Best Travel Hat for Easy Packing | 14 Packable Hats

If you're looking for a packable hat with features that bolster your headwear game on any vacation, look no further than the Melin Pace Hydro. It floats, which means it's handy for water adventures—we wore it in the ocean and were able to find it easily any time a rogue wave came in a little too fast and knocked it off. It has anti-microbial technology to ensure it stays clean and smell-free, and is breathable and recycled. What's not to love?

The brim on this travel hat is flatter than some users might be used to, but you can train some curvature into it over time. The exterior has reflective accents so that you can be seen on early morning or late night runs, there are holes in the materials for breathability, and you can throw it in the washer occasionally to ensure it stays clean. And the grippy headband makes the hat feel very secure on the head, but not so much that it's irritating on a hot day.

This isn't the most packable hat; however, it folds up easily and will fit inside most daypacks and larger slings without an issue. It's lightweight, too, so it won't hold you back if you attach it to your crossbody bag. Depending on how you travel, this might be the best travel hat for you!

• It floats, which is ideal for aquatic adventures
• The anti-microbial technology ensures it doesn’t get musty

• It isn’t the most packable hat on this list
• Some users won’t like how flat the brim is

Best Value

Sometimes, packable gear gets a steep price hike simply because it's an item designed for travel. However, that isn't the case with the getaway Pack Light Hat. At the time of writing, it comes in at under $40, which is a solid deal for a packable hat that packs down small enough to fit into your palm. Plus, the simple design offers a sleek look that goes with almost any outfit you might bring on your next trip.

Whereas this hat looks sleek, the design can look slightly bulky on some, especially around the temples. If your head doesn't fill out the materials, this may be more of an issue. However, for most users, this won't be a problem. The good news is that the stretchy material feels lightweight and breathable, regardless of how the hat looks. It also compresses into a tiny package. While the EVA foam can get a little misshapen if you leave it scrunched up for too long, it's easy enough to bend it back into place.

For the price, durability, materials, and packability features, this is one of the best travel hat models that also happens to come at a budget-friendly price. Plus, there are multiple colorways to choose from!

getaway Pack Light Hat 2.0 on a masculine and feminine head.

• Comes at a budget-friendly price
• It utilizes durable materials, so you don’t have to worry about being gentle with it

• Materials can look slightly bulky if your head shape doesn’t fill it out
• Style won’t match all outfits

Okay, ultralight travelers, this next one is for you. The Parapack P-Cap is a packable hat that also makes it on the list of best travel hat models because it is comfortable and easy to pack and unpack. It’s easy to adjust the size for any head width, it’s UPF 50+ rated, and it’s crafted from recycled materials, too. What’s not to love about that?

Considering how light this thing is (one ounce—that’s the same as a single AA battery!), the materials aren’t as durable as other packable hats on this list. However, that doesn’t mean this thing won’t stand the test of time. It isn’t the most structured hat, which can make it look a little goofy at times; however, it also adds to its breathability, which is helpful. Overall, it wears like you’d expect a packable hat to, so keep that in mind.

The style and the hat's soft structure can take some getting used to. But if you’re looking for a hat that can pack down tiny, is incredibly lightweight, and comes in multiple colorways, this might be the best travel hat for your next trip!

Parapack P-Cap on a masculine and feminine head.

• One of the most packable hats on the market
• The materials are durable for how thin they are

• The creases can stay longer than you’d like
• It looks sporty, which might not be your goal

If you're a digital nomade looking for the best travel hat for your journey, you’ve probably come across the Western Rise Versa Hat. Online, it's touted as one of the most versatile packable hats on the market (hence the name). You might be wondering, does it live up to the hype?

For the most part, yes! It's sleek, stylish, and packs down small enough to fit inside most places you'd try to store a hat. We've found it comfortable across wearers, although it can look large on smaller-headed travelers, leaving notable gaps around the temples. There are six colorways available at the time of writing, but none are very saturated, which might be a bummer for those who like to make a statement. However, all the available colors are easy to match, which is ideal for the only hat you'll be bringing on a long trip!

Packability is top-notch because of how flexible the brim is. That said, as with a lot of the hats on this post, the brim can still get a little misshapen when you roll it. So, you'll want to make sure it's flat before you wear it.

Western Rise Versa Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• It’s a do-it-all hat that works for most situations
• Packs down small enough for world travel

• Might not work for smaller-headed travelers
• No vibrant colors are available at the time of writing

If you're looking for a packable hat that doesn't look exactly like every other travel hat on the market, check out the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap. It has a unique style tailored to outdoor activities or crossing a sweaty concrete jungle and offers some of the best sun protection. The brand rates this hat for three seasons and touts the TransAction headband as an excellent way to keep sweat away from your eyes.

It folds up small enough to fit into your pocket, which is where the name comes from. Instead of the classic adjustment band in the back, there are three hat sizes to choose from. While that means you don't have to worry about adjusting it once it arrives, you also can't adjust the fit if it's just a little too loose or tight. We recommend measuring your head before purchasing (instead of guessing) to ensure you get the correct size, and be prepared for it to feel slightly loose or snug depending on the size of your head.

