USGI Hot Weather Sun Hat Type VI (Boonie Hat)
USGI Hot Weather Sun Hat Type VI (Boonie Hat)
US Genuine Issue Hot Weather Sun Hat (Type VI), in new and unissued condition, exclusive in the MultiCam pattern, officially known as OEF Camouflage Pattern (OEF-CP). It was introduced around 2009–2010 primarily for U.S. Army and Special Operations forces deployed to Afghanistan.
Unlike the earlier grayish UCP (Type IV) or the blue-gray Digital Tiger Stripe (Type V), the Type VI features the highly effective MultiCam pattern, which was specifically developed to perform well in the varied terrain of Afghanistan (mountains, deserts, and woodland transitions). It uses the same proven streamlined, lightweight Hot Weather Sun Hat design with excellent ventilation and sun/rain protection.
This is the standard-issue MultiCam boonie hat issued from approximately 2009 through the mid-2010s, during the height of Operation Enduring Freedom, before the Army fully transitioned to the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP/Scorpion W2).
NSN Reference
| Type | Pattern | Size | NSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type VI: MultiCam (OEF-CP) | |||
| Type VI | MultiCam | 6 3/4 | 8415-01-670-3275 |
| Type VI | MultiCam | 7 | 8415-01-670-3279 |
| Type VI | MultiCam | 7 1/4 | 8415-01-670-3285 |
| Type VI | MultiCam | 7 1/2 | 8415-01-670-3294 |
| Type VI | MultiCam | 7 3/4 | 8415-01-670-3297 |
Features
- Brim Width: Standard 2.5-inch reinforced brim (approximately 6.35 cm) providing excellent 360-degree sun and rain protection.
- 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 VI has no built-in mosquito net. A separate insect head net can be worn over it if needed.