What are the loops for on Boonie Hats?

The banding or webbing material sewn around the crown of the hat is known as “branch loops”. These loops are traditionally used for natural vegetation to be woven into the hat in order to increase overall concealability.

Boonie Hats

Show

Boonie Hats by Propper®

What began in 1967 with a single U.S. Navy contract has grown into more than five decades of manufacturing military headwear. Today, Propper® is one of the largest single suppliers of U.S. military hats, trusted for durability, fit, and performance in the field.

Men’s Boonie Hats

Military headwear is designed to be gender-neutral. When “men’s boonie hats” are referenced, it typically indicates extended sizing. Propper offers a wide range of XL boonie hats, with sizes available up to 7 7/8.

XL Sizing:

Size	Head Circum. (Inches)	Head Circum. (Centimeters)
7 5/8	23 7/8	60.6425
7 3/4	24 1/4	61.595
7 7/8	24 5/8	62.5475

Authentic U.S. Military Boonie Hats

Today, Propper® produces the standard authorized OCP Boonie Hat for the U.S. Military. Whether you’re looking for a military boonie hat or a USAF-approved hat, Propper has you covered with two variations specific to active duty use:

50/50 NYCO Ripstop Boonie Hat

Crafted from a sturdy 50% nylon and 50% cotton ripstop fabric.
Constructed to meet the MIL-H-44105B military specifications and is NIR compliant.
Equipped with metal vent holes for enhanced airflow, ensuring comfort in hot conditions.
Features an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit, which can also be worn around the neck when not in use.

57/43 Hot Weather IHWCU Boonie Hat

Made from 5.5 oz, 57% nylon and 43% cotton, constructed to military specification MIL-H-44105B with a 2 3/8-inch brim.
Features metal vent holes and an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit.
Designed to block sunlight while keeping your head cool in hot weather.

100% Cotton Ripstop Boonie Hat

Boonie - 100% Cotton

100% cotton ripstop ensures durability and comfort.
Breathable design with airflow holes to keep you cool.
Adjustable chin cord for a secure fit and neck wear option.
Comfortable option for extended outdoor use.

Camo Boonie Hats

Propper® goes beyond the standard OCP camo pattern in an effort to bring enthusiasts and professionals from every industry multiple options to choose from when searching for a camo boonie hat.

Common camouflage patterns available in select caps, such as the Boonie - 60/40 Ripstop, OCP Hot Weather Boonie, and Boonie - OCP 50/50 NYCO, including:

Asian Tiger Stripe
3-Color Desert
Woodland
Woodland Digital

Water-Resistant Boonie Hats

Propper® Tactical Boonie

Ideal for tactical operators and outdoor enthusiasts.
6.4 oz 65% polyester / 35% cotton ripstop.
Made from lightweight ripstop fabric with Teflon™ treatment for stain and moisture resistance, and sun protection.
Perfect for tactical operations, outdoor activities, or everyday wear.

Choice for Tactical Boonie Hats

When performance matters, Propper delivers mil-spec boonie hats with the fit, durability, and comfort professionals rely on. With a customer-first approach and decades of military manufacturing experience, Propper proudly serves active-duty personnel and civilian tactical users alike.

From there, if you’re looking for any other authorized uniform components such as OCP uniform pants, OCP uniform coats, patrol caps, combat boots, or A2CU flight suits, the Propper military collection has you covered.

Boonie Hats FAQs

What is a Boonie Hat used for?

Boonie hats are designed to provide shade and protection in outdoor or tactical settings, making them ideal for military use, hiking, and field operations.

What’s the difference between a bucket hat and a boonie hat?

A boonie hat, such as the Propper® Boonie - 60/40 Ripstop, is made for tough outdoor and tactical use. It uses durable cotton-blend ripstop fabric, has vent holes to help keep your head cool, offers broader sun protection, and includes an adjustable chin cord for a secure fit. A bucket hat is usually more casual and does not have the same rugged materials or practical features.

Are Propper Boonie Hats military-approved?

Yes, Propper manufactures both military-approved boonie hats, such as authorized OCP styles, and civilian tactical boonie hats designed to meet professional performance standards.

Are Boonie Hats waterproof?

Boonie hats are not usually waterproof by default, but many are water-resistant. Some hats like Propper® Tactical Boonie are made from Teflon™ fabric protector, which helps repel stains and liquids for added water resistance.

Why do Boonie Hats have loops around the crown?

These loops are branch loops used to attach foliage or gear for added camouflage and utility. They are useful as:

They hold leaves and twigs to help the hat blend in with the surroundings.
They can be used to keep small items, like fishing lures or survival supplies, and some hats have extra webbing to attach additional gear.
In survival situations, the loops can hold mosquito netting or help make a simple basket for collecting food.

How should I size a Boonie Hat?

Measure your head circumference and match it to the sizing chart. Some styles come with adjustable drawcords for a better fit.

How do I clean a Boonie Hat?

Most boonie hats can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Avoid using dryers; instead, air dry to maintain the shape of the brim.

Why does the military use boonie hats?

The military uses boonie hats because they provide better sun protection, ventilation, and noise-free movement compared to helmets or patrol caps, making it the ideal companion for tactical operations, outdoor activities, or everyday use.

Are boonie hats good for hot weather?

Yes, boonie hats such as OCP Hot Weather Boonie are well-suited for hot climates, as the wide brim provides shade and the ventilation holes or mesh panels help keep the head cool during prolonged outdoor activities.

What is the difference between a regular boonie hat and a “military” or “tactical” boonie hat?

Military or tactical boonie hats differ from regular ones by having reinforced stitching, tougher ripstop fabric, foliage loops, better ventilation, and stronger chin straps, making them more suitable for demanding environments.