Graham Smith Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've got more baseball caps than I know what to do with and far too many of them have sweat stains from constant use. But as much as I like caps for shooting, they just don't work for me when shooting a long gun. The brim is always in the way so I frequently end up turning it around which sort of defeats the purpose of having a hat with a brim. So, I've been looking for a bucket (boonie) hat and have run into a couple issues. First is that unlike baseball caps, they are not adjustable, so unless you can find one that comes in different sizes, then be prepared for something that may not fit. Second is that it's almost impossible to tell from photos in catalogs what the brim size is. I've purchased a couple and sent them back because the brim was either the size of a stetson or looked like it had been shrunk. Does anyone have first hand experience of a source of a good, practical, boonie hat that works? ----------------------- P.S. When shooting a long gun, I use molded ear plugs rather than muffs, so that's not an issue with headgear, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XDmgunner Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 What about a short brim "utility cover" style.... they can be found with adjustable backs and have a shorter brim than most ball caps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPatterson Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 If you have a local source for an Army surplus store you might find a Viet Nam style slouch hat. I got mine at The Sportsmans Guide or you might try Ranger Joe's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 If you have a local source for an Army surplus store you might find a Viet Nam style slouch hat. I have not been able to find any place in the area that carries anything like this. It's actually come as a bit of a surprise to me because they used to be very popular with golfers and fishermen, but baseball caps seem to have taken over the market - at least around here. I've already gotten two via mail order and both went back because they didn't fit or were badly designed. That's why I was hoping someone could point me to a specific item that they already had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 http://www.columbia.com/Omni-Shade%E2%84%A2-Bora-Bora%E2%84%A2-Booney/CU9745,default,pd.html I have a Columbia similar to this one. Adjustable for size. I don't use the chinstrap, but haven't cut it off, either. Only drawback for me is I like to use ear muffs. Over the head muffs don't work. I may get a pair of behind the head muffs or just use foam plugs instead. I usually don't wear hats in Florida because of the humidity. A hat, no matter how light or ventilated, just makes my head too hot. My hat worked well in Vegas, though. Amazing how much differently a dry heat feels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 (edited) I have a Columbia similar to this one. There are a few sporting goods stores around here that have Columbia products. I found something that looks like this, but the brim was so floppy that it sagged down in front or my eyes. Does the one you have hold up? FWIW, a fellow in a different forum point me over to Tru Spec. They have a couple different types and I might give them a try as most of their gear is fairly decent. Edited November 10, 2011 by Graham Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I have a Columbia similar to this one. There are a few sporting goods stores around here that have Columbia products. I found something that looks like this, but the brim was so floppy that it sagged down in front or my eyes. Does the one you have hold up? The brim on the one I have is not floppy. I think the Columbia model is "Titanium". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pro-Pain Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 another vote for "utility" style hats (covers). A welding hat might be an option too, but their brims may be a little too small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biloxi23 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I vote for the seven sided utility cover. I have tehm in OD, tan, black and the new USMC digital (MARPAT) camo. I even have one that is starched (for nostalgia purposes, but I call it my dress cover). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aircooled6racer Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Hello: You could also look at the Tilley hats also. I use one for rimfire matches that we use rifles in. Mine has the vented top with the snaps on the sides so you can have the safari look Thanks, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueOvalBandit Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Find a buddy with access to clothing sales who can pick one up for you? They run I think $8.01, and just measure your head size they're pretty close, I'd say go 1/8 size up from what you get for comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted November 11, 2011 Author Share Posted November 11, 2011 What about a short brim "utility cover" style.... they can be found with adjustable backs and have a shorter brim than most ball caps... I've seen them but you have to understand that as a 20yr Army vet, if I showed up at the range with one of those on, I would catch no end of s%!t from Marines I shoot with. Besides, when I am laying prone with a scoped rifle, any stiff brim can get in the way. And my life wouldn't be worth a nickle if I turned one of those around backwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double_r76 Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 FWIW, a fellow in a different forum point me over to Tru Spec. They have a couple different types and I might give them a try as most of their gear is fairly decent. Tru-Spec does make a nice adjustable boonie, but I don't think they breathe very well. YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCKev Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 UA makes some Wounded Warrior hat's. There hat's are awesome for those hot day's here in south LA. They wick the sweat off and it evaporate's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted November 14, 2011 Author Share Posted November 14, 2011 UA makes some Wounded Warrior hat's. The only ones I have seen are baseball caps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Vigilante Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Here's one: http://www.rangerjoes.com/Boonie-Hat-A-TACS-P8500.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted November 14, 2011 Author Share Posted November 14, 2011 Here's one: http://www.rangerjoe...TACS-P8500.aspx Any first hand experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Vigilante Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Sorry, don't normally wear that kind of headgear. Maybe someone else can chime in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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