Two water hats, two ways to handle the sun
Both the No Zone Hat and the Indo Surf Hat are floating, UPF 50+ sun hats built for time on the water. The real decision comes down to how much neck coverage you want, how you handle wind and spray, and how the hat fits your head. The No Zone Hat runs small, so sizing up is part of the buying decision. The Indo Surf Hat adds a stowable neck flap and a brim that flips up for paddling. Neither is a clear winner; they solve slightly different problems.
What each hat is built for
- No Zone Hat: Floating sun hat with a wide brim, UPF 50+, mesh ventilation panel, adjustable chin strap, bungee cinch adjustment, and front and rear foam brim inserts to hold shape in wind or when wet. These features make the No Zone Hat a straightforward choice for flat water or surf when you want broad shade and a secure fit without extra neck coverage.
No Zone Hat - Indo Surf Hat: Floating hat with UPF 50+, a brim that flips up for paddling, a removable neck protection flap that stores inside the hat, and an adjustable chin strap. The Indo Surf Hat is designed for surf, SUP, and sail, where you may want extra neck coverage on long days and the option to flip the brim up when paddling.
Indo Surf Hat
Brim, ventilation, and neck coverage side by side
The biggest practical difference is the neck flap. The Indo Surf Hat includes a stowable flap for added neck coverage, while the No Zone Hat focuses on a wide brim and ventilated design. Both have adjustable chin straps and foam brim inserts that keep the hat afloat and help the brim hold shape in wind or when wet.
- Brim shape and wind handling: No Zone Hat: wide brim with front and rear foam inserts. Indo Surf Hat: brim flips up for paddling, with foam inserts for flotation. Choose the No Zone for a fixed wide brim; choose the Indo if you want to flip the brim up while paddling.
- Ventilation: The No Zone Hat has a mesh ventilation panel. The supplied information for the Indo Surf Hat does not mention a mesh panel, so ventilation is not confirmed for that model.
- Neck protection: The Indo Surf Hat has a removable neck protection flap that stores inside the hat. The No Zone Hat does not list a neck flap in the supplied information.
- Fit and sizing: The No Zone Hat runs small, so size up. Both hats come in S/M (57 cm / 22 1/4"), L/XL (59 cm / 23"), and XXL (61 cm / 24") circumference. The Indo Surf Hat does not carry the same size-up note in the supplied information.
Which hat suits your session?
If you spend long days on the water and want the option of neck coverage, the Indo Surf Hat's stowable flap and flip-up brim are useful for surf, SUP, and sail. If you prefer a simple wide-brim hat with mesh ventilation and a secure chin strap for flat water or surf, the No Zone Hat fits that role. Just remember to size up on the No Zone Hat.
For sun protection, both hats are UPF 50+ and designed to float. Neither is a substitute for sunscreen on exposed skin, and the supplied information does not include care instructions for either model.
Materials and sizing details
- No Zone Hat: Made from 57% recycled polyester and 43% polyester. Sizes: S/M (7 1/8") [57 cm] 22 1/4" circumference, L/XL (7 3/8") [59 cm] 23" circumference, XXL (7 3/4") [61 cm] 24" circumference. Runs small; size up. The size-up note is critical for comfort, especially if you are between sizes or plan to wear the hat snug in wind.
- Indo Surf Hat: Made from 100% recycled polyester. Sizes: S/M (7 1/8") [57 cm] 22 1/4" circumference, L/XL (7 3/8") [59 cm] 23" circumference, XXL (7 3/4") [61 cm] 24" circumference. The size range matches the No Zone Hat, but the Indo Surf Hat does not carry a size-up note in the supplied information, so start with your usual size.
What the specifications do not settle
Some details are not covered in the supplied information. Use these as questions to check before you buy, not as reasons to avoid either hat.
- Care and washing: No care instructions are provided for either hat in the supplied information.
- Indo Surf Hat ventilation: The supplied information does not confirm whether the Indo Surf Hat has a mesh ventilation panel.
- No Zone Hat neck coverage: The supplied information does not list a neck flap for the No Zone Hat.
- Exact fit beyond size-up note: The No Zone Hat runs small, but the supplied information does not give a specific size-up recommendation (e.g., one size).
