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A tactical hat isn’t just used for military purposes only, but it can also be great protection for everyday wear. The best tactical hat can protect your face from the sun and keep your head cool. Most of them provide plenty of velcro patch panels to show your patriotism to the American country.
There are many tactical hats available today, ranging in style, colors, and features. Modern technologies help to manufacture heavy-duty fabric to improve durability against harsh environments. Some factors that you might want to consider when buying a tactical hat are:
No matter how resolute you are in getting the perfect tactical hat for your needs, it can be a little overwhelming when you examine the product one by one. For your convenience, I have done the legwork for you and reviewed 15 top tactical hats. Read below, along with my comprehensive buying guide.
This Condor Tactical Cap is an adjustable back hat with a tightening clip to fit most head sizes. It also comes with an IR patch up top to reflect the light back to the light source.
The fitting of this tactical cap feels very comfortable. I like the fact that the strap is buckled and not hooked because it makes this military tactical hat super durable. Plus, the hole in the adjustable strap can be useful in hooking other things, like a carabiner on my belt loop.
The cotton material appears to be sturdy yet soft to wear all day long. I especially love the little horizontal sleeve that you can conceal the extra strap in the back so it’s not hanging loosely like a tail. Also, Condor has significantly improved its velcro attachment points in this model because they were all rounded without sharp edges.
I like to wear this tactical hat during summer because it seems cooler and washing machine friendly. Compared to my expensive baseball hats, this Condor cap doesn’t come out deformed from the washer. The price point is also fairly outstanding considering its quality.
The 5.11 Tactical Taclite Uniform Cap is a comfortable fitting tactical hat with its adjustable velcro strap in the back. I already bought the 5.11 tactical pants, so I’m hopeful for the 5.11 tactical hats.
I like that this 5.11 tactical cap doesn’t have a super-high crown because it doesn’t make me look like a trucker. The front panels are designed with a stiff buckram lining, so I feel like that this cap won’t lose its shape easily. With the eight rows of bill stitching, the cap looks aesthetically pleasing and extra durable.
This 5.11 tactical cap is actually quite simple because it doesn’t have any morale patches or any of that stuff. The front panels are blank, so I was able to put some custom graphics on them. Even from the heat of the sun, I still feel comfortable because the cap has ventilation around the crown area.
One of the key features of this 5.11 tactical cap is its authentic Taclite ripstop fabric material, which is lightweight and durable. Part of the fabric is made of cotton for breathability and polyester to keep the cap from shrinking. Surprisingly, this cap cleans quickly with a wet rag and doesn’t fade easily.
RAPDOM offers one of the best military hats with its extreme comfort and lifetime warranty. This tactical operator hat dons a classic ball cap design combined with convenient tactical features.
This cap is made of breathable fabric to keep cool during hot weather. I especially love the moisture-wicking sweatband because it keeps my head dry and comfortable under the sun. I also love the black color because it makes stains less noticeable.
There are around five hook and loop patches, which I like because I can use many of my favorite patches on the cap. Since these panels use velcro, the patches are easy to attach. I also appreciate that the Velcro patches are positioned in the center and well stitched for added aesthetics.
This tactical hat fits most heads because it uses an adjustable velcro strap closure. The construction seems durable because the hat is still intact after being rained on and stepped on accidentally. I’m confident with its durability because the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty.
The Oakley Men’s Si Cap is a flexfit low profile tactical hat that offers an elastic band closure. It’s made of 100% polyester and machine washable for easy cleaning.
This cap offers excellent sun protection and keeps my head cool in hot weather. I like that it dries quickly after getting wet in the rain. Also, the polyester fabric feels strong and can even hold its shape after many washes.
I love the velcro patch ability of the hat since it still sticks securely after throwing different patches on it. I also appreciate the tiny holes in the hat that provide sufficient ventilation. After wearing this hat many times, I noticed no signs of damage or any rips.
The elastic fitting is very convenient for me to wear the hat without any adjustments. The hat simply stretches to accommodate any head size. Thanks to the low-profile design, this cap fits snugly on my head.
This UltraKey Military Tactical Operator Cap is crafted from high-quality breathable fabric to give comfortable wear. The cap fits most head sizes, thanks to its adjustable back strap, which can either be velcro or hook and loop.
