Types of Military Hats - Boonie Hat vs Bucket Hat

Uniforms for a long time now have included tactical or military style hats. The most popular of these are patrol caps, operator caps, and boonie hats. In this post we&#;ll examine the boonie hat and see how it differs from another popular item of headwear, the bucket hat.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website military style bucket hats.

What Is a Boonie Hat?

A boonie hat (also known as a sun hat and short for &#;boondocks hat&#;) is a wide-brim military hat that became popular during the Vietnam War and today is one of the world&#;s most readily recognised military hat styles. You can learn more about the history of boonie hats here.

What Is a Bucket Hat?

A bucket hat (also known as a fisherman hat) is intended for civilian recreational use (examples include hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing). Typically it is made of cotton, denim, or canvas.

Boonie Hat vs Bucket Hat

A boonie and a bucket hat resemble one another. Yet the two hats are decidedly different, primarily in terms of construction and functionality.

To demonstrate the differences, let&#;s do a boonie hat vs bucket hat comparison.

First, the brim of a boonie hat is stiff while the brim of a bucket hat is floppy.

The stiffness of the brim allows the boonie hat to be readily molded into whatever shape best suits the wearer&#;s need of the moment (although as you&#;ll learn in a bit, U.S. Army regulations prohibit such modifications). Still, regulations notwithstanding, the brim can be shaped to help reduce the wearer&#;s silhouette and make it harder to recognise the head at a distance. 

In contrast, the bucket hat&#;s floppy brim doesn&#;t really permit shaping. The way it comes from the manufacturer is pretty much the way it stays.

Another difference is that the boonie hat&#;s crown is customarily ringed with a band of loops. The bucket hat usually lacks these loops.

Yet another difference is the purpose for which these hats are made. The boonie hat is meant to be worn by operators embarked on tactical or military missions. The bucket hat, as noted above, is on the other hand meant for civilian recreational use. 

Why Do Special Forces Wear Boonie Hats?

The military boonie hat is often worn by members of special forces. The reason is that this hat supports many of the mission types undertaken by special forces operators. 

For example, when the mission calls for optimal silence while advancing on a target, the boonie hat is a much better choice than a helmet. A weighty Kevlar helmet bounces on the wearer&#;s head and produces a small but discernable sound. Owing to its softness and much lighter weight, a boonie hat makes no noise.

Special forces operators also wear the boonie hat because it facilitates concealment. For this purpose, operators can either wear a camo boonie hat (one that comes with the appropriate camouflage pattern already printed onto it) or they can stuff native leaves and grasses all around a plain boonie hat&#;s headband. 

Also, as mentioned earlier, the boonie hat reduces the silhouette of the wearer&#;s head (which together with these other functionalities, helps make the boonie hat a top choice among military camo hats).

Why Do Snipers Wear Boonie Hats?

Snipers express a preference for wearing a boonie hat because it doesn&#;t interfere with their ability to line up a shot. 

The fabric from which a boonie is made allows the brim to flex as needed so that the sniper can without difficulty get behind the gun, lay a cheek on the upper edge of the stock, and fully utilize the weapon&#;s optics. 

Were the sniper instead wearing a helmet, these preparatory actions might become unduly complicated. The helmet could even interfere with the sniper&#;s shot accuracy.

Sniper&#;s also wear the boonie hat for the same reasons it&#;s worn by special forces: to eliminate as much noise as possible and to facilitate concealment.

Is It Fine For a Civilian to Wear a Boonie Cap?

In the U.S. and in many other countries around the world there&#;s no law that forbids a civilian from wearing a boonie cap or, for that matter, most other military hats types. It&#;s even okay for fans of military hats with patches to affix a unit insignia or name of a vessel to their boonie cap.

However, there is the question of &#;stolen valour.&#; In some circles it is thought that a civilian (particularly one who has never served in the armed forces) donning any type of military garment is an affront to those who did serve. 

