When cold, wet weather hits, you need a waterproof hat that’s going to give you long-lasting protection against the elements. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, golfing or commuting, a waterproof hat will be your saviour against harsh winds, downpours and aching ears.
So for all-weather protection and happier adventures, it’s worth investing in a quality waterproof hat that’ll come up trumps, even in the most extreme conditions. Hats that are warm, breathable and keep 100% of rain and water out, so you can stay outside for longer.
To help you find your ideal hat, we’ve done the hard work for you. We break down the 5 best waterproof hats that’ll keep you toasty and dry this winter.
BEST ALL-ROUNDER
DexShell Fair Isle Waterproof Beanie - £25.00
Buy now from Aquaproofs (£25.00)
Pros:
- Incredibly warm with a high thermal rating of 4/5
- Stylish fair isle knit design
- Cosy microfleece lining with a snug fit
Cons:
- Some might not like the fair isle print
Buy if: you want something super warm with a classic winter design
Built for winter and knitted in a timeless fair isle design, DexShell’s Waterproof Beanie is as cosy as it looks. Whether you’re taking the town or the trail, this waterproof hat will keep you warm however cold it gets. Meaning no more aching ears. Its waterproof yet breathable Porelle® membrane layer keeps rain out, while its soft microfleece lining will protect your head and ears from even the harshest winds.
We’ve got nothing negative to say about this beanie. It does exactly what it says on the tin and stands by its waterproof claims, even in downpours. And the wintery fair isle design is just an added extra, proving that outdoor accessories can look as good as they perform.
BEST FOR CASUAL WEAR
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Cap - £20.00
Buy now from Sealskinz (£20.00)
- Ideal for all temperatures
- Adjustable fit
- Suitable for a wide range of activities
- Not as cosy as a beanie hat
Simple but effective, Sealskinz’ Waterproof All Weather Cap is a great alternative to the traditional winter beanie. Come rain or shine, this cap will keep the rain off your head and the sun out your eyes with its stiff brim, while the adjustable rear snap closure ensures a snug fit. Thanks to its unique 3-layer construction, with the middle layer being a laminated waterproof membrane, this cap can withstand any amount of rain or snow while keeping you cosy and warm.
Even better, it requires no special care instructions. Simply throw it in the wash and drip dry - job done. Whether you’re walking the dog, running, golfing or fishing, Sealskinz’ Waterproof All Weather Cap is a versatile hat that’s not only high-performing but incredibly affordable. The only downside is it doesn’t feel as cosy and soft as a beanie. Made out of polyester, you might miss the comfort of a microfleece lining, which is worth bearing in mind beyond buying.
BEST VALUE
Randy Sun Slouch Waterproof Knitted Beanie Hat - £20.83
Buy now from Randy Sun (£20.83)
Pros:
- Slouch beanie design
- Anti-static fleece interior, so no messy hair
- Versatile enough to wear for most outdoor activities
Cons:
- Not the warmest hat out there
Buy if: you’ve got a limited budget and prefer a more relaxed, slouch style beanie
With a hand-knitted feel, the Randy Sun Slouch Waterproof Beanie is completely waterproof, windproof and breathable - everything you need to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Designed for all climates and conditions, this beanie is versatile enough to be worn all year round and is crafted in a more relaxed, slouch design for easy-wear. Even better, it packs a lot of performance into one affordable hat.
While its waterproof barrier stops rain and water from coming in, its anti-static fleece interior ensures your hair stays put, even during more vigorous activities like running. Whether you’re hiking in the wind or cycling in the rain, you’ll stay warm and dry. Although this isn’t the warmest hat we’ve come across, so we wouldn’t recommend it for extreme cold weather. But other than that, it’s got enough going for it to make our top 5 list.
BEST FOR EXTREME COLD
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie Hat - £30.00
Buy now from Sealskinz (£30.00)
Pros:
- Perfect for colder than cold temperatures
- Cosy fleece inner for extra warmth
- Comes in 4 different colours
Cons:
- Sizing comes up a bit big
- Fairly pricey
Buy if: you want all-round protection against extreme cold weather
Designed for extreme cold weather, Sealskinz’ Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie Hat will keep you toasty warm no matter how rough it gets. With a snug fit and comfortable microfleece lining, it stays in place and doesn’t move around, all the while keeping you dry and cosy. Rain, snow, sleet, wind - you’re protected from it all thanks to its waterproof barrier that stops any water from penetrating the fabric.
The double roll cuff brings both style and a close-fitting feel, but we still found the sizing to come up a bit big, so make sure you measure twice or possibly size down. And it’s not the cheapest hat on the market. You’re paying for a higher level of performance, so it just depends on your budget. But Sealskinz does give you the gift of choice with this beanie. Crafted in 4 different colours (black, grey, navy and red), you’re not limited to just one. Plus there’s no complicated care instructions - simply throw it in the wash and drip dry.
BEST FOR COMFORT
North Face Salty Dog Beanie - £29.00
Buy now from North Face (£29.00), Cotswold Outdoor (£29.00)
Pros:
- Jersey lined for warmth and comfort
- Stylish rib-knit design
- A great all-purpose beanie
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the sweat-wicking effects of other fabrics
- Only comes in one size
Buy if: you want a stylish, everyday beanie that’s beyond comfortable (and you don’t mind paying a bit more for it)
The North Face Salty Dog goes above and beyond for everyday comfort and warmth. Designed with a wide rib stitching and a soft jersey cotton liner, it’s a thick and cosy hat that stays comfortable all day without feeling constricting. And when the temperature drops below zero? You’re kept toasty warm, without a doubt. Featuring a classic yet stylish design that’ll keep you looking good winter after winter, you can expect compliments with this one.
However, while it can certainly hold up to the elements, if the inside gets wet or you sweat excessively, the jersey cotton liner doesn’t have the wicking effects of wool or synthetic materials and can stay wet much longer. So we wouldn’t wear this in extreme weather, making it better suited to more everyday wear. Stretchy enough to fit most people, some might struggle with it being only one size. But otherwise, this is our go-to beanie for both the city and the countryside.