The 5 Best Surf Hats to Have This 2021 – Reviews and Buying Guide

There is no doubt that surfing adventures are not complete without a complete set of equipment. This includes a surf hat. A surf fat is something that you can provide protection to your head and face – something that is often left out. Some end up assuming that their hair is enough to give them protection, but the rays of the sun can still enter through the strands, burning your scalp. On top of that, the bright rays from the sun can turn out to be harmful to the eyes. UV rays are also not good for the skin on your face. 

Among the most common reasons why some surfers forget to wear a surf hat is that they are quite challenging to keep them the entire time while surfing. Still, if you are aiming at providing yourself the right level of protection, having one should be prioritized. Skin problems which may come as a consequence of not wearing one can be scary. To help you out in making a wise purchasing decision, we have created a list of the best surf hat options that you can take into consideration. 

Dakine Surf Cap – Best Overall Surf Hat

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Size Options: One Size
  • Material Used: 100% Polyester
  • Color Options: Griffin, Black

Product Specification

  • Refreshing Design

This surf hat is a straightforward but highly refreshing surf cap. One thing that makes it a preferred option is the reputation of its manufacturer. This is a good point to start for any surfer who may have not yet tried wearing head equipment while enjoying water sports before. It is designed like a classic baseball cap, feeling light and not intrusive at all. This is easy to get acquainted with after just a few adjustments. 

  • 50+ SPF Rating

This surf hat comes in a cap design, which is preferred by others because of its overall convenience. It also comes with features that will remind you to have it on each time you go out to surf. For example, it comes with a 50+ SPF rating which is actually an advantage, considering the need to paddle out all day, especially during the hottest times of the day. Surfing is usually best with the sun shining brightly, but this could be harmful to your skin. Having a surf hat on will give you an extra layer of protection. 

  • Proper Ventilation

The W20 surf hat will not cover your head and ears and not give up enough ventilation. This is made possible with the use of mesh coverings that covers the ears. This design will still allow you to hear well while out of the water. Another interesting feature of this surf hat is a moveable brim that allows you to turn it upwards to get a wider peripheral view, particularly as you need to readjust your position. 

Pros

  • 50+ SPF rating
  • Quick-drying and mesh type
  • Brim can be flipped inside out

Cons

  • Sun protection only to the front 

Anroll Surfing Bucket Hats – Effective Removable Flap Cover Design

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Size Options: Adjustable Size
  • Material Used: Fast drying polyester dark fabric
  • Color Options: Black

Product Specification

  • Fast Drying

This surf hat comes in a bucket design and is made out of polyester dark fabric. This type of fabric is designed to offer fast-drying properties, which is why it is ideal for use under the sun. It offers enough protection against the harmful UV rays, avoiding the negative effects of too much exposure to the sun. Since it dries fast, you can wear it all day long, after taking a few breaks to allow it to dry a bit. 

  • Ideal for Action Sports

The Anroll surf bucket hat is designed ideally for those who engage in a lot of action sports, such as paddle surfing and stand-up surfing. Other activities in which it can also be used may include fishing or cruising, flat water race, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, hiking, and canoeing. 

  • Adjustable Size

Since the size of this bucket surf hat is adjustable, it is very easy and convenient to use, taking into consideration the different head sizes of the actual users. This hat comes with a securing chin strap which is effective in making sure that it stays in shape. It is ideal for use for both men and women, being a unisex surf cap. 

  • Extra Protection

Extra protection is also provided by this surf hat. For example, it is designed to stop the water from directly hitting your face as you surf. It also performs well in providing the needed protection to your neck, thanks to its removable flap that can cover your neck, helping to protect this sensitive part of your body against sunburn. 

Pros

  • Fast drying
  • Adjustable size
  • Removable flap covers

Cons

  • Not enough coverage on the face 

FCS Essential Surf Hat – Best for Lightweight Design

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Size Options: Adjustable Size
  • Material Used: Micro Fiber
  • Color Options: Light Grey, Black, Heather Blue

Product Specification

  • Simple Design

If you are looking for a surf hat that features a simple and basic design, this surf hat is one thing that needs to add to your surfing equipment list. The best part is that it comes at a very affordable price that will not break your bank. Because of its basic design, it can also be used for other activities, even for daily use, as the design is safe enough, and not just for surfing.

  • Enough Shade Coverage

The shade coverage offered by this surf hat is just enough. It comes with an elastic strap to ensure that it stays attached to your head. Note, however, that because of this limited coverage, it may not be ideal for extended sessions where you can expect a huge sun arc. Still, it works well in locations where the source of light is mainly overhead. 

  • Manufacturer Reputation 

This surf hat will also give you peace of mind, knowing that you are purchasing from a brand that is known to provide quality products. FCS is a respected brand and they are popular with quality accessories that are known to last several seasons, and not just during a single surfing trip. This surf hat is also a result of the collaboration of surfboard shapers and athletes, making this brand a preferred choice in the industry. 

  • Non-Corrosive Fixing Clips

The use of non-corrosive fixing clips in these hats helps them to drain water. It also comes with a blackstrap and secure earpieces. Other interesting features of this hat include perforated panels, as well as matte silicone branding. 

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to fix
  • Simple to use

Cons

  •  Limited shade cover

Crossen Surf Hat Cap – Best Surf Hat Cap Design

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Size Options: One size – 21 – 24 inches circumference
  • Material Used: Color-Fast Nylon Fabric
  • Color Options: Four colors

Product Specification

  • Simple, No Frills Look

These surf hats are designed with a simple and no-frills look which is both super functional and casual in the water. It is particularly useful when going on surf trips when you will be faced with waves that are pumping, while the sun is strongly blaring. This hat is good enough to allow you to stay in water longer.

