Last Updated on May 3, 2023
Best Hunting Hats of 2023 for Duck, Deer, Turkey & More
Why in the world would we spend our time poring over the best hunting hats 2023 has to offer?
A hat is a hat, right?
Not so fast, buckaroo; if you get caught without a legal orange hat for deer or elk hunting during rifle season, you could end up with a citation.
But, there’s so much more to hunting hats than legality. You need a lid that’s built for your hunting style and the weather you expect during the upcoming season.
That’s why we checked out all the best orange, turkey, deer, duck, boonie, and novelty hunting hats from Under Armour, Sitka, Drake, and other trusted companies in the industry. We wanted to recommend the best noggin covers out there for you and yours.
We’ve included a slew of different hat styles, including caps with earflaps, trucker hats, waterproof duck hunting hats, balaclavas for bowhunting, and insulated lids for chilly late-season hunts.
And while most caps are advertised towards men, women out there can approach these hunting hats with confidence, too, so long as they find the right fit.
Now, let’s take a deep dive into the 19 best hunting hats on the 2023 market. Stick around long enough, and you might even find a sweet vintage cap or funny novelty lid along the way.
Table of Contents: Best Hunting Hats of 2023 [Show/Hide]
Best Orange Hunting Hats
It should come as no surprise that blaze orange hats are meant to keep you safe when you’re out hunting big game like deer and elk during rifle season.
And, if you plan to hunt in one of the major big game western states like Colorado, Utah, Washington, or Montana, they’re a legal requirement.
To get up to speed on legalities by state, check out the Blaze Orange Regulations page on hunter-ed.
No-Nonsense Orange Trucker
Flexfit Men’s 360 Omnimesh
We wanted to start our list with an inexpensive snapback orange hunting hat that you can stick in a bag, on your dashboard, or in the glove box, so you’re always legal.
There’s nothing worse than getting a ticket for not wearing a blaze orange cap while you’re out there trying to fill your tag — and freezer, for that matter — with that trophy deer or elk. So, here’s an excellent trucker-style hat that fits most people and does what it’s supposed to — make your head easy to see.
We especially love this hat because it’s affordable, features understated style, and comes with a pre-curved bill to keep the sun out of your eyes. Grab one or two today to make sure you’re always covered.
- Pros: Pre-curved bill, keeps head cool, deals on purchases of four hats at a time
- Cons: One hunter found the crown was a bit short
Best Blaze Orange Beanie
Sitka Gear Ballistic
Hunting with frozen ears sucks. That’s why a blaze orange beanie from Sitka could be your ticket to a safe and comfortable hunting experience.
Those who’ve hunted elk or deer in the brutal cold of the late seasons know that keeping warm helps you maintain your focus on what you’re out there to do — fill your tag.
So, if you want to keep your head in the game, keep that noggin warm with Sitka’s Ballistic insulated beanie.
If you’ve got a massive head, look towards the Carhartt beanie below. It should work great as this option can run a bit small.
- Pros: Hunter rave about its warmth, water resistant, stretchy back panel
- Cons: A tad pricey, might be small for large heads
WIN AN RTIC 32 QT COOLER!
We’re giving away an RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler to a random member of our newsletter on May 29th, 2023!
Subscribers will be automatically entered into ALL future EatElkMeat.com Gear Giveaways.
Subscribe below to enter the drawing!
Kromer Cap with Ear Flaps
Stormy Kromer Original Kromer Cap
This classic Stormy Kromer cap might scare a few folks off with its old-fashioned style, but they’d be foolish not to consider this Made-in-the-USA hunting staple.
Available in more than just blaze orange, this wool cap features an adjustable pull-down ear band so that you can keep your ears warm in even the coldest winter conditions.
This lid is so good at its job that Stormy Kromer has had it on the market for over 100 years, without any signs of slowing down. If something works, keep using it. It’s as simple as that.
- Pros: Made in the USA – Michigan to be exact, very warm, ear band doesn’t block out much sound, making it perfect for hunting.
- Cons: Its look isn’t for everyone
Stylish Orange Hunting Beanie
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed
Anybody who’s worked outside in the bitter cold of winter knows the value of a good Carhartt beanie. I know I do. It’s not only an excellent hunting hat; it’s a first-rate everyday beanie as well.
Carhartt’s bright orange beanie makes for dependable work clothing and warm late-season winter hunting gear. Their durable, rib-stitched cap will stand up to cold winter weather while keeping your head from freezing solid. Plus, it’s available in many other colors aside from safety orange.
Use it for hunting, use it for work, or use it to keep warm wherever you are. And if you want a more high-tech option with waterproofing, check out the Ballistic beanie from Sitka mentioned above.
