Finding the best tactical hat can be a bit of a challenge. But if you know what they are and have a good idea of how they are used, then you might find the search quite easy.
A great tactical hat will come in handy when you are outdoors or if you are in a situation where you need to move quickly and freely without worrying about obstacles ahead of you. Plus, a great tactical hat can be useful if you need to maintain a low profile.
In a moment, we’ll get to the list of tactical hats that we have compiled for our review (and for you to choose from). For now, we’ll discuss when you should use a tactical hat and what the characteristics of a great hat are.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tactical Hat
- OUR TOP PICK: RAPDOM USA Embroidered Operator Cap
- RUNNER-UP: Vertx Kryptek Hat
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lightbird Hat with 6 Pieces Tactical Military Patches
Comparison of the Best Tactical Hats
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When Would I Use a Tactical Hat?
If you are planning on using a tactical hat and have no idea of when to use it, then you’re not alone. There are a few times where a tactical hat can and will come in handy. Here are some of those situations:
While Hunting
Ideally, you could be wearing the usual blaze orange for the purpose of keeping yourself safe during hunting trips. However, camouflage is also one of the other options for when you want to go hunting. A great tactical hat can come in handy if you want to blend in with the environment and make yourself less noticeable in the eyes of your target.
Vertx Kryptek Hat
When You Keep a Low Profile
Keep in mind that in some tactical situations, you’ll need to be really stealthy. This means you need to keep a low profile and maintain coverage so you are not recognized by anyone who might be a threat to you. This is ideal if you are in a tactical situation as a member of the military or law enforcement. Also, escaping and evading will be another situation if, for example, you are finding creative ways to escape enemy capture.
While Venturing at Night
There will be some tactical hats that will come in handy in a nighttime situation. If you are on foot and navigating through obstacles without any natural sunlight, then you may need a hat that will accommodate some tools like a headlamp. A great tactical hat can always come in handy when you need to keep your hands free for the purpose of using different tactical tools that you may be carrying.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Tactical Hat
If you need to know what makes a great tactical hat, then you should look no further than the characteristics that make them special. It’s important to know what these are so you can distinguish them between tactical hats that aren’t so great in quality and performance. Here’s what you need to look for:
Price
The price tag will certainly be a must-look for those who are on a budget. And why wouldn’t you want to worry about price when money is tight. Be sure to invest in the best quality that fits your budget rather than sacrifice quality because of the cheap price tag.
High-Quality Material
Anything that is made for tactical purposes absolutely has to be excellent in quality. You should find a tactical hat that will be made from materials that are easy to tear, fray, or damage. That way, you’ll be able to find something that will last you years or probably decades if you take good care of it.
Different Styles
Some tactical hats will come in a variety of styles. We’re talking baseball caps, beanie-style, you name it. Plus, each one will be perfect for any given situation. But overall, one thing that it can stand out and do is help you keep a low profile and be able to navigate around obstacles with ease and agility. Plus, they’re lightweight enough to keep you on the move without feeling weighed down.
Review of the Best Tactical Hats
Below is a list of the best tactical hats that are currently on the market. While going through the list, consider some things you want to look for in a tactical hat. Then keep an eye on the features and characteristics so you are able to determine which hat is close enough to your ideal description.
Let’s start off this list by taking a look at the “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
RAPDOM USA Embroidered Operator Cap
[amazon fields="B00I1FFL5K" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were really happy with this hat and how comfortable of a fit it was. Plus, it was perfect for the purpose of everyday wear or when it’s needed to help them keep a low profile and make themselves unrecognizable. One user said it was very easy to adjust and it fit him perfectly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is nothing that stands out more than a tactical hat with an embroidered flag to show your love for the great country known as the United States of America. Plus, since it’s American made it is guaranteed to be the best in quality. This tactical hat is versatile as it can be worn every day or part of your gear for when you need to maintain some kind of stealth.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect hat for you to wear regardless if it’s every day or every weekend. It’s something that maintains superb quality while ensuring it gives you the best fit each and every time. You’d be surprised what this simple baseball cap can do for someone like you no matter what.
