A Proven Sun Hat
In my opinion, adequate sun protection is at the forefront of self-care in the backcountry. A good sun hat should block UV rays from your face and neck, stay comfortable mile after mile, and perform reliably in a variety of conditions. I’ve worn the Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat through deserts and mountains alike; from Death Valley and Joshua Tree to alpine routes in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It has consistently delivered solid sun protection and ventilation. Like any piece of gear, it has its quirks, yet after countless sun-baked miles it’s still the hat I reach for most.
At a Glance: Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.6 oz (102 g) |
| Brim | 3¼” rim; foam core floats |
| Sun Protection | UPF 50+ fabric and crown mesh |
| Ventilation | Mesh panels improve airflow |
| Sweat Management | Wicking sweatband, dries fast |
| Packability | Packs flat; do not crease brim |
| Durability | Withstands extended use |
| Fit and Sizing | Interior adjustment + chinstrap with cordlock |
On Trail and In Camp
The structured brim of the Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat is one of its defining features. The brim sticks out 3¼ inches and offers generous shade without flopping or collapsing. The foam-core brim even floats, which is a bonus if you happen to be around water. That structure, though, is a double-edged sword. In gusty conditions the brim can catch the wind. The integrated chinstrap with cordlock helps, yet when hiking exposed ridgelines or during sudden gusts, I often swap it for the hood on my sun hoodie. It’s by no means a dealbreaker for me, and definitely something to be aware of. Regardless, the structure brim gives me adequate sun protection in most all circumstances.
Managing Heat and Sweat
For hot and exposed trails, the Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat balances sun protection and ventilation well. The UPF 50+ crown mesh and wicking sweatband help reduce heat buildup, though sweat inevitably collects on long climbs. Fortunately, the hat dries quickly and rarely feels clammy. In desert environments, soaking the hat before heading out remains my go-to for instant evaporative cooling. I also pair it with a soaked Buff around my neck, which adds both neck protection and a noticeable cooling effect when the heat of the day really kicks in.
Fit and Compatibility
Fit is dialed in thanks to interior adjustable sizing. The Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat sits comfortably and avoids pressure points, even during long days. Sunglasses work seamlessly; my Knockaround Polarized Classics fit naturally beneath the brim. When not wearing them, the built-in Sunglass Lock keeps them secured above the crown (although I typically don’t use that as a storage place for my sunglasses, personally). Layering the hat with a sun hoodie works as well, though adding the hood naturally increases warmth.
Packability and Durability
While the Sunday Afternoons Charter is not a crushable hat, it packs flat without damage as long as you avoid folding or creasing the brim. I usually stash it in the rear pocket of my Hyperlite Southwest 55L for fast access. After years of use it shows only minimal wear. The materials and construction have held up better than expected, easily lasting multiple seasons without issue.
Who This Hat Makes Sense For
The Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat fits hikers and travelers who want reliable sun protection paired with good ventilation and a structured brim. It works best for those who value a hat that holds its shape. For summer trips, open terrain, and water-adjacent activities (like pack-rafting in my Alpacka Scout), it checks the right boxes.
It is less ideal for constant high-wind environments or users who need a fully crushable, stuff-it-anywhere design. When wind is in the forecast, I often switch between this and my sun hoodie depending on conditions.
Final Verdict: Still the One I Reach For
The Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat has earned its place as my go-to sun hat after years of use across varied environments. It delivers dependable sun protection, solid ventilation, and field-tested durability. Wind is its only real limitation, but for backpackers, hikers, and off-road travelers who spend long days under intense sun, it strikes a strong balance.
If I expect sun and moderate wind, this is still the hat I grab first. If extreme wind is on the forecast, I may switch things up. For nearly everything else, the Charter continues to prove why it remains a staple in my pack. I highly recommend it.
