
Boonie hats are characterized by wide brims, which make them ideal for offering protection against the sun’s UV rays. They are widely used by military forces around the world, especially when having a camouflage color.
These hats are also very handy when fishing due to their UV protection while some have waterproof fabrics for rain protection. With that in mind, if you want such a piece, the review below covers 10 of the best Boonie hats to buy.
Review of the 10 Best Boonie Hats – ReviewÂ
1. Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II – Best Overall Boonie Hat
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Columbia’s Bora Bora II takes the top spot because it is quite technologically advanced. It has Omni-wick technology, in which the nylon poplin fabric quickly absorbs perspiration then spreads it on the outer surface for quick evaporation. This keeps you cool and dry inside.
This fabric is also rated UPF 50, which means it offers maximum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Other than that, the hat has two mesh vents that allow a breeze to flow through your head. This ensures you remain cool during hot weather.
You also get an adjustable chin strap, an adjustable drawcord and toggle at the rear for tight-fitting, a wide 13” unisex design and 8 color options to match your fishing shirt. The only problem is that the hat is very costly.
Pros:
- Omni-wick fabric
- UPF 50 UV protection
- Two mesh aeration vents
- Adjustable chin strap, drawcord, and toggle
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Expensive
2. JFH Group Boonie Hat – Best Budget Boonie Hat
For those on a tight budget, JFH Group’s Boonie hat is the best one to consider because it is very affordable. Despite this, the piece is available in multiple colors and designs, with some having a solid crown while others have a mesh top for better ventilation.
This crown is 4.5” high and ensures you get a generous fit on different head sizes. The high height also enhances ventilation and sweat-wicking.
That said, the hat is available in 4 different sizes (small, medium, large and x-large) for better fitting and it is made from a 60% cotton, 40% polyester blend, which is very effective at moisture wicking.
You also get a 3” brim for sun protection on your face and neck while a rear neck flap extends down to the shoulders for protection against the elements.
On the downside, the hat is not equipped with an adjustable drawcord at the back for tight-fitting. However, it has a chinstrap with a cord lock for firmly holding it to your head.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple color-and-design options
- High 4.5” crown
- Rear neck flap
- Chinstrap with a cord lock
Cons:
- No rear drawcord
3. Lethmik Boonie Hat – Best UV Protective Boonie Hat
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With a rating of UPF 50+, Lethmik’s Boonie hat offers the best UV protection, in which it prevents over 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays from hitting the skin. Additionally, it has a wide 3.9” brim, which provides a wide shadow to cover your face.
On top of that, the hat is made using high-quality polyester that is waterproof for protection against the elements. It is available in sizes 22-24 and has a unisex design that fits snugly on most adults.
Other features include an adjustable chinstrap for tightening the hat in place during windy conditions and a foldable design that is easy to store and transport.
However, the product is only available in two color options and it’s not recommended for machine or brush washing. You can only handwash it, which makes cleaning a bit cumbersome.
Pros:
- UPF 50+ UV protection
- Wide 3.9” brim
- Waterproof polyester construction
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Foldable unisex design
Cons:
- Not recommended for machine or brush washing
- Few color options
4. Einskey Boonie Hat – Best Water Repellent Boonie Hat
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Just like Lethmik’s Boonie hat, this one is built using a water repellent polyester fabric, which also offers sun protection. This is topped off by a 3.7-3.9” brim, which ensures your face and neck are fully covered from the sun’s rays and the elements.
To make it even better, it has two side mesh vents that keep your head cool and well-ventilated inside while a sweatband on the inner rim prevents sweat from dripping down to your eyes and face.
Other features include a foldable design for easy packing when traveling and an adjustable chin strap for firm fitting on your head. However, the hat is not recommended for machine washing. This makes it a bit cumbersome to clean.
Pros:
- Water repellant polyester construction
- Wide 3.7-3.9” brim
- Two mesh vents
- Inner rim sweatband
- Adjustable chinstrap
Cons:
- Not recommended for machine washing
5. Tru-Spec Boonie Hat – Best Camo Boonie Hat
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If you are looking for a camouflaged Boonie hat, Tru-Spec’s piece is the best option. This is because it is available in multiple camo color options that meet the US military specifications. It also has loops for fitting leaves or other camouflaging items, or for carrying small items.
