Our 5 Best Sun Hats for Men Who Love the Countryside
When it comes to spending time in the countryside, we know our customers have diverse needs, from the farmer to the hiker, and everything in between.
That's why we're putting a bit of a twist on our usual "5 best" blog posts with this one! We're tailoring our recommendations to suit five key country activities: Farming, Gardening, Dog Walking, Fishing, and Hiking.
Each of these outdoor activities demands something a little different from your headgear, whether it’s the durability to withstand long hours in the field or breathable material to keep you cool during a vigorous hike. Our goal is to help you find the perfect summer hat that not only provides excellent sun protection but also matches the occasion.
1. The Best Hat for Farming
Up first, we have our choice for the best farmers hat for warmer months.
Farmers are the backbone of our countryside, often braving long hours under the sun. Comfort, durability, and comprehensive protection are non-negotiable features, and, of course, we wouldn't be doing justice to country clothing without including a flat cap!
Heather Kinloch Waterproof Tweed Flat Cap
Now you may be thinking, why has a waterproof flat cap made it onto a list of the best mens sun hats? Well, the answer is simple – versatility.
Farmers can invest in a great piece of headwear that will become a familiar favourite in all weather conditions.
Some reasons why it's a fantastic choice are:
- Waterproof: Protects the head from unexpected rain, essential for farmers working outdoors. We all know our British summers!
- Breathable: Ensures comfort during long hours of outdoor work in the sun by allowing heat and moisture to escape.
- Durable Material: Made from quality British tweed and Shetland sheep's wool, ensuring the hat withstands daily wear and tear of this busy season for farmers.
- Classic Style: Offers a traditional look that fits well with the farming lifestyle.
All-in-all, we've found this to be a reliable and stylish choice for any farmer looking for a solid summer hat.
2. The Best Hat for Gardening
For those with green thumbs, your choice of headwear can be the difference between serene horticulture and a sun-scorched ordeal.
Protecting your neck and face is crucial when you're absorbed in pruning and planting. A gardening hat should offer comfort, mobility, and exceptional UV protection.
Tilley Hats Airflo Broad Brim Recycled Hat
Sparing no detail, this sun hat ensures maximum coverage with its generous wide brim. But what truly sets it apart is the UPF 50+ protection, coupled with Airflo technology for optimal ventilation.
Why gardeners will love it:
- Lightweight: It's feather-light, confirming that long periods in the sun will be met with assurance and ease.
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Shields your face, neck, and ears from harmful UV rays, essential for long hours outdoors.
- Large Brim: Provides extensive coverage to keep the head cool, as well as the shoulders and neck.
- Airflo Technology: Enhances breathability, ensuring comfort even on hot days.
- Adjustable Chin Cord: Keeps the hat securely in place, even when bending or working with your hands.
- Durable Water-Repellent Finish: Protects against unexpected showers, keeping you dry.
Wide-brim hats often win the hearts of both professional and hobby gardeners, and Tilley Hats does some of the best out there.
3. The Best Hat for Dog Walking
It's time to make sure dog walkers are kept protected during the summer months.
Taking your furry friend out is always a highlight of the day, but it can be challenging to find the perfect dog walking hat that stays on while chasing after them! Enter Helly Hansen.
Helly Hansen Logo Cap
You just can't go wrong with this classic baseball cap. Function and fashion find common ground, with lots of features which make it great for outdoor adventures.
A few key attributes to look out for are:
- Easy to Wear: Lightweight and practical, it's a simple choice to chuck on as you're heading out the door.
- Adjustable Back: This cap fits most head sizes and can be easily adjusted for a tighter or looser fit.
- Modern Design: The smart 'HH' logo at the front adds a touch of style to your walking outfit.
- Comfortable Fabric: Made from 100% cotton, it's soft and breathable for maximum comfort under the sun.
Out of all our wide range of sun hats, we always find ourselves recommending this one to anyone looking for a no-frills, no-fuss option that still looks fantastic.
4. The Best Hat for Fishing
Anglers, it's your turn!
