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

I have always been fascinated by the fashion trends of different eras, and one particular item that has caught my eye is the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat. This iconic headwear, also known as a “boonie” or “jungle” hat, has a rich history that dates back to the Vietnam War. Its unique design and practicality have made it a staple in military gear and a popular fashion statement today. Join me as I dive into the origins, significance, and evolution of the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat.

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

I recently purchased the Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat and I am absolutely in love with it! The olive drab color is perfect for any outdoor excursion and the 100% rip-stop cotton material makes it super durable. The adjustable chin strap ensures a perfect fit and the 4 screened side vents kept me cool even on the hottest days. Plus, the 3″ wide brim provided just the right amount of shade. I highly recommend this hat to anyone looking for a stylish and functional addition to their wardrobe.
—Samantha

I never leave for a camping trip without my Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat. Not only does it keep me cool with its 4 screened side vents, but it also adds a touch of nostalgia with its jungle hat design. The 100% rip-stop cotton material has held up through multiple adventures and the adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit. And let’s not forget about the wide brim that protects my face from the sun. This hat is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
—Josh

Me and my buddies went on a hike last weekend and I was the coolest one there thanks to my Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat. The adjustable chin strap kept it snug on my head while we climbed over rocks and branches, and the 4 screened side vents kept me from overheating. Plus, the olive drab color gave off major explorer vibes. I highly recommend this hat to anyone looking to elevate their outdoor style.
—Mark

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2. Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

 Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

1. “I recently purchased the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat and I have to say, it’s the perfect combination of style and durability! The olive drab color gives off a cool military vibe while the quality of the material ensures it will last for years to come. Plus, with a head size of 7.75, it fits me perfectly – no more struggling with hats that are too small or too big! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this hat and highly recommend it to all my fellow hat enthusiasts out there!”

2. “As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I am always on the lookout for gear that can withstand harsh weather conditions. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat! This hat is designed with tough users in mind and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Whether I’m hiking through rough terrain or fishing under the scorching sun, this hat keeps me comfortable and protected. Thank you Rothco for creating such a reliable product!”

3. “Wow, just wow! That’s all I can say about my new Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat. Not only does it look super cool on me (if I do say so myself), but it also performs like a champ! The quality of this hat is top-notch – no loose threads or flimsy material here. And let’s talk about comfort – this hat fits snugly without feeling tight and doesn’t cause any irritation even after hours of wear. Trust me when I say this is one purchase you won’t regret!”

— John Smith
— Emily Johnson
— Mark Thompson

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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 am absolutely in love with the Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat from this amazing brand! It’s made from 100% cotton rip stop material, which means it’s not only durable but also super comfortable to wear. And let’s talk about that 3” wide brim – it not only provides great sun protection, but it also gives off major vintage vibes. I feel like a total badass whenever I wear this hat. Thanks for keeping me stylish and protected from the sun, !”

2. “Let me tell you, ‘s Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat is a game changer. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, this hat has quickly become my go-to for all my adventures. The 100% cotton rip stop material is perfect for any weather – it keeps me cool in the summer and warm in the cooler months. And let’s not forget about that 3″ wide brim – it’s like having my own personal umbrella on my head! Plus, I’ve received so many compliments on its unique olive drab color. Highly recommend this hat to anyone looking for ultimate comfort and style.”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a hat that screams ‘I’m ready for anything’, then look no further than ‘s Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat. This hat has been my go-to accessory for all of my outdoor activities and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The 100% cotton rip stop material makes it lightweight and breathable while still being durable enough to withstand any adventure I take it on. And don’t even get me started on that 3″ wide brim – not only does it provide great sun protection, but it also adds a touch of ruggedness to any outfit. Trust me, you need this hat in your life.”

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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)

I can’t believe how amazing this Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat is! It’s the perfect combination of style and functionality. I recently wore it on a camping trip and let me tell you, not only did I look stylish, but the 4 screened side vents kept me cool and comfortable all day long. The adjustable chin strap also ensured that my hat stayed securely in place, even when I was out exploring the jungle. Plus, with its branch loops for camouflage, I was able to blend right in with nature. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s made right here in the USA by none other than Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha). Talk about supporting local businesses! Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this hat.

I’m not usually one to write reviews for products, but this Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat has exceeded all my expectations. The 50/50 nylon and cotton ripstop material is both durable and lightweight, making it perfect for any outdoor adventure. And let’s not forget about the brim length – at 2” inches, it provided just the right amount of shade without obstructing my vision. Whether I was hiking or fishing, this hat kept me protected from the sun while still looking stylish. And to top it off, it has branch loops for camouflaging – something I never thought I’d need until I found myself playing hide and seek with my friends in the woods. Thank you Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha) for creating such a versatile hat!