Bottom Line
The RAPDOM USA Embroidered Operator Cap is hands down one of the best tactical hats on the market, and the “best overall” honors prove that. It’s made from quality materials and can be useful in any ordinary situation or if you just need to keep yourself out of harm’s way and need to blend in with the crowd. Regardless, it’s a pretty nice hat to include in your gear bag.
Runner-up:
Vertx Kryptek Hat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users say that this hat was perfect for most outdoor activities like hunting and hiking. It allowed them to blend in with the outdoor vegetation when they were hunting and it still didn’t give away their position to their intended targets. Overall, it’s a very good hat that is great for outdoor use and everyday wear.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This baseball cap is a true low profile design that will keep your identity concealed for when you need to blend in plain sight or if you are out and about hunting and need the kind of hat that will allow you to become part of nature in the eyes of a deer or a varmint. Either way, it’s made from materials that won’t rip or tear easily. That’s the beauty of something made from the hybrid material of Nyco.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great tactical hat that will go well with most of your outdoor gear. In fact, you’d be wearing this more often when you are hunting, fishing, or hiking. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it every day of the week. Plus, it’s a hat that is guaranteed to last you a good while because of the materials.
Bottom Line
The Vertx Kryptek hat will probably be a great fit for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s the perfect color to allow you to blend in nicely with the environment and will stay comfortable for as long as possible no matter what nature throws your way weatherwise. It’s a pretty good tactical hat if we say so ourselves.
Bottom Line
The Vertx Kryptex hat might be the “runner-up” for now. But it can probably take over the “best overall” spot at some point in the future for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s the closest that you can get to a hat that is indestructible. No wear or tear? No problem.
Best for the Money:
Lightbird Hat with 6 Pieces Tactical Military Patches
[amazon fields="B079JS2JVX" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This hat is probably one of the best choices for new users that had plenty of moral patches to wear. The hat held the patches pretty good with little to no instances of the patches falling out of place. So far, a lot of people loved the fit and comfort of the hat.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a hat that is lightweight and allows you to move around freely and with agility when you are on the run and trying to escape any kind of danger. Even if you are at a walking pace and navigating rough terrain, this hat will keep your face protected from any branches that might poke and probe (but not all of them, so you still have to pay attention). It’s the best hat that you can find to wear any kind of morale patch for every day wearing or if you are enjoying some outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, or fishing.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best hat that you can find for any tactical or outdoor application. No matter what morale patch you add on to show your support, it still has a decent hold like nothing else on the market. Wear it every day or whenever you are out and about and you will fly your flag the way you want it.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a great tactical hat that won’t suck the life out of your bank account, then chances are the Lightbird Hat will stand out as the best option. You’ll be certain to keep a low profile or blend in with the environment with a hat like this. Plus, it’s got the quality that will exceed all expectations and prove itself that it is neither cheap nor flimsy.
Best Condor Tactical Hat:
Condor Mesh Cap
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This hat was perfect for a number of users that were looking for something for everyday use no matter what the time of year was. They were able to keep the sun out of their eyes and protect their face (especially on summer days where the UV index is high). It’s lightweight and breathable and doesn’t make it much of a burden to wear because of the environment according to one user.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Condor is known for being one of the top brands for all things tactical gear. Especially when you want something that is reliable, tough, and able to get you through the day no matter what. This hat is no exception to the rule. It’s very comfortable to wear every day or when you are out and about doing something fun outdoors. Alternatively, it can be a perfect hat to wear when you want to keep yourself out of sight when running from danger.
Who Will Use This Most
This is ideal for anyone looking for a simple to wear tactical hat that will be useful for any purpose, any time. You can use this to keep the sun out of your face or while you are using it to blend in with the natural environment while hunting. This hat should be used by anyone looking for something that might be the last hat they ever buy for a while due to its tough quality.