Not long ago, the website Quora.com asked veterans whether seeing a civilian in military-style garb made them upset. Nearly 200 veterans responded and almost none had anything negative to say about civilians being so attired. Indeed, the vast majority said they took it as a compliment, an attempt by ordinary people to identify with a heroic breed.

How To Wear a Boonie Hat?

The U.S. Army requires that the boonie hat (like every garment) be worn in accordance with its design, so wearers are not allowed to reshape or repurpose it into anything other than that which rolled off the manufacturer&#;s assembly line.

Many believe the boonie hat works best when it sits squarely on the head (its headband and the ground should be parallel to one another). Others believe the boonie hat should be worn loosely behind the head so that it doesn&#;t blow off in the event a sudden wind comes up from behind.

To prevent them from being blown off, almost all boonie hats come with a strap (usually an adjustable string that hangs to approximately the level of the wearer&#;s upper chest). There are several ways the strap can be positioned: for example, it can be worn loose or tight under the chin, at the back of the head, or tucked inside the hat (U.S. Army regs prohibit wearing the strap over the top of the hat). Some straps are permanently attached to the hat, while others are detachable.

Any locks of hair above the forehead should be tucked under the hat and not permitted to stick out from under the brim.

When Can You Wear a Boonie Hat In the Army?

A boonie hat can be worn when the commanding officer gives permission, but, generally, it&#;s acceptable to wear one in hot-weather environments if the helmet must come off and a patrol cap is unsuitable. Boonie hats are also approved for wear by members of a work detail.

Other Types of Military Hats and Headgear

The boonie hat is the go-to army hat for field use. However, there are other types of military hats worth mentioning. All were  born of necessity and vary in functionality. And, of course, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Patrol Cap 

Any military cap that&#;s flat on top and features a horizontal visor extending from the front is called a kepi. That&#;s basically what a patrol cap is. Specifically, a patrol cap is made of soft material; the only stiff element is its visor. It looks very much like a baseball cap.

Patrol caps are a popular substitute for combat helmets, but usually just in situations where there is minimal risk of exposure to flying shrapnel and other airborne objects with the capacity to inflict serious impact injuries to the head.

U.S. Army Rangers operating in Korea during the early s wore a forerunner of today&#;s patrol hat. It was known as the M cap. Because temperatures on the Korean peninsula could dip to freezing and below, the olive-drab M came equipped with a woolen piece of hanging flannel at the back and sides to provide protection from the winter cold. When not needed this flap could be folded up and out of the way, and the hat would provide protection from the hot sun during the summer months. Soldiers typically wore the M under their helmet which was possible due to the cap&#;s soft cotton construction.

Later in the decade of the s, the M was superseded by the similar-in-style but stiffer Ridgeway Cap. Possibly because Cuban dictator Fidel Castro had adopted the Ridgeway as his signature headwear, the U.S. ditched that style in (the same year as the Cuban Missile Crisis which brought America and the then-Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war).

The patrol cap disappeared from U.S. Army use until . That year the Americans issued the M81 battle dress uniform. In , the M81 was mothballed and replaced by the ACU (Army Combat Uniform), but the s-era patrol cap lived on. In its current iteration, the U.S. Army patrol cap is made of a nylon-cotton blend, so it&#;s both durable and comfortable.

Watch Cap

Among the most often seen types of military hats is the watch cap (so called because it&#;s worn while on watch). The watch cap is knitted from wool (but not always) and is tight-fitting, so it excels at keeping the head pleasantly warm. 

Watch caps typically are constructed with enough added material along the bottom to let the wearer roll the excess upward to form a cuff. They&#;re not intended to make a fashion statement. For that, you need to acquire a beanie or a toque, both of which resemble the watch cap.

Historians tell us that the direct tactical hat ancestors of watch caps first appeared in the 18th Century. Among the first to don them were insurrectionists in what is today the province of Quebec. In , these insurrectionists attempted to overthrow British rule in a cold-weather conflict that came to be known as the Lower Canada Rebellion.

