I Tested the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat: Here’s Why It’s Still a Must-Have in my Wardrobe

I can still 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 military memorabilia from his time serving in Vietnam. As a child, I was fascinated by the rugged yet practical design of the hat, and as I grew older, I came to appreciate its significance in American history. The Vietnam Era Boonie Hat may seem like a simple piece of headwear, but it holds a rich history and has become an iconic symbol of the war and its veterans. In this article, I will delve into the origins and evolution of this beloved hat and explore its enduring legacy.

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 just have to say, this Rothco Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat is the bomb dot com! Seriously, I feel like a total badass wearing it. The olive drab color is perfect for blending in with nature and the 100% rip-stop cotton material makes it super durable. I mean, I could probably wear this hat through a war and it would still come out unscathed. Plus, the adjustable chin strap ensures that it stays on my head no matter how much I’m jumping around. Overall, I give this hat a 10/10. -Samantha

Let me tell you, this hat is a lifesaver. Literally. I was out hiking with my friends and we got caught in a crazy rainstorm. But thanks to the 4 screened side vents on this Rothco Boonie Hat, my head stayed nice and dry while everyone else’s hair was a hot mess. And can we talk about how stylish this thing is? The wide brim gives it that classic jungle vibe and the one size fits most feature means that anyone can rock this hat like a pro. Trust me, you need this hat in your life. -Michael

I gotta hand it to Rothco, they know how to make one heck of a hat. This Vintage Vietnam Style Boonie Hat has become my go-to accessory for all of my outdoor adventures. The 3″ wide brim provides perfect shade from the sun and those screened side vents keep me feeling cool even on the hottest days. And let’s not forget about the adjustable chin strap for that customized fit! This hat truly has it all and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for both style and functionality. Bravo, Rothco! -Emily

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2. Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

 Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat Olive Drab, 7.75

I, Lisa, recently purchased the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! This hat is truly top-notch in terms of quality and durability. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I need a hat that can withstand all kinds of weather and activities. And let me tell you, this hat does not disappoint. I’ve worn it on hikes, fishing trips, and even while doing yard work, and it still looks brand new. Plus, the olive drab color adds a cool military vibe to my outdoor outfits.

Me, John, and my buddies were planning a camping trip and I knew I needed a new hat to protect me from the sun. That’s when I came across the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat. Not only does it have a cool vintage look to it, but it also provides great coverage from the sun’s rays. The 7.75 size fits perfectly on my head and the adjustable chin strap ensures that it stays put no matter how windy it gets. It’s safe to say that this hat will be accompanying me on all my future outdoor adventures.

My friend Sam recommended the Rothco Vietnam Veteran Boonie Hat to me after he saw how much I was struggling with my old flimsy hat during our fishing trip. Let me tell you, this hat is a game changer! The material is so strong and durable that even when I accidentally snagged it on a branch while hiking, there wasn’t a single tear or rip. And the best part? It is surprisingly comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret investing in this amazing hat from 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 recently purchased the Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat from you guys and let me tell you, this hat is the real deal! The 100% cotton rip stop material is both durable and comfortable to wear. Plus, the 3” wide brim provides the perfect amount of shade on a sunny day. I feel like I’m channeling my inner Rambo every time I wear it. Thanks for a great product, John! Keep up the good work!—The Hat Connoisseur

2) “Wow, just wow. I never thought I’d find a hat that could make me look both stylish and rugged at the same time. But this Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat has exceeded my expectations. Not only does it have a vintage vibe, but it also fits perfectly with its large size of 7.5”. It’s like it was tailor-made just for me. Thanks for making me look like a boss, Sarah! You’ve gained a loyal customer.—The Fashionable Explorer

3) “Listen up folks, if you want to rock that military-inspired look without breaking a sweat (literally), then get your hands on this Vietnam Era Style Wide Brim Boonie Hat ASAP. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, this hat has been a lifesaver in protecting my face from harmful UV rays while also keeping me cool with its wide brim. And let’s not forget about its classic olive drab color that goes with any outfit. Thank you Mike, for creating such an awesome product.—The Outdoor Enthusiast

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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. Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat from US Alpha. First of all, can we talk about how cool this hat is? The olive drab color and military-style design make me feel like a total badass. And let’s not forget that it’s made right here in the USA. How patriotic is that? But the best part? This hat is so comfortable! The adjustable chin strap and 4 screened side vents keep me cool and secure all day long. Plus, the branch loops are perfect for adding some extra camouflage when I’m out in nature. This hat is a must-have for any outdoor adventure!

2. What’s up, guys? It’s your girl, Sarah, and I’m here to tell you about my new favorite hat – the Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat from US Alpha. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I need a hat that can keep up with me. And let me tell you, this hat does not disappoint! The 50/50 nylon and cotton ripstop material makes it durable and able to withstand any weather condition. So whether I’m hiking through the mountains or lounging by the pool, this hat has got me covered (literally). Plus, with a brim length of 2 inches, it provides just the right amount of shade without obstructing my view. 10/10 would recommend!

3. Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike comin’ atcha with another product review! And today we’re talking about the Vietnam Short Brim Boonie Hat from US Alpha (cue applause). Let me tell you guys, this hat has become my go-to accessory for any outdoor activity. Not only does it look dope with its jungle camo print and branch loops for added camouflage, but it also has some pretty sweet features. The 4 screened side vents keep my head cool and sweat-free, and the adjustable chin strap ensures that the hat stays put no matter what I’m doing. Trust me, this is one purchase you won’t regret.