I like that UltraKey offers plenty of color options, including black, khaki, and army green. My favorite is the black one because it’s versatile to wear on any occasion. I’ve been using it for gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities without any problem.
The material is a combination of polyester and cotton, both ideal for outdoor use. I can feel the softness of the cotton and the strength of the polyester. So far, this cap has endured repeated washings without losing its shape.
Wearing this hat is comfortable because the crown area has ventilation holes. I’m glad that the top portion of this military-style cap isn’t too high compared to other brands. It fits comfortably without looking like a truck driver.
The Voodoo Tactical 20-9353 is a flag-bearer cap with an adjustable size. This cap is one of the most comfortable tactical hats with velcro closure since it’s made of poplin fabric.
The poplin fabric feels durable as it can take a beating when used outdoors. This fabric seems to be also breathable; the proof is that I still feel comfortable even when I’m under the wicked hot sun. Surprisingly, I noticed no creasing even after washing the cap many times.
One of the key features of this Voodoo tactical cap is the hand-sewn flag patch at the front. The flag is embroidered, so it looks very appealing. More importantly, the hat has a low crown design, so it fits on my head without sticking up.
Another attractive feature of this Voodoo tactical cap is the price. I have bought a few of these models as a gift to my friends since the price is decent. I like that the hat comes with additional two patch panels for personalization.
This cap already comes with a US flag patch that can be attached at the front panel. The material is a mix of polyester and cotton, so there’s almost no break-in time needed.
I have had a few of these flag bearer caps and noticed no fading issues. I discovered that a little discoloration could only be due to dust and dander buildup. All it takes to restore their appearance is to wipe the cap with a wet rag.
The fit is easy to conform to the head since the back strap is adjustable. Also, I like that I can stuff the excess trap into the hat’s back for a clean look. I’m also pleased that the comfortable hat doesn’t stick up too high on my head but adheres to my head’s shape like a swim cap.
The shape of the pre-curved bill is to my liking as the amount of curve is just right. It’s neither too flat nor excessive that it looks like I’ve sat on the cap accidentally. Surprisingly, the material is durable yet lightweight to wear all day.
KBETHOS offers a vast number of color options, from wheat to camo. I bought this one as a replacement of my old Blackhawk tactical hat, and the quality is quite decent for its price.
I love the distressed vintage look in this operator cap, which makes it very unique. Additionally, the low-profile design makes this hat conform to my head without looking like a trucker. I think this cap fits all as the backstrap is adjustable.
Since this hat already comes beaten up, there’s no need to break it in. I was able to use the tactical cap right out from the package. I feel comfortable wearing it; the cotton fabric feels soft and lightweight.
I appreciate that the American flag patch has velcro that allows me to add another patch design over it whenever I like. I’m also a fan of the simplicity of the hook and loop closure. The hat looks casual, so there’s no problem for civilians wearing operator hats like this.
This Condor Mesh Tactical Cap is one of the best fitted tactical hats I used with its flexfit comfort and embroidered eyelets. This hat is comfortable to wear during summer, thanks to its breathable back mesh panels.
These back mesh panels help promote better airflow and wick away the sweat. I like that the mesh material is softer than the regular mesh material used on trucker-style hats. My favorite is the sweatband as it keeps me cool under the heat of the sun.
I’m happy that I can have three different patches stuck on the hat. I especially love the name tape on the back and the little square section on top. It’s also a bonus that the package already includes the US flag patch and an embroidered warrior patch, so no need to spend more on patches.
The quality of this mesh cap is actually excellent. The jersey material feels lightweight, soft, and flexible. The hook and loop patches are also attached securely, so I think they can hold well after many washes.
The Lightbird Military Patch Hat Operator Cap fits most head sizes with its adjustable back strap. I especially love this multicam hat because the camouflage pattern is what I wanted for my gun hats collection.
The thing I like most is the six tactical military patches that come with the package. I like the four US flag patches as they match the cap’s color well and can also be utilized with other tactical gear. The quality of the embroidery seems to be excellent as I’ve not seen any loose threads.
I like the blend of polyester and cotton in this cap which feels soft yet stiff enough to hold its shape for a long time. The size isn’t too small nor too big for my normal head size. Also, the cap dries fast after washing, so it’s perfect for everyday wear.
There’s a sweatband inside the hat, so I don’t drip with sweat even under the heat of the sun. No matter how many times I washed this hat, I noticed no rips so far. More importantly, this hat comes with a one-year limited warranty to assure quality.
