8 Reasons Why We Love Trucker Hats

The trucker hat is an essential piece of kit here at Outside. We use them to keep the sun off our faces on the skin track and the sweat out of our eyes during post-work trail runs. Plus, they always go well with the de facto office uniform: a flannel and jeans. Here are eight of our favorites.

Built with a medium crown and curved bill, this hat
is for people who want a traditional ball-cap feel. Patagonia’s version uses organic cotton, and the embroidered bison includes a silhouette of the legendary Fitz Roy Mountain.

Run hot? You’ll like breathability of this full-mesh cap. The bill is flat but designed to be easily curved, depending on how steezy you want to roll.

We dig this hat’s simple design. It’s built with a high crown and a flat brim that wants to stay that way.

Long known for its tubular neckwear, we’re stoked to hear about Buff’s first foray into hats. This version features loud fish graphics from artist Derek DeYoung and has a quick-drying polyester crown that makes it perfect for high-output activities. Available in January.

Notice the seam running along the top of the crown? It’s there to make the Sign look like your grandpa’s old hat from his Navy years. We like the wool-blend front panels for cold days on the mountain.

What does this hat’s slightly higher price tag get you? For starters, a silky liner and taped seams, both of which made it extra comfortable and durable. And who doesn’t like an American flag ski goggles patch?

The polyester Two Tone comes in a ton of colors and is dirt cheap. Plus, the blank front stands out in a sea of logos.

The husband-and-wife team behind Blowfish sources their hats from a bulk supplier and employs stay-at-home moms in Los Angeles to hand stitch one-of-a-kind textiles on the crowns.