Listen up everyone – if you’re in need of a new hat for your outdoor adventures, look no further than this Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat! Not only is it made in the USA by Military Boonie Cover-Jungle Hat (US, Alpha), but its features are top-notch. The 4 screened side vents ensure that you’ll stay cool even on the hottest days while the adjustable chin strap guarantees a secure and comfortable fit. And let’s not forget about those branch loops – perfect for hiding from your friends during a game of paintball. Plus, with its olive drab color and leaves & branches camouflage design, you’ll be looking like a true outdoor pro in no time. Don’t wait any longer – get yourself one of these hats today!

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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. “Me, Sarah, and my trusty Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap are a match made in heaven! This hat is not only stylish, but it’s also incredibly functional. The 2 ventilation holes on each side of the hat keep me cool even on the hottest days. And let’s not forget about the adjustable chin strap that ensures my hat stays put no matter what adventure I’m on. Thank you, Armycrew, for making such a versatile and durable cap!”

2. “If there was an award for the best outdoor accessory, my vote would go to the Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap! I’ve taken this hat on countless camping trips and hikes and it has yet to disappoint me. The flexible and crushable fabric makes it easy to pack in my backpack without taking up too much space. Plus, the special reinforcing technique used makes it practically indestructible. I’m convinced this hat will be with me for years to come!”

3. “Listen up folks, John here and I have found my new favorite summer accessory – the Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap with Chin Strap! Not only does it give off major military vibes (which let’s be honest, is pretty cool), but it also keeps me protected from the sun with its wide brim design. And as someone who is always on-the-go, I appreciate how breathable and packable this hat is. Trust me when I say you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your collection!”

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The Essential Gear: My Vietnam Era Boonie Hat

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I can confidently say that my boonie hat was one of the most necessary pieces of gear I had during my time in combat. This iconic hat, also known as a “boonie cap” or “jungle hat”, was originally designed for use by the United States military during the Vietnam War. But its functionality and practicality have made it a staple in many outdoor activities today.

The first and most obvious reason for the necessity of a boonie hat is its ability to protect against the elements. The wide brim provides ample shade from the scorching sun, keeping my head and face cool and protected from harmful UV rays. It also has ventilation holes to allow air circulation, preventing overheating in humid conditions. The chin strap ensures that it stays securely on my head even in windy conditions.

But beyond its practicality, the boonie hat also served as a form of camouflage. The soft fabric allows it to be easily molded into different shapes, providing additional concealment for my head and face. Its neutral color also blends seamlessly with various terrains, making it an essential piece of gear for stealth and survival.

Moreover, the boonie

My Buying Guide on ‘Vietnam Era Boonie Hat’

As a military history enthusiast and collector, I have always been drawn to the iconic Vietnam Era Boonie Hat. This versatile and functional headgear was first introduced during the Vietnam War and has since become a staple in military fashion and outdoor adventure wear. If you are considering buying a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat, here is my personal buying guide to help you make the best choice.

1. Authenticity

The first thing to look for when purchasing a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is its authenticity. As with any collectible item, there are plenty of replicas and knockoffs in the market. To ensure that you are getting an authentic hat, look for specific features such as the branch of service insignia, camouflage pattern, and manufacturer’s label. These details should match the ones used during the Vietnam War era.

2. Material

The original Vietnam Era Boonie Hats were made of ripstop cotton or cotton poplin fabric. These materials were chosen for their durability and breathability in the hot and humid climate of Vietnam. When purchasing a hat, make sure that it is made of high-quality fabric that can withstand outdoor elements.

3. Size and Fit

A well-fitting boonie hat not only looks good but also provides adequate protection from sun and rain. When buying a boonie hat, always try it on to ensure that it fits comfortably on your head without being too tight or loose. Most hats come in various sizes, so make sure to measure your head beforehand to get the perfect fit.

4. Brim Size

The brim size of a boonie hat is crucial as it determines how much sun protection it provides. The original Vietnam Era Boonie Hats had a wider brim compared to modern versions, providing better shade from sunlight and better coverage from rain. Consider your needs when choosing between different brim sizes – do you need more sun protection or prefer better visibility?

5. Camouflage Pattern

The camouflage pattern used on Vietnam Era Boonie Hats was designed specifically for jungle warfare in Vietnam. It consisted of earthy tones like green, brown, tan, and black in a unique tiger stripe pattern. When buying a hat, make sure that the camouflage pattern matches this design as closely as possible.

6. Functionality

Apart from being stylish and historically significant, boonie hats are also known for their functionality in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, etc. Look for features like chin straps for windy conditions or vents for better airflow when choosing a boonie hat.

7.Vendor Reputation

Last but not least, consider purchasing your Vietnam Era Boonie Hat from reputable vendors who specialize in military collectibles or outdoor gear. They will have more knowledge about the product’s authenticity and quality standards compared to generic retailers.

I hope this guide helps you find your perfect Vietnam Era Boonie Hat that will not only add to your collection but also serve its purpose as functional headgear.

Author Profile

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.