Hours by the waterside call for shade, water resistance, and unyielded comfort. This activity often means prolonged exposure to reflective UV rays, making the choice of a fishing hat even more critical.
Tilley Hats LTM1 Airflo Bucket Hat
An angler's dream, the Tilley LTM1 marries water resistance with a gratitude for airflow, courtesy of the Airflo mesh. Focus on the catch of the day while this fantastic bucket hat shields you from sun and splashes alike.
It ticks all the boxes with:
- Water Repellent: This hat is as handy as it is resilient, ideal for fishing trips. Plus, buoyancy is a bonus for any item found near water and this hat has that too!
- Adjustable Chin Cord: Ensures it stays firmly on your head during windy conditions or when reeling in a big catch.
- Sun Protection: Rated UPF50+, it ensures maximum sun protection for the face, neck, and ears.
- Breathable Fabric: Bonded mesh for ventilation, so you can stay cool and comfortable even on hot days out on the water.
There's just something about bucket hats that screams 'fishing', and this one is definitely no exception.
5. The Best Hat for Hiking
Finally, let's take a look at a summer sun hat for everyone ready to take on the trails.
The Holland family loves getting out into our nearby Peak District to explore the countryside, particularly during the warmer months when the sun is shining. So, we know that a hiking hat needs to be a blend of lightness, endurance, and sun defence.
Musto Evolution Fast Dry Cap
Prepared for everything from light drizzles to scorching heat, this baseball style cap dries swiftly and provides essential airflow through its vented side panels. Its multipurpose nature makes it perfect for the hiker who demands performance and protection in one package.
Choosing this cap is a great option due to its:
- Fast-Drying Fabric: Keeps you dry and comfortable, even if you work up a sweat.
- Mesh Side Panels: Enhance ventilation, allowing heat and moisture to escape.
- UPF 40 Protection: Shields your face from moderate sun exposure, essential for long hikes. Helped by the curved peak design.
- Adjustable Back Strap: Lets you secure the hat for a comfy fit.
- Retainer Clip: Attaches to your hood or collar, preventing the hat from being lost in windy conditions.
Musto makes incredible outdoor clothing, and this is an excellent choice for a hike of any length.
The Best All-Round Sun Hat
Before we wrap up, we just wanted to put the spotlight on one more hat that we absolutely adore.
This is a truly versatile sun hat for the country man and it can actually be worn for all the activities we mentioned above.
Hoggs of Fife Panmure Canvas Foldable Hat
This hat proves that one size truly can fit all, providing the convenience and comfort desired in an everyday sun hat.
Its well-rounded features include:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Provides maximum protection from harmful UV rays, keeping your skin safe during extended sun exposure.
- Buoyancy: Designed to float in water, perfect for beach outings or water activities, ensuring it won’t get lost if dropped.
- Ventilation: Strategically placed vents allow superior airflow, keeping your head cool and comfortable on hot days by preventing overheating and sweating.
- Foldable: Easy to pack and comes with a drawstring bag, making it convenient to carry and store without taking up much space.
- Water Repellent Finish: Protects your head from light rain, making it versatile for various weather conditions.
Hoggs of Fife has truly outdone themselves with this all-around sun hat, so we couldn't go without mentioning it!
Summary
Don't wait until the midday sun reminds you of the hat you forgot to wear.
With each option in our list here offering specialised benefits to cater to your countryside vocation or avocation, you're now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed pick for your next sun hat.
We also have a full collection of sun hats to have a browse through if you haven't quite made up your mind, so please take a look. Or feel free to get in touch with our team via phone or email - we'd be more than happy to steer you in the right direction of a great hat for you.
About the Author
Robert Coates is no stranger to the world of farm clothing! Residing on his family farm in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, he understands the importance of durable, practical garments for those who work the land. Whether he's discussing the latest innovations in waterproofing or sharing tips for selecting the best wellies, Robert's expertise is built upon his daily interactions with the challenges and rewards of agricultural life.