Other than that, the hat is built using Cordura nyco fabric (50% cotton and 50% nylon), which is abrasion-resistant for maximum durability. Cotton also gives it an element of softness for comfortable wearing.
More features include an adjustable chinstrap for size customization and brass screen vents for better aeration in the crown. The only problem is that the hat is not waterproof.
Pros:
- Multiple camo color options
- Loops for adding camo items
- Abrasion-resistant cordura nyco fabric
- Brass screen vents for breathability
Cons:
- Not waterproof
6. Frogg Toggs Boonie Hat – Best Adjustable Boonie Hat
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Frogg Toggs’ Boonie hat is highly adjustable because it is equipped with a shock cord with tension adjustment for tight-fitting. It also has a 1” internal band that houses a drawcord for adjusting the hat’s rim for tight-fitting on your head.
Aside from that, the hat is made using a 100% waterproof polypropylene and polyester fabric, which ensures your head and face are protected from the elements. This fabric is also rated UPF 50, which means it offers maximum UV protection.
It is also crushable for quick and easy packing when traveling, and has a wide 14.5” design that provides maximum coverage and fits on most heads. The only problem is that there is one color option for this hat.
Pros:
- Adjustable shock cord and rear drawcord
- Waterproof construction
- UPF 50 UV protection
- Crushable for quick and easy packing
Cons:
- Only available in a single color
7. DealStock Boonie Hat – Best Cotton Boonie Hat
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With its cotton fabric construction, DealStock’s Boonie hat is very soft to the skin and this makes it very comfortable to wear.
Other than that, the hat has snap buttons on the sides, which help to hold the brim upwards if you want some sun on your ears and neck.
You also get 2 vent holes for enhancing breathability and there are covered in a mesh to prevent large debris or insects from getting in.
More features include an adjustable chinstrap, 4 size options (small, medium, large and x-large) and multiple color options that include plain and camo prints. However, the hat is not waterproof.
Pros:
- Soft cotton construction
- Snap buttons for holding the brim
- 2 meshed vent holes
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Not waterproof
8. Propper Men’s Boonie Hat – Military-Grade Boonie Hat
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Propper’s Boonie hat has a military-grade design because it is sewn to fit the military specification MIL-H-44105B. This means it is very tough and highly durable.
That said, the unit is made using a 65% polyester and 35% cotton fabric, which is machine washable for easy maintenance. It also has polyester loops that allow you to fit in leaves and other items for camouflaging, or for carrying small items.
You also get meshed vent holes for better aeration, an adjustable chin strap for secure fitting and 6 color options that include 4 plain and 2 camo prints.
On the downside, the hat is not fitted with a drawcord for adjusting the fitting around the hat’s rim.
Pros:
- Sewn to military specifications
- Machine washable
- Loops for fitting camo items
- Meshed vent holes
- Adjustable chin strap
Cons:
- Lacks a drawcord for rim fit adjustment
9. Camo Coll Boonie Hat – Boonie Hat with a Mesh Vent
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- Material: Cotton, Polyester
- Brim Width: 3”
Camo Coll’s Boonie hat is unique because it has a mesh vent that goes around the top of the crown. This ensures cool air flows in and out for maximum breathability at the top of your head.
Apart from that, the unit is built using a cotton and polyester fabric, which gives you the strength of polyester and softness of cotton in one.
You also get a 3” brim width, which is very effective at covering your face and neck while an adjustable chinstrap firmly secures it to your head in windy conditions.
The hat is available in multiple color options that include bright tones such as bright orange, pink, red and roseo. However, it is not waterproof.
Pros:
- Large mesh vent around the crown
- Strong but soft cotton/polyester fabric
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Available in multiple color options
Cons:
- Not waterproof
10. Rothco Camo Boonie Hat – Boonie Hat with Branch Loops
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Lastly, Rothco’s camo Boonie hat is characterized by branch loops around the bottom part of its crown, which is for fitting in leaves and branches for camouflage purposes.
