The Best Running Hats for Capping Off Your Training Kit

Whether trying to keep your face and neck safe from harmful rays, pounding out some rain-soaked miles or simply looking to maintain that mane during training, running hats can be an excellent piece of gear to have at the ready. These cranium-coddling accessories can provide a number of benefits to your kit … outside the added street cred. As such, there’s far more to them than the more style-focused truckers and ball caps sitting in your closet.

Unlike other brimmed wearables, running caps are designed to help you get the most out of your workout experience. Lightweight materials, moisture-wicking builds and comfortable bands are just a few of the features that frequent this silhouette, and there’s plenty of brands doing the category justice.

What to Look for in a Running Cap

Fit and Adjustability

Naturally, one of the first things to consider when choosing a running hat is how well the profile fits your head. You should aim for a silhouette that rests comfortably across your dome yet still has some staying power and security — you can’t really cover mileage if you’re constantly backtracking to pick up your headwear.

Additionally, most running caps feature a more shallow crown than other traditional ball caps, so to help ensure these accessories are less inclined to fall off your dome, be on the lookout for well-to-do adjustment features. Most caps, like many of the silhouettes included in this roundup, showcase a stretchy nylon clasp setup, which can allow for easier tuning to your cranium. Others may opt for a strap-style cinch, while some still employ that classic hook-and-loop motif. There’s no true winner in regards to adjustment strategies, but we do often find ourselves favoring the stretchier nylon clasp as this allows for a slight uptick in versatility and customization.

Weight

Like your go-to running shorts and tops, your running hat should also have a lighter build quality to it. Not only can this keep you comfortable and help in keeping your head cool during jaunts, but the featherweight fabrics and brims can also make packing your cap away a more approachable endeavor. There’s no max or minimum weight to aim for, but ultimately you want to ensure the hat is light enough that it won’t add unnecessary density to your setup.

Moisture Management

Running, after all, is a workout, and workouts typically result in sweat. To help keep that moisture from fogging up your on-road vision, look for running caps that help manage this condensation. Silhouettes can facilitate this need through quick-drying makeups or mesh compositions, but ultimately, you want to go with a hat that allows some form of water-wicking construction. This technology can also be ideal for keeping your cranium cooled and well-ventilated during warmer months.

Sun Protection

As with any cap, running hats are great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and off your dome. The main area of focus when deciding whether a cap can keep you well-covered is the brim. Shorter brims can provide worthwhile coverage but may leave your jaw and neck a little more exposed. Longer brims, on the other hand, can give every step a heightened dose of shade, yet these lengthier profiles may be harder to pack or store in the confines of a running pack or belt. Some caps even feature an underbill coating to help lessen the glare off cars and other structures mid-jog. Be sure to take your personal needs and style into consideration when choosing which build is right for you.

How We Tested

Ciele

BEST OVERALL RUNNING HAT

Ciele GOCap

• $45.00 at Backcountry

• Materials: COOLmatic Mesh
• Reflective Components: Yes

Next to their shoes, our tester noted that their GOCap was the one running item they couldn’t train without. The soft COOLmatic mesh build of this Ciele cap is ultra breathable and dries easily, so there’s no fear of pooling sweat around your brow. And when you do get this hat dirty or disheveled, simply toss it in the wash like you would your running garb (just let it hang dry, no tumbling allowed). There’s even some reflective notes across the design, albeit with fluctuations depending on your chosen colorway and hue.

SSENSE

BEST UPGRADE RUNNING HAT

Noah Navy Runner Cap

• $65.00 at Ssense

• Materials: 100% Nylon
• Reflective Components: No

Noah isn’t a running brand at its core, but that hasn’t stopped the New York-based shop from creating a damn fine headpiece for all your upcoming jogs. We appreciate the more traditional bill length of this Ripstop Runner Cap, which does a great job of keeping our eyes, nose and mouth shaded during jogs under clear skies. Plus, the water-resistant nylon helps bead oncoming rain, which can be great at keeping your head somewhat protected when pacing in inclement weather (the mesh side panels aren’t the greatest at keeping precipitation off your dome).

Amazon

BEST BUDGET RUNNING HAT

Headsweats Standard Race Hat

• $25.00 at Amazon

• Materials: Woven Shell, Terry Sweatband
• Reflective Components: No

Outside of the bright colorways, this Headsweats cap keeps things simple with its adjustable rear buckle and classic fit. We do appreciate the black undervisor build of this Standard Race Hat, though, which can help manage glare that could impact your visibility on the road. This is a welcome perk to this headpiece, as some may find the lower-sitting brim to be a detriment to their field of view. For this reason, we classify this as a road only cap, since the risk of impaired vision on technical trails may be too much to sign up for.

