10 Best Trucker Hats Reviewed and Compared
A trucker hat is traditionally constructed with mesh paneling in the back, and its this aspect of their design that makes them an excellent lightweight and breathable alternative to most running hats. Not to mention that the hat’s wide flat brim offers advanced protection from the sun. We think that runners who ware willing to give these hats a try will be pleasantly surprised.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Since many wear trucker hats both for every day activities and workouts including time on the trails, a trucker hat needs to be comfortable to wear. How comfortable is this particular option? Is the fabric soft? Does it feel too stiff, especially at the brim?
Breathability
The hat needs to have enough ventilation to not overheat the user in the sun, or cause sweat to build up and it make it sticky and uncomfortable to wear. Does it feature a mesh panel or other breathability features?
Fit
Trucker hats are designed to be deep and sit taller than regular caps. In terms of fit, this could be a problem for those who have a bigger or smaller size head. How well does this hat fit? Is it one size fits all? Can it be adjusted?
It’s a good idea to first try on a trucker hat before buying one. That’s because this style fits differently than a classic baseball cap. Some people like the way a trucker hat fits and looks on them, while others don’t.
Trucker hats are designed to be deep and tall. This might be too boxy or make the consumer’s head feel like it’s too small. Others may find that their head feels too big to wear this style.
10 Best Trucker Hats
1. The North Face Trail
This hat is made specifically with trail runners in mind. Performance wise, nothing else compares since it has a moisture wicking sweatband, and FlashDry fabric to speed up drying time for rain and sweat when wet. It’s highly breathable with its mesh back as well, further keeping things cool. Best of all is how stylish it is, coming in front graphic prints.
Read moreComfort
The athlete most certainly will be comfortable when running, cycling or hitting the gym with this trucker hat from North Face. It has a moisture wicking sweatband to keep sweat away from building up and has FlashDry tech that speeds up drying time. The FlashDry fabric repels water and sweat by pushing moisture to the surface of the fabric. It is lightweight and soft and has plenty of structure without being too stiff. It also has a longer bill, for more sun and rain protection.
Breathability
This trucker has breathable mesh throughout the sides and back that allows for enough ventilation. This is a popular option for trail runners because it keeps them cool and dry. This means they can stay comfortable longer so that nothing gets in the way or their performance.
Style and Fit
This is arguably the most stylish hat on this list. It allows the athlete to look good doing their activity of choice without having it skimp out on performance. It has a slightly extended bill with a low profile that provides more sun protection. It has a snapback closure to adjust the fit. It also rebounds really well when folded and packed up.
2. prAna La Viva
This classic style trucker has fun prints on the front panel that are great to look at. It has an adjustable snapback for a custom fit, but this trucker fit well on women because of its construction and general deep fit that won’t have it slipping off when working up a sweat. More than a pretty face, it has a mesh back for breathability and made from polyester and cotton for comfort.
Read moreComfort
Made with polyester and organic cotton blend, this hat from prAna not only is made well, but it also helps preserve a healthy environment for cotton farmers with the use of harmful pesticides.
It had enough depth to go over the hair nicely, with room for a ponytail so women can wear it comfortably. It has a stiff brim that rounds a bit, great for keeping the sun out the eyes.
Breathability
This trucker includes a mesh back the makes it breathable. Compared to other options, it ranks the same when it comes to its amount of ventilation. However, made specifically for women and specifically has a large mesh panel to better manage longer hair without getting too hot and sticky.
Style And Fit
This option has that classic trucker hat look, and is made for specifically for women. This means fitting well, even their those with slighter bigger heads. It can feel a bit too large for some women, but it has an adjustable snapback to make for a more secure fit.
Arguably the best part is how stylish this trucker hat is. It comes in various color and design options like Pomegranate Marrakesh and White Bali. This makes it great for showing off when out and about around town, when hanging with friends, and when hitting the gym.
3. Outdoor Research Trail
Feel free to get sweaty in this hat without being super uncomfortable. That’s because it has moisture-wicking fabric to keep the consumer cool and dry. It’s lightweight, perfect for running, hiking and more. Best of it, it has a durable brim that rebounds well after being stored in a bag.