- Pros: Inexpensive, very well-reviewed, classic design, one size fits all – even big heads
- Cons: Might need to tug it down every now and again, not water-resistant
Best Blaze Orange Baseball Cap
Under Armour Men’s Camo 2.0
We’ve talked about a few different hunting hats with a baseball-cap style. We recommended a wool cap with an ear band from Stormy Kromer for winter and a basic orange trucker cap for the early seasons.
Not everyone will like the style of these hats, so we wanted to include an option that the majority of hunters out there can get behind. That’s why we wound up at this Under Armour orange hat.
This blaze orange baseball cap for hunting is lightweight, packable, features a snapback closure, and even has scent control technology to help keep deer and elk from smelling your dome piece.
If it were loose-fitting, odor could seep out, but this hat fits my 7 and ⅜ size head well due to its low profile and head-conforming materials. Ultimately, if you want the best baseball-style orange cap for warmer days, here it is.
- Pros: Great style for hunting gear, pre-curved bill, lightweight, packs easy and pops back up after getting smashed, fits very well
- Cons: Underside of bill is blaze orange too, which might distract some
Best Duck Hunting Hats
When you’re out duck hunting, you’re going to need headgear built to withstand chilling moisture. Look for products with waterproofing materials like GORE-TEX and generous insulation to keep you warm when the temperatures drop.
Some ducks hunts happen in warm weather, too, so we wanted to include an old school Jones hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and a trucker hat to keep your head well-ventilated.
Best Overall Duck Hunting Hat
Sitka Optifade Waterfowl Hudson
If you’re looking for the best waterfowl or duck hunting hat that excels in the cold seasons, your search is over.
The Hudson Cap, while looking a bit like Elmer Fudd’s lid, will keep you warm and dry thanks to its high-tech high-loft fleece and GORE-TEX for wind and waterproofing.
It also has fold-down ear flaps that’ll keep your ears toasty without compromising your hearing. And if you’re concerned about rain, hunters up in the Pacific Northwest gush about how warm this hat is in a downpour.
If you’re going duck or waterfowl hunting in cold and wet conditions, give the Hudson a look. You’ll be glad you did.
- Pros: Extremely warm, waterproof, has a bill to shade sunlight, adjustable back buckle ensures a comfortable fit, camo excellent for marsh and bottomland
- Cons: A bit pricey, small for some bigger heads
Old School Duck Hunting Cap
Drake Waterfowl GORE-TEX Jones
Do you want a GORE-TEX hat with fold-down ear flaps but don’t want to look like you’re “hunting for wabbits?” If so, Drake’s Waterfowl Jones duck hunting hat should sit at the top of your list.
Waterfowlers and duck hunters wore these Jones hats back in your grandpappy’s day. When you take a closer look, this hat’s usefulness makes it no wonder that this style has stood the test of time.
Equipped with a two-inch camo brim, this cap will shield your face, ears, and head from the sun above. And, when it rains, its GORE-TEX will stifle rain, block snow, and shed water with ease.
While not as warm as the Hudson from Sitka, slide your head into a tighter-fitting beanie and layer this Drake hat on top if you seek added warmth.
And if you’re a southern hunter, you can probably avoid layering and use this cap year-round because it’s uninsulated and will keep the harsh sun out of your eyes.
- Pros: Old-school cool, functional and useful, blocks the sun, four different camo patterns available, waterproof and breathable
- Cons: Not as warm as some other cold-weather hats, people with smaller heads might find it too big
Breakup Camo Beanie to Keep Your Head ‘Hiden’
Hiden Apex Elite
Hiden’ll keep your noggin’ hidden during those early-season hunts when you’re in stealth mode. After meeting with the owner of Hiden, I learned that he painstakingly designed his pattern (by hand) to give his customers the best chance at confusing big game.
But aren’t camo patterns just gimmicky ways to move products and hunting apparel? We’ve all heard, “Your grandpa hunted in red flannel and killed deer” (or some other variation of the story.) But is it true? Are all camouflage patterns essentially the same?
We’ll let you be the judge. Head over to Hiden’s website and check out their product and how it was designed to give you a one-up on deer and elk. After all, success rates for a spot and stalk archery harvest are historically about 12%. You can use all the help you can get.
- Pros: Great camo pattern to keep your head outline broken up, lightweight and warm fleece
- Cons: Not the warmest for snowy conditions; try their Altafrost beanie instead
Duck Hunting Trucker
Drake Waterfowl
As we said above, you won’t always freeze your tail off every time you’re chasing ducks. When the weather is warm, you’re going to want a breathable camo hat to keep your head cool and well-ventilated.