Janji

BEST RUNNING HAT FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER

Janji All-Weather Transit Tech Cap

• $38.00 at janji.com

• Materials: 91% Recycled Polyester, 9% Elastane
• Reflective Components: Yes

Need a cap that’s capable of combating the harsh elements? This All-Weather Transit Tech Cap was a darling on rainy days and gusty conditions, yet still retained excellent comfort and breathability. We also enjoyed how this classic silhouette transitioned into daily wear, as the coziness across the inner band was just something we couldn’t pigeonhole into training-only scenarios. There’s also a side panel zippered pocket, which the brand claims can house your house key or other small essentials. We found, however, that this pocket is more of a perk in theory — our key kept clanging against our head during paces, resulting in some immediate storage adjustments to alleviate the discomfort.

Amazon

BEST WINTER RUNNING HAT

TrailHeads Men’s Fleece Ball Cap

• $36.00 at Amazon

• Materials: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
• Reflective Components: Yes

Your running regimen doesn’t need to end once the flurries begin to fly. There’s a ton of cold weather running gear to keep you going throughout the season, and this Fleece Ball Cap from TrailHeads sits at the top of our wintertime workout wardrobes (literally). A convenient flap along the back of the profile allows for extra coverage over the ears and neck, making this a premier hat for those blustery days on the road. Additionally, the reflective accents help keep you somewhat visible, which can be a definite perk if running through snowfall. Be mindful, though, that the fleece construction can run hot easily, meaning there could be some discomfort if running in slightly warmer weather. It may be best to save this for those extra chilly jaunts, i.e., the days where training seems near insane.

Outdoor Research

BEST RUNNING HAT FOR SUN PROTECTION

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

• $40.00 at Backcountry

• Materials: Bluesign-approved 60% Recycled Nylon, 40% Nylon
• Reflective Components: No

There’s nothing that quite beats logging your daily miles under sun-filled skies, but if your routes are extensive or you frequent these conditions day in and day out, you’ll want a cap that can help you save your skin from all that exposure. Thankfully, this Sun Runner Cap from Outdoor Research comes equipped with a removable cape that drapes your ears and neck for added coverage. Plus, we also admire the UPF 40+ fabric makeup of this headpiece, further adding to its protective profile. We do wish, however, that the back strap was something other than hook-and-loop. As anyone that runs in a ponytail can attest to, this closure style can lead to some uncomfortable tangles when it comes time to remove the cap post-training.

Black Diamond

BEST RUNNING HAT FOR HEAVY SWEATERS

Black Diamond Dash Cap

• $40.00 at blackdiamondequipment.com

• Materials: 100% Polyester
• Reflective Components: Yes

A proper running cap can be a great addition to your ensemble if you’re constantly trying to keep sweat from soaking your brow. We found the Dash Cap from Black Diamond to be excellent for mopping up this output in a number of conditions, and also appreciated how quickly this hat dried when exposed to moisture. This allowed us to reap the benefits of its lightweight fit more often than not, keeping focus on our performance and less on our perspiration. The adjustable webbing closure at the back is also comfortable and secure enough for cozy fits, but we recommend dialing in your settings prior to hitting the road or trails. The more rigid material is less attuned for on-the-fly toggling, which can become a slight annoyance when trying to adjust for sudden wind bursts mid-training.

Patagonia

BEST RUNNING HAT FOR TRAIL RUNNING

Patagonia Duckbill Cap

• $35.00 at Patagonia

• Materials: Front Panel and Bill: 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex with a DWR Finish / Crown and Back Panels: 100% recycled Polyester Mesh
• Reflective Components: Yes

When powering through the muck and mud, the last thing you want to do is worry about your headwear. Boasting a comfortable mesh makeup with added notes of water resistance, this Duckbill Hat has become a favorite of ours for tail running sessions. The soft foam brim folds easily for compact storage in a pocket when conditions don’t warrant wear, and the low-profile sweatband can easily keep moisture at bay when traversing hills, gullies and technical trailways. While the short brim look isn’t for every athlete, if you’re more adventurous with your training, this can be a standout addition to your wild-focused wardrobe.

Amazon

BEST HI-VIS RUNNING HAT

Headsweats Performance Reflective Race Hat

• $24.00 at Amazon

• Materials: 100% Polyester
• Reflective Components: Yes

Hi-vis running hats can be a good safety precaution, especially if you tend to jog on the roadways and through winding routes where drivers and other pedestrians may not see you as clearly. This Performance Reflective Race Hat from Headsweats is a favorite of ours, as it combines hi-vis with reflectivity thanks to a reflective band along the sides and brim of the profile. This can help keep you more aware to passers by as the sun begins to set on your training day. Additionally, this cap is machine washable, so caring for the polyester cap is easy once it begins to develop a little funk. While not the flashiest cut or involved silhouette, this can be a great crown to have at your disposal.