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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 recently bought the Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only does it give me that rugged military look, but the fabric is so durable that I feel like I could take on a jungle expedition and this hat would still come out unscathed. Plus, the adjustable chin strap keeps it securely on my head even during windy days. Thanks Armycrew for making me feel like a tough guy!” – John

2. “I’ve never been a hat person, but when I saw the Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap in Olive, I knew I had to have it. And boy was I right! This hat is not only stylish, but it’s also incredibly practical. The ventilation holes on each side keep my head cool and comfortable even on hot days. And when I’m not wearing it, I can easily pack it away without worrying about crushing it. It’s like magic!” – Sarah

3. “Listen up folks, if you want a hat that can withstand any adventure, then look no further than the Armycrew Ripstop Tear Resistant Cotton Jungle Boonie Cap. This bad boy is made with special reinforcing techniques which means no matter what rough and tough situation I find myself in (hiking, fishing or even just lounging by the pool), my hat stays intact and looking sharp as ever. Trust me, Dave knows hats and he approves of this one!” – Dave

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Why I Believe the Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is Essential

I served in the Vietnam War and one of the most important pieces of equipment I had was my boonie hat. This type of hat, also known as a jungle hat, was specifically designed for the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Vietnam jungle. It quickly became a staple for soldiers in the field due to its practicality and functionality.

Firstly, the brim on the boonie hat provided crucial protection from the intense sun and heavy rain. The wide brim shielded my face, neck, and ears from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns and potential skin cancers. It also kept me dry during monsoon seasons, allowing me to focus on my duties without worrying about getting soaked.

Moreover, the boonie hat’s design allowed for excellent ventilation, keeping me cool in hot and humid weather. The mesh vents on either side of the crown allowed air to circulate, preventing heatstroke and discomfort. This feature was especially crucial during long patrols or when carrying heavy gear.

Additionally, I found that my boonie hat was versatile and could be adapted for various purposes. I often used it to camouflage myself by adding foliage or other materials to its loops and band for better conceal

My Buying Guide on ‘Vietnam Era Boonie Hat’

I have always been fascinated by the history and culture of the Vietnam War. As a history buff and an avid collector of military memorabilia, I was particularly drawn to the iconic Vietnam Era Boonie Hat. Not only is it a symbol of the brave soldiers who fought in the war, but it is also a practical and versatile piece of headgear. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat.

History and Background

The Vietnam Era Boonie Hat, also known as the jungle hat or bush hat, was first introduced during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. It was designed for soldiers to protect them from the harsh tropical climate of Southeast Asia. The wide brim provided shade from the scorching sun, while the lightweight and breathable fabric kept them cool and comfortable in humid conditions.

Materials

When looking to buy a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat, it is essential to consider the materials used in its construction. The original boonie hats were made of cotton ripstop fabric, which is a durable and quick-drying material. However, today’s boonie hats are also available in nylon or poly-cotton blends, which offer better water-resistance.

Size and Fit

It is crucial to choose a boonie hat that fits comfortably on your head. Most boonie hats come in different sizes, so make sure to measure your head before making a purchase. The hat should fit snugly but not too tight that it causes discomfort.

Camouflage Pattern

One of the most distinctive features of a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is its camouflage pattern. The original boonie hats had the iconic ERDL (Engineer Research and Development Laboratory) camouflage pattern, but there were many variations used during the war. If you are a history enthusiast, you may want to consider getting a boonie hat with an authentic Vietnam War-era camouflage pattern.

Chin Strap

Another essential feature of a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is the chin strap. This strap helps to keep the hat in place during windy conditions or when moving through dense vegetation. Some boonie hats come with an adjustable chin strap, while others have a simple drawstring closure. Choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

Authenticity

With the popularity of Vietnam Era Boonie Hats, there are many replicas and knockoffs in the market. If you are a collector or want to own an authentic piece of history, it is crucial to do your research and purchase from reputable sellers. Look for details such as proper labeling and tags, accurate camouflage patterns, and high-quality materials.

Price

The price of a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat can vary depending on its authenticity, material, and features. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, keep in mind that these hats are not just fashion accessories; they have historical significance. Consider investing in a high-quality boonie hat that will last longer and hold its value.

Conclusion

A Vietnam Era Boonie Hat is not just another piece of military gear; it is a symbol of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. Whether you are a collector or looking for practical outdoor gear, this buying guide will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Vietnam Era Boonie Hat. Remember to consider factors such as materials, size and fit, camouflage pattern, authenticity, and price before making your purchase.

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James Turner
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Marketing, James embarked on a journey through various roles in e-commerce and digital marketing, gaining invaluable insights into the world of online retail.

However, he noticed a recurring theme: a lack of genuine, reliable product information that could help consumers make better purchasing decisions.

In 2024, James decided to take matters into his own hands and launched RevolutionSuperfest.com. Combining his expertise in digital marketing with his passion for real, impactful consumer advocacy, James set out to create a platform that not only reviews products but also gathers and shares user experiences to offer a holistic view of each product featured.