Read moreComfort
If one word best describes this hat it would be lightweight. It seriously feels light like a feather, weighing in at just 1.9 oz, and is great for running or cycling without being weighed down. It has moisture wicking properties that keep things cool and dry for added comfort when getting down and dirty with the workout of choice.
Breathability
The consumer doesn’t have to worry about working up a sweat with this hat on. That’s because it has a half moon mesh back with sewn eyelets to increase ventilation. It is quick to dry and has a cool and dry headband.
Style and Fit
It has a FlexFit 110 Construction that has the stretchiness to conform nicely to the head. There is a quick-release buckle back for adjustments. It is designed to keep its shape and look great when folded or smashed inside a bag. It rebounds great, being extremely durable to use when hiking or during that ultra race.
4. ASICS Fuzex Structured
This trucker hat has the comfort and style of an everyday baseball cap but performs even better well when it comes to hitting the trails. It is made from polyester and spandex that gives it a great stretch. It’s jersey fabric provides moisture management to wick sweat away. Its dark underbill reduces glare when running in the direction of the run and its reflective details increases visibility for nighttime runs.
Read moreComfort
Just by looking at this hat it looks comfortable. It is made with polyester and spandex, giving it the stretch needed to fit comfortably. It is lightweight, making it great for working out.
Breathability
This trucker from ASICS doesn’t have a mesh back panel like many of the other options on this list. That means it’s not as breathable. However, it is lightweight and provides great moisture management.
Style and Fit
With its slight stretch, this hat fits like a classic baseball hat. It’s not bulky, and has a low profile that fits snugly. It has a hook and loop adjustability to further customize the fit.
5. Patagonia P-6 Logo
Made from 100% organic cotton canvas, this trucker hat is comfortable, with a slightly curved brim and features mesh on the back to make very breathable. It is adjustable with a snap closure but overall has a great fit.
Read moreComfort
Comfort isn’t a problem with this hat, since it is light, airy and just comfortable to wear, making it ideal for long hikes, traveling, road racing and more. It has an organic cotton canvas headband that is soft and feels good on. The bill is large enough to keep the sun away to increase visibility when running on those sunny days.
Breathability
With its open mesh paneling, it is nice and airy with plenty of ventilation. The slight curve of the bill allows air to get in, and so it won't be too hot for workouts.
Style and Fit
This hat has the fit of a classic baseball cap with a higher construction of a trucker. It has an adjustable snapback for a more custom fit. It comes in various color options, giving a choice for just about everyone.
6. Lindo - The Great Outdoors
The Lindo Trucker Hat is for the hat fans who prefer a more minimalist and subtle design. Runners attracted to its simple logo will also appreciate its consistent straightforward performance. A quality constructed hat from a company with a stellar reputation.
Read moreComfort
The Lindo does have a small break in the window but afterward many of its wearers testify to it being extremely comfortable to wear. The bill of the Lindo Trucker Hat is also perfect for blocking out the heat and light of the sun, keeping you running for longer.
Breathability
Like most trucker style caps, the Lindo features a mesh back to allow for a large amount of airflow to keep both the head and the hat cool and dry.
Style and Fit
Lindo is highly praised for its simplicity of style. Many trucker hats follow its core principle to a tee, including that it was originally designed for advertising purposes, so they dedicate a large portion of the hat to the logo. Lindo took a different approach, making their logo much smaller, which makes this hat a great alternative to runners looking for a less obvious trucker cap.
The Lindo fits well, with an adjustable plastic snapback to make sure anywhere can adjust the hat to its proper fit.
7. Arc'teryx
This trucker hat has all the functionalities needed for outdoor activities including breathability, comfort, Moisture-wicking, and durability in a stylish option. It is made with natural fibers to enhance comfort, and as mesh on the back to let air in. It has a snapback design to customize the fit and looks great on.
Read moreComfort
The natural fibers (cotton and elastane) used with provides next to skin comfort that is great for wearing while working up a sweat. It has a snapback closure that is much more comfortable in the back than plastic ones. It has a little stretch to it, which increases its comfort and is deep, although might have some issues with the perfect fit.