Nike

BEST RUNNING HAT FOR ULTRA RUNNERS

Nike AeroBill Tailwind

• $29.00 at Nike
  $30.00 (3% off)

• Materials: Body: 100% Recycled Polyester / Lining: 79% Polyester, 21% Spandex
• Reflective Components: Yes

For those that take mileage at longer clips, this lightweight, performance-ready cap from Nike should be on your radar. We enjoy how breathable this AeroBill Tailwind silhouette is across the crown, giving every pace that comfortable ventilation needed for ultra running. Plus, the all-fabric back adjustable strap sits cozily across the forehead, which can make for a more comfortable fit when worn backwards. There is one omitted feature across this Nike profile that may raise concerns for some though, and that’s a lack of a sweat-wicking inner headband. To keep this sleek silhouette light, you’re relying on the laser perforations to blow away any pooling sweat, so there’s always the chance of developing moisture along your brow.

Topo Designs

BEST PACKABLE RUNNING HAT

Topo Designs Global Hat

• $34.00 at topodesigns.com

• Materials: 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex
• Reflective Components: No

If you’re looking for a cap that’s ideal for training and travel, look no further. The Global Hat from Topo Designs packs easily thanks to its unstructured makeup, which we found was great for rolling up and stowing away in our running belt or carry-on when not in use. It also has a buckle on the webbing strap and a small bungee loop, making it easy to clip onto your running belt or vest if you so choose. From a fit perspective, the mesh crown and panels give your cranium plenty of ventilation, ideal for those hot days on the road or sweat-producing jaunts through the airport. While we did notice a less secure lockdown, which we attribute to our lengthier hair, this is still a worthwhile cap that can tackle the trails and turnstiles with ease.

Fractel

BEST BUCKET STYLE RUNNING HAT

Fractel B-Series “Ravine” Edition Bucket Hat

• $60.00 at fractel.us

• Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester (excluding trims)
• Reflective Components: Yes

Maybe you fancy a bucket-style dome accessory for your daily jogs and sessions. Well, the B-Series from Fractel provides excellent coverage and comfort, with the “Ravine” colorway serving as our go-to as of late. The Polartec Power Dry fabric keeps things cool and cozy during those springtime circuits, and we also can’t ignore the UPF +50 protection across the brim and body for added defense against harmful rays. The B-Series is available in S/M or L/XL cuts and comes with a drawcord band for added adjustments. In testing, though, we found this feature lacking in terms of noticeable lockdown, so make sure you order your proper sizing from the start.

Satisfy

BEST SHORT BRIM RUNNING HAT

Satisfy PeaceShell Running Cap

• $70.00 at satisfyrunning.com

• Materials: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane
• Reflective Components: Yes

Style and performance mesh well across any Satisfy silhouette, and this PeaceShell Running Cap is no different. The brand’s proprietary PeaceShell fabric does a lot of lifting across this profile, giving your miles plenty of moisture-wicking, dirt-defending perks. Plus, we found the short brim design to still give ample coverage across our face, making this stylish cranium cover a worthy pick for sunny training days, too. The PeaceShell Running Cap does feature a shallower profile than other running hats in this guide, though, so those with larger heads or fuller hair may need to take full advantage of the adjustable MagicTape closure for secure lockdown.

RNNR

BEST TRUCKER STYLE RUNNING HAT

Rnnr Lightweight Running Trucker Hat

• $32.00 at rnnr.com

• Materials: Mesh
• Reflective Components: No

Want that vintage look that gives your strides an extra bump in coolness? Well, this impressive trucker from Rnnr can do that in more ways than one. We love the breath of colorways and designs available in this retro profile, and the mesh back and sweat-managing materials do a great job of controlling moisture and warmth on the road. Plus, we admire the versatility baked into the soft brim, which allows for down, upturned or flat stylization. Just be sure to read the inner labels once you go to clean this jogging accessory — there’s no information to be found online about whether this cap can be tossed in the laundry with your other training garb.

BUFF

BEST RUNNING VISOR

Buff Pack Speed Visor

• $50.00 at buff.com

• Materials: 95% Recycled Polyester, 5% Elastane
• Reflective Components: Yes

We typically opt for a visor silhouette during summertime jaunts, and we really appreciate the style notes across this Speed Visor silhouette from Buff. The ultralight profile rests comfortably across the skin while still retaining its placement during jogs. Plus, the stretchy polyester blend is also rated UPF 50 for optimal sun protection against harmful UV rays. We also enjoy the vast assortment of colorways across this visor profile, but do wish Buff would have kept them all under one product page online. Comparing the hues side-by-side can call for multiple tabs to be open during purchase, and while not an absolute dealbreaker, it is worth noting if you’re trying to find the vibrant colorway that’s best for your taste in a hurry.

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