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Going on safari? If your next adventure is under the beating sun and you’re looking for something to protect your head, here are our reader’s suggestions for the best womens safari hat styles!
Safari Hats
Written By: Tae Haahr
Table Of Contents
Here at TFG we know that when you are out on vacation you want to look your best, but also have quality sun protection to keep yourself cool in the desert heat.
Safari hats are a great all around option for a trip across the savannah or a hike through a national park. Our readers give you their top recommendations of comfy (and stylish) headwear to choose from!
Safari Traditional Style Outdoors Hats
Readers’ Top Pick: Tilley Endurables
The Tilley Endurables comes highly recommended as TFG reader’s top womens safari hats. Not only can this hat shade you from the sun, but it can help in the rain too!
One TFG reader shares, “Just spent January in Africa and I packed a straw hat and baseball cap, it worked out ok, but my husband had the Tilley Endurables and it’s awesome. It packs flat and it has sun and rain protection – super wished I would’ve got one.”
Made from nylon and polyester, you simply need to throw this desert hat into the washing machine when you get home. Readers love this style and swear “They’re amazing and look great on anyone.”
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Outdoor Safari Hat for Women
If your travel style features a lot of ponytails, then the Duakars Outdoor Sun Hat might be the best pick for you. Recommended by readers, this hat has a wide brim to protect your face from the sun and a back opening for your hair.
This hat has SPF 50 to block out harmful rays and is designed to keep you cool with its lightweight mesh panels. One TFG reader shared that they took a Duakars with her on safari and loved it.
Read our complete guide to find out exactly what to wear on safari!
Moisture Wicking Hat
There’s no denying that it gets hot out there on safari, and one great way to beat the heat is to go with a fast-drying hat to keep the sweat off your forehead. And for the occasion, TFG readers recommend the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat.
Built with moisture-wicking in mind, this traditional fishing-style hat also works amazingly for safari. One TFG reader shares, “I like my Columbia! It’s khaki, crushable, wide brim, and water-repellant.”
You can get this hat a number of great neutral choices so you don’t stick out and ward off the animals!
Here’s all you need to know about what to wear on safari!
Sunday Afternoon Quest Hat
The Sunday Afternoon Quest Hat is another great choice when it comes to moisture-wicking styles according to TFG readers. This hat is designed to block out 98% of UV rays that beat down to help you stay safe in the hot sun. One TFG reader explains that she “definitely needed it.”
Choose from three colors (and go with the sandstone or olive for a safari safe color). This hat also comes with a chinstrap to ensure it stays secure to your head.
Find out what to pack for safari – these are ten things you absolutely need!
Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Hat
Safari Gore-Tex Hat
For great African safari hats, the Outdoor Research Sombrero is no exception. Made from gore-tex, it’s both machine washable and packable.
One TFG reader shares, “I just bought an Outdoor Research Goretex Sombrero type hat and love it. It’s fashionable and functional at the same time.”
Keep reading for tips on what to pack for Kenya and Tanzania for your next safari and island resort vacation!
Non-Traditional Safari Hats
Military-Style Hat
If you’re looking for more function and less flop, then ChezAbbey Military makes great desert hats and might be more your style. This casual lightweight safari cap is budget-friendly with a price tag of under $10 and gives off a down-to-earth travel vibe.
This option is made from breathable organic cotton twill material to keep you comfortable even in the beating sun. Plus the handy peak shades you, to keep you cool.
Take a look at these ultra-minimalist safari packing list!
Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat
Panama Sun Hat
The Lanzom Straw Panama Hat “looks sharp”, with a traditional look and can work for travelistas looking for extra coverage due to its wide brim. This hat provides a practical but elegant look with its lightweight and breathable material.
A TFG reader shares, “I’ve had it packed in my suitcase for over a month now. When I took it out the other day to rearrange things it didn’t lose its shape. And it’s pretty squished in right now!”
Follow these tips for a luxury vacation from South Africa to Zimbabwe!
Cotton Packable Sun Hat
The Scala Women’s Cotton Hat might be a good choice if you’re looking for a casual but versatile option to shade your face from the sun. It has an optional fold-over brim so you can wear it multiple ways.
It has UPF 50+ sun protection to keep those harmful rays off your face and a drawstring closure to keep it in place. And don’t worry about crushing it in your carry on because it rolls up or crushes for packing without losing shape.
