USGI Hot Weather Sun Hat Type III (Boonie Hat)
USGI Hot Weather Sun Hat Type III (Boonie Hat)
US Genuine Issue Hot Weather Sun Hat (Type III), in new and unissued condition, exclusively in the M81 Woodland camouflage pattern. A quintessential Boonie hat most people picture when they think of a BDU-era military hat.
Unlike the earlier Type I Jungle Hat with its integrated mosquito net, the Type III features a streamlined, lightweight design focused on ventilation and sun/rain protection. It is constructed from durable 50/50 NYCO (nylon/cotton) ripstop fabric that resists tearing in brush and heavy use while staying breathable in hot environments.
The reinforced 2.5-inch brim provides excellent 360-degree coverage, shielding your face and neck from the sun and helping deflect rain. It includes four screened ventilation eyelets, an adjustable chin strap, and a soft, packable construction that makes it ideal for field use.
This is the standard-issue M81 Woodland boonie hat worn throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into the early 2000s.
NSN Reference
| Pattern | Size | NSN |
|---|---|---|
| M81 Woodland | 6 3/8 | 8415-01-393-6294 |
| M81 Woodland | 6 1/2 | 8415-01-196-8375 |
| M81 Woodland | 6 5/8 | 8415-01-196-8376 |
| M81 Woodland | 6 3/4 | 8415-01-196-8377 |
| M81 Woodland | 6 7/8 | 8415-01-196-8378 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 | 8415-01-481-4065 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 1/8 | 8415-01-481-8380 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 1/4 | 8415-01-481-4068 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 3/8 | 8415-01-481-4072 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 1/2 | 8415-01-481-4074 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 5/8 | 8415-01-481-4075 |
| M81 Woodland | 7 3/4 | 8415-01-481-4077 |
Features
- Brim Width: Standard 2.5-inch reinforced brim (approximately 6.35 cm) providing excellent 360-degree sun and rain protection. (Note: Some commercial or "Special Ops" reproductions have a wider 3-inch brim, but genuine USGI Type III M81 Woodland boonies use the standard 2.5-inch brim.)
- Fabric: 50/50 Nylon/Cotton (NYCO) ripstop fabric for military issue versions. Some contracts used 100% cotton ripstop.
- Ventilation: Four screened brass or steel ventilation eyelets (two on each side) for airflow while keeping out insects and debris.
- Foliage Ring / Branch Loops: Heavy-duty nylon webbing band stitched around the crown, designed for attaching natural camouflage (leaves, grass, etc.).
- Adjustable Chin Strap: Nylon cord with a leather or plastic slide lock / keeper for a secure fit in windy conditions.
- Internal Map Pocket: Many military-spec versions include a hidden pocket inside the crown for storing small items (such as maps or documents).
- Foldable / Packable: Soft, crushable construction allows the hat to be rolled or stuffed into a pocket or pack without permanent damage.
- No Integrated Netting: Unlike the early Type I Jungle Hat, the Type III has no built-in mosquito net. A separate insect head net can be worn over it if needed.