Boonie Hat VS Bucket Hat Differentiating Between Them
While trends in hats come and go, there is one style of hat that has been a staple in recent decades: the boonie. The boonie hat is one of those classic designs that has stood the test of time. But these days, the classic boonie hat is often mistaken for its bucket hat cousin, and while we carry both a boonie hat and a bucket hat, we wanted to share the pros and cons of both! So, what’s the difference between a boonie hat and a bucket hat?
Firstly, I think we should go over what a boonie hat is?
A boonie hat, also known as a bush hat or giggle hat (in Australia), is a wide-brimmed sun hat originally designed for the military in hot tropical climates. It has a stiffer brim than a bucket hat and usually has a ‘twig ring’ band of cloth around the crown. The boonie hat is lightweight, breathable and offers good sun protection to keep your head cool and comfortable.
Why is it called a boonie hat?
The name “boonie” comes from the word boondocks, meaning “rough, country, isolated country”, and the hat was originally worn by soldiers.
What is a bucket hat?
A bucket hat, on the other hand, is a sun hat with a soft brim. Originally designed for fishing and other outdoor activities, bucket hats have evolved from their original single design as the times have changed, incorporating new elements and ideas to suit changing fashions and personal tastes in a wide range of styles and forms.
It is usually made from a durable cotton fabric, such as denim or canvas, or wool. It has a small brim that slopes downwards, often with eyelets for ventilation. Some bucket hats are designed with a string at the back of the brim, allowing you to tie it under your chin.
What is the difference between a boonie hat and a bucket hat?
At first glance, a boonie hat may look similar to a bucket hat, but they are two very different styles of headwear with major differences in design.
1. Shape
The bucket hat is usually made from a single piece of fabric and features a rounded crown and a short brim. It is easily identifiable due to its round shape and usually has a drawstring or toggle on the back of the crown.
On the other hand, a boonie hat is much more rugged in appearance than a bucket hat. It usually has an upturned brim that helps keep the sun out of your eyes and usually has a wide brim that wraps all the way around.
Boonie hats usually have loops or buckles on either side so that you can hang leaves to break up your silhouette or even wear a veil. Most boonie hats also come with an adjustable chin strap so that you can tie it under your chin for added security.
2. The brim
The biggest difference between a boonie and a bucket hat is the brim: a boonie has a stiff brim that can be shaped to minimise contouring, whereas a bucket hat has a soft brim.
3. Performance
Both hats can be worn on outdoor adventures, but the boonie tends to have more performance-oriented features and is often used for hiking, camping, fishing, paddle boarding or other outdoor activities, while the bucket hat is also often worn in urban environments.
A final performance feature of the boonie hat is ventilation, which is particularly useful in hot weather. This usually comes in the form of mesh panels or vents that adapt to air currents. The mesh panels usually take the form of a ring around the crown, while the vents are usually hidden by a flap.
When choosing a hat, you can tailor your choice to your needs and the environment in which you will be active, ensuring that the hat you choose offers the best protection and comfort.
finadpgifts can help you better understand the difference between a boonie hat and a bucket hat and guide you to make an informed decision when choosing the right hat. May you enjoy comfort and safety in the great outdoors!