This lightweight Drake trucker fits well, features a slightly curved bill, and is made of durable materials. This all means it should stand up to years of abuse in warmer seasons.
The only gripe we have is that this hat uses a velcro closure. Of course, snapbacks are a lot quieter, but you probably won’t be fiddling with your hat much while you’re hunting. That said, we don’t think it’s a big deal.
- Pros: Breathable, well made, a few different camo options, inexpensive
- Cons: Velcro is loud in the field if you need to readjust
Best Deer Hunting Caps
We realize that you could reasonably use any blaze orange hunting hat we listed above as your deer hunting headwear. However, the reality is that not all hunters are required by law to wear blaze orange, especially during archery season.
That said, we want to focus our attention on some additional deer hunting caps that aren’t safety orange. Two of these hats are made for extreme cold weather and have waterproof, windproof, and other warming qualities. The other option is a complete headcover with a built-in camo cap.
Best Late Season Hunting Hat
SITKA Gear Incinerator GTX
If you’re out hunting deer in a freezing Midwest tree stand, you’re going to need a seriously warm hat in addition to your winter clothes.
But it’s not just the cold air you’ll need to block out; you’ll need an insulated, windproof, and waterproof hat to keep that cabeza of yours dry and protected from the wind.
Lucky for you, we know just the solution. The Sitka Incinerator GTX might be the warmest hunting hat with a bill on the 2023 market. It’s camouflaged with Sitka’s ubiquitous Optifade Elevated II pattern, so if you own any other Sitka Gear, you shouldn’t have a problem matching this cap.
This is a one-size-fits-all style hat with an adjustable clasp, but those with larger heads may have trouble squeezing into it. If that’s the case, consider the Sitka Fanatic Beanie we recommend directly below.
If your head fits into it, we think it’s one of the best cold-weather hunting caps out there.
- Pros: Very warm, durable, fits well, clever ear flap design helps to maintain your hearing
- Cons: Runs small, expensive, some might not like the overall look
Camo Whitetail Hunting Beanie
Sitka Fanatic
Tree stands in late November are cold, so you’ll need all the warmth you can get. Enter the Whitetail Hunting Beanie from Sitka.
This windproof, waterproof, insulated beanie uses Sitka’s Optifade camo to help keep you undetected. This beanie was explicitly designed to help whitetail hunters fill their tags from elevated positions.
If this describes your style of hunting, and you’re tired of having a cold head, this makes an excellent argument for the best cold-weather deer hunting hat around.
All the hunters we’ve had the opportunity to hear from say this hat is warmer than anything they’ve ever used.
- Pros: Extremely warm, comfortable, breathable yet waterproof
- Cons: Expensive
Ultra-Warm Bomber with Rabbit Fur
Mad Bomber Aviator
If you want classic cold-weather headwear, look no further than the Aviator from Mad Bomber.
First off, this headwear is made with real rabbit fur, and that means it’ll stay warm even in the harshest of cold weather. (I’ve seen hundreds of rabbits in the dead of winter, and they rarely look cold.) When you wrap this baby around your head, winter will become a distant memory as the earflaps block out gusty winds and chills.
But it’s not just your ears that’ll remain toasty. This insulated cap features a polyester lining that’ll trap and conserve your body heat. We love this hat and think it’s perfect for anyone who likes to think outside the box a little bit.
Word to the wise: because this hat uses real fur, it will shed. Also, consider ordering a size up because some hunters say it runs small.
- Pros: Very warm, comes in multiple colors, blaze orange available, insulated
- Cons: Real fur sheds, might run small
Full-Coverage Camo Headwear
ScentLok Full Season Midweight Ultimate
ScentLok’s name is recognized far and wide in deer and other big game hunting circles. That’s because they use a carboy alloy technology that works to conceal human odors that waft with your every movement.
That same carbon alloy technology covers your face to keep that ripe breath of yours from giving you away. And that’s not the only cool thing about this hat.
ScentLok equipped this headwear with RealTree camo, treated it with a DWR water-resistant finish, and even included mesh ear covers so you can hear the sounds of the forest around you.
If your goal is to remain undetected to deer, plenty of hunters, this headwear will help you do just that.
You might also be able to put it to good use during your turkey hunts or other warm-weather outdoor endeavors.
- Pros: Warm, excellent camo, good stretch
- Cons: Small for larger heads, the bill could stand to be larger
Best Turkey Hunting Hats
Turkeys have razor-sharp vision, so you’ll need every advantage you can get when hunting them.
That’s why many hunters turn to camo headwear to obscure their silhouettes and make it harder for turkeys to see them.
