Our Favorite Boonie Hats Reviewed in 2024
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
A boonie hat is a unique piece of headgear that has very real functionality and purpose. This is a piece of headgear that is made for wearing in the outdoors and is designed to protect your eyes and skin from harmful and strong sun rays as well as shielding you from light rain and moisture. They are a favorite piece for survivalists, outdoors people, sports people who enjoy such activities such as hunting or fishing. Travelers can benefit from having these in their gear and if you are going on safari, you can't leave without one. It will provide you shade and cover from the conditions you are in when you are enjoying some of your favorite outdoor activities. For those of you who prefer to have your outdoors outfits match or if you need full coverage with camouflage, these hats can come in various patterns, colors, and shapes.
On very sunny days, the UV rays can be strong and intense and they can cause some serious damage and harm to your skin and even your eyes. Many brands are making these hats super functionality by upping their effectiveness by using treated fabrics that have a high UPF rating. A solid hat should provide the help you outside and provide you with better ease as you engage in your activities and relief so that you can do what you do I the most effective way.
Comfort
Even if you have the most effective hat that has all the bells and whistles you could want the purpose of the hat is to help you engage in your favorite outdoor activities effectively. But you aren't going to be able to do that and get the most out of your hat if you aren't comfortable wearing it. Therefore, when you are looking for this type of headgear, you certainly have a couple of factors that are very important such as sun protection, water resistance, and sweat-wicking abilities but also the fit and comfort of the hat you wear will be a big consideration. Otherwise, if the fit is bad, you will be wasting your money because you won't wear your hat. You may want to measure the circumference of your head to get an idea of what sizing works. Some options will have a flexible fit while others may have drawstrings or other features that allow you to better customize your fit.
The other factor that assists comfort is breathability. If the hat doesn't offer good airflow your heat can retain heat which can be very irritating and can lessen the usability of the hat. If there is too much heat you will sweat a lot more and that can cause irritation to your eyes should the sweat drip in. The best hats will have portholes to breathe or have materials that allow for ventilation so that your head can stay cool and dry.
Durability
These aren't one-time use hats, they are made to be durable and rugged because you are most likely going to wear them in rough environments. They are going to experiences a wide range of temperatures with dryness and humidity. These aren't made to be disposable and those who invest in them don' expect that they will turn out to be disposable. They should be able to be put on and worn throughout the day and for hours with comfort, they should function throughout the entire time they are worn without giving up and when you take them off they should hang around the neck or easily be folded into bags or pockets for travel. When you buy one of these hats you expect them to last longer and to have reliable performance. Especially if you are going out into a very remote location you want to make sure the gear you have is dependable and will hold up to hard wearing action because deep in the brush there aren't any REI's or Cabelas to pick up a quick replacement. It only makes sense that you invest in the right option because your use for this type of hat is functional, and if it doesn't have functionality it is basically worthless.
There is a reason why these are hats preferred by military personnel and serious outdoors people. They are more than a hat, they are gear that is highly specialized and used for a purpose.
Our Favorite Boonie Hats
1. Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research makes a unisex option that can help protect your head from wet or cold. Using high-quality Gore-Tex you can keep yourself shielded from intense winds and yet still allow for breathability.
Read moreThoughtful Design
The foam-stiffened brim is multi-functional as it can help allow for buoyancy should you have the unfortunate incident of having your hat fall into water bodies. This material combination also helps the hat keep its durability because it's shaping won't be distorted no matter how you hold it or pack it. A cinch-band gives you the ability to adjust to just the right fit and comfort while wearing. It is unisex so it can work for the sensibilities of both men and women interchangeably.
Features
This hat is attractive in style, light, and foldable. There are plenty of color options adding to the variety you can choose from. It offers light insulation so cold, damp, and rainy weather shouldn't be a problem when you are equipped outdoors with this one. the waterproofing is no joke, this hat keeps your head dry.