During World War II, the majority of American sailors aboard ships seeing action in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Bering Sea wore a watch cap whether above or below deck.

Beret

The military beret hat is a soft, sloping cap with material gathered to one side. It can be made of felt, wool, cotton, or acrylics. Its purpose is to keep the head warm but also to give the wearer a jauntily distinctive appearance.

Unlike other army hat types, the beret was and still is best-known as civilian headgear. In the Middle Ages, peasants wore berets as a symbol of their place near the bottom of the societal ladder. In the mid-s, painters and sculptors living along the Left Bank of the River Seine in Paris made the beret synonymous with the fine arts. 

In the early 20th Century, Hollywood movie directors were always stereotypically portrayed as wearing a beret (while holding a megaphone in one hand). Even today, the beret remains popular with men and women across Europe (most notably France and Spain) and beyond, but primarily as a fashion statement rather than a functional item of apparel. 

Armed forces and law enforcement organizations see the beret as both: part fashion statement and part functional accessory. They also see it as an important asset for cultivating esprit de corps among the ranks.

France was among the very first to make the beret standard issue for its military, specifically as part of the uniform worn in the s by its crack mountain troops. From that time forward, the beret was almost invariably associated with elite special forces including tank units, commando teams, paratroopers, and security detachments.

One of the nice things about the beret is it&#;s easy to stow. Because of the materials used and the way it&#;s made, a folded or rolled beret can be conveniently slid under a shoulder epaulet without detracting from the appearance of the uniform (and without ruining the cap itself). Likewise, the beret can be harmlessly placed inside a shirt, jacket, or pants pocket.

For more information, please visit rainbow bucket hat colorful.

Also nice about the beret is that over-the-head earphones can be worn with it. Other types of hats must be removed first before earphones can be used, but not so the beret.

Combat Helmet

The ultimate army hat is a helmet. Its job is to protect the wearer's head from ballistics, shrapnel, and other types of physical impacts. No helmet is bulletproof; but those made of Kevlar and similar advanced materials are at least bullet-resistant.

A good helmet is comfortable and doesn't shift position when the wearer marches, runs, dives for cover, jumps over obstacles, and engages in other physically demanding actions. Further, a good helmet doesn't get in the way of the wearer's line of sight or field of hearing.

The helmet has a long and storied history. It was used in battle as far back as records go. But toward the end of the s, helmets fell out of favour for the next three centuries (during that span, armies attired troops in felt tricorn hats and, later, kepis and American West-style calvary/cowboy hats).

It was in World War I that the helmet made a huge comeback. Battleground conditions were such that commanders of the opposing forces quickly realised that their troops needed far better head protection than that afforded by fabric caps and hats. In short order, steel helmets became standard issue.

The current-issue helmet in the U.S. is the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), first put into service in . Its British counterpart is the MK 7 helmet, which has been used by U.K. forces since .

Conclusion

The boonie hat is a favourite of military personnel far and wide owing to its comfort factor and functionality. It can&#;t stop bullets and shrapnel, but it can certainly stop the sun (which is why it&#;s right at home in hot deserts and steaming rainforests).

Although designed for use as an army hat, the boonie is also worn by civilians who appreciate its simple yet versatile features.

Notably, the boonie hat is not the only type of headgear available to provide comfortable protection to the head. There are also patrol caps and watch caps and many others. Each has a role to play in enabling operators to get the job done successfully, safely, and in style.

When it comes to outdoor adventures, the right hat can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for sun protection, camouflage, or just a stylish accessory, camo boonie and camo bucket hats offer an excellent solution. Both styles are designed to provide comfort, breathability, and practicality for any outdoor activity. 

To help you decide which one is best for you, we've compared the pros and cons of each style. Read on to learn more about the benefits of camo boonie and camo bucket hats and discover the ultimate adventure companion. 

What Is A Bucket Hat? 

