What Hat to Pack for a Weekend Getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Weekend in the mountains? Say less. If you’re heading to the Blue Ridge for hiking, waterfall chasing, or just breathing in fresh mountain air, your packing list needs to be tight. You want gear that’s light, dependable, and mountain-town ready — and that includes your hat.

The right hat can handle sun, sweat, rain, and the occasional brewery stop all in one go. So whether you're spending sunrise on a trail or catching sunset in town, here's what to bring — starting with three must-have leather patch hats that balance function, comfort, and subtle style.

1. Ridgeline – Built for the Backcountry

If your weekend plans include trails, trout, or peaks, the Ridgeline is a no-brainer. Built on the Richardson 256, it’s a low-profile rope hat snapback made with a cotton/nylon blend and a flat bill that’s up for any adventure.

• Lightweight, soft-structured build with UPF 50+
  • Hand-sewn leather patch with a three-peak ridge design
    👉 Check out the Mountain Hats Collection…

2. West Pine – Your Go-To Trucker Hat

For something versatile that works just as well at a lookout point as it does grabbing breakfast in Asheville, the West Pine is built on the Richardson 112, a mid-profile trucker hat that’s breathable and easy to wear all day.

• Classic curved visor and structured front panel
• Clean leather pine tree patch design for subtle outdoor style
  👉 Browse our Trucker Hats Collection…

3. Off the Grid – Lightweight, Low-Key, Trail-Ready

Not into mesh backs or structured crowns? The Off the Grid camper hat is your pick. Built on the Richardson 217, it’s a 5-panel low profile hat with a camper-style silhouette, soft feel, and minimal design — great for tossing in your bag and hitting the trail.

• Nylon strapback with quick-dry material
• Soft, unstructured build that molds to your head
• Hand-sewn leather patch with compass + tent motif
  👉 Shop more 5 Panel Camper Hats…

Other Essentials to Bring

Besides the right mountain hat, make sure your bag includes:

• Light jacket (weather can shift quickly in the Blue Ridge)
• Merino or moisture-wicking base layer
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Water bottle and trail snacks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (even when it’s cloudy)

Wherever You’re Headed in the Blue Ridge…

Going off-grid? Ridgeline and Off the Grid are perfect trail companions.
Grabbing lunch in Hendersonville or Brevard? West Pine fits right in with its clean, casual style.
Staying in a cabin or pitching a tent? Any of these hats will keep you covered (literally) in changing weather.

For more options:

• Check out the Rope Hat Snapback Collection…
• Browse our Flat Bill Hats Collection…
• Explore more Mountain Hats…

Common Hat Questions

What’s the best hat for hiking in the mountains?
Look for hats with breathable panels, sweat-wicking material, and sun protection. Styles like the Richardson 256 and 217 are great for trail use.

Are leather patch hats good for outdoor use?
Yes. Outer Wings uses real veg-tanned leather that’s laser engraved and hand-sewn — they’re made to last through trail dust, rain, and heat.

What’s the difference between trucker, camper, and rope hats?

• Trucker hats have mesh backs and structured front panels (like the Richardson 112).
• Camper hats are soft, 5-panel designs with low crowns (like the 217).
• Rope hats often have flat bills, a decorative rope above the brim, and versatile outdoor style (like the 256).

Getaway Gear That Doesn’t Try Too Hard

Whether you’re fly fishing in Boone, grabbing beers in Blowing Rock, or hiking to a Blue Ridge summit, the right hat is the one you forget you're even wearing — until someone compliments it. Outer Wings hats are designed to do just that: look sharp, feel great, and work hard.

👉 Check out the Mountain Hats Collection…
👉 Explore more Leather Patch Hats for Adventure…
👉 Browse our Low Profile Rope Hats…