While you're free to shove on any old cap to run in, we're pretty confident in saying you'll benefit more from wearing one of the best running hats instead. We don't say this to make you spend money on another piece of running gear for the sake of it but because we have experienced the benefits of wearing a hat specially tailored to a runner's needs.
A good running hat will be sweat-wicking, quick drying and engineered to block sun or other obstructions the weather can bring on a run such as rain hail or flying debris from the terrain you may be used to running on.
We've spent time running in various different styles and designs and created a list of the top-performing hats and who they are best suited to. Coming out as number one is the Ciele GOCap SC, due to its lightweight material, ventilated design, and packability. Another top pick is the Lululemon Women's Fast and Free Running Hat, which features a wider back opening, making it ideal for runners with ponytails or buns.
Although this guide doesn’t cover every single running hat available, it offers a helpful starting point to help you find the right hat for you. You can also learn more about our testing methodology, read our answers to frequently asked questions, and find additional tips for choosing the perfect running hat at the end of this guide.
The best running hats you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Best running hat overall
Why it made our list: Ciele's GOCap SC cap is a reliable choice for runners who prioritize comfort and functionality. This hat incorporates the lightweight, fast-drying COOLmatic fabric made from Repreve recycled fibers, making it breathable and ideal for high-performance runs. With UPF +40 protection across the brim, front, and back panels, you're protected from strong sun exposure, while the reflective detailing adds safety for nighttime runs.
In testing, the GOCap SC proved to be incredibly comfortable, especially with its relaxed structure. Some runners may prefer more rigidity in their headwear, but the soft design allows for easy packability, thanks to the pliable SOFTcurve brim. This is a perfect feature for travelers, as the hat fits effortlessly into bags without losing shape.
The washing instructions are a little strict as the cap can only be washed in cold water with similar colors, no softener and no tumble drying allowed. This may deter runners who like to frequently machine-wash their sweaty gear. However, these care guidelines are manageable considering the GOCap SC’s overall durability, breathability, and sweat-wicking performance.
Bottom line: The Ciele GOCap SC is perfect for runners who can't go anywhere without their cap, offering lightweight comfort, sun protection, and is perfectly packable for every adventure.
Best running hat for women
Why it made our list: Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of running in hats — I hate wearing my ponytail low so that it fits through the opening at the bottom of the hat. I much prefer securing my hair higher, in a tight bun if possible. That feat would be nearly impossible in every single hat I’ve ever tried, with the exception of one: the Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat.
Thanks to a much wider-than-average back opening, women (or anyone, really) with long locks aren’t relegated to ponytails that sit at the base of their skulls. I was able to wear both a high pony and thick bun on several runs, while the Fast and Free stayed comfortably on my head. Try wearing a bun with most other hats, and it would either fly off mid-run or give you a tension headache bad enough to cut your mileage short.
Like a lot of other selections on our list, the Fast and Free is constructed from a lightweight wicking material that kept me cool and dry during testing. The forehead band did a great job at mopping the sweat from my brow, and the stretchy fabric helped the hat stay both secure and comfortable. And despite a pretty wide brim, I was able to pull the cap back enough so that I could maintain a decent field of vision.
Aside from a bigger back opening, the unstructured shape and smooth curves of the Fast and Free lend itself to a slightly more feminine fit and feel. The bright “raspberry cream” hue of the material helped matters, but don’t worry if you’re not into pink — the Fast and Free is available in four colors.
The Fast and Free isn’t without its faults, although they’re relatively minor: the sides of the hat extend pretty low, so your ears may get an irritating rubdown. Despite a flexible construction and an elastic adjustment band, the Fast and Free may feel too tight for those with bigger heads. And as with most things Lululemon, you’d never consider the Fast and Free to be a “budget-friendly” purchase. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Bottom Line: With ample room for your ponytail and a sleek, feminine design, the Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat is a top choice for women runners.
