Summer is a truly beautiful time, long months of sunshine and clear skies and countless hours of outdoor fun.
For those of us who live in the Northern United States and Canada, we use every free moment to get out and enjoy the coldest lakes, rivers, and beaches year-round.
All this being done outside means that we are at risk of sunburn. And I mean serious risk, because you can burn like crazy after spending all day floating on a paddle board or tanning in the beach without shade.
Sun damage will accelerate the formation of wrinkles, sun spots, and aging of your skin. In fact, it’s estimated that about 80% of your skin’s aging is a result of UV exposure.
Sun hats are the easiest and most convenient solution to keep your skin healthy and fresh. From baseball caps to full-brimmed hats to sun visors, they provide shelter for your face (and/or neck) to prevent sun damage and sunburn.
Every spring, I make it my mission to find great sunglasses to use in my Canadian summer. I spent hours researching dozens of options, testing as many as I could, and reading hundreds of reviews.
My research led me to put together this list of the best, most reliable, and versatile sunglasses you can use in the coming months.
Sunday Afternoon Fun Hat
Planning a day of hiking? Throw on this hat and you’ll stay protected from the sun. The 4-inch brim provides full protection for your face and the 7.5-inch neck cap ensures that your neck will never get sunburned.
The water and stain resistant nylon body is tough as nails while the polyester crown features moisture wicking and breathability to keep your head cool. Also, the fabric is treated with SPF50+ UV protection.
Panama Jack Lifeguard Sun Hat
There’s a lot to love about this hat: a 4.5-inch wide curved brim that fully protects your face, natural UVA and UVB protection, excellent breathability, an internal elastic sweatband, and, best of all, surprisingly light weight.
It’s so comfortable and light you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it—the perfect hat for golfing, fishing, yard work, and lounging at the beach or pool.
Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Omni Shade Sun Hat
Whether you’re hiking or climbing, you’ll appreciate this hat’s combined breathability and light weight.
The 3-inch brim keeps your view of the surroundings from being disturbed but still provides enough protection from the sun.
I really like the “ultra-sweat-wicking” headband, which keeps my face dry and my head cool even on the hottest days. It’s the perfect all-day hot hat for my outdoor adventures.
Fishpond Low Country Hat
When I’m planning a day of dock fishing or kayak fishing, I’ll always reach for my Fishpond Low Country Hat.
The silhouette is iconic, the Guatemalan palm fibers are strong but beautifully light, and breathable enough to keep me from baking in the sun.
The 4.5-inch brim provides great protection for my face and neck and the cord keeps the hat secure on my head. Highly recommended.
adidas Victory 4 Bucket Hat
My sons love this hat on their daily fishing trips. They are especially comfortable with breathability, thanks to the mesh ventilation integrated into the crown.
The boonie bucket silhouette is an iconic style that every angler will get used to (and love), and it pairs perfectly with a fishing vest and/or waders.
Wicking, solar-protection, and lightweight – just a great fishing hat.
North FACE Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
Athletes, runners, and long-distance runners, this hat is built with you in mind. The nylon body is lightweight and breathable while still being highly resistant to damage from the sun, heavy sweat, dust, and rain.
The sweatband wicks moisture and dries quickly, and the entire hat features UV protection that will protect your skin all day. Best of all, it’s made from 75% (or more) recycled materials—eco-friendly and sustainable, too.
Quiksilver Pierside Straw Hat
The tight straw weave in this hat makes it strong and very protective against the sun and rain.
The padded headband ensures comfort and keeps sweat from dripping off your face.
Thanks to the adjustable chin strap, you’ll never have to worry about the hat flying off even if the wind kicks up while you’re kayaking or boating. And you can’t argue with the insanely affordable price tag.
EINSKEY Unisex Sun Hat
This is my hat for paddleboarding and kayaking trips. The fabric protects against the sun and water, and is designed to fold down small enough to fit in my dry bag or backpack when not in use.
It’s great for keeping the sea spray, rain, and sun off my face, and the water-resistant coating ensures it’ll stay dry even if I accidentally drop it.
Quiksilver Bushmaster Floppy Visor Bucket Hat
This floppy hat is a packable best friend. Its lack of a strong brim makes it easy to roll into a tight bundle that fits in a bag, pocket, or backpack compartment, but when it’s in place on your head, the 4-inch brim provides good protection from the sun.
Cotton fabric is not strong or water resistant, but it is comfortable and soft against your skin.