Best Tactical Hats Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 Under Armour Tactical Hood
Test Winner: Under Armour Tactical Hood
Amazon Link
What is the difference between a hat and a tactical hat? We'll clue you in here and say not much, but the thing is that not much can make a difference. Here's why: that tactical hat is going to stress durability over style, and that's not something that you're going to see in a lot of products that are made to be throwaway. But these hats are built to last and engineered to provide just a bit more protection from the heat or the cold. So, when we decided to put together this list we focused on hats that are going to be strong and sturdy and will stick with you when things get tough.

Standout Picks

 Under Armour Tactical Hood
Here is a tactical hat that is designed for cold and arctic climates. This hat covers your entire head, face, and neck so that you are protected against the harmful effects of cold weather. The hood is form fitting so that it won't slide around on your face. It has a stretch fabric that makes it easy to slide it over your head. The face guard can be lowered if the hood gets too warm.
Amazon Link
$29.69
 Propper Sun Hat
This hat is designed to protect your head in warmer climates. The brim surrounds your entire head which protects your eyes, face, and the back of your neck from the harmful effects of the sun. The top of the hat has ventilation holes so that you won't get too sweaty while wearing this tactical hat. Finally, there is an adjustable chin strap that keeps the hat firmly on your head.
Amazon Link
$10.99
 Condor Tactical Cap
This tactical hat features a long and wide brim that will block the sun from your eyes. It is ideal for sunny weather thanks to the large brim. The hat itself is made out of 100 percent cotton and offers vent holes on the top of the hat for breathability. The hat is fully adjustable and should fit securely on just about anybody's head.
Amazon Link
$14.95
 Condor Mesh-Back Tactical
When you need a hat that protects you from the sun and keeps you cool in hot weather, then you may wish to consider wearing this cap. This tactical hat is made out of mesh so it's extremely breathable and vents really well. The brim of the hat is long and wide so that it can protect your eyes from the bright sun.
Amazon Link
$13.95
 Chaos Hats Technician Beanie
This beanie hat is geared towards keeping you warm in the cold weather. It is made out of 100 percent acrylic fabric which is known for feeling soft while keeping you warm and cozy. The hat stretches over the top of your ears and will protect your ears from frostbite. The inner band is made out of fleece which adds an extra layer of cold protection.
Amazon Link
 Rapdom Tactical Operator Cap
This is another tactical hat for the warm weather. It features a large brim which protects your eyes against the sun when it's bright outside. One of the other nice features is the sweatband that is located on the inside rim of the hat which will prevent sweat from dripping down your face. The hat is highly breathable and is ideal for sunny weather.
Amazon Link
 Oldelf Tactical Balaclava
Here is another heavy duty tactical hat that is meant to keep you warm in the bitter cold. This hat covers your entire head, face, and neck which makes it an excellent choice for the cold and windy environment. The fabric is made out of a composite fleece material that is warm and windproof. The hat can be used in different fashions according to your needs. For example, it can function as a hood or a scarf.
Amazon Link
$8.99
 Rothco Genuine U.S.N
Sailors in the U.S. Navy sometimes end up in the extremely cold arctic or Antarctic waters. Wind from the ocean can be extremely brutal as it gets chilled by the water and there isn't anything to block the wind. That's why sailors need a hat that can protect them from such extreme cold. This hat is made out of 100 percent wool which acts as a natural insulator.
Amazon Link
$11.86
 Rothco Operator Tactical
This is another tactical cap that is meant for summer weather. It comes 17 different colors and patterns which includes different camouflage pattern. The hat will protect your eyes from the bright sun thanks to the long and wide brim located on the front of the hot. It breathes really well because it is made out of a blend of polyester and cotton plus there are four vent holes on the top.
Amazon Link
$10.92
 Modern Warrior M88 ABS
This tactical helmet is designed to provide you with camouflage while you are hunting or playing paintball. It is not intended to provide safety or impact protection, but it works well for applications such as paintball. The helmet has a chin strap which you can use the secure it around your head. It is also lightweight and fits snuggly around your head so that it doesn't move around.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Style

People wear tactical hats for the patch area so it should be no surprise that the patch area is a highly important part of the tactical hat. You should make sure that that patch area is large enough for your patches. Some tactical hats are large enough for you to place large patches on the hat. Other hats are smaller and therefore only fit smaller patches. You should make sure that your patches will fit in the hat's patch area prior to purchasing the hat.

It is also important that the hooks on the patch are of high quality. If the hooks in the patch area are weak, you could end up having your patch sag or fall off of the hat completely. This isn't desirable behavior since you most likely wish to maintain a professional look and you will want your patch to look square. Losing a patch is just as bad since you have now lost your patch.