This Sox Market Camouflage Special Tactical Cap is a nice way to show support to law enforcement with its impressive embroidered US flag on the side. I like that this cap offers four patch strips for more customization options.
The form of this cap looks professional, making it look like I’ve served in the military. I bought this for my retired grandfather, and he was happy with the military bearing look of this cap. When worn, this hat doesn’t appear cheap and fits well while offering sufficient comfort.
My favorite is the four mesh back panels that keep excellent airflow during summer. This cap seems to fit most head sizes as it’s designed with adjustable velcro closure. It’s a bonus that the hat comes with the US velcro flag, so I can wear it on the get-go.
The hat is mainly made of cotton, so it feels soft and lightweight. I think the velcro won’t break loose easily because it’s sewn pretty well. The mesh is made of high-quality material as it won’t rip even after many uses.
This operator cap from RAPDOM features a permanent US flag on the front at full display. The back has a velcro strap, so it adjusts easily according to your head size.
I like that the hat is made of 100% cotton, so it’s easy to break in. I tried putting the hat in the washer and the crown area softened so that it didn’t stick up too much. While the hat gets softened on top, it still keeps its basic structure, making it perfect for me.
Since this hat is made of cotton, it’s very comfortable to wear during hot days. I noticed that my sweat dries quickly when I wear this cap. Also, the tiny ventilation holes provide adequate airflow to keep my head cool.
The price point is also very competitive. Considering the quality of the cap, I’m surprised that it comes at an affordable price. I have had no issues with wrinkles so far.
This GLORYFIRE Tactical Hat features a camouflage pattern that suits best for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor operations. I like that the package includes six military patches, so I can swap them anytime, according to my mood.
Compared to most hats with an adjustable velcro strap, this GLORYFIRE camo hat uses a metal buckle design to stay in place better. I love the flat button at the top because it makes it comfortable to wear with earmuffs or headphones.
My favorite is the cotton sweatband inside the hat. It absorbs my perspiration fast, plus the ventilation holes add more airflow for a cooler feeling.
The material is surprisingly lightweight yet feels durable and strong. Thanks to the four-thread stitching, I’m certain that this hat will last long. Also, velcro patch panels seem to hold up well after many uses.
I like the idea of many patch panels on the hat. There are three patches on the front and another three at the back. The patches are embroidered beautifully, so they add an aesthetic to the hat.
This boonie hat from Propper provides the best sun protection with its wider design that covers both the face and the nape. At the same time, this hat helps protect your head from the cold weather.
I like that this hat repels water and stains effectively, thanks to its Teflon fabric protector finish. I’ve used it in the rain while hiking, and the hat provided enough protection with its wide brim size. The hat was also able to keep the rain out of my eyes.
My favorite is the interior pocket that is useful in keeping the map secure. I also like the gussets as they seem to be of high quality. Additionally, the blended material is more durable than pure cotton.
This hat has no loops going around, so it’s more lightweight to use for normal hiking. Getting the right fit is also easy using the adjustable chin strap. When I throw this hat into the dryer, I’m impressed that it doesn’t shrink in size.
This Condor mesh tactical cap has an operator hat fitted design which comes with two bonus patches, a PVC flag and a “warrior” patch. I like the quality of the two patches since they’re embroidered carefully without any loose threads.
This tactical hat is very breathable with its back mesh panels that allow airflow. Even when it’s hot, I can’t feel the heat, as my head stays cool with the mesh panels. On top is a flat button, which makes ear muffs or headphones comfortable to wear.
The hat fits and feels comfortable using the elastic flex material inside. I don’t have to worry about sweaty situations because there’s a sweatband inside to wick away the moisture. I noticed that the velcro at the back is a little longer, which I like because it means that it can fit other longer patches.
This product is one of the few products I’ve purchased from Condor, and I’m glad that the quality was able to meet my expectations. The stitching and seams are reinforced, so it feels secure and durable. The hat still remains in good shape after taking a beating outdoors.
A tactical hat isn’t just meant for fashion, but it’s also for protection against the sun and any harsh elements outside. If you want to find the best tactical hat, here are some things you might want to consider.
Tactical hats are available in different styles, so that adds to the confusion when you’re a first-time buyer. The most popular styles are boonie and baseball hats.