This adds on to the camo color of the hat, making it ideal for hunting, camping and, of course, fishing. It is actually available in 20 different camo colors, which gives you lots of options to choose from.
The unit is also available in different sizes for perfect fitting and has an adjustable chinstrap for tight-fitting.
Other features include a screened side vents and a breathable 55% cotton/45% polyester fabric that has sun protection capabilities, although the UPF rating is not given.
However, the hat is not waterproof and it lacks a drawcord for adjusting the fit around the lower crown (inner rim).
Pros:
- Branch loops for holding leaves and branches
- Multiple camo color options
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Meshed vent holes
- Breathable cotton/polyester fabric
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No rear drawcord
How to Buy the Best Boonie Hat

1. Fit
Just like other pieces of clothing, Boonie hats come in different sizes and are labeled accordingly. This is meant to provide perfect fitting sizes for kids and adults with different head sizes.
However, some hats are fitted with a rear drawcord, which allows you to tighten the inner rim on your head for tight-fitting. Using Frogg Toggs’ Boonie hat as an example, its drawcord makes it easy to fit on many people and this is highly recommended.
2. Material
Most Boonie hats are made using blended fabrics that consist of synthetic materials such as polyester and natural ones such as cotton.
Hats made purely of synthetic fabrics such as polyester have the benefit of being waterproof, which makes them ideal for outdoor use in rainy conditions. For this, be sure to check out Einskey’s Boonie hat.
However, natural fabrics such as cotton are not waterproof. This means that cotton or cotton blend hats are not water repellent. On the bright side, they are soft and very comfortable.
3. Ventilation
Vents are necessary for breathability purposes. Vent holes are good enough to keep your head aerated but a large mesh vent such as the one in Camo Coll’s Boonie hat is the best for hot weather.
However, you need to take into consideration that vents are not waterproof. The larger they are, the more the water that they will let in incase it decides to rain.
Therefore, you need to strike a balance between the two or alternatively, buy a ventilated hat for hot weather use and a non-ventilated one for wet weather use.
4. Brim
A hat’s brim is the flat or horizontal surface that extends from the crown. Its purpose is to cover and protect your face and neck from the sun and the elements.
Ideally, a wider brim gives the best protection because it extends out further for wider coverage. This makes Lethmik’s Boonie hat stand out from the rest due to its wide 3.9” brim.
Though it has a 3” brim, JFH Group’s Boonie hat offers an additional neck flap, which is another alternative design that is worth checking out.
5. Chin Strap
A chin strap helps to hold the hat firmly to your head. This ensures it is securely rooted during windy conditions. The strap also allows you to hang the hat behind your neck if you want some sun or if you want to wipe sweat from your skin.
For the perfect fit, this strap should be adjustable and long enough to go around large or small heads. All the hats reviewed above match this description; check them out.
6. UPF Rating
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and it is a rating that shows how much the fabric protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. There are different rating levels, these can be broken down into the following:
UPF Rating | UV Blocking |
---|---|
15-24 | 93.3% – 95.8% |
25-29 | 96% – 97.4% |
40-50 | 97.5% – 98% |
Therefore, with its UPF 50+ rating, Lethmik’s Boonie hat offers more than 98% protection, making it highly protective.
7. Comfort
Apart from having a soft, comfortable fabric, another aspect that greatly affects comfort positively is moisture-wicking.
For instance, with its Omni-wick nylon poplin fabric, Columbia’s Bora Bora II keeps you cool and dry inside. This is because perspiration is quickly absorbed then transferred to the outer surface to evaporate. This is highly recommended for comfortable use.
Other than that, you need to consider the ventilation setup and fit for maximum comfort.
ConclusionÂ

To summarize, the best Boonie hat should be comfortable, protective and fitting. Columbia’s Bora Bora II takes the overall top spot because it is made using a comfortable high moisture-wicking fabric, offers UPF 50 UV protection and has adjustable straps for perfect fitting.
If you are looking for the best UV protection though, check out Lethmik’s Boonie hat, which is also waterproof. However, if you are on a tight budget, JFH Group’s Boonie hat is the best option to consider because it is very affordable.