Best Boonie Hat: Shading your Face for the Summer [2023 Update]

The matter of sun protection is something that most people tend to overlook. When it comes to protecting your head from the damaging rays of the sun, you just can’t go wrong with wearing your trusty boonie hat (or booney hat).

Most of the time, choosing the right head protection all comes down to personal preference, but there are still a few things you should consider for a perfect fit an maximum protection. And our recommended boonie hats tick all these boxes, so let’s check them out below!

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What’s the best boonie you can get?

You can rarely go wrong with a boonie hat as long as they are made of the right material and they fit just right, but if you don’t want to do the heavy work and sort through hundreds of models, check out recommendations below:

Boonie Hat	Details
Columbia Bora Bora Booney	Best Overall Boonie 100% Nylon, UPF 50+ Customizable fit Various designs available Check price on Amazon
KastKing UPF 50 Boonie Hat	Best Boonie Hat with Neck Flap Draw cord for optimal fit Useful but removable neck flap UPF 50+ Check price on Amazon
Rapiddominance Boonies Hat	Best military-themed Boonie 100% Cotton, military tested Choose your right size Check price on Amazon
Sombriolet Sun Hat	Best Multiple Purpose Boonie Wider brims, UPF 50+ 86% nylon, 14% polyester Hand wash only Water resistant Check price on Amazon
Boonie Bucket Hat	55% Cotton, 45% Polyester Beautiful design Choose your right size Check price on Amazon
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat	Adjustable neck flap UPF 50+ Water repellent / stain resistant Check price on Amazon

If you want to get a bit more in depth with each of the models that we recommended, read on for our complete reviews of our favorite boonies!

Again, choosing a boonie hat is a fairly simple affair but with the number of options out there, it’s hard not to get confused. If you are in the mood for recommendations, here are the best boonie hats you can get today:

Columbia Bora Bora Booney

Best Overall Boonie

Weight: 4 oz

Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 3 inches

Specific features: 100% nylon, Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection, Omni-wick sweatband and mesh, adjustable chin strap and customizable fit.

Best use: travel, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation

Columbia is a name that’s associated with high quality outerwear and sportswear. Thus, it’s not hard to have high expectations of the Bora Bora Booney. Fortunately, you won’t be disappointed!

The hat is made from 100% textured nylon on the brim, sides and top which provides top-notch comfort and sun protection.

The patented Omni-Shade UPF 50 ensures that you’re well protected from the sun despite extended periods of exposure. The Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh ensures good breathability while keeping moisture at bay which keeps your head cool at all times.

The sweat management technology of this boonie is nothing short of impressive and it’s clear that it is designed for the outdoor life.

On top of it all, the hat only weighs 4 oz which is not just light but won’t make you look like a dork while wearing it.

The brims are just the right size: not too large to hit everything around, but not too small to be completely worthless. The hat itself is really comfortable and pleasant to wear for hours: I was worried that it’s not 100% cotton (and has no cotton in it, actually), but it’s surprisingly pleasant to wear and comfortable.

KastKing UPF 50 Boonie Hat

Best Boonie Hat with Neck Flap

Dimensions: Headband circumference: 22.8″, Overall hat dimensions: 14.6″ x 12.4″, Neck Flap: 13.4″ x 10.2″

Specific features: Adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, removable neck shield, UFP 50+ protection, Moisture wicking head band, adjustable draw cord for optimal fit

Best use: fishing, outdoor recreation, travel, hiking, camping, hunting.

This KastKing boonie hat is absolutely amazing and can only be described as a no-nonsense headwear that you will love.

It is my favorite from all the booney hats on this list – and that’s because of the removable nech shield. This is perfect for fishing or hiking, when the sun hits you from the back. You will absolutely love this and it will save you terribe sunburns.

It also has a SPF 50+ protections, offering additional shielding from UVA and UVB radiation.

For the matter of ventilation, the KastKing hat features side vents that should keep your head cool even when you are exposed to sunlight for an extended amount of time. It also features a moisture wicking head band to reduce discomfort created by sweat.

It’s a one size fits all type of hat coming with an adjustable draw cord for optimal fit. And you will feel amazing wearing it, with no problems or discomfort.

This hat is also very portable because you can just roll it up, stuff it in your back and be on your merry way. You can trust that the hat will be free from any damage later on. Definitely one of the best budget boonies out there.

Rapiddominance Boonies

Best Military Boonie

Dimensions: Size S to XL (choose your own fit)

Specific features: Lightweight with floppy brim, 45% Polyester, 55% Cotton, Military specs.

Best use: hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, travel

The hat is made from 45% polyester and 55% cotton which in a sense allows you to get the best of both worlds.

The cotton gives the hat great breathability and it’s good for absorbing sweat. On the other hand, the polyster provides the much-needed durability and makes the hat resistant to stretching and shrinking.

Also, this boonie features military specs which means that you can use it from activities like fishing to field training. It is battle tested and of really high quality so it won’t break, rip or generally let you down.

