Today I’m testing out a solar fan hat that I’ve seen going around online. It looks ridiculous… but that doesn’t mean it won’t work! I tried it out here in the Las Vegas heat, and here is my review.
Where to Purchase
I picked up my hat on Amazon at this link. The price seems to vary between $23-$29.
Solar Fan Hat Review
I recently picked up this unusual sun hat with two solar-powered fans for $26. At first glance, it seems like a gimmick, but I had to see for myself if it was it ridiculous, functional, or both!
The unboxing was interesting. The fans came separately and snapped into two obvious holes in the brim of the hat. It includes an elastic drawstring, a breathable mesh lining, and is advertised as lightweight, water-repellent, and comfortable. My initial impression is that it is lightweight, but potentially on the cheaper side. Still, it looked just like the photos.
The fans can be powered via USB or solar panels and claim to run for 7 to 9 hours on a full charge. Some Amazon reviewers said the fans were stronger than expected, while others complained about the noise and weight.
After charging overnight via USB, I tested the hat outdoors in typical Las Vegas heat. With both fans running (one on low and one on high) the noise was immediately noticeable. It’s not exactly peaceful with these spinning near your ears. The airflow, however, was a welcome relief in still air. In windy conditions, though, the fans struggle to make a noticeable difference and may even become noisier if wind hits them directly.
I wore it during yard work, and here’s what I found:
- Low and high fan speeds feel pretty similar in output.
- The fan on high died at the 4 hour and 20-minute mark.
- The fan on low kept going for 7 hours and 40 minutes, which is within their stated range.
Next, I tested the solar functionality. The fans turned on only when pointed directly at the sun, and they barely spun. Any movement away from direct sunlight shut them off. Bottom line: the solar panels don’t charge the battery, they just barely power the fans when aimed directly at the sun, making the solar feature more of a novelty than anything useful.
Conclusion
Is the solar fan hat ridiculous or does it work? I would say a little of both. When charged via USB and used in still conditions, it can provide a mild breeze and a bit of relief. It’s not well suited for windy environments, physical activity, or hiking. The noise can be distracting, and the solar functionality is more for show than performance. It could be useful for someone staying still in the heat, gardening, watching sports, or relaxing outdoors. Just don’t expect high performance from those little solar panels.
Video Review
You can watch my full video review below.