A good hat is the most underrated piece of hiking gear you own. It's not just sunburn you're managing out there — it's heat, glare, and, depending where you're walking, flies that will happily follow you for kilometres. Here's what actually matters when picking one, and our picks for different kinds of hikes.
What to Look For in a Hiking Hat
Sun protection (UPF rating). A UPF 50+ rated fabric blocks over 98% of UV radiation. This matters more than shade alone — some tightly woven cotton and canvas hats provide excellent UPF even without a huge brim.
Brim width. A wider brim (7cm+) shades your face, ears and neck, not just the top of your head. For all-day hikes in open country, wider is almost always better than a cap.
Breathability. Mesh side panels or vents stop your head overheating on long, hot climbs. A hat that traps heat becomes something you take off rather than wear.
Secure fit. Adjustable toggles or a chin strap matter more than people expect — an unsecured hat blowing off on an exposed ridge is a genuine hazard, not just an inconvenience.
Insect protection. If you're hiking anywhere in inland or outback Australia, this isn't optional in fly season. A hat with an integrated or attachable fly net saves you from constant face-swatting and lets you actually enjoy the walk.
Our Picks
Best All-Rounder: Fly Net Hat with Detachable Net
For most Australian conditions — especially anywhere inland, in the outback, or during fly season — a wide-brim hat with a built-in fly net is the most practical choice on the market. It handles sun and insects in one piece of kit, which matters when you're already carrying a full pack.
Dreamtimez's fly net hat is UPF 50+ rated, has mesh side panels for airflow, an adjustable fit with a chin strap and pigtail opening, and features licensed Indigenous Australian artwork — with royalties paid to the artist on every sale and part proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Best for Fly Season Specifically
If flies are the main concern — think Uluru, the Flinders Ranges, or anywhere pastoral in summer — read our full breakdown of why the flies get so bad and what actually works before you head out.
Best for Coastal or Beach Hikes
Look for a lighter, more packable option without a full net — breathability and quick-dry fabric matter more than insect protection here. A simple wide-brim canvas hat with a good UPF rating covers most coastal walks.
Best Budget Option
A basic UPF-rated bucket hat will handle short, low-intensity walks fine. Skip this for anything over a couple of hours in direct sun — the smaller brim won't protect your neck and ears the way a proper wide-brim hat does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best hat for hiking in Australia?
For most of the country, a wide-brim hat with UPF 50+ protection is the safest all-round choice. If you're hiking inland or in the outback, a hat with a fly net attachment adds real value during fly season (roughly spring through autumn, worse after rain).
Do I really need a hat with a fly net for hiking?
If you're walking anywhere flies are active — much of inland and outback Australia for a good chunk of the year — yes. Repellent wears off with sweat, and nothing else fully stops flies landing on your face and eyes the way a net does.
What's the difference between a cap and a wide-brim hat for hiking?
A cap only shades your forehead and eyes. A wide-brim hat protects your ears, neck and the sides of your face too — areas that get just as much UV exposure on a long hike, especially with the sun overhead in the middle of the day.
How do I stop my hiking hat blowing off?
Look for one with an adjustable chin strap or toggle. On exposed ridgelines or coastal walks, wind is a bigger factor than most people expect before their first proper hike.
Heading out on your next hike? Browse Dreamtimez's fly net hats — built for Australian conditions, with a story behind every one.