Boonie hats are full brim hats that provide more sun protection as their brim gets wider. However, you might consider a smaller brim if you’re planning to do some backpacking or climbing activities, as the wide brim might cover your vision.
Baseball caps are a popular choice because they’re comfortable, pretty, and affordable. They’re also readily available in local and online stores. However, they don’t provide the best sun coverage as they don’t cover the back of your neck and some parts of your face.
You can choose any color you want, but they do matter when it comes to comfortable wearing. Dark colors, like dark gray and black, tend to attract more heat into your head, plus they can be susceptible to fading issues. Light colors, like beige, don’t draw heat, but they’re more vulnerable to stains and dirt.
If you plan to go hunting, a camouflage hat is ideal for hiding your presence. This color helps your head blend in with your surroundings, so it’s also perfect for military personnel during missions. Airsoft and paintball players can also take advantage of this concealing hat color.
Most tactical hats are made of light fabric to make them comfortable to wear outdoors. Cotton is the best fabric for comfort because it’s lightweight, soft, and breathable. However, it lacks durability, so you might want to find a cotton hat blended with polyester.
Polyester is known to be water-resistant, so it can help repel liquid from your hat.
If you want your hat to hold its shape well, look for a Buckram lining in the hat’s interior. Buckram is a stiff material, so it can strengthen the brims of your hat. Typically, tactical hats use cotton buckram to shape the hat firmly.
The harsh rays of the sun can really be excruciating on the head. To keep your head cool, look for the best tactical hat with ventilation holes at least. The most durable ventilation holes are formed with a small metal ring to prevent any fraying issues.
Other hats also feature a cotton sweatband to wick away the moisture from your head. This sweatband is also helpful in keeping the sweat from dropping in your eyes, which is crucial in shooting ranges. Some hats even feature mesh back panels to provide more airflow.
One of the best parts of owning a tactical hat is you can customize it with the patches. You can attach your favorite morale or patriotic patches to show your patriotism to the country. The best hats even provide an IR patch to reflect the light during the night for increased visibility.
The number of patch panels depends on your preference. Typically, tactical hats provide a front panel to fit those patriotic flag emblems. Some of the best brands include a few bonus patches, so you don’t have to spend an additional cost on them.
Besides the number, look for the quality of the patch panels. They should be sewn securely and can hold up well after multiple attachments. Also, ensure that the patch area doesn’t look crooked.
Like your clothes, you want a tactical hat that fits your head perfectly. You don’t want a hat that’s too tight because it can cause discomfort in the long run, nor a loose one that can fall with a slight gust of the wind.
To get a personalized fit, look for an adjustable backstrap that uses velcro, buckle, or hook closures. Buckle closure provides the most durability, while velcro offers ease in adjustment.
If you want to get away with these closures, look for a fitted one that uses a flexible fabric to fit your head tightly.
To get the proper fit, measure your head with a tape measure accurately. You can also consider your face shape to get the perfect fit. Oval face shapes tend to match with any style, while those with long faces look best with a wide-brimmed hat. Heart-shaped faces suit best with baseball cap styles.
Yes, tactical hats can keep your head cool because they’re usually made of breathable materials, like cotton. Most of these hats come with ventilation holes and even mesh back panels to promote better airflow.
Tactical hats provide a velcro patch to allow you to personalize the hat with various patches. You can use a flag patch or any morale quote to show your allegiance to what you believe in. The most popular patch is a US flag for patriots out there.
Like most garments, you can wash your tactical hat with a cleaning detergent and water. Simply soak your hat in a basin full of soapy water for about a few minutes. Scrub any soiled areas or stains with a brush or towel, then rinse thoroughly.
If your hat is machine-washable, put it in the washer with a mild detergent under a gentle cycle.
You probably have an idea of what tactical hat to buy next time. The best tactical hat should be durable, comfortable, and serves its purpose for sun protection. My top pick is the Condor Tactical Cap because its fit is adjustable, plus it’s one of the few models which offers an IR patch up top to increase visibility in the dark.
How about you? Tell us what you think about tactical hats in the comments below. You can also share this article with your friends if you like it.
I am Everett Bledsoe, taking on the responsibility of content producer for The Soldiers Project. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Of course, you cannot go wrong when checking out our package of information and guide, too, as they come from reliable sources and years of experience.
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