Fashionable and Packable Sun Hats for Summer Vacation

Sometimes we are so excited about traveling, and taking that long awaited v.acation, that we overlook some important things.  A sun hat may seem like a small, unimportant, or less important, part of the wardrobe.  Swim suits and outfits are certainly on the top of the list to acquire.  We may be tempted to just grab a hat that looks good and throw it into the suitcase, but with a little forethought, you can be extremely pleased once it's time to put that sucker on.

........   My list of features for the perfect sun hat   ........

1. It must be large enough to cover face and ears.  Ball caps and visors won't do this.
2. A chin strap and or adjustability is a must, to tighten for wind.
3. The fabric must have venting, or be made of breathable (not heavy) material.  A hat that makes your head hot will make you miserable and less likely to wear it.
4. The color must be light, preferably with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) built in.  You want to reflect the suns rays, not absorb them and have a steaming hot head.
5. It must look good, of course, and be packable in some cases, so you can take your favorite sun hat along with you.

This article contains links to hats that get very good ratings and reviews on Amazon.

Some have a UPF rating, and some don't.  The one in the image here comes with and without UPF block.

Many of us do a lot of shopping from home.  Finding the right hat can be daunting when shopping online.  Choose to buy from a reputable company with a good name.  The Amazon site allows pretty much anyone to set up shop and make money.  Beware of cheaply made products from overseas.

Read the reviews!  I love having reviews to go by when choosing products, but we have to be discerning.  Is that one-star review because of the product or because of poor shipping?

If many reviewers have mostly good things to say about the product, it is probably a good bet you will like it too.  

Search for a hat that will fit your needs best.  Will it be worn in the backyard for gardening and yard work? Or will you be sailing along the water with a breeze blowing?  I'm still searching for a good hat for boating.

The UPF factor may or may not be a priority, as it is a hat, and that in itself means your face and neck will be out of the sun.  In very hot climates a UPF factor is necessary, but maybe not so much in a cooler climate with less sun problems.  Although, most hats do include sun protection in the form of UPF.

Sometimes we get lazy and just grab our favorite ball cap or trusty visor as we head out to the beach.  These are useless as protection from the suns harmful rays.  Visors and ball caps are usually made of heavy material that will just soak up the sweat and be wet and uncomfortable.

Columbia Sportswear also has a nice selection of colorful head coverings, with UPF.  Their hats have chin straps, in some cases, and are adjustable by using a drawstring and toggle in the back or inside. I own a Columbia hat which I wear out fishing often.

Many of the hats on this page come in earth tone colors, like beige and tan.  Some of them also come in bright tropical hues.  Remember that a darker hat will heat up faster on your head.  For that reason I stay away from dark colors.

Hats with holes, or mesh look can let sun through, no matter what the UPF factor is.

Sunscreen is still necessary since no hat can keep all the sun off your face and neck all the time.  And sunglasses will protect the eyes from harmful rays.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to buying a sun hat.  For the most part we want protection from the suns harmful rays, while looking good in the hat we choose.

I go boating and fishing often in Florida, so I need a packable hat with a chin strap that has a good UPF factor.  I'm also a gardener, so a hat with a wide brim to wear around the yard suits me too.

Those who do a lot of traveling and hiking need to find good looking, packable sun hats.

Basically, we all have varying needs, but I hope I've shown you some good options when trying to buy the perfect wide-brimmed hat.