Sun Hat?

[No Cows]

For all the veteran AT Hikers, I'm interested in hearing your opinions on packing a sun hat or not on a NOBO thru-hike. I have a lightweight Tilly however I wasn't sure how much long distance exposure there is on the trail to the sun? This will probably help answer whether or not to pack sun screen also....

[royalusa]

We started our thru hike in February, long before the leaves came out and definately needed sun protection - both hat and sunscreen. Once the leaves came out it was not so much an issue. We just had baseball type caps, but hung our bandana under our hats for neck and ear protection. VA in April for us was pretty hard on the ears (http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=304718), but there were also times further north as well.

[Pioneer Spirit]

I use a OR hat but I take the 'foreign legion' cover off. Even though this hat is very well ventilated, It is still to hot in the summer for me.

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/sun_runner_cap.html

[Helios]

I use a visor on rainy days. Hard hiking if it's blowing right in my face. I use a buff most other times, especially after being sunburnt in April! No leaves, plenty of sun, outdoors all day = sunburn!

[garlic08]

I have one of those desert caps with a visor and a neck flap that tucks under the cap. That or a regular baseball cap with a bandanna works fine--gotta protect those ears if your hair doesn't cover them. Having some kind of sun cover is a good idea, I think. I did not carry any sunscreen because I also had a long sleeve shirt and long trousers. I never had any problems in sun, even in fresh snow a couple of times in April.

[No Cows]

Thanks for the input.....Appreciated

[SweetAss03]

Depends on when you start. March/April/early May yeah on both. I had a tilly and a baseball hat. I remember getting a little sunburn the first week or so. Later I ditched both for a bandana.

[Odd Man Out]

When my kids complain about the rain, I tell them they should be wearing a hat like me. It will keep you dry.

When my kids complain about the sun, I tell them they should be wearing a hat like me. It will keep you cool.

When my kids complain about the cold, I tell them they should be wearing a hat like me. It will keep you warm.

No it never complains, and it never cries, and it looks so good, and it fits just right. If it's her you want, I don't care about that. You can have my girl but don't touch my hat (Lyle Lovett).

[Sickmont]

I live in Florida and i just use a cheap boonie hat....

[Pedaling Fool]

I have something like this http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/..._sombrero.html

Doesn't get a lot of use, but very nice to have when in a downpour. However, I never really saw the need to coverup from the sun.

It folds up nicely, and takes up no room in my pack.