Another thing worth pointing out is that the Rapiddominance Boonie is very lightweight. The floppy brim allows you to wad it up and throw it in your jacket or backpack without concerning about damage.

It comes with a chinstrap and leather cord lock to ensure that the thing stays in your head. Overall, it’s a great boonie that should suit your needs. Just make sure to pick the right size for you, based on the size chart below:

S: 6 7/8″ – 7″
M: 7 1/8″ – 7 1/4″
L: 7 3/8″ – 7 1/2″
XL: 7 5/8″ – 7 3/4″

Sombriolet Sun Hat

Best Multi-purpose boonie

Weight: around 3 oz (depending on size)

Dimensions: size M to XL

Specific features: Water resistant, UPF 50, Foam-stiffened brim, larger brims, side vents, various colors available.

Best use: camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, outdoor recreation, travel, backpacking, beach, kayaking.

Looking for a hat that’s more on the high end side and would make you look like an explorer to boot?

Well, you should definitely take a look at the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat. It features SolarShield construction and UPF 50 certified for that ultimate solar protection and has slightly wider brims to keep the sun away.

The strategically placed vents in the crown along with the moisture wicking mesh lining will provide breathability and keep your head cool and dry. The vents are smaller than on most boonie hats – like small cuts on the sides – but they do a pretty good job nevertheless.

The brim is equipped with piping along the edge that adds wind resistance. The hat also comes with a headband that will ensure a good fit while wicking away moisture. The chin cord is removable and adjustable which is great for making sure the hat stays in place.

It’s also made from Nylon / polyester blended fabric so you can trust that it’s both comfortable, quick drying and durable. Again, it’s a solid high-end boonie that delivers on all fronts and is indeed perfect for all sorts of activities, thus getting my “best multi-purpose” award.

Boonie Bucket Hat

Dimensions: Size S – XXL, 2.5″ brim.

Specific features: 55% Cotton / 45% Polyester, Completely crushable and packable, Ventilation Side Holes, Side string for additional fitting, chin cord & side button closure.

Best use: camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, beach, outdoor recreation, travel, backpacking.

Here’s another “bang for the buck” boonie that everybody should check out. KBETHOS’ signature boonie hat is made from 55% Cotton and 45% Polyester and we can say that it is the traditional boonie hat.

Thanks to the combination of materials used, it is both breathable (thanks to the cotton) but also more durable and resistant to the elements (thanks to the polyester).

The overall construction of the hat can only be described as high quality. Like all good boonies, this signature hat comes with side holes for increased ventilation. It also offers side button closure which adds extra style to it.

To add to the comfort value and stability, it also comes with a fabric chin cord and also an additional side string to make it fit better if needed.

With all that said, the best feature of the Go-to Boonie Hat is that it comes with a wide variety of colors and patterns.  From standard khaki to desert camo, there something here for everyone. As the name implies, it’s your go-to boonie if you’re in doubt.

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

Weight: 3 ounces

Specific features: 100% Polyester, UPF 50+ Certified, 7.5” back veil neck flap with lift-up tab, increased ventilation, chin strap, water resistant.

Best use: camping, beach, hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking, outdoor recreation, travel, backpacking

At first look, one of the things you’ll immediately notice is that this adventure hat is just oozing in style. And just like my favorite on the list, it also comes with a neck flap that is perfect for those sunny days. The hat itself offers UVA and UVB radiation with an UPF of 50+.

If you don’t like the neck flap, you can easily lift it up – but I am actually sure you will leave it as it is once you try it.

Made from 100% polyster, this hat is strong, durable and can withstand most chemicals and elements. This gives the hat quick drying properties as well, but also making it water resistant.

The mesh ventilation around the crown ensures that your head will stay cool despite the hot sun. If you sweat too much in the head, don’t worry because this hat has moisture wicking properties as well.

It comes in various sizes, but also has an additional size adjuster to really make it a perfect fit. It is very comfortable and light – a pleasure to wear, even for long hours under the sun!

Another thing worth mentioning is that the hat is actually available in many different colors but not in your standard camo patterns. For the money, you’ll be hard pressed to find a hat that’s as durable, comfortable and with good coverage as this one.

What is a boonie hat?

For the uninitiated, boonie hats are wide-brimmed headwear that are commonly used by military forces.

Also referred to as a “bush hat” or “booney hat”, this hat’s design can be likened to a bucket hat but with a much stiffer brim. This type of hat generally comes with a fabric tape band that is sewn around the crown.

The band serves as a holding place for things such as leaves, twigs and other types of vegetation that can be used for effective camouflage. The hat also features a strap that keeps it in place and for added stability.

Boonie hats were first utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. They were first worn by the U.S. Army Green Berets along with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and members of the Australian army in the field.

Although many boonie hats come in a wide variety of camouflage designs, their application is not just limited to military use.

These days, boonie hats are the headwear of choice of folks who are engaged in outdoor recreation such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and much more.

