UF PRO® BOONIE HAT

27 Feb, 2016

The popular boonie hats (field hats) were first introduced during the Vietnam War. They were a better alternative to the old-fashioned patrol caps mainly because they performed better in the surrounding foliage and thick vegetation environment.

This time we’ll take a closer look at a new, redesigned version of the boonie hat by UF PRO in PenCott GreenZone camouflage.

CONSTRUCTION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

The GreenZone version of the hat has been made from a ripstop-type fabric – in 50/50 proportions of cotton and nylon (increased wear-and-tear durability). All stitches have been carefully sewn in, it’s very difficult to find any loose threads, etc.

The hat’s brim is quite short – only 5 cm. It has been sewn through six times to improve its stiffness.

There are four Velcro pads on the hat – for attaching ID patches or ‘cat eyes’.

The hatband has been made from two rows of straps with loops for fastening additional vegetation camouflage.

Two ventilation openings have been positioned on either side of the crown.

The hat’s depth is approximately 5 cm. Inside there is a tab with washing instructions. A small, flat pocket is also hidden in the hat’s interior – for storing documents or a signal headkerchief.

The chin cord (made from paracord) goes through the hat’s brim, and then follows to the stopper at the back – for adjusting its length.

USE

What can I say? The hat makes a great task of protecting one’s head from sun and rain. I’ve been using it for quite a long time and haven’t noticed any wear or stitches coming out (I have to admit however, that I haven’t washed it yet).

The UF PRO Boonie Hat in the company of the Tasmanian Tiger Essential Pack backpack.

Adjusting the chin cord with the stopper located at the hat’s rear is easy and intuitive. Although it feels like the hat is slightly too shallow, after adjusting the chin cord it fits very snugly and firmly.

Advantages:

+ quality of craftsmanship,
+ hidden interior pocket..

Drawbacks:
– shallow feel.

SPECIFICATION:

Fabric (PenCott GreenZone version): 50% nylon, 50% Ripstop cottonon
Available colours / camouflage schemes: PenCott Greenzone, SloCam, Flecktarn, MultiCam, Coyote Brown, Brown Grey
Weight: approx. 100 g
Price: approx. 100 PLN