Camo Boonie with Facemask
QuikCamo Face Mask
While I dedicated this section to turkey hunting, many hunters are finding great success using this QuikCamo turkey hunting headwear while hunting deer as well.
What makes this piece great is that it’s incredibly well designed. It can be worn as a simple brimmed bucket hat, but it also gives users the ability to quickly deploy the facemask and leafy camo to conceal themselves in the woods, so no turkey (or deer, for that matter) will see what’s coming.
Glasses wearers find that this cap doesn’t fog up their lenses, so they’re able to see, and therefore shoot, with ease. That’s not a common feature of all these types of hunting headgear, which makes this piece a winner.
- Pros: Versatile, quick deploying facemask is handy, doesn’t fog up glasses
- Cons: Could be overkill for some hunters
Camo Hunting Balaclava
Under Armour Men’s Infrared Scent Control
We realize that a balaclava isn’t exactly a hat. But, it is headwear, and we think that’s good enough to make this list.
This option from Under Armour offers the ability to conceal your head and most of your face with a fast-drying, moisture-wicking material. That same material includes several other quality features for hunting turkey, deer, and other big game.
For starters, this balaclava is available in four different camo patterns so that you can gear up properly for your surroundings. It’s also made with quiet material, so bowhunters will remain silent and have the ability to get in close while obscuring their profile.
Under Armour built this balaclava with a thermo-conductive lining that’ll help keep you warm on cold-weather hunts, as well. UA even included scent-control technology, too. Sure, turkeys don’t have a great sense of smell, but this balaclava will help you keep the deer and elk from noticing you and alerting their turkey friends.
- Pros: Warm, holes for exhaling air, dries fast
- Cons: Some hunters could think it could be warmer
Best Hunting Boonies
A classic military-inspired boonie hat works excellent for warm-weather hunting in the south or during sunnier early seasons. In addition to its stunningly good looks, a solid boonie will protect you from the sun, stay on your head with a chin strap, and may even remind you of your military days.
We think they’re great everyday hats and work well for fishing, too.
Classic Camo Boonie
TRU-SPEC Multicam
The most classic boonie hats will remind you of time spent in the military, help you channel your inner Bill Murray, and keep the sun out of your eyes. The TRU-SPEC Multicam fits the bill.
With its wide brim, this sun-blocking cap ensures that you get off a clean shot whether you’re hunting down south or in the brutal sun of the early seasons.
But this hat does more than block the sun. It’ll sit on your head comfortably because it utilizes an adjustable chin cord, and it uses brass screen vents to keep your head cool when it gets hot.
Like any quality boonie, it features branch loops so you can tuck stuff away on your dome or add additional leaves and branches to help obscure your head’s silhouette. Plus, this well-reviewed lid comes in multiple camo patterns, so you’ll blend in wherever you need to.
The only real complaints we found range from reviewers saying the hat is too large to some saying it’s too small. Otherwise, it seems to do the job admirably.
- Pros: Classic, comfortable, breathable, has handy branch loops
- Cons: Sizing is an issue for some
Breathable Non-Camo Boonie
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II
Maybe you like the idea of the boonie and its ability to block UVA and UVB rays, but you don’t want to go the camo route. No worries, we’ve got you covered.
This Bora Bora Booney II from Columbia works as an excellent hunting and fishing hat because it keeps your head cool, dries extremely fast, and has a wide brim to keep the sun off your face. Plus, its mesh vent lets air in and keeps the sun out.
In terms of fit, you can customize this cap to fit your noggin snugly and securely via its adjustable chin strap and toggle on the back of the hat.
Ultimately, we’re not here to tell you that this hat will make you look like George Clooney or even George Strait, but it will keep the sun off your ears and face. That’s what matters most, after all.
- Pros: Extremely breathable, quick drying, wide brim, undeniably stylish
- Cons: Won’t make you look like George Clooney
Funny/Vintage/Cool Hunting Caps
Okay, now we know that this list has been relatively straightforward and dry, but the time has come to dish out a couple of fun, retro hunting hats.
Anybody who’s seen these old-school caps knows how cool deer hunting hats can be. Sadly, they don’t make ‘em like they used to.
So, we made sure to pop a few on this list to help you understand how many vintage hats are still actually out there. Get one for your dad and remind him of those frozen 80s days spent shivering in the blind. Or get one for yourself and make your wife roll her eyes.
“We Interrupt This Marriage” Vintage Hat
VintageCLE216
This vintage hunting hat from Etsy tells your wife what you really care about — bucks with large… antlers.
This hilarious trucker hat comes with a snapback closure, mesh back for breathability, and the groundwork for a tense and lonely hunting season. That is unless your wife has a sense of humor, then it’ll probably just be her least-favorite hat.