They are also a good choice for beachgoers, so we can safely say that booney hats these days are multi-purpose, extremely useful items.

Related reading: Best hiking shoes you can buy.

Why wear a boonie hat?

So why wear a boonie hat? Apart from making you look like a true outdoorsman, there are actually many benefits to wearing this headgear.

If you are still on the fence about getting a boonie hat, these reasons might just change your mind:

• It’s the right size and shape – without entering the sombrero territory, the boonie is just the right size and shape, especially with regards to outdoor activities. The size is good enough to provide ample sun protection and the shape isn’t too unwieldy that you’re constantly whacking it against something. Despite the conservative size and shape, it still provides more coverage than a bucket hat.
• It’s comfortable – while we all want the protection that hats provide, this doesn’t mean that comfort should take a backseat in your list of headwear priorities. It’s a good thing that boonie hats don’t exactly skimp when it comes to comfort. Try wearing a 100% boonie and once they’re on, you could easily forget that you’re wearing one. They’re also washable and easy to dry.
• It’s portable – tired of hats that constantly need babysitting? If so, then you’ll have a lot to like with a boonie hat. Always on the go? Just wad it up, jam it in your backpack, suitcase or vest and you’re ready to go. Try doing that with a Stetson or straw hat. Once you need it again, just pick it up, dust it a little bit and you’re back in the sun protection business. As far as portability goes, boonie hats can’t be beat.
• It’s affordable – unlike other types of hats, a boonie hat won’t have you hanging on to your dear wallet. You can get a boonie hat for as little as $10 which simply can’t be said with most baseball hats and the like. They’re so cheap that you can buy several hats (just in case you’re forgetful or the type of person who always loses his hat) and it won’t even make a dent in your budget.
• It comes in many different colors and patterns – part of the fun of owning boonies is collecting the many different colors and patterns that they come with. While khaki tan and olive drab should suit most people’s needs, the real fun comes with collecting hats with camo patterns.

Boonies are available in a wide variety of camouflage patterns like woodland, desert, urban, tiger stripe and even the digital multicam that’s favored by the U.S. Army.

As you can see, the boonie hat is not just a functional sun protection but it comes with its own set of awesome benefits as well. Let us just tell you that you can’t go wrong with a good boonie.

Also read: Best shoes for plyometrics.

What makes a good boonie hat?

Not all boonie hats are created equal. That’s why shopping for a boonie hat requires a little bit of thought. You can’t just choose a boonie hat and think that you’re all set.

To get the most out of your solar protecting hat, you need to get one that actually meets your needs. Thankfully, we have a handy guide below on how to choose a good boonie hat – and all our recommendations above tick all these boxes.

Mind the fit

Unlike baseball caps and other types of hats, boonies are not adjustable. If you want good sun protection and comfort, it goes without saying that you should wear a boonie that’s a good fit. But all of them are created so that they are great fit, regardless of your head size. They just work somehow!

If you’re shopping online, a good rule of thumb is to get a hat that’s one size bigger than you measure. This can become tricky since sizing can vary depending on the style and manufacturers.

Consider the fabric

Most boonie hats are available in cotton and cotton blends. This makes them machine washable which is a huge benefit for many folks.

For the best comfort, an all-cotton boonie should get the job done. However, cotton boonies have the tendency to shrink after getting wet when compared to a cotton blend.

Again, it would be preferable to choose half a size higher when buying an all-cotton hat. After a couple of washes, the hat should feel more snug. When drying a 100% cotton boonie, opt for an air dry than throwing it into a dryer.

Reversible is good

Consider getting a boonie with a darker brim because it won’t bounce the sunlight back into your eyes.

This is an issue with many baseball caps as the sunlight tends to bounce off the underside of the brim which can blind you.

In this case, it’s recommended that you get a two-tone boonie with a light outer covering and a darker inner covering. This is why it’s good to consider a reversible boonie hat.

Check for air vents

Boonies have vents for that much-needed breathability. If you are around a very hot and humid area, then there’s not much that these vents can do.

However, it’s not saying that the vents don’t have their purpose. If you tend to sweat a lot in your head, look for a boonie that features larger vents for better ventilation.

Check for the strap

Most if not all boonies have a chinstrap that’s attached to the hat. Again, you will want to fit the hat in person to make sure that the strap wraps around your chin just right.

However, there are boonies that feature adjustable chinstraps which would be ideal in general. The strip adds stability and will prevent your hat from being blown away in case things get rough.

That’s pretty much it! Buying a boonie hat is a no-nonsense affair but it really helps if you know what to look for in a good boonie.

To finalize things…

If you consider yourself to be a true outdoorsman, it’s imperative that you add a boonie hat (or two) in your outdoor wear.

They’re long lasting, comfortable, affordable and gives you excellent sun protection, what’s not to like?

Take into account the tips that we have provided in this post and you should find a boonie that best fits your needs.

Are you a fan of boonie hats? What’s your favorite brand or model? Let us know in the comments to get some discussions going!