Bottom Line
The Condor Mesh Cap is certainly one of the best tactical hats you’ll find that is tough to destroy, but super comfortable to wear. Just adjust it to your size and it will be a great multi-purpose hat for you to wear. You’d be quite surprised what a tactical hat like this can do for you.
Best 5.11 Tactical Hat:
5.11 Tactical Uniform Hat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a hat that was best suited for a lot of first responders. They said it was perfect for them when they were exposed to various outdoor elements and wanted to protect themselves from the precipitation while doing the most vital work possible in saving lives. One user said it was pretty lightweight and it was a snug and comfortable fit for both every day and occupational use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Another name that most people rely on is 5.11 Tactical. And this hat lives up to its reputation of making high-quality tactical gear that can last you quite a while. Not only is this made for everyday use, but it’s also perfect for those who are often in rescue situations on a regular basis. You’ll need to protect yourself from whatever elements that may hinder you from performing a perfectly well-executed rescue that doesn’t result in further injury or disaster.
Who Will Use This Most
This hat will be mostly used by first responders and law enforcement officers looking for the perfect addition to their professional attire. It’s low profile, keeps you well protected, and it’s quite stylish for everyday use. Whether you are on the job or out and about, this hat will be a perfect fit for you.
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Tactical Uniform Hat could be the go-to tactical hat for when duty calls. You’ll wear this hat for as long as possible and won’t get enough of its overall comfort and protection from nature’s elements. Plus, it’s quite affordable for most budgets as well so if you are looking for something that is great in quality and reasonably priced, this is it.
Best Flexfit Tactical Hat:
Yupoong Flexfit Cotton Twill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to most of the new buyers, they said this hat was very comfortable to wear and very appropriate for any weather conditions. Also, they said that it did a great job of keeping the sun out of their eyes and protecting their faces from sunburn on hot summer days. One user who is a paramedic says that this hat was perfect for his uniform and it kept the sun out of his eyes while performing medical procedures.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a tactical hat that will fit larger heads, then this might be the right kind of hat for you. Some hats might be too small for you. But rest assured, there’s always a tactical hat that can fit any size. This one is the case if you are tired of wearing ill-fitted hats because of the size of your head. Not only that, it’s super comfortable to wear, easy to wash by hand and will be a good add-on to a first responder uniform.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an ideal hat for those who are among those working day in and day out as first responders. It’s also great for users looking for the perfect everyday tactical hat that will give them a low profile without the ill-fitting. It’s super durable and very comfortable. It’s just what you want out of a tactical hat no matter what the size.
Bottom Line
The Yupoong Flexfit Cotton Twill tactical hat is proven to be one of the most reliable hats worn by first responders and everyday users that want something to protect them from the elements while they are outdoors performing their respected activities. And it’s one of the best fitting hats for anyone who might have a head that is larger in size. This is no one size fits all hat, but it can keep you comfortable and well-protected.
Best American Flag Tactical Hat:
The Hat Depot USA Flag Cap
[amazon fields="B01MYFSTEC" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This hat was a hit with most users who were looking for something with a morale patch that supported the nation’s law enforcement. While they said it was a great way to show their support, it was also a great hat to wear for everyday use. One user said that it was great to wear in the summer months when he wanted to keep himself cool and prevent getting sunburned at the same time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Though it is more of an everyday hat that you can wear, it’s also a great tactical hat if you intend to keep a low profile or use it when you are hiking or hunting outdoors. If you are using it for the latter, then you’ll have no trouble keeping yourself out of plain sight if and when you need to hide somewhere and keep yourself out of your target’s sight. You can see the big game or varmint, but they probably won’t see you unless they get very close.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for the perfect tactical hat that will be versatile for everyday use or for when you want to wear it in specific situations, this is something to take into consideration. It’s got the right kind of material for it to withstand the test of time and the environment around it. If you want superior comfort while showing your support for America and our military and law enforcement, this is the hat for you.
