Best running caps 2024 | Tested and reviewed

The North Face Summer LT Run Hat is the epitome of ultralight performance, perfect for those blistering summer runs when you need every ounce of breathability. At first glance, the cap seems deceptively simple, but once you’ve hit the trail with it, you quickly realise it’s packed with thoughtful details that elevate your run.

TNF's proprietary FlashDry technology is the star of the show here, offering rapid moisture management that keeps your head dry even when the heat ramps up. The mesh side panels and sweatband work in tandem, ensuring that airflow is never compromised. Despite its name, the "Summer LT" doesn't shy away from a little rain either – it holds its own in light showers, drying out in no time, so you’re not left with a soggy cap weighing you down.

The fit is snug but not restrictive, thanks to the adjustable hook-and-loop strap. It’s low-profile, staying close to your head, which is perfect for those who prefer a cap that feels almost like an extension of themselves. The brim is also flippable, so you can securely fold it up while running uphill to expand your field of vision. And with reflective details woven into the design, this cap keeps you visible during those early morning or late evening runs.

In short, The North Face Summer LT Run Hat is a versatile, high-performing option that’s as reliable on sunny days as it is when the weather takes a turn.

When a low gram count is a top priority, you can count on INOV8 to produce some staggeringly light gear. None more so than the Race Elite Peak 2.0, which clocks in at a – whatever the opposite of whopping is – 32g. That's almost half the weight of the Fractel M-series cap. We were honestly worried that it would blow away.

Luckily, the fit is nicely secure – though it is important to choose your size correctly. S/M or M/L - it's a big choice, we know. A simple velcro strap on the back allows you to get a secure fit, and once you've adjusted, you're good to hit the trails and beat the heat. We like the white colourway best for its reflective powers - this hat has become our go-to pick for mid-day sunny runs.

While the cap is totally foldable, it doesn't quite spring back into form in the way the Fractel cap does. Instead, we've noticed the brim can get a bit deformed if you stuff it at an awkward angle, but it is easy enough to tug back into shape if that happens. At £15, this hat is at an unbeatable price point, so we will forgive it those fairly minor shortcomings. Another of which would be the slightly flimsy feel. Then again, how else would a thirty gram garment feel?

We are impressed with the remarkably high quality of the Montane Phase Lite waterproof running cap. There are taped seams, lightweight material, adjust-and-forget simplicity of the size regulation. The waterproofing works as it should, no surprise there coming from the reliable Gore-Tex and their Active Shell material.

The peak of the cap is very stiff, I was a bit worried about bending it out of shape buIt keeps its form perfectly. The Phase Lite sits nice on the head and with a deep fit you do not have to worry about it being blown off your head.

As it is waterproof, the Phase Lite is one for colder months as sweat-wicking is mostly achieved by a band of soft material on the inside of the cap, which might not be sufficient during hotter weather. As to be expected, the waterproofing also reduces breathability. Overall, this is a great hat for the unpredictable British weather!

The highlight of this cap is the wide, large peak. It's our first choice when we can't be bothered to put suncream on and want full face protection from the sun.

While you do have to be careful with washing any running cap, the Terrex Heat.Rdy is particularly fussy when it comes to cleaning, which you'll need to do fairly often if you go for the white or pink colourways. Cold, delicate cycles with similar colours only, and no fabric softener! But of course, if you're dedicated to good gear care, this shouldn't be much of an obstacle.

The buckle closure at the back is great once you've finally got it adjusted to the right size, but it can be a bit fiddly in the beginning, since tightening or loosening the hat requires taking it off your head, guessing how much to tighten it, then putting it back on to check. This contrasts with hats like the North Face Sun lT or the Fractel caps, which you can easily tighten or loosen while on the go.

While many caps are 100% polyester, the addition of elastane in the main body of material gives the Terrex Heat.Rdy cap a pleasant, malleable feel. It isn't as lightweight as other choices, and we're suspicious of long-term duality as some of the stitching has already started to fray. But we'll see.

The Ultralight Visor from Compressport is a lightweight yet sturdy cap that provides good coverage and boosts visibility while running. The visor has fluorescent yellow and reflective detailing throughout to make you highly visible both from all angles, improving safety on the trails and road.

The cap section itself is rigid and a touch larger than seen on other running hats, which makes it ideal for protecting the eyes from strong sun rays, as well as sheltering the vision from oncoming rain. The visor is one-size and really does fit any head size due to the flexibility of the band, which is wide and soft enough to sit comfortably around the head.

The material itself is lightweight and breathable, while the band at the forehead has an extra layer of absorbent material to mop up sweat and sit gently against the skin. Overall, the Ultralight has proven highly useful during both our rainy runs as a reliable buffer against oncoming rain, cold runs as an extra touch of warmth and coverage, and sunny runs to protect from glare.

This hat is what we at LFTO like to refer to as the stylish pick. Coming from the Australian and fairly fresh-faced brand, Fractel, the M-Series caps are designed to be combi-lifestyle-performance hats. And honestly, they strike a very good balance.

The body is 100% recycled polyester and it has an elastane-y adjustable strap accessible from the back which is nice and malleable - though it's a little tricky to tuck it back in once you've started fiddling. The fabric used is Bluesign certified and Fractel say that the brim, front panel, and back panel has UPF +50 sun protection. We certainly haven't been burned yet.

The hats in Fractel's M-series are foldable and soft, and they can take plenty of abuse. Our tester quickly learned that he could simply stuff it into a tiny race vest and grab it whenever convenient. We appreciate small details like this, and like the darker underbrim to reduce glare. The moisture wicking in the headband is decent, you get a little extra ventilation on the side panels, but this cap is a little heavier than most other options.

This lightweight cap from Hoka is both comfortable and provides good coverage from the sun or rain. The soft material is super thin and dries quickly, it has a softshell feel and sits flush against the head with a gentle sweatband that does its job. There’s added ventilation along each side in the form of small laser-cut holes.

The rear of the cap is cinched via one elasticated drawstring, which should allow for a range of head sizes. The star of the show is the slightly oversized brim, which offers max protection from the elements and has some flex, so shouldn’t bend out of shape when packed away.

The Shine Cap is an intriguing option for those looking for a summer running hat that blends function with simplicity. Weighing in at a mere 35g, it’s lightweight and minimalist, perfect for runners who prefer to keep things compact and hassle-free. The 5cm rollable peak is a standout feature, allowing you to easily stow the cap away in your pocket when the sun dips behind the clouds, yet it's still long enough to shield your eyes from glare.

However, the fit of this cap is where things get interesting. Instead of the more common adjustable strap, the Shine Cap features an elasticated hem at the back. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your head size. If you’ve picked the correct size, the elastic conforms snugly, providing a secure and comfortable fit. But, if it’s slightly too large, you might find yourself constantly readjusting it on the go. The lack of adjustability can be a dealbreaker for those who prefer a more tailored fit, so be sure to consult the size guide before purchasing.

The mosquito-repellent fabric is a nice touch, particularly on summer evenings, though the effectiveness fades after a few washes. The wicking brow band does its job to an extent, but it’s not the most efficient at keeping sweat at bay on longer runs. It’s best suited for short jaunts where you’re looking for something light, simple, and reliable. All in all, the Shine Cap offers a compact and easy-fitting solution, with a few caveats depending on your specific needs.