This style won't be the answer to everyone's dream of finding the best travel hat for their next adventure. It looks a little sporty for everyday wear, and the logo is pretty hard to miss. That said, we enjoy the look and think it's a solid change of pace from other options we've seen on the market!

Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap on a masculine and feminine head.

• It has a unique style compared to other travel hats
• It offers UPF 40 protection

• The look might not work for everyone
• It isn’t adjustable, so you need the exact right size

Sometimes, you want a winter hat that looks good and keeps you warm at the same time. However, many models will excel in one feature or the other, not at the same time. Not the Arc'teryx Mallow Toque Hat! It comes in two colorways, is crafted from a 50/50 blend of tech wool (a polyester/wool mixture) and recycled polyester, and has unique heritage styling that matches most outfits.

The price might seem high for what you get, and while we agree with that at a base level, this thing is quite warm compared to other hats that look similar. The combination of fabrics keeps you warm without suffocating your head, which is ideal for trips where you'll be active or walking a lot. The folded design is particularly snug around the ears, keeping them nice and toasty. The limited colorways might not work for all travelers, but they're unique from many options on this list, which we dig.

Packability isn't the best since the fabric is quite thick, so you're sacrificing a bit of space for the knitted design. If you're looking for something a little different from a brand that can be trusted to keep you warm, this might be the best travel hat for your next cold-weather adventure!

Arc'teryx Mallow Toque Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• It looks more stylish than other winter hats
• Tech wool adds durability and functionality

• The price is high for what you get
• Not many colorway options

The Patagonia R1 Air Beanie initially felt a bit too tight-fitting in the first days of our testing. We got the S/M size, which felt snug among the crew members with small heads. However, we eventually appreciated the snug fit, as the lack of any extra loose material eliminated any distractions, which is really helpful when we're trying to work on something outside.

The super soft technical fleece initially made us apprehensive, as we sometimes find this material too good at retaining heat. Fortunately, that's not the case here, as air escapes fairly easily without disappearing completely.

Overall, we're really digging the skull cap vibe of this beanie. And since it doesn't have too much material, it also compresses into a very small package, even for a fleece-based beanie.

Patagonia R1 Air Beanie on a masculine and feminine head.

• Skull cap-like fit feels very snug and cozy
• Easy to roll even if it's made of fleece

• Snug fit may not be to everyone's taste
• Extremely limited color options

Who said that Merino Wool has to be expensive? The Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie proves that Merino Wool doesn't need to empty your wallet and is one of the best travel fabrics on the market—just make sure you're not sensitive to this material (some people are).

This hat is available with Amazon Prime shipping at the time of writing, so you can get it for the trip you just remembered that you should have prepared for. It comes in at under $25, which is excellent for Merino Wool. If you aren’t familiar with the material, check out our guide! To summarize, it's a wool fabric that's very good at moisture wicking and retaining warmth without overheating. Moreover, it's a relatively light fabric, so it's not overly bulky when you need to pack it.

We feel that this hat looks a little cheap, which isn’t the end of the world, but it will deter some users. However, over two dozen colorways are available at the time of writing, so you can find one that fits your vibe.

For the price and materials, this is one of the best travel hat models for winter adventures on a budget.

Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie on a masculine and feminine head.

• This hat is budget-friendly
• It’s crafted from Merino Wool, so it wicks moisture and can be worn a bunch between washing

• It looks cheaper than other Merino options we’ve seen—you get what you pay for
• Material quality isn’t quite up to standard

The wonders of Merino wool include a relatively light and packable size for the amount of warmth you're getting. That said, the Smartwool Thermal Merino Beanie's size is still exceptional, as it's one of the smallest beanies we've ever packed. That's because of its super-thin design.

While it's not thick enough to keep you warm on extremely cold days on its own, it's a great option for layering under thicker hats or sports helmets. It's also great on its own in cool weather, like during transitional seasons or days when the snow has already settled. If you want a very minimal beanie to layer with another hat, this may be the best option for you.

Those with small heads may find the hat a bit too loose. The good news is that those with larger heads will find that there's a ton of stretchability to play around with, so getting comfy isn't an issue.

Smartwool Thermal Merino Beanie on a masculine and feminine head.

• Packs very small, even among beanies
• Merino wool retains heat super effectively for how thin and light it is

• Not the warmest beanie on very cold days
• Feels a bit too loose for those with small heads

Some sun hats are more for looks than packability, which is fine. However, sometimes, you want something you can pack down easily that still offers sun protection. Enter the Tilley Dunes Drifter Hat. This model is easy to pack, crafted from lightweight materials, and looks stylish and fun at the same time. There are a few colors available, too, so you can get one that fits the vibe you're shooting for.

While it only comes in two sizes (which feels limiting compared to other Tilley hats on the market), you can easily adjust it once you've got it on using a cinch cord in the back. The chin strap is easy to tighten, and its material is quite smooth on the skin, giving it a luxurious and comfy feeling against your face. It's also completely detachable if you're not into that. For breathability on hot days, holes along the top allow air to flow through more freely and prevent heat from building up around your head.