Best lightweight running hat
Why it made our list: When prepping for a long run day, the last thing you’ll want to bring along are heavy accessories. And as many runners will admit — something that seems light at the starting line may begin to feel weighty as the miles tick by. Fortunately, the ON Lightweight Cap maintains its practically invisible presence, from your very first stride to the finish line.
It’s fair to assume that you’ll never find a truly “heavy” running hat — they’re designed with movement and performance in mind, after all. But little details will make a big difference, and ON has perfected them to create the lightest of lightweight hats. Constructed from a smooth, matte polyester, the ON Lightweight Cap makes a departure from the stretchy mesh of some popular designs. My initial thought was that this was going to be rather sweltering on a warm day run, but that could not be further from the truth — I stayed cool thanks to the cap’s fast-drying materials and side venting. And because the cap was form-fitting without an uncomfortable cling to every curve of my skull, I was able to run without really noticing its presence.
Additionally, the ON Lightweight Cap’s fast-drying materials come in handy when you’re caught in a sudden downpour, as I was (that’ll teach me not to check the weather before I head out for a run). Despite enduring some quick and heavy rain, the cap didn’t get soaked to the point of saturation. By the time the skies cleared, it was almost completely dry.
Venting on the sides of the ON Lightweight Cap will keep you cool on long runs, but it will also leave small parts of your scalp unprotected (if you’ve got a lot of hair, this should be a non-issue). And while the cap is widely adjustable to fit most heads, I had some difficulty altering the size. You’ll need some pinch strength and hand dexterity.
The ON Lightweight Cap has some outstanding specs, but they come at a price. Almost double the price of some selections on our list, in fact. But if being “barely-there” matters more for the top of your head than for the cash in your wallet, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better hat.
Bottom Line: The aptly-named ON Lightweight Cap keeps you cool and dry while feeling virtually weightless.
Best running hat for warm weather
Why it made our list: Ciele Athletics took their popular GOCap, added more of their patented “COOLmatic” material, shortened a few panels, and toned down their logo to create the ALZCap — a great piece of headwear for your warm weather efforts.
You won’t have to worry about excessive sun exposure with the ALZCap — with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of +40, your noggin will be guarded from about 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. All that coverage doesn’t mean the ALZCap will feel stifling though, thanks in the most part to Ciele’s COOLmatic mesh and super lightweight construction.
I tested the ALZCap on an unseasonably warm day — 85 degrees Fahrenheit with 75% humidity — and the COOLmatic did an impressive job of keeping me as cool as the name implies. Generally, running under these conditions will leave me with hair so wet it looks like I just stepped out of the shower. While I wouldn’t say I was bone dry as I finished my last mile, I definitely noticed less sweat running into my eyes.
Usually, I’m forced to choose between eyewear or headwear in the summer since most hat brims curve at an angle that makes it impossible for sunglasses to stay on. But with the ALZCap’s flat, short and flexible brim, I was able to slip on both a pair of shades and the hat simultaneously. This was game-changing for me — I could focus on the road ahead without having to squint while protecting my face and scalp from the sun. Another plus side to ALZCap’s flat and soft brim? It allows you to fold up the hat for packing or storage.
Depending on your head size, the downside to this shorter brim is that more of your face may be exposed to sunlight. It’s also important to note that the ALZCap features shorter-than-average front and side panels for a snug fit. Neither of these aspects affected me too much — in fact, I much preferred ALZcap’s fit to most of the other hats on this list. But it may feel too small if you have a large skull or a tall forehead.
Bottom Line: Patented “COOLwick” material and a high UPF rating make the Ciele ALZcap your go-to running hat for the summer.
Best budget running hat
Why it made our list: Sure, having a high-tech running hat with all the bells and whistles is nice. But if you’re just looking for something to cover your head and keep the sun out of your eyes, the Headsweats Performance Race Hat is a solid choice that won’t break the bank.
Like a lot of running hats, the front and side panels have been shortened on the Headsweats Performance Race Hat, resulting in a more snug and secure fit. And with the exception of a stiff brim, it’s made entirely from a soft and flexible polyester mesh. These two factors ensure that the Headsweats Race Hat will be comfortable for any head size — it felt great on my average-sized skull, but I felt like it could fit bigger or smaller heads without issue.