  • Lightweight Design

These surf hat caps are lightweight and quick drying. They feature a semi-rigid brim that is at the exact length, enough to cast a shadow over the entire face. They can also be compressed to a small size, allowing them to be stashed easily inside your pocket. Each of these hats comes with a low-profile buckle for its strap, making sure that it will not come off as you do duck diving. It will also feel comfortable while on top of your head. 

  • Attractive Appeal

Another important thing that should be taken into consideration, is the attractive appeal of your surf hat. These hats offer a little more personality, even giving the advantage of allowing people to know of your presence. This is pretty helpful in avoiding the poach, late drop, and even letting your friends know where to find you as you crank that huge cutty. 

While other hats provide full ear protection, they may end up being oversized, hindering you from enjoying a snug fit. These hats, from Crossen, allow you to put the surf hat on top of your ears, offering an amazing deal of effective coverage where it is needed. 

Pros

  • Hassle-Free Design
  • Enough length for protection
  • Comfortable to wear

Cons

  • Some issues with the cap staying on the head 

Quiksilver Bushmaster Bucket Hat – 100% Cotton Bucket Hat

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Size Options: Adjustable Size
  • Material Used: 100% Cotton
  • Color Options: Black, India Ink, Nautical Blue, Oyster Gray, Tarmac, Camo, Khaki, Thyme, Parisian Night, Steeple Gray

Product Specification

  • Effective Features

With these Quicksilver bushmaster hats, you can easily keep sunburn at bay. Whether you are using this hat at the beach or doing your tasks in your yard, the cotton fabric, combined with the adjustable chinstrap will easily keep your head comfortable and cool. 

  • Front Panel Features

These hats come with a front panel that features the popular Quicksilver mountain and wave logo, allowing your friends to easily spot your favorite brand for surfing. With these hats on, you can stay cool and shaded even on a sunny day. The adjustable chinstrap also cinches to the size of your head. 

Pros

  • 100% Cotton
  • Pull-on closure design
  • Adjustable strap with matching fabric

Cons

  • Not enough coverage 

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Surf Hats

When it comes to choosing the best surf hat for yourself, you can opt for a baseball cap style of surf hat or a bucket head style. There are some designs and brands of surf hats that you can choose from, which is why it is generally recommended to do your research before making a decision. Skipping this part may end up with you getting dissatisfied with your purchase. 

In order to ensure a wise purchasing decision, there are a number of factors that you can take into consideration. Here are some of them:

Coverage Area

It is important to determine the coverage area or the sun protection level that the hat can offer. This means that it is recommended to get a hat that can cover the entire head, as well as the back of your neck if needed. In order to protect your face effectively, you need a surf hat that comes with a bill, keeping the sun out of your face. 

UV Protection

It is also recommended to get a surf hat that features UV protection properties. Surf hats that provide UV protection are usually made out of material that features a special coating. With regular surf hats, harmful rays may penetrate the fabric of the hat, causing damages to the skin. Therefore, it is important to choose a surf hat that features a protective coating against UV rays. 

Secure Fit

Having a secure and good fit is another very important factor that you need to make sure is present in your surf hat. This is because your hat will most likely be exposed to strong resistance and wind action. As such, having a good fit, a secure mechanism and a secure buckle on your head are very important, especially when doing duck dives. 

Fast Drying Properties

A quality surf hat should be fast drying. Regardless of the amount of care you will put into your hat while surfing, it will get wet. If your hat does not dry fast, you will feel uncomfortable and may not enjoy the entire experience to the end. You would not want a soggy fabric touching your face while surfing. Make sure that your chosen surf hat is made out of fast-drying material. It is usually described in the specifications. 

FAQs

1. Are surfing hats fast drying even when exposed to water for an extended period of time?

The best models of surf hats are those that dry fast. After all, they are meant to get wet despite taking a high level of care. There is no guarantee that your hat will not get wet. Upon getting wet, it could become uncomfortable to the rider. You cannot imagine the feeling of wearing something out of a soggy fabric in contact with your face. This could be really annoying. As such, it is recommended to select a surf hat that is made out of quick-drying material in order to avoid these types of issues from happening. 

2. Is a surf hat really necessary?

True, you can still surf even without a surf hat. Ultimately, the decision of whether to have one or not is entirely up to you. Still, if you really care about your skin and would like to avoid the early appearance of wrinkles, then a surf hat will do wonders in providing protection to your skin. 

3. Is wearing a surf hat worth it?

A surf hat, in general, is priced between $20 to $50, with the actual price depending on the hat model and brand. On the other hand, the cost of treating skin care problems that may arise as a result of over-exposure to the sun could reach thousands of dollars. This means that getting a surfing hat is a good investment if you are looking at getting extra protection from the rays of the sun. 

4. Why do you need to wear a surf hat?

As you are trying your best to keep the sun away from your face, you need something fitting comfortable, and well in order to enjoy your favorite sport. With the market filled with options on surfing hats that you can choose from, there is no shortage of choices for you. As you choose the best surf hat from the oceans of choices out there, make sure that you take some time in checking the features really well. 

5. Are the good surf hats expensive?

Not necessarily. It does not mean that the most expensive ones are the best out there. In fact, there are some affordably-priced hats that come with features that are also present in pricier ones. Make sure that you do not end up paying a very high price just to get the best surf hat that will fit your needs and preferences. 

Conclusion

This guide to choosing the best surf hat will no doubt help you in avoiding uncomfortable exposure to the sun and experience an unpleasant beetroot neck. Regardless of your surfing location, making sure that you have the best surf hat with you will give you the confidence and assurance of an amazing surfing experience. The options that are included in this list are not just about providing protection against UV rays, but also as a tool that will keep the glare out of your eyes. This allows you to be a step ahead while catching those waves.