The Best Hats for Traveling
Travel Hats Made Easy: What to Pack vs What to Wear
Quick answer: Pack soft, low-structure hats in your suitcase. Wear your most structured hat through the airport so it keeps its shape.
If you like bringing more than one hat, this simple rule keeps your favorites looking sharp and saves space in your bag.
What to Pack (Low-Structure, Bounce-Back Hats)
Richardson 935 — Performance, Packable, Water-Resistant
The 935 is unstructured and flexible, so it packs flat without creasing. It’s quick-dry, breathable, and built for sweaty, active travel days.
Shop the 935 “Paddle & Chill” Performance Hat
Richardson 256 — Soft-Structured Rope Hat
Low profile, five-panel, and soft enough to tuck in a packing cube. The 256 rebounds well after the flight and looks clean for city days or beach walks.
Shop the 256 “Mountain West” Rope Hat
What to Wear (Keep the Structure on Your Head)
Richardson 168 — Seven-Panel, Flat Bill
The 168 holds its lines. Wear it gate-to-gate so the crown and bill don’t get crushed in transit.
Imperial Rope Hats — Statement Look, Travel-Friendly
A structured, mid-profile silhouette with that classic rope detail. Great for flights and days when you want a sharper look out of the airport.
Shop the Imperial “Island Breeze”
How to Pack a Hat in a Suitcase (Step-by-Step)
- Choose the right hat: Unstructured or soft-structured models (think 935 or 256) are best for luggage.
- Fill the crown (optional): For soft crowns, you can roll a T-shirt and nest it lightly to help keep shape.
- Lay the bill flat: Place the hat crown-up with the bill along a packing cube edge.
- Surround with soft layers: Pack tees or a hoodie around the sides so the crown isn’t crushed from above.
- Avoid heavy pressure: Don’t put shoes or a toiletry kit on top of your hat.
Pro tip: If you’re bringing multiple hats, wear your most structured one and pack the softest. If you use a hat clip, secure extras to your backpack so they travel outside your bag (not for fitted hats without a strap).
Travel Hat Clip: Carry Extra Hats Without Using Bag Space
Bring more than one hat without crushing anything. Our leather Travel Hat Clip secures to a backpack, duffel, or suitcase so your hats ride outside your bag and keep their shape.
Why Travelers Love It
- Saves space: Free up room in your carry-on by hanging hats externally.
- Protects shape: No more flattened crowns or bent bills in a packed suitcase.
- Quick access: Swap hats at the gate, beach, or trailhead without digging through your bag.
How It Works
- Clip + loop: A sturdy hardware clip attaches to your bag; a strong leather loop (about 1.5") threads through your hat’s snapback/webbing strap.
- Capacity: Holds 1–3 hats comfortably, depending on profile and strap style.
- Compatibility: Works with snapback and webbing-strap hats (112, 115, 256, 935, Imperial rope). Not ideal for fitted hats without a strap to pass through.
Travel Tips
- Wear your most structured hat on the plane; clip your softer backups to your bag.
- If rain is in the forecast, clip hats to the side of your pack under a jacket or pack cover.
- For security checks, keep the clip attached to your bag and lift hats off the loop—fast in, fast out.
Care & Maintenance
- Wipe the leather loop clean with a damp cloth; let it air dry.
- Occasionally condition the leather to keep it supple if you travel often in sun or salt air.
Bottom line: Pair this clip with one structured hat on your head and a soft, packable backup on the loop for a simple, travel-proof setup.
Trip Scenarios: The Right Hat for the Day
Hot & Humid or High-Output Days
- Best pick: Unstructured performance like the 935 for airflow and quick dry.
- Paddle & Chill (935) → See details
Casual Sun-Heavy Days
- Best pick: Soft-structured 256 with a rope accent for shade and comfort.
- Mountain West (256) → See details
City Nights & Dressier Plans
- Best pick: Structured silhouettes that read a little sharper.
- Mountain East (168) → Flat bill look
- Island Breeze (Imperial Rope) → Clean rope style
Chilly Mornings & Flights
- Best pick: A beanie packs tiny, adds warmth on planes and early starts.
- Browse Beanies
Quick Picks You Can’t Go Wrong With
- Paddle & Chill (935) — packable, water-resistant, performance build.
- Mountain West (256) — low profile rope hat, rebounds after packing.
- Mountain East (168) — seven-panel structure for crisp lines.
- Island Breeze (Imperial Rope) — easy travel style for coastal or city trips.
FAQs: Travel & Packing
Can I pack a flat-bill hat in my suitcase?
You can, but it’s safer to wear structured, flat-bill styles (like the 168) so the bill and crown don’t warp. Pack a soft 935 or 256 instead.
What if I only want to bring one hat?
Choose versatility: the 256 Mountain West travels well, works in sun, and looks good dressed up or down.
Best hat for sweaty, active trips?
Performance fabric and breathability win. The 935 Paddle & Chill is quick-dry and packable.
Headed somewhere breezy or coastal?
Keep structure on your head—fly in the Imperial Island Breeze, pack a softer backup.
Should I bring a beanie too?
Yes if mornings or flights run cold. It takes no space and adds instant warmth. Browse Beanies
Wrap-Up
Wear your structured favorite on the plane. Pack a soft, bounce-back hat in your bag. Between the 935, 256, 168, and Imperial rope, you’ll cover travel days, beach days, and nights out—without sacrificing style or suitcase space.
Want to see everything in one place? Browse all leather patch hats.