Most tactical hats have an area for a nametag as well. Once again, you should inspect the name tag area to make sure it will fit your name tags. The hooks on the name tag should also be strong enough for your name tag to securely attach to the name tag area. Otherwise, your name tag could sag and fall off of the hat.

Finally, you should check that the patch area itself is secured to the hat. The patch area should be firmly stitched to the hat so that it doesn't fall off or get detached from the hat. If the patch area isn't secured very well to the hat, then you are likely to have the same issues with the patch that you would have if the hooks are weak. You should also inspect the quality of the stitching that secures the patch area to the hat. The patch area is what allows you to personalize your tactical hat. It is important to inspect the patch area to make sure your patches fit on the hat and are secure. You should also make sure the patch area itself is made out of high-quality materials and that it is attached to the hat in a secure fashion. That way your hat will look it's absolute best when you are wearing it with your favorite patch.

Weather Resistance

Tactical hats should be able to protect your head and your eyes from the sun. The sun outputs harmful UV radiation that can damage your skin and your eyes. Most tactical hats have a visor so that your eyes are shaded from the sun so that you can see better. Having the hat on itself will help protect your head.

It's important for the hat to be able to cover all of the areas of your head that need protection from the sun. The crown of the hat should be deep enough to allow the hat to rest on the top of your ears without pressing into them. If the hat is too long, then it will push against your ears and feel uncomfortable. However, if the crown of the hat is too short, then it will not protect your entire head.

The visor protects your head by offering additional shade from the sun over your forehead and your eyes. This helps reduce sunburns on your forehead by reducing exposure to direct sunlight. The visor also stops the sun from reflecting into your eyes which helps you see better. It reduces eye strain by limiting the amount of direct sunlight that your eyes are exposed to. The visor should also be long enough to provide your forehead and eyes with shade.

Breathability

It is important that tactical hats are breathable since they tend to get worn in the hot sun. If the hat isn't breathable, then sweat will collect underneath the hat which will cause you to feel hot and uncomfortable. A well built tactical hat will be made out of materials that provide you with plenty of moisture wicking and will allow for the proper movement of air.

Most tactical hats are made out of breathable materials. If you expect that you are going to be in extremely hot weather, then you should consider looking for a hat that has mesh openings. Mesh will promote even more airflow than cotton or polyester can. It is also common to see tactical hats that have holes throughout the hat. The holes act as a vent so that warm air can escape from the hat.

Some tactical hats also have sweatbands built into the hat. These sweatbands provide the hat with additional moisture wicking capabilities. The sweatbands also help prevent sweat from dripping down your face and into your eyes. You should make sure that such sweatbands are stitched tightly to the hat so that they stay put and do not come loose.

Durability

How the tactical hat is constructed is highly important. You should expect the tactical hat to be a long-lasting item that will continue to look great even after you wear it for a long time. If the hat is constructed well, it will continue to look sharp and fit well.

You should also inspect the quality of the stitching. Well constructed tactical hats will have stitching that stays in place. If you start to see the stitching come loose or unravel, then it is a sign that that hat doesn't have high-quality stitching. You should also inspect the stitching in the areas where the hat is assembled together. For example, the hat should have strong and high-quality stitching where the visor attaches itself to the hat.

Tactical hats should also be constructed out of materials that are thick enough to protect your skin from the sun but they shouldn't be too thick to prohibit breathing. You should expect the hat to feel soft on your head and fit around your head properly. It is recommended that you look for hats that are made from a blend of cotton and polyester since these hats are likely to resist shrinking after you wash them.

Fit

Your tactical hat should fit your head properly. When the hat doesn't fit properly, you can experience issues such as the hat sagging into your eyes, constricting your head, or even blowing off in the wind. Any of those or many other issues can lead to an unpleasant experience while you are wearing your tactical hat. For these and many more reasons, it is recommended that you purchase a hat that fits you correctly so that you have the best experience.

Most tactical hats come in a one size fits all or at least one size fits most. They have adjustable straps in the back of the hat that you use to make sure that the hat fits snuggly on your head. You should check this adjustable strap and make sure it is of good quality. You should expect the adjusting strap to hold its position so that the hat doesn't start to feel loose.

In addition to the adjusting strap, you should check and make sure that the hat doesn't stretch or shrink while you wear it. Many hats resist shrinking by using a blend of cotton and polyester fabric. However, this isn't always the case so you should check with the retailer or manufacturer. A high-quality hat will continue to hold its shape even after it has been worn outside all day. You should not have to continually adjust the back of the hat to make sure it fits tight. A well built and well-designed hat will continue to have a snug fit all day long.

