The wide brim hat - boonie vs stetson


Boonie V. Stetson

  • Boonie

    Votes: 9 60.0%

  • Straw Stetson

    Votes: 2 13.3%

  • Other (What?)

    Votes: 4 26.7%

  • Pie

    Votes: 1 6.7%
  • Total voters
    15
WanderingCaveman

WanderingCaveman

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Hey folks!

For years I have had a USGI style boonie strapped to my head anytime I am out fishing, hiking, or camping.


I keep seeing yall's stiff wide brim hats and I am jealous!

I see there is a picture thread (I looked at every page) but no detailed discussion of their actual uses/merits vs other headgear.

It sounds like a stupid question, but for those of us who didnt grow up around them, there seems to be some not so obvious stuff going on.

Is there some advantage to one over the other?

How does your wide brim hold up to daily use?

What are your tips/tricks to their use?

If you had to choose, which and why?

If you dont use either, what do you use and why?

Lets get into the nerdy weeds here! Split hairs, argue over frogs feathers, and stare at cats whiskers!

Go!
 
I cant contribute to neither splitting hairs nor bone of contention vis a vis stiff brim versus boonie hats; I have Akubras etc, several stiff brim oilskin hats + a metric shedload of boonie hats from various manufacturers. I like 'em all and they all have their merits for various applications.

Even have a pork pie hat somewhere.
 
A straw Stetson is my favorite wide brim hat. I used to wear one everyday at work until my company mandated hard hats at all times. It got thrashed but held up very well for what it went through. I bought two so I have a good one I wear when I’m lounging outdoors. It’s doesn’t get that hot where I live and often windy so a beanie is probably my most worn head gear. If I’m backpacking in the heat I like a ball cap with the back flap that covers my neck and ears, good for dipping in a creek. The Stetson and a linen shirt is my warm climate vacation go to.
 
Do you have a do-all or beater you prefer?

If you had to pick one, which and why?

Looking at buying one for the summer, am curious as all get out!
 
A boonie hat you can just stuff in a pack if/when necessary.

That's not going to work out well for straw hats, but they do have other advantages - brim width, retain less heat.

I've recently begun using fishing hats with the neck flap for activities other than fishing anytime I am exposed to the sun.
 
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