Cost and Value
This is a pricey piece of headgear for sure. It has a lot of functionality and style to offer, however. It is a terrific option that will stand up to hard wearing for hikers, campers, and outdoors people making it a necessary must have in our gearbox which may ultimately justify a higher price.
2. Columbia
Columbia makes an option that features a strong UPF of 50 and the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of recommendation, There are many nice features in the design which make it much more than a regular old fishing hat.
Read moreFeatures
Using the Omni-Wisk sweatband along with a mesh vent there is a ton of breathability and air flow so your head will stay cool and dry. This one will keep your eyes comfortable and shield them from stinging sweat drops. It is quick-dry and the adjustable toggle helps you find the right and most comfortable fit for your shape and size.
Nice Looking and Well Made
This hat is both attractive and well put together. Along with the functional features listed above it provides a nice amount of sun protection in the shade it offers and it the high UPF. It also repels rain. While it doesn't necessarily soak up the sweat, this actually makes it a great option for hat weather because the maximum ventilation the hats offers will allow that sweat to cool quickly and keep your head cool in the process.
Cost and Value
The brand is rock solid and the price is reasonable for a well-made hat. It works the way you'd want and it is durable enough to wear regularly. Even if you are smooshing it into a travel pack the hat is literally uncrushable and will come out in full shape ready to wear in rainy, hot, or humid weather.
3. Rothco
Rothco offers a classic design that was created in the military style meeting government specs. There are so many color and pattern combinations you should have no problem finding the right one for your outfit or your activity.
Read moreConstruction
The robust construction makes this hat pretty durable so it should last. The color combinations and patterns don't differ from what you see online so you shouldn't be surprised by something that looks completely different than you expected if you order online. The 4 screened vents offer some air flow. You can add natural camouflage like leaves or sticks through the loops on the sides, and the adjustable chin strap helps you tighten it snug while wearing or leave it loose to hang around your neck.
Company
If you are looking for gear that is closer to what is used in the military and wants specifications that meet governmental requirements, this is the company to check out. They are the foremost supplier of military, tactical, outdoor, survival supplies ensuring you can find the right products for all your outdoor activities.
Cost and Value
For a spec hat, you cannot beat the price. If you are looking for basic functioning with the ability to add extra camouflage when you are in the brush, this is a tremendous value with nice sensibility.
4. Tru-Spec
A hat designed by the US military specs offering adjustability within the chin strap to fit comfortably for anyone. Tru-Spec offers practicality, function, and protection.
Read moreWell Made
This model is clean and crisp with deep neutral colors that are true to what you see online. The 50/50 ripstop material keeps it durable. On hot and very sunny, bright days this hat is very light and the extra width ensures extra protection from the harmful rays.
Durability
Made to specs from the US Military, this hat holds up. It does a fantastic job of keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes, it can shield rain effectively too and stand up to rough wear. The thinner fabric keeps it light but it won't shred or stretch out on you easily. It also helps this product dry out rapidly.
Cost and Value
This is a solid choice for the money. It has all the ventilation and protection you are looking for with adjustability to ensure a comfortable fit.
5. MG
The Mega Cap using cotton twill and is designed to help you function more effectively during all your favorite outdoor activities.
Read moreDesign
The fabric chin cord and side snaps help you configure the hat to right proportions that will make it extra comfortable to wear and function in. The decorative bullet along with the 4 brass eyelets allow for you to add any natural foliage or other materials needed to keep you successfully camouflaged.
Outdoor Activities
This is a functional hat that can be used for sports or leisure. IF you are a hunter, gardener, hunting, or fishing, this hat will serve your purposes well. Sizing comes in medium to large.
Cost and Value
This is a moderately priced option that offers a good fit even for those with larger head sizes. The side clips work well to hold up the brim and this will protect you from sun rays whether you are out in your garden or in the bush.
6. EINSKEY
For light exercise or long days outdoors where you need maximum sun protection, EINSKEY will provide the shield to help keep your skin and eyes comfortable and safe. This product is designed to help keep the rays away from the face, neck, and head.