Breathability
Ventilation isn’t the problem here thanks to the polyester mesh panels that allow for air to circulate. It has a low profile with a slight curve of the bill that blocks out of the sun, protects from rain and allows for air flow.
Style and Fit
This Arc’teryx hat has that classic trucker looks, with all the benefits of wear it while working out. It has the company’s bird and graphic on the front that is rubberized and is available in several color options. Some consumers have an issue with the fit, it is just a tad too deep for smaller heads so fits around the ears awkwardly, but most will find it fits true to size. It also has a snapback closure for more snug fit.
8. Pistil McKinley
This women-specific trucker hat looks great, and performs even better. It has a stretchy cotton construction that is comfortable, and snapback for an adjustable fit It also as velvet mountain overlay detail on the front, and a softer, more worn in bill.
Read moreComfort
Made with polyester, cotton, and spandex, this hat is soft to touch, yet flexible enough to not feel stiff when wearing. It is unlined, which helps to keep the head nice and cool when working out. It has a mid crown, so it has a lower profile than other truckers, but enough structure.
Breathability
This trucker features mesh panels in its back and sides that provide ample ventilation. It is comparable to other trucker hats however, it does have a slight bend at the bill to allow the forehead to breathe.
Style and Fit
This trucker hat is designed specifically for women, and when compared to unisex options fits females much better. It is taller in height than a traditional baseball cap, but not overly high to look silly or be too much for those who haven’t worn a trucker before. It is deep, so it might git the ears for some consumers. t is extremely stylish with a graphic print that includes velvet overlay detail. It is almost too pretty to sweat in, but the mountain prints is made for the outdoor lover.
9. GADIEMKENSD
The Gadiemkensd is a trucker hat that was created just for running. With its specialized design, this hat has everything runners could love about a trucker hat taken to the next step. The Gadiemkensd is more than a convenience, it pushes itself to be a necessity.
Read moreComfort
The Gadiemkensd is an extremely lightweight and comfortable hat, making it perfect for outdoor and warm weather activities. The Gadiemkensd is definitely the trucker cap that won’t weigh you down. This hat is also excellent at handling moisture. It is quick at absorbing sweat as well as quick to get rid of it, keeping its wear dryer and more comfortable.
Breathability
While most trucker hats implement mesh into the design the Gadiemkensd optimizes the hats ventilation. The more hair that passes through the mesh of the hat the cooler its wearer is and this hat has a lot of air flow.
Style and Fit
While the Gadiemkensd fits relatively well it is a bit limited in the style department. This hat may only have two designs but it does have both of those designs in a wide range of colors. Both of Gadiemkensd’s designs are also relatively stylish. That being said, if you aren’t a fan of either design you are unfortunately out of luck.
10. Fenway Patch
This hat has more of a baseball cap feel, while having the depth of a trucker hat without being too big and tall. It has a relaxed fix and an adjustable snapback, and is soft to touch. It features the famous Fenway logo that makes it a favorite for Bostonians.
Read moreComfort
This trucker hat is all about the comfort, soft to touch and is stretchy. Even the mesh is soft and not stiff, making it ideal to wear for every day and not just when working out.
Breathability
This trucker hat features a completely meshed back side, allowing for plenty of ventilation. The slight bend of the bill allows for slightly more air flow to the face, making sweat less likely to build up compared to other options.
Style and Fit
This option resembles a traditional baseball cap more than taller trucker hats. It has an adjustable snapback, making it one size fits most. While many trucker hats fit awkwardly on some, this has a great fit for even those with bigger sized heads. There is room for women to put their ponytail through, making it comfortable to wear for those with long hair.
It has a worn and frayed look that is made to look like its old, plus features the Fenway logo for Boston fans. It is navy in the front with a khaki mesh back.
Sources
- , Trail Runners Wear Many (Trucker) Hats, Trail Running Website
- , Crown Types, Outdoor Hat Website
- , FlashDry, Company website
- , Now Fashion Statements, Trucker Hats Were Born Out of Necessity, News Website