Also ensuring a comfortable fit for most is the Headsweats’ easily adjustable back closure, which can widen or reduce the hat’s circumference by up to 2.5 inches. It may sound silly, but this was one of my favorite aspects of the Performance Race Hat — obviously, a lot of hats have adjustable closures, but it often takes some refined motor skills and an impressive amount of finger strength to make any size changes. A small, almost effortless tug on the Headsweats will render a looser or tighter fit. You can even make adjustments mid-run without slowing your pace.
The polyester mesh is light and does a decent job at wicking away sweat, but towards the end of my 5K, it started to feel a bit stifling. I wouldn’t consider it largely noticeable, and to be fair I tested the Headsweats on brutally hot days. But it’s still worth mentioning, especially for runners that live in humid environments. I should also note that there isn’t any reflective detailing on the Performance Race Hat, so be sure to wear it solely for daytime runs.
Another small annoyance was the Performance Race Hat’s sweatband, which would bunch up or stick out of the bottom of the cap frequently. I’d have to run my fingers along the edge to even out the fabric pretty much anytime I donned the cap. Again this was just a minor irritation, and the sweatband was successful at its intended purpose — keeping my forehead dry.
Bottom Line: The straightforward Headsweats Performance Race Hat is a budget-friendly cap that gets the job done.
Best running hat for long distances
Why it made our list: Increasing your mileage into double-digit territory will likely require some new gear for your arsenal. And while a great running hat is as beneficial on a 5K as it is on an ultramarathon, the Nathan Quick Stash Run Hat is a particularly useful option for your longer-distance efforts.
Two side pockets on the Nathan Quick Stash’s exterior provide an excellent and easily accessible place to store energy gels, credit cards, IDs, or other small essentials. At first, I wondered whether or not I’d like this feature, but it ended up being an incredibly efficient and safe way to carry around what I needed. I have a run belt for the days I slip on my shorts with no pockets, and to be honest, I hate it — it rides up constantly, and the velcro closure always scratches my skin. I loved being able to tote along with the things I needed in the Quick Stash’s pockets, without having to wear an annoying belt.
Aside from storage space, the Nathan Quick Stash Run Hat’s pockets can also be used to cool you down — fill each side with ice, and regulate your temperature while chasing your next PR. Using the pockets for this purpose allowed me to go a little further than usual, even in 90-degree Fahrenheit conditions. It’s a feature you’ll definitely want to try out on a warm, sunny day (and with no reflective detailing on the Quick Stash, you’ll only want to wear it during daylight hours).
The Nathan Quick Stash Run Hat does have slightly shorter paneling than a standard cap, but it’s not excessive. It’s also the most widely adjustable of any hat on our list, with a closure that can be tightened or loosened by up to five inches. Unless you’ve got an abnormally small or large head, it’s probable that this hat will fit you comfortably.
The Quick Stash’s soft, flat brim and lightweight mesh construction are great for packing purposes — it's easily foldable to fit in your bag or coat pocket. It’s also great for sun protection since Nathan claims the Quick Stash is UPF rated (although a specific value was not published). But in terms of cooling, the brim and mesh did an average job — it wicked away sweat, but felt a little suffocating near the end of my run.
Bottom Line: Two multi-purpose pockets make the Nathan Quick Stash Run Hat a perfect companion for your long-distance races.
Best running visor
Why it made our list: If you’ve got a thick head of hair, the thought of running in a muggy hat might cause you to break out in a sweat before you’ve even laced up. For runners who prefer to let their locks flow freely but still want some protection from the sun, the Buff Pack Speed Visor is a perfect compromise.
With no connecting fabric panels to withhold heat and humidity, the Buff Pack Speed Visor keeps you cooler than most of our other selections. Obviously part of that is due to its inherent design, but you can also attribute some of its success to its incredibly lightweight construction and soft, stretchy wicking fabric. That stretch allows the Pack Speed Visor to fit almost any head size or shape easily — it stayed fixed in place during testing without slipping down or digging into my scalp.