A bucket hat is a type of hat that is usually made of cotton or a cotton blend fabric. It is characterized by a wide brim that is typically curved downward and a drawstring that is used to adjust the fit of the hat. The brim of the hat is usually wide enough to provide protection from the sun's rays and the drawstring allows for a snug fit that is comfortable and secure. Bucket hats are often used in outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking, as well as for everyday wear. 

They are also popular with the military, as the brim and drawstring provide additional protection when in the field. Bucket hats are a great way to stay cool and stylish in the summer months and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any style.

What Are The Benefits Of A Camo Bucket Hat? 

Camo bucket hats are an ideal choice for outdoor adventurers who want to stay safe and stylish. Not only do they provide excellent protection from the sun and other elements, but they also offer a range of practical benefits.

Camouflage is one of the main benefits of a camo bucket hat. The pattern of the fabric helps to break up the wearer&#;s outline, making them less visible to predators or other people. This is especially useful when hunting, fishing, or engaging in other activities in the outdoors.

In addition to camouflage, camo bucket hats are also incredibly practical. The brim of the hat helps to keep the sun and rain out of the wearer&#;s face, while the sides can be pulled down to protect the ears and neck. The fabric is also lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear in any weather conditions.

Finally, camo bucket hats are also incredibly comfortable. The fabric is soft and lightweight, and the adjustable drawstring ensures that the hat fits securely on the head. The brim is also designed to be flexible, allowing the wearer to adjust the angle of the hat for maximum sun protection.

Camouflage 

Camouflage is a key feature of both camo boonie and camo bucket hats. It is a type of protective coloring that helps the wearer blend in with their surroundings. Camouflage serves two main purposes: to hide the wearer from potential predators, and to help the wearer remain undetected in their environment. 

Camouflage is often used in military and hunting contexts, but it can also be used in recreational activities such as paintball, bird watching, and nature photography. Camo boonie and camo bucket hats are designed to provide the wearer with the best possible camouflage. 

The patterns and colors of the hats are designed to blend in with the environment, making the wearer less visible to predators and potential threats. In addition to providing camouflage, these hats can also provide additional protection from the elements, such as sun, wind, and rain.

Practicality

Practicality is an important factor to consider when choosing a hat for your outdoor adventure. A camo bucket hat is a great choice for practicality because it is lightweight and easy to pack. It also has a wide brim that provides good coverage from the sun and rain, so you can keep your head protected while exploring the outdoors. The bucket hat is also adjustable, so you can adjust it to fit your head size and shape. Additionally, the camo pattern helps to blend into the environment, making it a great choice for hunters and hikers.

Comfort And Breathability

Comfort and breathability are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hat for your outdoor adventure. The material of the hat should be lightweight and breathable, so you don't overheat while wearing it. A camo bucket hat or camo boonie hat can provide excellent breathability and comfort, depending on the material and design.

Camo bucket hats are usually made from lightweight cotton or polyester, which is breathable and comfortable. The brim of the hat is usually wide enough to provide ample shade, while still allowing your head to stay cool. The adjustable chin strap helps keep the hat in place, so you don&#;t have to worry about it slipping off your head.

Camo boonie hats are also made from lightweight fabrics, such as cotton or polyester, and are designed with a wide brim to provide ample shade. The adjustable chin strap ensures the hat stays in place and the mesh panels on the sides allow your head to breathe. The fabric is usually treated with a water-resistant coating, so you can stay dry even in wet weather.

Whether you choose a camo bucket hat or camo boonie hat, you can be sure that you&#;ll get excellent breathability and comfort. Both hats are designed to keep your head cool and dry, while also providing ample shade from the sun.

What Is A Camo Boonie Hat?

A camo boonie hat is a type of wide-brimmed, round-crowned hat, usually made from a lightweight fabric such as cotton or nylon. It is designed with a camouflage pattern and is often worn by members of the military, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. It provides protection from the sun, wind, and other elements, and can also be used to conceal the wearer's identity.

The hat is available in a variety of styles and colors, and can be worn with a variety of different outfits. The camouflage pattern helps to blend the wearer into their environment, making them less visible to their prey or potential attackers. The hat is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, and is available in a range of styles and colors, making it a versatile and stylish choice for a variety of activities.

