8 Best Boonie Hats In The Market – Expert Buying Guide For 2019

The boonie hat is considered to have been inspired by the Australian bush hat. The Australian bush hat is also known as a giggle hat or slouch hat. Worn by Austrian skirmishers, the slouch hat was introduced in Australian sometime around 1885. The bush hat was introduced to the American military during the Vietnam War and was adapted into the boonie hat that has been used by the US military since.

The bush hat, or boonie hat, was made popular for outdoorsmen during the 1980s when Crocodile Dundee sported one in the Australian outback. The boonie hat is a floppy, wide-brimmed hat that protects the wearer from the hot sun, rain, and wind while working (or fishing) outdoors.

The military version of the boonie hat usually has band of branch loops around the crown of the hat. This is known as a foliage ring and is used to hold vegetation used as camouflage during combat.

Comparisons of Best Boonie Hats in 2019

Top 8 Best Boonie Hats Reviews in 2019

#1 Boonie Safari Sun Hat for Men & Women

Hiking can expose you to all sorts of weather conditions – blazing sun, rain, bugs. Quality headwear can be just as important as quality foot wear when it comes to spending long hours exposed to the elements. One of the best boonie hats for hiking is the Boonie Safari Sun Hat.

Boonie Safari Sun Hat is made out of nylon. So, it’s  made from 100% cotton, the Boonie Safari Sun Hat provide the ultimate in comfort and protection. This sun hat will keep your head and face protected from the sun and heat also adjustable drawstring ensures your hat stays on your noggin.

#2 Go-to Boonie by E-FLAG – Best Boonie Hat for Fishing

There are several features that make the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Hat the best boonie hat for fishing. Made with 100% nylon with 100% polyester lining, this boonie hat will protects you from the sun and the rain. You never know what the weather will do from one moment to the next – and the Seattle Sombrero has you covered.

Outdoor Research was founded in 1980 by a physicist who was an avid mountain climber. On a climb, his partner suffered extreme frostbite because the snow seeped between the boots and the gaiters. Once they reached safety, Ron Gregg decided to research to find a solution to these poorly designed gaiters so that he and other mountaineers would not find themselves in that situation.

The result was an insulated gaiter that was versatile enough to be worn with many brands of boots. Since 1981, Outdoor Research has been providing innovative, quality outerwear for outdoorsmen/women with a variety of interests.

#3 LETHMIK Summer Fishing – Best Hot Weather Boonie Hat

One of the best hot weather boonie hats is the Dorfman-Pacific Weathered Cotton Outback Hat. Made from a 52% cotton/48% polyester blend, this Dorfman-Pacific boonie hat is designed especially for hot weather.

It features a brow band and lining inside the hat that absorbs sweat while the wide brim provides 360-degree protection from the sun. Dorfman-Pacific was founded in 1921 and for over 95 years has been one of the world’s largest retailers of quality headwear. The company is dedicated to reducing their impact on the environment.

Some of their projects include a line of organic hats made from completely natural products, using eCatalogs rather than paper catalogs, using solar to power their distribution centers, and using a waterless restroom system.

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#4 Tekma SSports Boonie Hat – Best Summer Hunting Boonie Hat

The Boonie Hat by E-Flag is one of the best summer hunting boonie hats. Completely crushable for travel, the E-Flag boonie hat pops back into shape when you are ready to wear it. Made of 100% breathable cotton, this camouflage boonie hat is the perfect accompaniment while walking through the woods to get to your favorite hunting spot.

You never know what you might encounter when hunting during the summer – summer storms, blazing sun, flying bugs. The E-Flag boonie hat will provide protection from all the elements. Remember to know and follow your state’s hunting regulations and always think “Safety First”.

#5 Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney – Best Boonie Hat for Sun

New cases of melanoma have increased by 53% annually over the last 10 years. If you spend a lot of time outdoors – working, at the beach, fishing, hiking – it is extremely important to provide your skin with enough protection to protect from the damages that can be caused by UV rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin and wear a hat for extra protection for sensitive areas such as neck, ears, and face.

One of the best boonie hats for sun exposure is the Lethmik Summer Fishing Boonie Sun Hat. Made from high-quality polyester, this boonie hat features a wide brim for the most protection from the sun. The brim is also adjustable and allows you to wear the sides up, one side up, whatever style most fits your needs – or makes the fashion statement you want to make!

#6 Pacific Weathered Cotton Hat by Dorfman – Best UPF Boonie Hat

The UPF rating is one of the most important aspects of choosing a boonie hat. Spending hours outdoors can cause damage to your skin and hair. With a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+, the Tekma Sport Boonie Hat is one of the best UPF boonie hats on the market.

Lightweight and breathable, the Sport Boonie Hat is designed to keep your head cool and comfortable in the most extreme temperatures. The Sport Boonie is flexible – can be folded and carried in your pocket when not needed – and maintains its shape so you can simply remove from your pocket and place back on your head when you need it again.

The camouflage colors make this an ideal hat for hunting, hiking, or any other adventure that requires you to fit into the environment.

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#7 Rothco Boonie Hat – Best Waterproof Boonie Hat

When you spend a lot of time outdoors, one thing you expect is changes in the weather. You may be sitting on your boat with beautiful sunny skies and five minutes later, a rain storm has blown out of the west.

If you are already wearing the Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hat to protect your face from the sun, you are prepared with one of the best waterproof boonie hats available. The Booney II is made from 100% textured nylon poplin for the most in water resistance.

An avid fisherman knows that fish sometimes become more active when the rain is hitting the water. With 98% of the suns rays, this textured nylon hat is designed to let you keep pulling in the fish while the conditions are right.

#8 Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Hat – Best Military Grade Boonie Hat

The boonie hat was first introduced to America by the military during the Vietnam War. It soon became one of the go-to hats for outdoor sports – hunting, fishing, hiking, spending the day at the beach.

As we have become more aware of the dangers of ultraviolet rays, it has become more important to protect ourselves from those rays. The face, neck, and ears are the most sensitive to the sun. Thus, we should add the extra protection of a hat for long days in the sun.

If you are searching for one of the best military boonie hats, the Rothco Boonie Hat should be one of your considerations. This boonie hat is made to government military specifications resulting in a product that provides a close imitation of the military-style boonie hat.

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Final Thoughts

Hats can be fashionable and functional. Boonie hats are the perfect example. This is not only a hiking hat for hot weather. The key point is that it is extremely important for outdoorsmen/women to have the most protection possible from the elements. Nothing is worse that coming home from an enjoyable day of fishing with a sunburnt face that keeps you awake all night.

It only takes 15 minutes for ultraviolet rays to damage your skin. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the sun:

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