The Best Outdoor Baseball Caps for Every Adventure

Looking for an outdoor baseball cap that you can take on your next adventure? If you're into hiking, running, or something a bit more extreme, you need a cap that'll look good—but more importantly, stay on your head no matter what you're getting up to.

What features should you look for in a good outdoor baseball cap? What are the best materials for outdoor use, and which caps do we recommend for outdoor enthusiasts? Keep reading to find out.

What Makes a Great Outdoor Baseball Cap?

There are a few features that make for a great outdoor baseball cap.

Aside from just looking good, your cap should fit your head properly, shield your face from the sun, handle sweat, and hold up in different conditions. It's best to go for one with an adjustable fit, too, so you can get the perfect fit even when you're tying your hair up.

Above all, your hat should be comfortable—if it's not, you'll probably end up taking it off in frustration.

Best Materials for Outdoor Use

When you’re out exploring, the best hat materials to go for are lightweight and quick-drying fabrics, like nylon and polyester blends. The big benefit of these materials is that they wick moisture and don’t stay wet, so they're good for rainy (or sweaty!) days.

We generally don't recommend cotton caps for outdoor adventures. Yes, they feel soft, but they absorb sweat and dry slowly, so they're not the most comfortable or practical option.

You might also want to look for caps that have mesh panels or ventilated sides, so your head gets a bit of airflow, or even a panel of reflective fabric for good visibility in low light. And, of course, pay attention to the stitching and build quality. It's worth paying a bit more for a quality hat that's well-designed than one made from cheap fabric with loose seams, which probably won’t even last a full season.

Breathability and Sweat Management

A good outdoor baseball cap should regulate heat and move sweat away from your skin. The last thing you want is for your hat to turn into a wet sponge whenever you're out on a hot day. Go for a cap made from a breathable fabric, ideally with built-in sweatbands or moisture-wicking liners. The idea of these is that they pull sweat away from your forehead, so it won't drip into your eyes.

Ventilation is also important, especially if your head gets hot easily or you're planning to wear your cap for more strenuous outdoor activities. Some caps have mesh inserts or perforated panels that keep air moving while you’re walking, biking, rowing, running—or whatever else you have planned!

If you sweat a lot, steer well clear of baseball caps with heat-trapping solid foam panels or thick linings.

Sun Protection and UV Features

Don't just assume that a baseball cap will have sun-protective features. If you know you'll be outside for long hours, it's worth investing a bit more in a hat that's made with UPF-rated fabric. Yes, having a brim that shades your face is a good start, but it won’t block UV rays unless the fabric also provides this protection.

You can be selective with your color choices when it comes to sun protection, too. Darker colors block more sun, but, on the flipside, they also absorb heat. You might actually be better off with a hat in a lighter shade that reflects sunlight and still offers UV protection.

Top Picks for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you're looking for a reliable baseball cap for all your outdoor adventures, we recommend our very own Notch Gear performance hats.

These hats are designed for athletes, with ultra-light, moisture-wicking fabric, offering a snug, comfortable fit even in windy conditions. If you plan to wear your hat frequently outdoors, many of our ball caps are made for everyday wear, with UV protection and breathable materials for keeping cool.

We've got something to suit every personal style and different head sizes, with fitted hats in several sizes, and adjustable caps in one size with an adjustable strap at the back. Check out our full range of baseball caps here.