10 Best Trucker Hats Reviewed and Compared
By Lauren Keating
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To some peoples surprise, the trucker hats are a great piece of gear for outdoor runners. Originally intended to be a marketing tool and a fashion accessory, aspects of the trucker hats design make them great for trail runners, urban runners, or any outdoor athlete.
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.
- The North Face Trail
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Our rating - Lightweight & Comfortable
- Price: See Here
- Outdoor Research Trail
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Our rating - Moisture Wicking Properties
- Price: See Here
- Arc'teryx
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Our rating - Versatile
- Price: See Here
10 Best Trucker Hats
The North Face Trail
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 keep 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.
- Moisture-wicking properties with FlashDry tech that keeps the consumer cool and dry
- Extremely stylish
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable without being bulky
- Bigger than their running hats, but not the typical sized trucker hat
Outdoor Research Trail
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 keeps 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.
- Ultra-light
- Moisture wicking properties and breathable
- Durable and rebounds great when folded
- Durable
- Not bulky or too deep like some other trucker hats
- Can fit a little small
Arc'teryx
The natural fibers (cotton and elastane) used with has 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 work graphic on the from that is rubberized and is available in a few color options. Some consumers have an issue with the fit, it being 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.
- Comfortable, with a slight stretch
- Versatile for every day and working out
- Loses its shape and color over time
ASICS Fuzex Structured
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 lays closely to the head. It has a hook and loop adjust ability to further customize the fit.
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Great stretch
- Manages moisture
- Hook and loops design not has convenient as snapback closure
Patagonia P-6 Logo
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.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Fits just like a cap with the benefits of a trucker
- Color fades over time
Lindo - The Great Outdoors
The Lindo does have a small break in 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.
- Good quality
- Stylish
- Good bill for sun protection
- High quality stitching
- Comfortable after break in
- May have an issue with early appearance of sweat stains
Pistil McKinley
Made with polyester, cotton and spandex, this hat is soft to touch, yet flexible enough tot 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. The soft bill also isn’t has sticky when sweaty as other options.
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.
- Great color and prints
- Made with good quality, making it durable
- Constructed specifically for women
- Only available in two color options
- Not available for men
- Can reach the ears for some consumers
GADIEMKENSD
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.
- Very adjustable
- Very breathable ventilated mesh
- Good moisture management
- Lightweight
- Limited number of designs
prAna La Viva
Made with polyester and organic cotton blend, this hat from prAna not only is made well, but it also is 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 is 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, the amount of depth and large mesh panel is great for when managing 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.
- Extremely stylish with vibrant colors
- Constructed for women
- Versatile for the gym, boating, and every day wear
- Can feel a bit big on
Fenway Patch
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 fitness most. While many trucker hats fit awkwardly on some, this has a great fit for even those with bigger sized heads. It won’t too too box or boxy on the head. 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.
- Fort and comfortable
- Looks and fits like a baseball cap
- Worn look, made for Boston fans
- Doesn’t have that distinct trucker hat look to it
The Criteria We Used for Our Evaluation
It takes a whole lot more then just its look to classify a trucker hat as the best. While design is great for first impressions and for those who consider themselves stylish, it needs to have all the functionalities that are appealing to athletes. This includes things like mesh paneling on the back to encourage air flow, and its overall value. We used a set criteria to establish which options are the best. These are explained below.
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?
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?
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?
Durability
How well is the hat made? Is it made to last, and can it withstand some wear, tear, and lots of sweat?
Other Important Things to Consider
Who would’ve thought trucker hate would ever make a comeback? But that doesn’t mean the athlete should dig out the one they have back when it was in trend in the ‘00s. For hitting the trails, the gym or for every day use, it’s time to upgrade to a trucker hat that is designed for the athlete in mind. Even though the hat is versatile, sporting goods companies put in the right tech, fabric, and features to make the options on this list suitable for getting sweaty.
Price
With that said, this all can come at a price. Consider how much as a consumer you are willing to spend on a trucker hat. Is it going to be tossed midway through a long distance race such as an ultra marathon? That means shelling out the money for a more expensive option isn’t the best of ideas. However, if the consumer is going to wear it often, go for whatever price point is comfortable. Just because a hat has a higher price tag doesn’t mean it’s automatically better than others.
Fit
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.
FAQ
Q: Was the mesh in truckers hats always intended for ventilation?
A: Trucker hats were designed for branding purposes, the wide front meant for placement of the brand or logo and the mesh back was simply to cut production costs. These mesh backs ended up being very appealing to people who wanted to keep a cool head, from outdoor laborers to athletes.
Q: How is a trucker hat supposed to fit?
A: The thing that most people have a hard time adjusting to with a trucker hat is the fact that they simply sit higher on the head. Once you are comfortable with this aspect of their design the only thing left to do is to is to figure out the best section to snap for your ideal fit.
Q: What is the best way to clean my trucker hat?
A:We always recommend reading the care instructions, usually located on a tag or in the product’s packaging. Following the instructions is very important since mis-washing your athletic can lead to a loss of durability.
As a side note, only some trucker hats are machine washable.
Q: How to break in a trucker hat?
A: Since trucker hats construction is a little different, there isn’t too much you can do to break them in aside from wearing it. Besides wearing your hat, just holding it and taking it around with you, just wearing it in until its more malleable and comfortable, that’s your best bet.
Q: Why wear a trucker hat for running?
A: The design of a trucker hat is ideal for blocking harsh and hot sunlight from your eyes and face. Trucker hats are also made with mesh paneling in the back so they are actually extremely well ventilated. More often than not, trucker hats are just as practical for running as runner targeted hats.
Q: Are there women specific trucker hat?
A: Trucker hats are unisex and the hats you will find that are directly marketed towards one gender will work fine for both. The only thing you have to pay real close attention to is the sizing.
Sources
- , Trail Runners Wear Many (Trucker) Hats, Trail Running Website, May 04, 2017
- , Crown Types, Outdoor Hat Website,
- , FlashDry, Company website,
- , Now Fashion Statements, Trucker Hats Were Born Out of Necessity, News Website,
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