What Are The Benefits Of A Camo Boonie Hat? 

A camo boonie hat is a great choice for those looking for an outdoor accessory that is both stylish and practical. This hat is designed with a wide brim and a drawstring to keep the hat secure on the head, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. Here are some of the benefits of a camo boonie hat:

Sun Protection 

When it comes to outdoor activities, sun protection is of the utmost importance. Whether you&#;re hiking, fishing, or just enjoying a day in the great outdoors, you need to protect yourself from the sun&#;s rays. Both camo boonie and camo bucket hats offer great sun protection.

Camo boonie hats are designed to provide full coverage of the head and face, shielding you from the sun&#;s harmful UV rays. The wide brim of the hat helps to keep your face and neck shaded, while the adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit. This type of hat is also made from lightweight and breathable materials that help keep you cool and comfortable.

Camo bucket hats are also great for sun protection. They feature a wide brim that can be adjusted to provide full coverage of the head and face. The material used for these hats is also lightweight and breathable, and the adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit.

Both camo boonie and camo bucket hats provide excellent sun protection, so it&#;s really up to you which one you choose. Whether you&#;re looking for full coverage or just a bit of extra shade, these hats are sure to keep you protected from the sun&#;s rays.

Increased Comfort 

When it comes to comfort, both camo boonie and bucket hats offer a great deal of comfort. Camo boonie hats are made with a soft, breathable material that allows air to circulate and keep your head cool. 

The brim of the boonie hat is designed to keep the sun out of your eyes and off of your neck, making it a great choice for outdoor activities. Bucket hats, on the other hand, are made with a lightweight fabric that is also breathable. They provide a snug fit and have a wide brim to keep the sun out of your eyes. Both hats also have adjustable chin straps so you can customize the fit for your head.

Versatility 

Versatility is an important factor to consider when choosing a hat for your outdoor adventures. Camo boonie hats and Camo bucket hats both offer a great range of options when it comes to versatility. Camo boonie hats can be worn in a variety of ways, from wearing it with the brim up or down, to folding it up and wearing it as a headband or neckerchief. 

Camo bucket hats also offer a great range of versatility, as they can be worn with the brim up or down, or folded up and worn as a headband. Both hats can also be worn with a variety of different outfits, from casual to formal. This means that you can find a hat that will suit your style and needs, no matter the occasion.

Camo Boonie Vs Camo Bucket Hat 

Camo boonie and Camo bucket hats are two of the most popular hats for outdoor adventures. While both styles have their own unique benefits, there are some key differences that can help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Design 

The camo boonie hat has a wider brim and is designed to cover the neck and ears more completely, while the camo bucket hat is shorter and more rounded. 

The camo boonie hat has a chin strap and drawstring at the back, while the camo bucket hat does not have a chin strap. Both hats are made of lightweight, breathable fabric, with a higher crown for better ventilation and visibility.

Functionality 

Functionality is an important factor to consider when choosing between a camo boonie and a camo bucket hat. The boonie hat is more of a traditional style of hat that is designed to protect the head and neck from the elements. It is also designed to provide protection from the sun and keep the wearer cool. 

On the other hand, the camo boonie hat has a wider brim and is designed to cover the neck and ears more completely, while the camo bucket hat is shorter and more rounded. The camo boonie hat has a chin strap and drawstring at the back, while the camo bucket hat does not have a chin strap. Both hats are made of lightweight, breathable fabric, with a higher crown for better ventilation and visibility.

Cost 

Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing between a camo boonie and camo bucket hat. While both styles are typically made of durable materials that will last for years, the cost of each hat may vary depending on the brand and quality. Generally, camo boonie hats are more expensive than camo bucket hats due to the increased amount of fabric used and the quality of the materials. 

Camo bucket hats are typically more affordable and can be found for a lower cost than the boonie style. However, it is important to note that both styles can range in price depending on the brand and quality, so it is important to shop around to find the best deal.

