat may be the best fishing hat for the money available on the market. It provides excellent sun protection and prevents bugs from attacking most of the face and neck. It has a chin strap that is adjustable to ensure that the hat can maintain comfortable conditions even in strong winds. The strap is removable, so you can adjust it or take it off depending on the conditions. The hat is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric and has a wide brim to protect your face and neck.
If you are looking for more sun protection while fishing, the Outrip Fishing Hat has a detachable face and neck flap that can be added for more coverage of the neck and ears. The flap is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric and can be easily attached or removed as needed. The hat also has a wide brim to protect your face and neck from UVA and UVB rays.
Tech Specs
- Waterproof 100% nylon and 100% polyester mesh
- 360° sun protection from a 3.7-inch brim
- Detachable face & neck flap for more sun protection
- Adjustable chin strap
- Ventilation mesh holes on the top of the hat and the front of the neck flap.
- Easy to clean, breathable, quick-drying, wear-resistant, lightweight and comfortable wear.
- 3.6 oz hat that is comfortable to wear.
- Easily folded and packed
Beanies
Beanies are a great way to keep your head warm in cold weather. They are made of a soft, insulating fabric that traps heat close to your head, keeping you warm and comfortable. Beanies fit snugly on your head, so they won't blow away in the wind, and they come in a variety of styles and colors so you can find one that suits your taste.
1 - Premium Gear – Simms Beanie
Gear Greatness
Beanies are great for fishing in cold weather. They protect your head and ears from the cold while allowing a full range of neck motion and peripheral vision. The Simms Beanie is a great choice for your winter fishing gear. This beanie is made by Simms, a well-respected fishing company that knows what every angler needs to meet the demanding conditions of winter fishing. The beanie is easy to care for and comes with the Simms Guarantee for quality and workmanship.
Tech Specs
- 100% knit polyester that stretches to fit for everyday comfort
- This durable hat is versatile and can be used as a backup reel case if needed
- Very warm beanie for the cold weather months
- Resistant to shrinking and is extremely durable and lightweight
- Simms Guarantee
2 - Mid-Tier Gear – Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie
Gear Greatness
Carhartt is a name known for quality and rugged durability. They focus on what is needed to meet the customer's needs. The Carhart Men's Knit Beanie is a great example of this philosophy. This hat is made to keep your head and ears warm in the coldest weather while still being comfortable to wear. It is made of 100% acrylic knit that will stretch to fit most head sizes. The hat also has a Carhartt logo on the front that shows everyone you are wearing a quality product. I have been wearing mine to fish and hunt for the last 8 years.
Tech Specs
- 100% Acrylic
- Made in the USA
- Hand Wash Only
- Carhartt label is sewn on front
Best Fly Fishing Hat FAQs
Choosing the right hat is critical for protection from sun, bugs, and cold. There are many brands that range from well-known to low-cost imports. The price ranges, features, and quality can all impact your buying decision. We've created a comprehensive buyers guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best hat for your needs. This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the best fly fishing waders for 2022.
What makes a good fishing hat?
A good fishing hat should be durable and provide sun protection, bug protection, and rain protection. It is also important that the hat be comfortable to wear for long periods.
Sun protection is essential, as fishing can often take place in areas with a lot of sunlight. Bug protection is also important, as certain bugs can be very annoying and even dangerous if they bite. Durability is important since your fishing hat may be subject to a lot of wear and tear. And finally, waterproofing is necessary to keep the head dry in case of rain.
Are straw hats good for fishing?
Straw hats are a good choice for fishing hats, as they provide excellent sun protection. They are also very breathable, which helps to keep the head cool in hot weather. However, straw hats are not as durable as other types of hats and may need to be replaced more often.
What type of hat is best for sun protection?
A wide-brimmed hat is the best type of hat for sun protection. This type of hat will provide shade for the face, neck, and ears. A baseball cap or visor can also provide some sun protection, but it is important to choose one with a dark fabric so that it does not reflect sunlight into the eyes.
How do you measure for hat size?
To measure for fishing hat size, wrap a measuring tape around the largest part of the head. Make sure to measure over the ears and eyebrows, as these can add height to the head. The measurement should be taken in inches or centimeters.
What color should I choose for the best fishing hat?
As to what color fishing hats one should choose, it really depends on the type of fish you're trying to catch. If you're going after bass specifically, then lighter colors like blue or gray will work best. For trout, however, darker colors like brown or green work better so that the fishing hats blend in with the natural surroundings. Tan or light-colored hats are usually best for saltwater expeditions, since they help reflect the sun's rays and keep your head cooler. As for camouflage hats, it will depend on the colors, but they can be effective for both fresh and saltwater fishing. The choice depends on the fish you're going after and the specific situation you're in.
Gear Up and Get Outdoors!
So, what is the best fishing hat for you? The answer to that question varies from person to person based on your target species' environment, the weather conditions, how you treat your gear, your measurements, and your pocket book.
We've tried to provide a variety of the best options for you to choose from based on reading thousands of reviews and personal experience. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you find the hat that works for you. All you have to do now is tap the Check Price button on the best fly fishing hats in the list to Gear up and Get Outdoors! Thanks for stopping by!
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