As with any visor, the Buff Pack Speed leaves the top of your head completely exposed. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t getting any sun protection — a UPF rating of 50 means your forehead and face are shielded from 98% of damaging UVA and UVB rays.
One of my biggest pet peeves of running in a hat is what to do with it when I’m not treading the trails. I frequently run from my house to the gym a few miles away, and unless I want to tow a running hat along with me while I lift (which means I leave it on the floor and forget it), I have to wear it during training. Amazingly, the Buff Pack Speed Visor can be folded down to an almost unbelievable size — small enough to fit in your pocket — while still maintaining its shape. I was able to stuff the visor in my hoodie at the gym, pull it back out again when I was ready to leave, and pop it back into place without a crease or fold in sight.
The Buff Pack Speed Visor is pliant enough to fit most, but there’s no way to adjust it for a precise fit. Since it’s only available in one size, there aren’t any options for those with heads substantially smaller or larger than average. And although the wicking material did a decent job during most of my test runs, the sweatband got pretty damp on one particularly warm longer-distance effort.
Bottom Line: The Buff Pack Speed Visor allows for maximum breathability while still offering sun protection.
How to choose the best running hat
It’s important to consider a few factors when selecting a running hat — namely your head shape and size, your desired coverage from the elements, and the kinds of temperatures you’ll be running in the most.
A running hat should fit securely but comfortably against your scalp, without feeling like it will slip out of place, fly off of your head, or block your eye line. Many running hats are adjustable, allowing you to select just the right fit. Several of the selections on our list are not adjustable however and are instead offered in various sizes. Others have shortened panels with a flat brim, for a more form-fitting result. To ensure you select a running hat that fits well, measure the circumference and crown height of a hat you currently own and choose a model based on those numbers.
If you tend to run in bright, sunny environments, it may be worthwhile to choose a hat with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. These hats will block out a moderate to high percentage of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, providing an extra layer of protection for your skin.
Finally, you should think about the temperatures where you’ll be running. If you live in an area with a mostly cool or cold climate, you’ll want to select a hat with thermal properties to keep you warm. If you live in an area with a hotter climate, you’ll want to select a hat made with lightweight, sweat-wicking materials and venting to prevent potential overheating.
How we tested the best running hats
We tested each running hat on short to mid-distance runs (two to six miles), with the exception of the Nathan Quick Stash Run Hat which was tested on a long-distance effort (eight miles). All hats were tested on road runs, in varying weather conditions and in moderate to high temperatures.
All running hats were evaluated for comfort, fit, performance, design, and other usability factors.
Your questions on running hats answered
What color running hat keeps you the coolest?
For maximum sun protection in the summer months, opt for a lighter-colored running hat. Sun hats with a white, or lighter-colored top will reflect heat from the sun, keeping your head cooler.
Can a running hat cool you down?
In a word, yes. By design, running hats will be well-ventilated, allowing air to flow through the vents to cool you down. They also wick sweat away from your head in warmer weather.
How often should you wash a running hat?
Unlike your everyday baseball cap, if you're wearing your running cap for sweaty running sessions, you're probably going to want to wash it after a couple of runs. Be sure to follow the washing instructions in regards to whether or not you can chuck your cap in the washing machine, but if not, use some detergent and warm water to clean the cap, then allow it to air dry.
Can I just wear any old cap for running in?
While you can technically wear any cap for running, hats designed specifically for running offer several advantages over regular caps. Running hats are designed with lightweight, breathable materials that wick away sweat and dry quickly, helping to keep you cool and comfortable. They often feature adjustable fittings for a secure, custom fit and have ventilation panels to enhance airflow.
Additionally, many running hats include reflective elements for better visibility during early morning or late evening runs. If you're looking for a running hat that looks less sporty and more casual, then look at the ON Lightweight Cap.
