Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Fishing Hats
Absolutely all hunting hats and their fishing counterparts are oriented to different seasons of the year. Summer fishing hats are lightest models, mostly camouflaged, with a mesh to improve ventilation and air exchange. Basically, they are designed to protect from direct sunlight. Demi-season hats are more dense, mostly waterproof and wind-resistant models. Also they have the function of keeping heat. They also have a lot of options for a camo pattern. Winter hats are dense, maximum warm with good air exchange and moisture. In addition to the hat, there are a few of special fasteners and fasteners for various optional accessories. A variety of materials are used for hats of this type. For light, summer models, waterproof polyester or natural cotton is used. Demi-season models are often made of a combination of acrylic and heat-insulating materials. Acrylic does not absorb moisture, which is important in conditions of spring and autumn weather changes. Winter models are often made of such popular, pleasant to the touch material as fleece.
Despite the form, any hat for fishing, whether it’s a cap or bucket, must meet such mandatory criteria:
Protection
A good hat for fishing should be able to protect its owner from direct sunlight and from sudden rain, and even preferably from insect bites and prey sight. Therefore, a summer hat with a mosquito net is quite popular. In addition to the traditional hats for fishing, there are also mask hats that will cover and protect your face and throat even in the most windy days, and thus save them from frostbite and airing.
Comfort
The hat should fit well and not interfere with the normal functioning of hearing and sight. This is important for a successful aiming or timely reaction to the movement of the float rod. In order to this, there should be an adjustable strap so you can regulate the size of the hat.
Breathability (Ventilation)
The head should not sweat. This applies equally to the summer and winter season hats. To do this, all the caps are made with a ventilation system, which additionally removes excess heat.
Durability
Quality headwear is always designed for a long life. Even after a large number of washing cycles, it should retain its original color, and the seams remain intact.
Style
Most fishermen prefer hats decorated with a camouflage pattern. A large assortment of such hats and caps allows you to easily select a camouflage pattern that better suits the season of the year. There are also different types of hats such as:
Baseball Cap
Baseball caps for fishing are a classic wardrobe item that not only adds a stylish look, but also has direct functional properties. The cap creates the necessary shadow, thereby making possible a good sight and an accurate fishing even in bright sun. Moreover, a quality baseball cap can even protect from rain for a short while, enabling you to find a suitable shelter and at the same time keep your head dry. Adjustment of the size is conveniently carried out by the usual Velcro fastener located at the back of it. Fishing caps are made of a dense blend fabric that is resistant to sunlight and which practically does not shrink during use, which means the cap will have a nice appearance, and won’t require a replacement for a long time. The best choice of this type of hat from our list can be Columbia PFG Mesh Snap Back Ball Cap.
Brimmed Caped Hat
Such caped cap is totally awesome for angling situations. It’s wide neck and overflow top keeps neck and head from harmful sun rays or from getting wet, and air vents prevent sweating and bugs, alongside a jaw tie keeps it secure. Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hat from our list worth your attention.
Bucket Hat
This type is also widespread among anglers and suitable for protection from the sun. It has short brim and covers head but there is not enough protection for neck and ears. If you are going to spend hours or even couple of days then this is not the best choice. Pay attention to DealStock Boonie Fishing Bucket Men Cap.
Size
Usually hats for fishing come in one universal size. Since you order hat online, you can’t be sure that hat will fit you right. The thing you can do is to find out the internal dimensions. The hat will fit well if it has adjustable straps so you can tight or lose the hat.
Color
In order to protect head from the sun it is better to choose hat of a bright color, which can reflect glare. Hat of the dark colors also can be a good choice as it doesn’t let the glare to pass through but dark color absorbs more heat than bright one. Very often manufacturers provide hats for fishing of khaki, grey or brown colors.
Price
The price depends on the quality of the hat, which includes its style, material and other additional accessories. There are both cheap and expensive options of fishing hats. The cost may range from $10 to over $100.
Conclusion
In any case, the ideal fishing hat should feature several important functions: it has to be lightweight, maintain normal heat exchange, protect from adverse external influences. Hat should not soak and dry quickly when it gets wet. It is highly desirable that hat is made of natural materials. This is not only a matter of durability and convenience, but also of the fisherman’s health.