The hat's brim is notably structured in a way that sets it apart from other sun hats. Though it has a floppy look, a wire reinforcement along the edge allows you to shape it however you'd like. That said, the wire can get wonky if you leave it compressed for too long, so it'll need some reshaping once you need to wear the hat.

Tilley Dunes Drifter Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• A do-it-all hat for any adventure, urban or rural
• The drawstring is helpful and easy to use

• Only two sizes to choose from
• It is not the most stylish hat, even if it is functional

This hat's raffia material is super breathable, and that's not to be taken for granted when you're outdoors and baking in the sun. Testing this hat, we experience little to no heat buildup around the head. That's good news. However, the raffia material does come with the caveat of being a bit itchy on the scalp since it's a relatively rough material. Those with hair shouldn't have issues.

Packability isn't this hat's strong suit either. Having left it folded and packed inside our bag for a few days, it took an almost equal amount of time to return to its original shape. That's quite a bummer since we really rather like how this hat looks, The material is pliable enough that the hat is relatively easy to compress and pack away. However, you should make sure you're not leaving it squished down for days, or else it will take some finessing and time to return it to its original shape; it's fine to do for short periods, though.

If you don't mind the raffia material's roughness, this is a nice little sun hat that's not overly large like other ones.

J.Crew Wide-brim Raffia Bucket Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• Raffia material is super breathable and looks rather unique for a bucket hat
• A decent size for those who don't necessarily want the largeness of a sun hat

• Raffia material is a bit itchy on the scalp
• Takes some time to regain its shape if it stays folded for too long

Some vacations will take you to the beach, so it’s best to have planned protection from the sun’s rays while you’re there. Even if you wear sunscreen, keeping the sun out of your eyes while you enjoy the water, read a book, or listen to the waves is nice.

The FURTALK Beach Hat comes at a budget-friendly price, has multiple colorways available, and folds down to pack it more easily. When we shoved it into a travel backpack, it came out on the other side of a few airplane rides without any noticeable creases. Seriously, it's the sun hat equivalent of those toy inflatables that you simply can't knock down. It’s crafted from paper, cotton, and polyester, which give it the unique straw-hat look without being super breakable.

That said, this isn’t the most durable hat on the market, so it’s best to try and keep it out of harm’s way (we've uncovered a few loose threads over the course of testing the hat). It doesn’t have a drawstring on the bottom to keep it from falling off, so it might not be the best choice for a windy day, though we found it fit pretty securely and stayed on well.

Given the price point, sun protection offered, and trendy look, this might be the best packable sun hat for you.

FURTALK Beach Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• It comes in at a budget-friendly price
• Packs down well for such a large hat

• Not the most durable hat on this list
• It’s a one-trick pony; there aren’t a ton of uses for this hat

Lightness, softness, and rigidity—these three are desirable qualities to have on a sun hat, but they're almost always exclusive from each other. The Wallaroo Montecito somehow achieves all three. Wearing it almost feels like you have nothing on your head. And when you do notice it, the fabric feels soft and gentle, so you don't really mind the sensation.

You might expect it to have floppy structure, then. Fortunately, that's addressed well, too. The brim doesn't flop down at all, staying pretty stiff and structured for most of our testing. It almost feels more like a cowboy hat than the flowy sun hat most people have in their minds.

Packability is on point as well. The rigidity may be there, but there's enough flexibility to make sure it packs down flat. It's as simple as caving in the top and compressing the hat like a taco. Granted, you still end up with a lengthy but flat hat to pack, but it's at least a shape you can easily slip between your other gear.

Given the price point, sun protection offered, and trendy look, this might be the best packable sun hat for you.

Wallaroo Montecito on a masculine and feminine head.

• Feels so light on the head
• Fairly rigid for how light and soft the material is

• Inner drawstring adjustment takes some finessing to get right
• So light it might get blown off too easily

For those who are serious about sun protection, it’s essential to have a do-it-all model in your arsenal that can handle any trip. Here at Pack Hacker, that’s the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat. We don’t feel that it’s always the best travel hat for the job, but it does most things well, and we’ll explain how.

The materials are durable enough to handle the bumps and knocks of travel, from days fishing for trout on the river to afternoons at the beer garden in the city. However, the fabric is lightweight, so it won’t take up much room or weight inside your pack when you aren’t using it. Remember, it’ll rain in the desert every now and then! Because of the chosen materials (nylon and polyester), it’s easy to pack down.

As we mentioned earlier, this hat isn’t perfect for every trip. Chief among our nitpicks is that the hat's adjustment doesn't feel as thorough as other sun hats of this style. It also sits relatively low on your forehead, and the chin strap feels pretty basic.

Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat on a masculine and feminine head.

• Offers excellent sun protection
• Utilizes durable materials

• Not suitable for fancier occasions
• Lightweight materials might not be the most durable