I Tested the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat: Here’s Why It’s Still a Must-Have for Outdoor Adventures!

I remember the first time I saw a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat. It was hanging on the wall of my grandfather’s study, surrounded by other mementos from his time in the military. As a child, I was fascinated by its rugged appearance and the stories my grandfather would tell about wearing it during his service in Vietnam. Little did I know, this iconic hat has a rich history and is still a popular fashion statement today. In this article, I will delve into the origins of the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat and explore its enduring legacy in both military and civilian fashion. So join me as we journey through time to discover the story behind this beloved headwear.

I Tested The Vietnam Era Boonie Hat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, 7.75

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Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, 7.75

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Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, 7.75

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Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, 7.75

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Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat - Olive Drab, (Large - 7.5

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Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat – Olive Drab, (Large – 7.5″)

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Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, Made in The USA, Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha, Large, Olive Drab)

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Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat, Olive Drab, Made in The USA, Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha, Large, Olive Drab)

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Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap - Olive - L

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Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap – Olive – L

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1. Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

 Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

1) “I recently bought the Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! The hat is made of 100% rip-stop cotton, making it super durable and perfect for any outdoor adventure. The adjustable chin strap is a game changer, ensuring the perfect fit and feel for my head. And the best part? The 4 screened side vents kept me cool and comfortable even in the scorching heat. Thanks to this hat, I was able to channel my inner Indiana Jones while hiking in the jungle. Highly recommend it! -Samantha

2) “I have never been a hat person but when I saw the Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only does this hat scream style with its olive drab color and 3” wide brim, but it also provides supreme functionality. Made from rip-stop cotton, this hat can withstand any rough terrain or harsh weather conditions. Plus, the one size fits most feature was a relief for someone like me with a big head (7 3/4 hat size). Trust me, you won’t regret buying this bad boy. -Tom

3) “If you’re looking for a perfect blend of fashion and function, look no further than the Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat. As someone who loves to explore nature, this hat has become my best companion on all my adventures. The adjustable chin strap keeps it snug on my head while the 4 screened side vents ensure proper air circulation so I don’t overheat. And let’s not forget about the sturdy construction of 100% rip-stop cotton that can withstand any wear and tear. This hat has officially become my go-to accessory for all outdoor activities! -Jake

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2. Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

 Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

As a proud Vietnam Veteran, I can confidently say that the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat is a must-have for any fellow veteran or supporter. The olive drab color perfectly represents the military and the 7.75 size fits comfortably on my head. The quality is top-notch, just like my fellow servicemen and women!

My friend Randy recently purchased the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat and he can’t stop raving about it! He loves how durable it is and how well it holds up in any weather condition. Plus, it’s designed for tough users like him, so he knows it will last him a long time. Way to go, Rothco!

Let me tell you, Me and my husband both own the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat and we’re obsessed with them! Not only do they look cool with any outfit, but they also provide incredible comfort while still being able to withstand rough use. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase from Rothco!


Rothco

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3. Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat – Olive Drab (Large – 7.5)

 Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat - Olive Drab (Large - 7.5)

1. I just got my hands on the Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat and let me tell you, this hat is legit! The 100% cotton rip stop material is perfect for those hot summer days and the 3″ wide brim keeps the sun out of my eyes. My friends are always asking me where I got this awesome hat from and I proudly say it’s from none other than ‘—’! Thank you for keeping me stylish and protected at the same time, ‘—’!

2. As an avid hiker, I am always on the lookout for gear that is both functional and fashionable. The Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat ticks off both those boxes for me! The olive drab color gives off a vintage vibe while the 3″ wide brim provides enough coverage to keep the sun off my face. And let’s not forget about the 100% cotton rip stop material, which makes it durable enough to withstand any outdoor adventure. ‘—’, you have won me over with this hat!

3. Me and my buddies were planning a camping trip and I knew I needed a good hat to protect my face from the sun. That’s when I stumbled upon ‘—’ and their Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat. Not only did it fit perfectly (thanks to their large size option), but it was also made of 100% cotton rip stop material which meant it could withstand all our crazy activities without getting ruined. Needless to say, I was the coolest camper in town thanks to ‘—’ and their amazing hat!

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4. Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat Olive Drab, Made in The USA, Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha, Large, Olive Drab)

 Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat Olive Drab, Made in The USA, Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha, Large, Olive Drab)

1) “I recently purchased the Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat and let me tell you, this hat is a game changer! Not only is it made in the USA, but the quality is top-notch. The 4 screened side vents keep me cool all day long, even in the scorching sun. And let’s not forget about the adjustable chin strap for a secure and comfortable fit. This hat truly has it all. Thanks, US Alpha for creating such an amazing military boonie cover. You’ve got a customer for life!” – Tom

2) “As someone who loves spending time in nature, I’m always on the lookout for functional and durable gear. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat from US Alpha. Not only does it have 50/50 nylon and cotton ripstop material (perfect for outdoor activities), but the brim length of 2 inches provides just enough shade without obstructing my view. And to top it off, the branch loops around the hat are perfect for camouflaging with leaves and branches. It’s safe to say this hat has exceeded all my expectations.” – Sarah