Bottom Line
The Hat Depot USA Flag Cap might just be the tactical hat that will be wearable at any given time of the day no matter what the situation. You can support your country 100% and still be able to get the best protection from the sun and blend in with the environment while spending outdoors, this is the hat that might be what you need.
Best Tactical Boonie Hat:
5.11 Multicam Boonie Hat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a hat that really stood out as one of the best for those who were using it for outdoor recreational activities. They said they were kept cool and it kept a good amount of the sun out of their face when they would wear it for extra protection. One user said that he didn’t need sunglasses once he tried this hat on and it gave him plenty of shade.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This boonie hat is designed mostly for outdoor recreational use. But even if you were in a tactical situation or evacuating from disaster, it’s a great hat to have on hand if you ever needed to keep a low profile and move on foot at the same time. The design itself gives you 360 degrees of protection against the sun and some of nature’s elements like rain or snow. Plus, it’s made from high-quality cotton and polyester and is fitting for almost every size.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re going to find yourself outdoors more often than not, this is going to be the go-to hat for you. Especially when you want something that will protect you from such things as getting the sun in your eyes or burning your face. It’s the perfect hat that will be ideal for any outdoor situation, even if it means roughing it for a couple of days on such short notice.
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Tactical Multicam Boonie Hat is a hat made for the outdoor enthusiast. And it can be best worn whenever you are treading through the woods, on the lake, or just about anywhere outside doing what you love best. If you are a sportsman looking for something stylish and comfortable, you’ll be quite happy with this hat.
Best Tactical Trucker Hat:
Sox Market Camouflage
[amazon fields="B071S1LJ4S" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were wearing this hat mostly for wearing it on a day to day basis. However, about half of them were wearing it as an add on to their hunting or outdoor attire. Overall, it was more of a hat that fits most large size heads than those who have heads that were of average size.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Trucker’s hats are usually one of those trendy styles for those who wear baseball caps. But if you want the kind of trucker’s hat that will be useful in any outdoor situation then this is the closest that you’re going to get. It’s flat-brimmed but still gives you the best in protection against the sun on hot summer days. If you are outdoors, it will be something to wear if you are out hunting and want to keep some of nature’s elements like rain or wind out of your face. It might be stylish in design, but a godsend when you want to combat some of nature’s worst.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a hat that is kind of stylish but can be very comfortable for almost any size. If you are a sucker for the trucker style hats and want something great for the outdoors, then this is one of the best options to consider.
Bottom Line
This Sox Market Camouflage hat will be one of the most stylish hats you’ve worn but can be one of the best outdoor hats that you can wear for recreational activities and tactical purposes. It can fit big heads comfortably and with ease. But it can also serve as quite the attire for when you need to use it in a situation where you need to evacuate quickly and blend in with the people around you (if such a situation were to arise).
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Tactical Hat
If you are looking for a tactical hat, then odds are you might be able to experience some of the benefits that they can provide. Here are some of the following things to expect out of a tactical hat:
Excellent For Outdoor Activities
Indeed, any good hat is great for outdoor activities. But a tactical hat is great for the outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you are engaging in recreational activities or working as an emergency services worker, your face will be well-protected and you will be able to get the job done without nature getting in the way.
Helps You Keep a Low Profile
While it won’t likely happen to you, you may be evading some kind of danger. Or you can use this in a strategic situation if you are in law enforcement or the military. Either way, a good tactical hat will come in handy if and when you are looking to conceal your face and maintain a near anonymous identity.
Ideal For First Responders
First responders need to focus 100 percent on the tasks at hand. This means dealing with bad weather conditions and distractions in their immediate vicinity. It would be ideal for them to wear a tactical hat that will allow them to focus on the task or subject without being thrown off and causing an error that could be fatal.
Conclusion
The best tactical hat is out there. It’s important to find one that will work to your advantage and will work in any given situation. Whether you are doing outdoor activities that you enjoy or keeping a low profile, there is no hat quite like a tactical hat that will give you the protection and the comfort that you deserve.