Top 10 Picks

1. Under Armour Tactical Hood

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$29.69
 Under Armour Tactical Hood
Amazon Link

Here is a tactical hat that is designed for cold and arctic climates. This hat covers your entire head, face, and neck so that you are protected against the harmful effects of cold weather. The hood is form fitting so that it won't slide around on your face. It has a stretch fabric that makes it easy to slide it over your head. The face guard can be lowered if the hood gets too warm.

ColdGear Infrared
This tactical hat uses a proprietary technology called ColdGear which is essentially an inner coating that is thermo-conductive. The inner coating traps and retains your body heat so that you will not feel the cold from the winter weather.

Adjustable Face Guard
The part of the hat that protects your face can be dropped away from your face as needed. This can be useful in cases where you are feeling too warm and need to cool down. If it gets windy, just pull the face guard back up.

Cost and Value
This tactical hat has a high price when compared to other tactical hats. It gets its value by offering total head protection in the extreme cold weather. This hat has technology such as ColdGear to help protect your head from losing heat.

Amazon Link
$29.69

2. Propper Sun Hat

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$10.99
 Propper Sun Hat
Amazon Link

This hat is designed to protect your head in warmer climates. The brim surrounds your entire head which protects your eyes, face, and the back of your neck from the harmful effects of the sun. The top of the hat has ventilation holes so that you won't get too sweaty while wearing this tactical hat. Finally, there is an adjustable chin strap that keeps the hat firmly on your head.

MIL-H-44105B
The hat is constructed to the MIL-H-44105B military specification. You can expect this hat to be high performing and highly durable. It is made out of a blend of polyester and cotton so it breathes well and stays cool.

Total Brim
While some hats have a brim that only extends from the front of the hat, this hat has a brim that surrounds your entire head. It is highly ideal for sunny weather because it protects your eyes and the back of your neck.

Cost and Value
You will find that this hat has an average price. It gets its value from being constructed to real military specifications so that it is durable and high performing. This hat protects you in the hot sun.

Amazon Link
$10.99

3. Condor Tactical Cap

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$14.95
 Condor Tactical Cap
Amazon Link

This tactical hat features a long and wide brim that will block the sun from your eyes. It is ideal for sunny weather thanks to the large brim. The hat itself is made out of 100 percent cotton and offers vent holes on the top of the hat for breathability. The hat is fully adjustable and should fit securely on just about anybody's head.

Adjustable Strap
You can use the adjustable strap that is located on the back of the hat to make it fit securely on your head. The strap itself has three hooks and there is a buckle on it for a secure lock.

Loop Panel
The front of this hat has a loop panel which is used to sew patches onto this hat. This option allows you to easily personalize the hat. You can put your favorite patch or a company logo on this panel.

Cost and Value
You will see an average price tag for this hat. Its value comes from the fact that it is made out of 100 percent cotton which is highly breathable. You will also enjoy the large brim in sunny weather.

Amazon Link
$14.95

4. Condor Mesh-Back Tactical

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$13.95
 Condor Mesh-Back Tactical
Amazon Link

When you need a hat that protects you from the sun and keeps you cool in hot weather, then you may wish to consider wearing this cap. This tactical hat is made out of mesh so it's extremely breathable and vents really well. The brim of the hat is long and wide so that it can protect your eyes from the bright sun.

Mesh
Most of this hat is made out of mesh. Mesh allows for lots of airflows through the hat, so this hat will not trap your body heat and will vent really well. This makes the hot ideal for hot weather.

Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking is another way that this hat helps you stay cool and dry. The hat's material breathable which allows air to remove sweat from your head. This process naturally cools your body and helps you head stay dry.

Cost and Value
This hat has an average price which makes it a great value. It is constructed very well and offers lots of venting which makes it an ideal hat for wearing in warm weather.

Amazon Link
$13.95

5. Chaos Hats Technician Beanie

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Chaos Hats Technician Beanie
Amazon Link

This beanie hat is geared towards keeping you warm in the cold weather. It is made out of 100 percent acrylic fabric which is known for feeling soft while keeping you warm and cozy. The hat stretches over the top of your ears and will protect your ears from frostbite. The inner band is made out of fleece which adds an extra layer of cold protection.

Fleece Lining
This hat features an inner lining that is made out of fleece. Fleece is soft and comfortable and it provides you with an extra layer of protection against the cold. This layer makes the hat a pleasure to wear.

Acrylic Fabric
The had is made out of 100 percent acrylic fiber. Acrylic shares many of the same properties as wool but tends to feel softer and is less itchy. The material is warm and stretches which allows the hat to fit tightly.

Cost and Value
You will find that this hat has a price that is slightly above the average price. It gets its value by feeling soft and warm. This is an ideal hat for the cold thanks to the fleece lining and acrylic fabric.