Read moreSun and Water Protection
This hat will provide you with some serious double duty protection from the sun and the rain. The wider rim blocks droplets and the water repellent fabric keeps you dry.
Ventilation
Made with a sweat-wicking band and mesh vents the airflow is enough to pass through the hat and allow your head to stay cool and fairly dry during a long day outside in the sun.
Cost and Value
A very fair price tag for this unisex hat which can keep the wet and sun out of your face. The fabric has some give making it pretty comfortable to wear and the ventilation helps your cap breath.
7. Frogg Toggs
Pouring rain won't get in your way when you have Frogg Toggs. This hat is excellent in its ability to be waterproof and keep you dry and protected from even the harshest of rain storms.
Read moreTravel-Friendly
If you are an avid traveler this is the hat for you. It is made with the material so well-known to the brand that can be crushed and folded, easily packed into small spaces so it is super condensable and easy to travel with. Once you reach your destination you are all set to go out and explore no matter what the weather.
No Worries with High Winds
The chin strap is durable enough and adjustable so that even in very windy conditions you don't have to worry about losing your hat. It will stay solidly secure where you need it.
Cost and Value
A terrific value, this price won't hurt the wallet. It can travel wherever you go and is rated highly for durability, quality, and extreme protection in literally the worst rain or wind conditions making you prepared for any adventure.
8. Camo Coll
If you need something comfortable and attractive to wear outside for extra protection from the sun this is a nice option.
It is adjustable to fit your most comfortable positioning and the mesh incorporated into the design allows for a breezy cooling effect.
Well-Rounded
This is a hat that has everything you could want. It can effectively keep your skin from burning in the sun, it will keep your head comfortable with the fit and the air flow, and when you wash it, it comes out retaining its shape.
Good Sun Hat
This may not be the right product for extreme hunting or rugged living but for hiking, gardening, camping, or a day at the beach, you can't beat it. The strap can help keep it secure but it has such a great fit, that you may not even need it because it is snug enough. It can stay put without moving or sliding weather you are sitting out reading a book or bending over to dig.
Cost and Value
You can't do much better than this for a hat that provides solid durability, comfort, and functionality outside in the sun. it is easily laundered and it retains its form.
9. Panama Jack
Panama Jack has a 3" brim, ventilated mesh sidewall, and a Coolmax sweatband to keep that air flowing and your head cool and dry in humid, hot conditions. This hat packs well making it easy to take on travel.
Read moreDurable
This rugged and very light that may not be the best for rain, but it sure can keep your head cool. So if you want to get away to that tropical location of choice and keep the sun out of your eyes and off your skin, this product will do it without causing you excess sweating because you definitely won't overheat.
Classic
The design is classic for a safari hat and the colors are classy to match. AVailable in fossil, ivory and navy colors this hat will match almost any outfit. The sizing range makes it appealing for a wide variety of people with the medium, large, and even x-large.
Cost and Value
The hat is moderately priced but offers a sharp look so you can still have swag and style when you are vacationing. It is best for hot weather as the mesh top provides excellent airflow.
10. Dorfman Pacific
Dorfman Pacific makes a hat that protects from wind and sun with a 3" brim, adjustable chin cord, and toggle.
Read moreSun Protection
Not only will the brim width be wide enough to shield from harmful rays, but the materials are rated a high UPF 50+ with its Supplex fabric.
Comfortable
Tons of ventilation comes from the mesh top and the sweatband built-in. The material itself is soft to the touch and has a nice feel on.
Cost and Value
The price is moderate. The hat offers broad-spectrum sun protection and excellent air flow.
Sources
- , HOW DO I TIE UP A BOONIE HAT?, Outdoorsman Site
- , Boonie Hat aka Military, Booney, Camo Bucket, Jungle, or Giggle Hat, Paracord Supplier
- , How Animal Camouflage Works, Informational Site
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