Underrated Backpacking Gear

Hats for backpacking and hiking are by far the most underrated, underappreciated, and overlooked pieces of gear, but most of us never think twice about them. We'll toss anything we have laying around on our heads and call it good because we don't fully appreciate how IMPORTANT a hat is to our overall comfort, warmth, and enjoyment when in the backcountry.

On the surface, hats just keep your head warm from time to time or block the sun, but they actually do FAR more important things than that. They help your body regulate and control its temperature meaning you'll warm up more evenly and cool down evenly. Simply put, less wild temperature swings. The WRONG hat will make life very uncomfortable...

If you haven't put much thought into what goes on top of your head, then you should. I guarantee when you do, you'll have a far better time out there regulating your body temperature on your next backpacking or hiking trip.

Check out the full article here:

👋 My name is Emory, and I love helping people learn how to backpack, so I've dedicated this channel to offering practical tips and techniques, down-to-earth perspectives on gear, and general outdoor commentary to help you improve your experience in the backcountry.

Emory, By Land

P.S. Don't forget to check out my beginner backpacking course!

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FAVORITE BACKPACKING GEAR:

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WHERE TO SHOP FOR BACKPACKING GEAR:

[wolfeadventures]

Finding a breathable hat for us hotheads is tough. I’ve found Headsweats race cap is the most breathable with offering UV protection for my head. I’ve tried countless hats claiming they breath-none were as good as the Headsweats. Not affiliated with them just works fantastic.

[LostAgainwithJim]

As a long haired dude, finding the perfect hat to keep my head’s temperature more regulated was clutch. I finally landed on a thin synthetic cap (I have two that are the same design, one from Adidas one from REI, but they are essentially the shame hat.) It’s light enough that it doesn’t add to my already well insulated nogin and spacious enough to tuck all my hair up and get it out of my face.

[crookedarrow]

Bought a hat from Path Projects for my running, and it just works for me. good sweat absorbance, not too hot. Don’t know what it is that makes it work, but makes me happy.

[christopherwhite]

I struggle with hats, no matter what season I sweat a lot, certainly looking forward to seeing what others wear.

At times, I wear a hat or I’ll wear a buff.

[hoser]

Cycling hats pack flat too. Weigh little, cost little and come in many fabrics. Good objectivity and guidance tips

[CookingMike]

allbirds run cap is merino recycled fishnets. super light, been wearing for almost two years in Colorado. highly recommend.

[jeremyriversau]

Hey another hat hunter haha, my brother got me onto ultra marathon hats that are super light and breathable and the brim isn't massive that it gets in the way. I get real hot so they've been fantastic, and then in the cool I swear by my New Zealand merino and possum blend beanie

[TheNakiGuy]

Hay Bro, I'm in the same boat I'm balled and sweat like anything. After much hunting around I landed on the Huxley Creek Hats"Legionnaires Hat" it a wide brim hat with mesh ventilation around the top with a hidden legionnaires flap which you can use or not. It's a perfect hat in all kinds of conditions. It's lite and can be easily stashed when not needed. I don't usefully engage in comments but your bang on point with your clips, very relatable. 👍

[veronicahoffmann]

Hey! What's the brand of your bike hat? Thanks :)