Amazon Link

6. Rapdom Tactical Operator Cap

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Rapdom Tactical Operator Cap
Amazon Link

This is another tactical hat for the warm weather. It features a large brim which protects your eyes against the sun when it's bright outside. One of the other nice features is the sweatband that is located on the inside rim of the hat which will prevent sweat from dripping down your face. The hat is highly breathable and is ideal for sunny weather.

Sweatband
This hat has a sweatband on the inside of that that is padded for extra comfort. The sweatband is extremely useful when wearing the hat in hot weather because it prevents sweat from dripping into your eyes.

Velcro Patch Area
The front of the hat has an area that allows you to attach Velcro patches. This allows you to easily personalize the hat by attaching patches that display your taste, company logo, or rank.

Cost and Value
You will see this hat displayed at an average price when compared to other hats. It offers some premium features such as a velcro patch area and a padded sweatband. It is an excellent value for its price.

Amazon Link

7. Oldelf Tactical Balaclava

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$8.99
 Oldelf Tactical Balaclava
Amazon Link

Here is another heavy duty tactical hat that is meant to keep you warm in the bitter cold. This hat covers your entire head, face, and neck which makes it an excellent choice for the cold and windy environment. The fabric is made out of a composite fleece material that is warm and windproof. The hat can be used in different fashions according to your needs. For example, it can function as a hood or a scarf.

Six Purposes
You can wear this hat in a number of different ways depending on your needs. Depending on how you choose to wear this hat, it can function from anything to a scarf, hat, and everything in between.

Windproof
The fabric used to construct the hat is a windproof fleece composite material. It is highly ideal for windy conditions because you can protect your neck, face, and head. Protecting your body from the cold air is important to guard against frostbite.

Cost and Value
This hat has an average price which makes it into an excellent value. It draws its value from its versatility. You can wear this hat on just about every part of your neck, face, or head.

Amazon Link
$8.99

8. Rothco Genuine U.S.N

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$11.86
 Rothco Genuine U.S.N
Amazon Link

Sailors in the U.S. Navy sometimes end up in the extremely cold arctic or Antarctic waters. Wind from the ocean can be extremely brutal as it gets chilled by the water and there isn't anything to block the wind. That's why sailors need a hat that can protect them from such extreme cold. This hat is made out of 100 percent wool which acts as a natural insulator.

GSA Compliant
This hat is GSA compliant and is a standard issue hat for the U.S. Navy. It is warm, durable, and protects against the most extreme weather. The hat is a natural insulator when it's wet thanks to the wool fabric.

Long Length
This hat is long enough that you can pull it down over your ears and protect them against the cold winter air. It is also easy enough to fold the hat back up when you don't need your ears covered.

Cost and Value
This hat is very low cost and is an excellent value for its price. The 100 percent wool fabric is more than enough to justify this hat's low price, but it is also highly durable and long lasting.

Amazon Link
$11.86

9. Rothco Operator Tactical

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$10.92
 Rothco Operator Tactical
Amazon Link

This is another tactical cap that is meant for summer weather. It comes 17 different colors and patterns which includes different camouflage pattern. The hat will protect your eyes from the bright sun thanks to the long and wide brim located on the front of the hot. It breathes really well because it is made out of a blend of polyester and cotton plus there are four vent holes on the top.

Reinforced Vent Holes
This hat has four vent holes located on the top of the hat. The vent holes allow warm air to escape out of the hat and also provide a way for cool air to enter.

Patch Area
The hat has a patch area on the front of it so that you can attach your favorite patch to the hat. This is an ideal way to personalize the hat because you can attach whatever patch you like to it.

Cost and Value
This hat has a price that is slightly below the average. It offers many of the features that are found on other similar tactical hats, but it does so at a slightly lower price.

Amazon Link
$10.92

10. Modern Warrior M88 ABS

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Modern Warrior M88 ABS
Amazon Link

This tactical helmet is designed to provide you with camouflage while you are hunting or playing paintball. It is not intended to provide safety or impact protection, but it works well for applications such as paintball. The helmet has a chin strap which you can use the secure it around your head. It is also lightweight and fits snuggly around your head so that it doesn't move around.

Camoflauge
You can purchase this hat in solid colors or in camouflage. These color options allow you to match the helmet to your gear and background so that you can remain hidden as needed.

Chin Strap
There is an adjustable nylon chin strap that buckles into place. You can use this chin strap to secure the helmet on your head so that it doesn't move around. You can undo the buckle to take the helmet off.

Cost and Value
This item has a price that is slightly above the average cost of other tactical hats. It gets its value from its uniqueness. Other features include the fact that it's lightweight and has an adjustable chinstrap.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Art of Manliness, How to Clean a Baseball Cap, Website
  2. Go Ruck, GR TAC Hat Explained, Website
  3. Ask Andy About Clothes, Does wearing a hat in the summer keep you cooler?, Website
  4. US Patriot Tactical, Head Wear, Website