Which One Is Best For You? 

When it comes to deciding which hat is the best for your outdoor adventure, it comes down to personal preference. Both the camo boonie and camo bucket hats offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for different types of activities.

The camo boonie hat is a great option for those looking for sun protection and increased comfort. It is lightweight and breathable, and the wide brim provides excellent protection from the sun. The camo bucket hat is a great choice for those who need a hat that is both practical and stylish. The brim can be folded up for a more casual look, or down for a more formal look. Ultimately, the best hat for your outdoor adventure depends on your individual needs.

Discover The Ultimate Adventure Companion: Soul Of Adventure Camo Bucket Hat 

Discover the Ultimate Adventure Companion: Soul of Adventure Bucket Hats.

Are you looking for the perfect hat to accompany you on your outdoor adventures? Look no further than the Soul of Adventure Camo Bucket Hat. This stylish and functional hat will protect you from the elements while keeping you looking cool and stylish.

The Soul of Adventure Camo Bucket Hat is made of a durable, lightweight material and features a classic camo pattern. The brim of the hat is wide enough to provide excellent sun protection, and the adjustable drawstring ensures a secure and comfortable fit. This hat is also designed to be breathable, so you can stay cool and comfortable while exploring the great outdoors.

The Soul of Adventure Camo Bucket Hat is also incredibly versatile. Whether you&#;re out on a hike, fishing, or just enjoying a day in the sun, this hat is the perfect companion. It&#;s also great for camping, as it will keep you warm and dry in the elements.

The Soul of Adventure Camo Bucket Hat is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional hat for their outdoor adventures. With its classic camo pattern and adjustable drawstring, you can be sure to stay comfortable and protected in any environment. So, if you&#;re looking for the perfect hat to take on your outdoor adventures, Soul of Adventure Bucket Hats are the perfect choice.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to finding the perfect hat for your outdoor adventure, it's important to consider all the factors. Camo boonie and camo bucket hats both provide a great combination of sun protection, practicality, and comfort. 

While the camo boonie is more versatile and offers more sun protection, the camo bucket hat is more practical and cost-effective. Ultimately, the choice of which hat is best for you depends on your personal preferences and the type of activity you plan to do. 

No matter which SA Bucket Hat you choose, you can be sure that you&#;ll look great and have the protection you need for your outdoor excursions. So, grab your favorite hat and get out there and explore! Your search ends here at SA. Score the most amazing hats and incredible deals today and enjoy FREE shipping on orders over $55. At SA, we prioritize high-quality headwear for all occasions and personalities. So let&#;s get outside! 

FAQs 

Why Are People Wearing Bucket Hats? 

Bucket hats are popular among people of all ages and genders for a variety of reasons. They are a stylish and practical accessory that can be worn in many different settings. Whether you&#;re looking for a way to keep the sun out of your eyes while you&#;re outdoors or just want to add a bit of flair to your everyday wardrobe, a bucket hat is a great option.

Are Bucket Hats Still Trendy? 

Bucket hats have been popular for decades and continue to be a staple in fashion today. Whether you&#;re looking for a classic, timeless look or want to try something new and trendy, there&#;s a bucket hat out there for you.

Do Bucket Hats Look Good On Anyone? 

Yes! Bucket hats are a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of style to their wardrobe. They can be worn in a variety of ways and are available in a range of colors and patterns, so you&#;re sure to find one that suits you.

Why Does The Military Wear Bucket Hats? 

The military often wears bucket hats as part of their uniform. The hats provide protection from the sun and other elements, as well as a bit of camouflage. Additionally, the hats can be easily tucked away when not in use, making them a convenient choice for military personnel.

Do Guys Like Bucket Hats? 

Yes! Bucket hats are popular among men of all ages. Whether you&#;re looking for a classic style or something more modern, there&#;s sure to be a bucket hat that suits your taste.

Want more information on snapback with ear flaps? Feel free to contact us.