Outdoor Research Equinox Cape Cap
The best ray-beating hat of 2021.
Finding the perfect hats, headbands, face masks, and other backpacking headwear isn’t as simple as it sounds. Learn which features best fit your outdoor needs and which fabrics offer the best protection and provide the most comfortable fit on long treks with Backpacker’s headwear gear reviews.
The best ray-beating hat of 2021.
Feature-rich helmet
Efficient padding protects noggins from frontcountry snowmobiling to backcountry splitboarding.
Warmth meets style
Most eco-friendly
Versatile beanie
Best value helmet
Bluetooth earbuds
Get extra protection without paying extra.
Stay comfortable and warm, rain or shine.
There’s no reason not to pack this tiny ear-warmer.
At 11 ounces, the Route is the lightest, most inconspicuous snow sports helmet ever made.
This simple, 23-inch tube of supersoft merino wool is so much more than a neck gaiter.
Stay covered in the toughest of conditions with this Tilley hat.
Keep your noggin' warm or protected with these three hats and two helmets.
An all-weather helmet with a unique double venting system.
A helmet that's tough, but that you can forget you're wearing.
A classic Norwegian wool hat with Teflon-treated yarn for enhanced water resistance and the windproof Gore liner.
"It's a parka for your melon!"
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The Revel offers two domes for maximum versatility.
A super safe helmet that you forget you're wearing
Cover your head...and ears...even your face, with these cold-weather coverups.
Protect your beaner, or just keep it warm, with these headwear options.
Finally, a glove designed specifically for the text compulsive backpacker
This densely woven Mountain Hardwear wool hat comes with with extra face and neck coverage.
This versatile Buff is soft, warm, breathable, and anti-stink.
A perfect fit for a fleece beanie.
A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler
For searing sun or relentless rain, pack the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap.