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 (aka 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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| Boonie Hat | Details |
|---|---|
Columbia Bora Bora Booney | Best Overall Boonie 100% Nylon, UPF 50+ Customizable fit Various designs available Check price at 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 at Amazon |
Rapiddominance Boonies Hat | Best military-themed Boonie 100% Cotton, military tested Choose your right size Check price at Amazon |
Sunbriolet Sun Hat | Best Multiple Purpose Boonie Wider brims, UPF 50+ 86% nylon, 14% polyester Hand wash only Water resistant Check price at Amazon |
Boonie Bucket Hat | 55% Cotton, 45% Polyester Beautiful design Choose your right size Check price at Amazon |
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat | Adjustable neck flap UPF 50+ Water repellent / stain resistant Check price at 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.
Columbia Bora Bora Booney
Best Overall Boonie
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney stands out for its light weight and reliable sun protection. Weighing just 4 oz with dimensions of 18 x 13 x 3 inches, this hat is crafted from 100% nylon.
Its Omni-Shade UPF 50 finish offers solid sun defense, while the Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh keep you cool during active days outdoors. An adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, making it an excellent choice for travel, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.
I appreciate how this hat stays comfortable even on long trips, and the quality of the material speaks for itself. The sweat management technology of this boonie is nothing short of impressive and it’s clear that it is designed for the outdoor life.
The brims are just the right size: not too large to hit everything around, but not too small to be completely worthless. After all, Columbia has a long history of outdoor gear that performs under pressure and this hat makes no exception to the rule.
KastKing UPF 50 Boonie Hat
Best Boonie Hat with Neck Flap
This KastKing boonie hat is absolutely amazing and can only be described as no-nonsense headwear that you will love.
This option shines when you need extra protection on your neck. With a headband circumference of 22.8 inches and overall dimensions of 14.6″ x 12.4″, plus a neck flap measuring 13.4″ x 10.2″, the KastKing UPF 50 Boonie offers adjustable features that help it fit perfectly.
Its removable neck shield, moisture-wicking headband, and adjustable draw cord make it perfect for fishing, hiking, camping, and traveling.
I found this hat especially handy on days when the sun seems to hit you from every angle. Its ability to roll up for easy packing adds to its appeal for anyone on the move. Not to mention that it has my favorite form of all booney hats on this list.
It also has a SPF 50+ protections, offering additional shielding from UVA and UVB radiation. Definitely one of the best budget boonies out there.
Rapiddominance Boonies
Best Military Boonie
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 polyester provides the much-needed durability and makes the hat resistant to stretching and shrinking.
The military specs give it a rugged feel without sacrificing comfort. I appreciate that it holds up well in various outdoor scenarios and provides reliable performance when you need it most. It is battle tested and of really high quality so it won’t break, rip or generally let you down.
The Rapiddominance Boonie is very lightweight. The floppy brim allows you to wad it up and throw it in your jacket or backpack without concern 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″
Sunbriolet Sun Hat
Best Multi-purpose boonie
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 Sunbriolet 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
Here’s another “bang for the buck” boonie that everybody should check out. It 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.
I like that this hat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from standard khaki to desert camo, allowing you to choose one that suits your style while delivering the essential performance needed for outdoor activities.
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
This hat weighs 3 ounces, is built entirely from polyester, and is just oozing in style. Certified with UPF 50+ protection, it features a 7.5-inch back veil neck flap with a lift-up tab, increased ventilation, a chin strap, and water-resistant fabric with moisture wicking capabilities. It works well for camping, beach days, hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking, and backpacking.
Made from 100% polyester, this hat is strong, durable, and can withstand most chemicals and elements. This gives the hat quick drying properties as well, but also makes it water resistant.
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.
I’ve found it to be an excellent choice for days when you plan to be active outdoors for hours, offering comfort and protection in one package. 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 Makes a Good Boonie Hat?
Now that we know which are the best Boonie Hats you can buy this year, let’s talk a few basics. And the most important part is knowing what I looked for when selecting the ones above aka what makes a good hat.
It all starts with a proper fit. Many hats in this category are not adjustable, so consider opting for one size larger than your usual measurement to ensure comfort after washing. The material also matters – cotton models offer breathability, while cotton blends provide better durability and resistance to stretching.
Look for models with ample air vents; they help keep your head cool during hot, humid conditions. An adjustable chin strap is another key feature, offering a secure fit that prevents the hat from shifting during active use. These details combine to create a hat that not only protects you but also stands up to the demands of outdoor life.
Also read: Best shoes for plyometrics.
Why Wear a Boonie Hat?
The main reason for wearing a boonie hat is the sun protection it offers. These hats are designed to shield you from harmful UV rays while providing ample coverage for your head and neck. Their comfort level is high, and many models are made to be lightweight and easy to pack.
You can read more about the UV index and tanning in my guide and fully understand how dangerous sun can be nowadays.
Back to the hats, from a practical perspective, they are affordable and versatile. You can purchase several without breaking the bank, and their variety of colors and patterns means there’s one to suit every taste. It doesn’t matter what activity you perform out in the opne – a boonie hat is a simple yet effective accessory to have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you spend time outdoors, investing in a quality boonie hat is a no-brainer. Each model reviewed here has its own strengths, whether you need extra neck protection, a military-inspired design, or a versatile hat that can handle various activities.
Think about what features matter most to you and choose a hat that aligns with your needs – you will find the perfect option above. And if you want to improve your hiking gear, continue reading our previous guide sharing the Best hiking shoes you can buy.
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!
Mark Foster loves to push his limits when it comes to survival in the wilderness. He might go for a 30-days adventure without any food or equipment except for a survival kit and a knife. We should mention that his survival kit has 122 items in it, so he know what he is doing. Mark is working on his book to share with the world all his experience gained during those brave adventures.
There is a lot of good variety in your best of list, both in style and usage. I wear mine primarily for sun protection and appreciated your point about getting one with a darker brim, which was something I hadn’t thought about.
Those little things make the difference, as I’ve found out from buying these hats for years. AND also from numerous complaints I often hear from my buddies, LOL. Go for reversible boonie hats, you’ll see and feel the difference right away. 🙂
I did some research-not for myself, I just don’t think I could rock one of these hats-bout I figured my husband might like something like this. I read some reviews that said to buy quality when you are going to buy one of these hats. But I think I agree that you should buy quality no matter what you are purchasing.
I have worn these hats before, especially because I hate to get sun burned on my face. I don’t think they are the best fashion choice for me but hey, it’s not about fashion in some cases-it’s all about function. These hats are great because they stay on, stay put, and protect.
That’s correct and I agree with you 100%! Investing in quality gear and equipment is crucial, especially when you are having a lot of activities outdoors. I know you’ll find a boonie hat that your husband will love. There’s a good selection here to choose from just by reading the reviews.
Yeah, these are basic boonie hats but you can see that they are good-looking, as well! Most people really prefer great functionality but it doesn’t hurt for these manufacturers to come up with better designs in the future.