The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is the best sun hat if you prioritize protection and comfort, but its looks aren’t for everybody.
It’s the most protective sun hat we tested. The Ultra Adventure Hat is made of a nylon and polyester blend rated UPF 50+, the highest possible protection level. Its 3.25-inch clamshell brim (the longest brim of our picks) and flowing neck skirt provide generous coverage of the face, ears, neck, and upper shoulders. In windy conditions, the stiff brim stays put and continues to provide protection, and a chin strap ensures that the hat doesn’t fly off your head.
It’s comfortable to wear and to adjust. One tester commented that this hat was so comfortable, she almost forgot she was wearing it. That’s important if you’re spending a lot of time outside. It also has an adjustable cinch at the crown to adjust its tightness, and it has the widest sizing range of any of our picks (from 21.2 to 24.6 inches in head circumference, depending the size).
It allows you to see what’s around you. There’s a fine line between a protective brim and one that blocks your vision. A surprising number of sun hats get this wrong, but our testers found that the Ultra Adventure Hat’s brim gave the wearer plenty of front and peripheral vision for navigating, looking at the scenery, and even spotting wildlife.
It packs great and keeps its shape. The flexible fabric folds down into a stuff sack for travel. Unlike other hats we tested, when we took it back out, it retained its original shape and didn’t appear crinkled or sloppy.
It has a couple of other thoughtful features. If you want to take your sunglasses off, the Ultra Adventure Hat has two holes above the brim to hold them in place. It also has reflective fabric on the back of the hat, next to the mesh, to help keep you visible in low light.
Sunday Afternoons offers a lifetime guarantee. We haven’t noticed any durability issues, but should you have a problem, Sunday Afternoons will replace any hat with a manufacturing defect for life (though the company does charge an $8 shipping fee).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Its style is not for everyone. A few testers didn’t want to wear this hat because of the way it looked, and a couple of others felt self-conscious while wearing it, especially while not on the trail.
- Its color choices are limited. This hat comes mostly in earthy tones, so if you’re looking for bold hues or fun patterns, this is not the best option.
Specs
- UPF rating: 50+ (blocks over 98% of UV rays)
- Brim length: 3.25 inches
- Material: 88% nylon 12% polyester
- Sizes (head circumference): S/M (21.2 to 22.9 inches) and L/XL (22.9 to 24.6 inches)