Boonie Hat vs Bucket Hat: Which One to Choose?
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Any outdoor activity needs the right gear to succeed and when it comes to hats, boonie hat vs bucket hat offer varying degrees of comfort and safety.
Many wonder what is best and often get confused between the two. Each hat type is widely used for specific outdoor activities and while they may appear similar they serve different purposes. This is mostly because they have similar exterior designs and carry multiple related functions.
Wearing an inappropriate hat can be an uncomfortable experience and may offer little or no protection for your head while you are in your outdoor activity. It’s like hiking in direct sun without sunscreen or fishing in the rain with a wettable cap. The right hat makes the activity much better.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn all the specifications to better understand which hat is best for your activity.
Understanding the Basics
Before we explore the nuances, let’s define these two hat styles:
Whats a Boonie Hat?
A boonie hat, also called a boney hat or booney cap, is a wide-brimmed hat intended for use during hiking, fishing, and camping.
Where did the name boonie originate from? It originated from the word “boondocks – rough rural or isolated areas where these hats were first used on military personnel.
Boonie Hat Advantages: A Case Study in Sun Protection
Sun protection has always been a critical measure that attracts the attention of international organizations, governments, institutions, and ordinary citizens worldwide.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial was carried out by Tang et al published in the International Journal of Dermatology to study the level of UV protection offered by various types of hats. The study on the level of protection proved that boonie hats which are wide-brimmed covered more of the face, ears, and neck area than baseball caps and bucket hats with comparatively small brims
In car activities that require long hours of sun exposure, a boonie hat with UPF rating becomes all the more necessary. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, and it shows how well a fabric protects one from these rays.
For instance, when it comes to boonie hats, fashion them with a UPF rating of 50+ to provide maximum protection against the sun.
Whats a Bucket Hat?
Whereas, a bucket hat is a small rounded hat that has a slopping edge and a more elevated cylindrical top. This tree get its name from the fact that it was shaped like an upside-down bucket.
Bucket hats, in particular, can be traced back to Ireland where fishermen adapted this accessory to protect their heads and face from the elements, and this hat has managed to become popular in the present day as one of the versatile accessories that will look good whether one is in urban environment or the great outdoors.
Key Differences: Boonie hat vs bucket hat
While both hats offer sun protection and a casual, relaxed style, several notable differences set them apart:
Brim Width: Baseball caps generally have less overhang, in other words, the brim is narrower, to afford greater shade to your face, neck, and the upper part of your shoulders. Bucket hats, as the name suggests, have a round crown with a narrower brim and they give Moderate Sun Protection.
Crown Height: Bucket hats feature a much taller crown which means there are more options when it comes to having the hat worn – either on top of the head so that the top of the hat cups the ears or further down so that more of the hat covers the eyes. Boonie hats are slighter upward in the front that has slightly shorter crowns and sit closer to your head.
Chin Straps and Neck Capes: Some of these boonie hats are fitted with a chin strap and neck flap which anchors the hat and offers an extra sun shield to the neck, especially when the weather is windy. The following are aspects that are found only in limited quantity in bucket hats.
Ventilation: Features such as Mesh or concealed vents at the sides and top attenuate heat build-up and aid in venting the hat when the wearer is engaged in rigorous outdoor activities. However, not all bucket hats have this function; vent(s) on a bucket hat are not as common.
Materials and Technologies: While these hats have a casual style, manufacturing them with materials like nylon or nylon poly blend and adding features like UPF sun protection, moisture control, and cooling functions where appropriate.
Depending on the material that has been used, bucket hats can also be performance fabrics and they are mostly associated with casual brands catering to the fashion-conscious market.
Feature | Boonie Hat | Bucket Hat |
Brim Width | Wider (2.5-3.5 inches) | Narrower (2 inches) |
Crown Height | Lower | Taller |
Chin Strap | Yes | Rarely |
Neck Cape | Sometimes | No |
Ventilation | Often has mesh panels or vents | Sometimes |
Materials | Durable, often with cooling and wicking technologies | Flexible, often soft fabrics |
Use Cases | Hiking, camping, fishing, military | Urban wear, casual outdoor activities |
Choosing the Right Hat for Your Needs
Now that you understand the key differences, let’s explore which hat might be the better choice for your specific activities:
When to Choose a Boonie Hat
Consider a boonie hat if:
When to Choose a Bucket Hat
A bucket hat might be the better option if:
Feature | Boonie Hat | Bucket Hat |
Sun Protection | Superior - Wide, adjustable brim | Moderate - Shorter brim |
Breathability | Good - Ventilation panels or mesh | Fair - May lack ventilation |
Durability | Excellent - Tougher materials | Good - Breathable fabrics |
Style | Utilitarian - Solid colors, camo | Casual - Wide variety of colors, patterns |
Choosing the Right Size and Fit
Regardless of the type you decide on, the boonie hat or the bucket hat, it is extremely vital that the hat fits properly for it to be comfortable and functional. undefined
Boonie Hats: Using a flexible tape measure, find the measurement of your head’s circumference and then check sizing from the manufacturers’ size charts. Ideally, boonie hats ought to be sufficiently ample to wear, although not too tight.
Bucket Hats: Bucket hats are typically one-size-fits-all, although some manufacturers may provide multiple options. Adjust the size and feel the comfortable one – the hat should stay well on your head so that it cannot be too tight or too loose.
How To Care for Your Boonie Hat or Sun Hat
Its good care enables the hat to last longer and remain useful as required Proper care enables the hat to remain serviceable for as long as needed. Here are some general guidelines:
Conclusion
Which one will win the Boonie hat vs. the bucket hat? The answer is not difficult to come by. It all depends on the purpose for which you want to use the hat. For a rugged outdoor adventure hat with great sun protection and cooling properties, a boonie hat is the way to go. But if you want a stylish and versatile hat for town and casual wear, a bucket hat is preferred.
Knowing the differences in each type of hat will help you make the right decision that will keep you cool and protected no matter where you are. Make the right choice and have fun wearing your preferred hat to any place. Cool.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a boonie hat?
Boonie hats are known as sun-protective, wide-brimmed hats. They are also referred to as bush hats or patrol hats and sometimes are made from breathable fabrics with additional vents for additional cooling in extreme heat. Military spec may include attachment loops for camouflage.
What is another name for a boonie hat?
Boonie hat, bush hat, patrol hat, giggle hat (Australia).
Why are boonie hats popular?
They look and perform great! The wide brim protects from the sun and most are made from breathable fabric with vents for extremely hot conditions. They are very comfortable, adjustable, and can be packed flat.
Why does the military wear boonie hats?
They offer additional shade from the sun and in hot climates this helps keep military personnel cooler. Some military boonie hats have camouflage which is a big factor.
Why do hunters and fishermen wear boonie hats?
Like the military, the wide brim keeps out the sun. You can breathe and it keeps you cool. The brim also keeps the rain off to a degree. And with hunters, they might use the leaves to hold foliage onto the sides for extra camo.
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