Check it out today! Because you can never have enough excuses to make your wife stare daggers at you as you load up your truck for the season ahead.
- Pros: It’s a conversion starter, breathable, retro-cool
- Cons: Not much other than the backlash you may face from your wife
Ducks Unlimited Vintage Cap
Redd Vintage
Okay, okay, not every old-school hat here has to be funny. We just think this vintage Ducks Unlimited snapback hat looks cool.
This 90s-style camo hat features a sewn-on Ducks Unlimited patch that oozes retro vibes. So, not only do you get a quality hat with a sweet logo on it, you know it’ll give you that extra bit of credibility with all of the old-school folks you may bump into in the field.
They stopped making these patches long ago, and I doubt they’ll make more, so act fast.
- Pros: Retro Ducks Unlimited patch, snapback, breathable
- Cons: Not always in stock
Cool Elk Antler Trucker
AIRGRAPHICS
Our last hat on this list is for all the elk hunters out there that are just looking for a comfortable, good-looking trucker option with a bit of camo.
This snapback Richardson hat features an embroidered elk shed logo and curved bill that’ll go with your hunting gear or everyday clothes. If you want a no-frills, stylish, and comfortable hat that’s handmade in the USA, look no further.
Who wants to wear the same old camo hat that every other hunter is sporting, anyways?
- Pros: Made in the USA, handcrafted, good looking, camo
- Cons: None to report
What We Considered When Reviewing Hunting Hats
There are many factors to consider when considering which hat to get your hands on for the 2023 hunting season. Picking the wrong hat could mean frozen ears, a sweaty scalp, or a citation for wearing the wrong colors. Pick your hat wisely and take the following five factors into account.
Warmth
Warmth is probably the most critical factor to consider when considering cold-weather hunting hats. If your cap doesn’t keep you warm when winter decides to punish you, what’s the point? When hunting in cold seasons, search for well-insulated lids that won’t let you down in the field.
Color
Color isn’t much of a choice for lots of Western hunters. Many of us must sport blaze orange hunting hats to stay legal when hunting with a rifle.
But, we realize that blaze orange is a state-to-state rule, so we also include plenty of camo headwear that’ll help you fill your tag as well.
Seasons
The upcoming season and the weather you expect will determine what kind of hat you need to wear on your hunt. Since your trusty camo snapback hat won’t get the job done year-round, we made sure to include hats that will serve their purpose in early, mid, and late seasons.
Hunting Types/Animals
If you’re out hunting ducks, you know that waterproof gear is necessary. When you’re chasing deer in late seasons, you’ll want an insulated hat that’ll keep you warm as temperatures plummet. With that in mind, we wanted to ensure that you have the right gear to go after the specific animal you’re after.
Reviews
We scoured through countless reviews when writing this article because hunters who’ve used products extensively know if they’re up to snuff. Anything that isn’t well-reviewed and trusted across the industry doesn’t meet our standards and was left off this list. Always read reviews closely when considering your next purchase.
Which Hunting Hat Will You Rock in the 2023 Season?
Get your hat game sorted out before the upcoming season
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. We hope you’ve found the best possible hunting hat to help you drop some animals this upcoming 2023 season.
Maybe you’ve got your eye on an orange hat to stay legal during rifle season. Or perhaps you’ve got your eye on an insulated camo beanie to help you fill your upcoming elk tag. Maybe you just found your next old-school vintage duck hunting hat to turn heads at the local tavern.
Either way, you’ve successfully scanned through 19 hats of all different flavors, including snapbacks, beanies, fur hats, and truckers from Under Armour, Sitka, and a whole mess of other trusted brands. Good on you.
No matter your choice, thanks for sticking it out while searching for the world’s best hunting hats for the 2023 season and beyond. Our sincere hope is that you’ve found a cap that fits the bill for whatever the heck you’re after in the field.
Related Posts
- Rubber Hunting Boots for Men & Women
- Hunting Pants for Men & Women [KUIU, Sitka, Etc]
- Hunting Jackets [Duck, Deer, Bear, Elk & More]
- Hunting Hoodies [Camo for Duck, Deer & More]
- Hunting Shirts for Men & Women [Duck, Funny & More]
- Hunting Gloves: Warm, Waterproof, Heated & More
- Hunting Hats [Orange, Duck, Deer & More]
- Orange Hunting Vests for Big Game, Upland & More
- Turkey Vest for You [Sitka, Drake, TIDEWE & More]
- Duck Hunting Waders [Insulated, Breathable]
- Heated Hunting Clothes [Vests, Jackets, Socks & More]