Last Updated on October 30, 2023

Sun protection should always be a high priority when you are venturing in a desert climate.

A desert hiking outfit is not complete without a high quality sun hat that can help you shield off some dangerous UV rays, and unfortunately a regular baseball hat or vizor won’t do in this case.

Sun rays are very strong in the desert and get reflected by the sand, pointing in every direction – it is really easy to get sunburnt unless you are covered from head to toe.

Wide-brimmed hats made of cotton or breathable natural fibers are ideal for the desert.

So-called “sun hats” are made of lightweight materials that are especially good at keeping UV rays at bay, which makes them the most suitable choice for your upcoming desert hiking adventure.

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Best Hat for Desert Hiking
Desert Sun Hat

Best Sun Hats for Desert Hiking


Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney

Panama Jack Mesh Crown Safari Sun Hat


Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat

Keep your head protected when you’re hiking in the desert or portaging to the next put-in.

The UPF 50 fabric of the Sombriolet Sun Hat protects you from intense sun, while strategically placed vents and wicking fabric in the crown keep you cool and dry.

Piping along the brim edge offers greater wind resistance when a summer storm unexpectedly brews.

Desert Sun Hat


Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney

This Booney-style hat features an adjustable chinstrap to keep the hat in place, whether it’s on your head or against the back of your neck. Either way, UPF 50 protection with Omni-Shade keeps harmful rays at bay.

Desert Sun Hat


Panama Jack Mesh Crown Safari Sun Hat

Crafted out of polyester mesh and nylon materials, this Panama Jack Castaway safari sun hat is designed with a crush-able/pack-able mesh crown, chin cord with adjustable toggle, inner sweatband, and a lightweight (floppy) 3″ big brim for ultimate UPF (SPF) 50+ UVA/UVB sun protection.

Keep the sun out of your face and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays under the comfort of this breathable, lightweight canvas material.

Desert Sun Hat

Protecting your mouth and face

A hat may not be enough to offer full head protection when the wind blows strong in the desert. Wear a scarf across the bottom half of your face, covering both your nose and mouth, or invest in a stylish balaclava for increased protection under the desert sun.

There’s a reason Shemagh scarves / Keffiyeh make for a popular clothing accessory in the desert, and they are especially useful if you are caught in the middle of a sandstorm or extremely windy weather as they can help you keep sand granules out of your mouth.

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100% cotton shemagh
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100% cotton keffiyeh
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Cotton/Polyester blend shemagh

Desert Camping Essentials Checklist


Desert Hat FAQs

What is the best sun hat for hiking in the desert?

A wide-brimmed sun hat made of a lightweight, breathable material with a UPF of 50+ is the best option for hiking in the desert. Some popular choices include the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney, and the Panama Jack Mesh Crown Safari Sun Hat.

What are the benefits of wearing a sun hat in the desert?

Wearing a sun hat in the desert can help to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause sunburn, heatstroke, and other health problems. A sun hat can also help to keep you cool and prevent your head from overheating.

What should I look for when choosing a sun hat for the desert?

Here are some things to look for when choosing a sun hat for the desert:

  • A wide brim to shade your face, neck, and ears.
  • A lightweight, breathable material to help keep you cool.
  • A UPF of 50+ to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • An adjustable fit so you can get a snug fit.
  • A packable design so you can easily bring it with you on your hikes.

What are some other ways to protect my head from the sun in the desert?

In addition to wearing a sun hat, here are some other ways to protect your head from the sun in the desert:

  • Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, ears, and the top of your head.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare.
  • Wear a neck gaiter or scarf to protect your neck from the sun.
  • Take frequent breaks in the shade.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Sheryl Cruise

    I really love the hiking hat from Columbia. A good hiking hat should really be comfortable and functional at the same time!Aside from that, the hiking hat items we usually get are from https://coalatree.com/collections/headwear recently. We just love supporting eco friendly brands so that’s where we get our stuff most of the time!

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