The origin of the boonie hat can be hard to pinpoint. You could go back over 100 years to when they were called “bucket hats” and were made of wool in a shape resembling modern boonie hats. Eventually, these convenient hats were adopted by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. The hats were issued with a wide brim encircling the entire hat. There were slight variations made to the hats over the years, some adding branch loops to allow attaching foliage to. Commonly referred to as the “Daisy Mae” hat, these denim and herringbone twill hats would become the boonie hats that we know today. The boonie hat or bush hat, was a vital piece of equipment for protecting the wearer from the hot sun and rain while working outdoors. This was noticed by many outdoorsmen in the 1980’s and was even popularized further when Crocodile Dundee wore one in his movies. Something as simple as a hat doesn’t just become popular without reason, these are amazing for hiking and camping! I have two I picked up in Israel that I now carry everywhere with me on outdoor trips! The type of bush hat you get will depend on preference and the uses, so let’s get to recommending the options for the best boonie hat to fit any need! Whether you’re camping or hiking, spending all day outdoors will expose you to a plethora of different weather conditions, a hot sun and heavy rain being two concerns. Because of this, you need a quality piece of headgear to protect you from the elements! The best starter for an all around bush hat is Tough Headwear’s Boonie Sun Hat. A very affordable sun hat made of nylon with an adjustable drawstring to keep it firmly on your head. Because of the way this boonie hat is constructed, it also crushes flat with ease, making it easy to store for when you’re not using it. So if you plan on hiking, fishing, camping, or any other outdoor activity, this hat is the best starting point for keeping the sun off your neck without carrying around a bulky hat. A great hat for fishing or even golf, the Calamus Boonie Sun Hat is a great choice for outdoor hobbyists. Rated for UPF 50, this sun hat will be a life saver when the sun is being relenting. This hat comes with an adjustable strap to ensure a comfortable fit when you’re out on the trail and will stop the wind from blowing it off your head! An added feature is the breathable mesh venting, making it easier to keep your head cool. Even if it’s an incredibly hot day and some sweat starts to fall, the headband for this boonie hat is moisture wicking. This way even during the hottest days, sweat won’t go staining the inside of the hat. A great bonnie hat specializing in heavy downpours, this hat offers amazing waterproof nylon protection with a bent brim that leads water away from your head. This hat also comes with an adjustable drawstring to help it stay firmly attached. Because it’s made to be one of the best waterproof options, this hat would go great for not just hiking and camping, but also kayaking, boating, and fishing! Easily foldable and a lightweight 2.9 ounces, the Seattle Sombrero is a perfect option if you expect to do some trekking during a rainy day. An option for climates where you don’t know whether it’s going to be sunny or rainy. Sometimes the weather is just that unpredictable and you have to be prepared regardless. Having a hat to protect against changing weather conditions becomes super important when camping in places like this. The Bora Bora Boonie is the perfect option for those unpredictable changes in weather. Another great example is if you’re an avid fisherman, sometimes you want to fish during the rain as they may be more active. In that case, this hat is still a great choice! The Bora Bora Boonie is made from water-resistant nylon and offers protection from the sun as well. Like other boonies, this hat has an adjustable drawstring to keep in firmly in place. During the times it isn’t raining outside, there are breathable vents to help keep you cool on the warmer days. A lightweight and breathable Sport Boonie, this head was made to keep your head cool during the hottest days. Every boonie hat has different specifications and what it may be best for, this Tekma hat is great for hunting or fishing in hot and arid climates. This bad boy is flexible and easily foldable for easy carrying. It will also retain it’s shape, so don’t be concerned about shoving it in a pocket for a hike, it’ll come out looking no different than when you put it in. Another great aspect of the Tekma Boonie Hat are the foliage rings around the top of the hat. These can be used to attach extra pieces of foliage for camouflage when hunting or a place to keep lures and hooks when fishing (be careful putting sharp objects on it though). A 100% cotton and lightweight boonie hat that comes in a plain black or woodland camo. While this is further down the list, it’s probably the best all around fishing and hunting boonie. It has breathable vent holes, loops around the outside for additional camo or securing items, and even comes with a small map pocket inside the hat. This bush hat also comes with an adjustable strap and one size fits most! That being said, I would still check that the dimensions match a size you’re aiming to find. Another great booney hat option that’s great for women or men! Blocking out 98% of harmful ultraviolet rays, expect to keep your face and neck sunburn free. The hat comes with vent holes but the fabric itself acts as a breathable material. That being said, this hat isn’t the best for rainy days and is made to keep you cool, not dry. This summer bush hat also comes with snap-able button closures on the sides. Overall a great boonie for hiking, biking, hunting, or even barbecuing on a hot day. A hat made for those long days on the lake fishing! The Bassdash comes with a generous amount of neck protection with an additional cloth the stretches down the back of the hat, covering the entire neck. The hat itself is 100% nylon with a polyester lining, making it great water and stain resistant. Additionally, there is an adjustable strap to fit most sizes. Like most boonie hats, it comes with a chin strap to ensure it stays in place when you’re cruising along in a boat as well. The Dorfman is exactly what you expect to see when someone says it’s an “Outback Hat”. A combination of 52% cotton to breathe and 48% polyester to remain durable, the Dorfman Booney Hat is a great option for the casual camper or hiker. Despite being 52% cotton, this hat also provides decent resistance against rain and wet weather conditions. There is also a lining on the inner rim of the hat that helps absorb sweat on those extra hot days and it’s rated UPF 50+, making it a great summer hat overall. Like the best boonie hats origin from the Vietnam War, this hat is a reminder of that original. A camo boonie hat that comes in a variety of camouflage patterns, this is easily the best military boonie hat you’ll find. It’s simple and covers all exposed areas of your face from the sun. On top of that, this military hat has vent holes for breathability and fast drying, is easily foldable for fast storage, and is a 45/55 mixture of cotton to polyester. This combo is the perfect mixture to maintaining a cool temperature but being durable. Not every hat will fit every head, but if you’re looking for a hiking or fishing hat, there is a boonie hat out there for you. Some have specific parts that make them better for certain activities, it just takes a little research to find the best boonie hat for you. I hope this guide helped! Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links and supports the website owner when purchases are made through those links. Additionally, all product images are pulled from Amazon or their respective retailers. Best Boonie Hats on the Market – Buyers Guide 2021
Comparison of 10 Best Boonie Hats in 2021
1. Tough Headwear Boonie Sun Hat Review
2. Calamus Boonie Sun Hat Review
3. Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Review
4. Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Review
5. Tekma Sport Boonie Hat Review
6. GLORYFIRE Tactical Boonie Hat Review
7. Outdoor Summer Bush Hat Review
8. Bassdash Fishing Hat Review
9. Dorfman Pacific Men’s Outback Hat Review
10. Rothco Camo Boonie Hat For Fishing
Final Thoughts
Best Boonie Hats for Outdoors, Camping, and Fishing 2022
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