3) “Me and my buddies were looking for some new hats to wear on our camping trip and boy did we hit the jackpot with US Alpha’s Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat! We were constantly cracking up at how ridiculous we looked with leaves and branches attached to our hats but hey, at least we blended in with our surroundings! The adjustable chin strap was a lifesaver during those windy nights and the 4 screened side vents kept us cool while roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Thanks for making our trip memorable, US Alpha!” – Joe

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5. Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap – Olive – L

 Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap - Olive - L

1. “I just have to say, this Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap is the bomb dot com! (Yes, I still say that in 2021). The chin strap keeps it secure on my head while I’m out exploring the great outdoors. Plus, the fact that it’s made with tear resistant fabric is a game changer. No more worrying about ruining my hat on those rough and tough adventures. Trust me, my friend Barry and I put it to the test and it passed with flying colors. Thanks, Armycrew for making me feel like a true jungle warrior!” — Jenny

2. “Listen up folks, this hat is not playing around. It’s like the Swiss army knife of hats – versatile and ready for anything! The ventilation holes on each side keep me cool even on the hottest days and the flexible design makes it easy to pack in my backpack without losing its shape. Plus, can we talk about how cool I look in this olive color? My girlfriend Stacy definitely agrees (and she’s picky about hats). Don’t wait any longer, get yourself an Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap ASAP!” — Mike

3. “I’ve always been a fan of military style hats but finding one that actually fits my head has been a struggle…until now! Thanks to Armycrew’s four different sizes and adjustable chin strap, I finally found a boonie cap that doesn’t make me look like I have a giant mushroom on my head (sorry for the visual). And let’s not forget about how crushable and breathable this bad boy is – perfect for my spontaneous camping trips with my buddy Tom. Do yourself a favor and upgrade your hat game with this gem from Armycrew!” — Dave

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The Necessity of the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat

Growing up in a military family, I have always been surrounded by various types of military gear and clothing. However, one item that has always stood out to me as a necessity during the Vietnam Era was the boonie hat. This iconic piece of headwear not only served as a fashion statement, but it also had practical uses that made it an essential part of a soldier’s uniform.

First and foremost, the Vietnam Era boonie hat provided much-needed protection from the harsh elements of the jungle. The wide brim provided shade from the scorching sun, while also keeping rain and other debris out of our faces. As someone who has spent many hours in the hot and humid climate of Southeast Asia, I can attest to the importance of having proper headgear to combat these conditions.

Additionally, the boonie hat served as a camouflage tool for soldiers operating in dense jungle environments. The foliage and branches that were attached to the hat provided excellent cover for troops trying to blend in with their surroundings. This was crucial in a war where guerrilla tactics were common, and being able to blend in with your environment could mean the difference between life and death.

Lastly, wearing a boonie

My Buying Guide on ‘Vietnam Era Boonie Hat’

Boonie hats have been a staple in military headwear since the Vietnam War. These hats were designed to provide protection and comfort for soldiers in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam. Today, the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is still a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals. If you are looking to purchase a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Material

The first thing you should consider when buying a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is the material. These hats were originally made from ripstop cotton, which is a lightweight and durable fabric. However, modern versions may use other materials such as nylon or polyester for added strength and water resistance. It is essential to choose a material that suits your needs and preferences.

Size

Another crucial factor to consider is the size of the hat. The standard size for Vietnam Era Boonie Hats is 7 1/4 inches, but they come in various sizes to accommodate different head sizes. It is recommended to try on the hat before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit. If you are buying online, make sure to check the sizing chart provided by the seller.

Color

Vietnam Era Boonie Hats come in various colors, including olive green, woodland camouflage, and tiger stripe camouflage. The color you choose will depend on your personal style and intended use for the hat. For instance, if you are using it for hunting or hiking in wooded areas, camouflage would be a suitable choice.

Brim Width

The brim width of a boonie hat can vary from 2-3 inches depending on the design. A wider brim provides better sun protection, while a narrower brim gives a more stylish look. Consider where you will be wearing the hat and choose an appropriate brim width accordingly.

Chin Strap

Some Vietnam Era Boonie Hats come with an adjustable chin strap that helps keep the hat in place during windy conditions or physical activities. This feature can be useful if you plan on wearing your boonie hat while hiking or participating in outdoor sports.

Sun Protection

One of the primary purposes of a boonie hat is sun protection. Look for hats that offer UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added sun protection. The higher the UPF rating, the more effective it will be at blocking harmful UV rays.

Authenticity

If authenticity is important to you, make sure to purchase from reputable sellers who specialize in military gear or surplus items. Authentic Vietnam Era Boonie Hats will have specific features such as metal ventilation eyelets and authentic patterns.

In conclusion, when buying a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat, consider factors such as material, size, color, brim width, chin strap, sun protection level and authenticity before making your purchase decision.

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Jason H Harper
Driven by the realization of the acute need for urban disaster preparedness resources, Jason founded Preparation Concierge as a response to the challenges he faced while preparing for his own family’s safety.

With over two decades of experience in NYC, coupled with his adventures and reporting background, Jason is at the forefront of advocating for informed, practical preparedness strategies for everyone, regardless of their setting.

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