TFG readers highly recommend this brand, with one reader sharing, “I have a collection of Scala hats that are all packable. Tons of different colors and brim widths.”
Here are my tips on what to pack for Africa on a trip that includes a safari and beach!
Aussie Breezer Hat
This packable hat, with a wide 3-inch brim, has a UFP 50+ rating to keep you shaded and cooled in the hot sun. The Henschel Aussie Breezer comes highly recommended by readers.One shares, “This is my favorite hat, I have used it to travel all over, not just on safari.”
If you have a larger head and find it hard to find a hat that fits, this one has different sizes (instead of one size fits all). Plus, it has a handy chin strap that keeps it in place in windy conditions.
These Africa travel packing tips will help alleviate some stress!
Packable Straw Hat
The J Crew womens sun hat packable straw is made from raffia, maintains its shape, and fits true to size. TFG readers have shared that this hat is durable. One says, “I have a dent or two in it after shoving it into backpacks and suitcases for a couple of years, but it has held up well.”
If you’re not a fan of its black band, you can simply remove it. If you want something a bit more shady, check out the wide brim straw hat style as well.
Check out Travel Fashion Girl for a packing list that takes you from safari to city!
Safari Hats Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Traditional Style Outdoors Hats | ||
|
Tilley Endurables Unisex Hat |
“They’re amazing and look great on anyone.” | Check Price |
|
Duakars Outdoor Sun Hat |
This hat has SPF 50 to block out harmful rays and is designed to keep you cool with its lightweight mesh panels. | Check Price |
|
Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat |
“I like my Columbia! It’s khaki, crushable, wide brim and water repellant.” | Check Price |
|
Sunday Afternoon Quest Hat |
This hat is designed to block out 98% of UV rays that beat down to help you stay safe in the hot sun. | Check Price |
|
Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Hat |
“I just bought an Outdoor Research Goretex Sombrero type hat and love it. It’s fashionable and functional at the same time.” | Check Price |
| Non-Traditional Safari Hats | ||
|
ChezAbbey Military Hat |
This casual lightweight safari cap is budget friendly with a price tag of under $10 and gives off a down-to-earth travel vibe. | Check Price |
Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat |
“I’ve had it packed in my suitcase for over a month now. When I took it out the other day to rearrange things it didn’t lose its shape. And it’s pretty squished in right now!” | Check Price |
|
Scala Cotton Hat |
“I have a collection of Scala hats that are all packable. Tons of different colors and brim widths.” | Check Price |
|
Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat |
“This is my favorite hat, I have used it to travel all over, not just on safari.” | Check Price |
|
J Crew Packable Straw Hat |
“I have a dent or two in it after shoving it into backpacks and suitcases for a couple of years, but it has held up well.” | Check Price |
Reader Tips for Picking a Hat
Choosing the perfect hat for your adventure travels might seem daunting because there are so many choices out there, but TFG readers shared some great tips for picking the best style for your next trip.
Reader’s recommend going with a neutral hat color. Specifically, they suggest going with an option in an olive, fossil, brown or medium grey, as bright colors can ward off animals and hinder your safari experience. This also means that a black safari hat is a no go too!
One reader also suggests going with a floppy hat to give your face the protection it needs when you’re out there in the sun all day. But make sure to protect your floppy hat by choosing one with a strap to secure it in place.
Readers also recommend that you look at functionality when choosing the best hat. As one reader warns, “Temperatures can go from 90 degrees during the day to 50 degrees (or less!) at night.”
But here at TFG, one of our most important choice factors is comfort level. Make sure your hat suits your style and you feel comfortable and confident wearing it. You can definitely dress both smart and stylish for your travels!
How to Pack Your Hats
Many of our readers use packing cubes to roll up and organize their clothes. Compass Rose packing cubes allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate outfits. Learn more in the video below.
Learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What are your top picks for the best safari hat? Share your thoughts below!
Looking for more travel accessories? Please read:
- Is Preventing Sweat Stains Difficult? Not With These 3 Travel Accessories
- The Best Sun Hats for Women According to Our Readers
- Cute Summer Hair Ideas: Accessories and Hats for Travel
- 15 Must-Have Travel Accessories Our Readers Can’t Live Without
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