WHat Kind of Hats should we use in SCouts?

[wagionvigil]

Over the years we have used several official hats. Campaign Hat,Beret,I really do not know whet the hat was called I wore and the baseball type hat. I realize that troops have their own hat but they are not official. According to Flag rules the only hat that is permitted to be worn at a flag ceremony is an official uniform hat. Troop hats are unofficial so must be taken off.
What would be a "great" uniform hat?

What I would like? something that keeps the sun off my head,shades my eyes,keeps the rain off my glasses is good in the rain cool in summer

[optimist]

Ok, before I respond to this I want to fully understand it because I'm not sure I do so I'll rephrase:

The US rules for saluting the flag state that if you are in full uniform you would not remove your hat to salute the flag. However, if the hat you are wearing is not your uniform hat you would be required to remove it. The only official hat is the following one:



The above being a correct interpretation of what you have stated, I must disagree on several counts on the third sentence in that statement. One, the BSA sells several different uniform hats and they don't state that the other hats may not be worn as part of the official uniform. The don't make that statement for a very good reason -- their sales would drop

Two, it is customary throughout history for uniformed organizations to create distinctions amongst different sections of those organizations by adopting hats and other smaller uniform pieces that are different from other sections. Amongst Boy Scouts, neckerchiefs also serve this function.

Three, any hat specifically issued for or mandated for use by an official program of the BSA is an official hat. The most common example of this would be summer camp staff hats but there are many others. I have at ten or twelve of these types of hats from various official functions.

Fourth, based on substantial historical prescedent, I believe any troop has the right to choose their own official hat (and neckerchief). While that right could be taken away if the BSA decided different, I doubt they would. Or at least I doubt they could get away with it because of the hue and cry it would generate amongst the membership.

Now, if a Scout was wearing a Mack Truck hat or his dad's old hunting hat, yes, he should take it off, but if he's wearing a hat that has an acknowledged role within the Scouting program, then he should salute with his hat on.

Does the BSA even sell official shoes anymore?

[wagionvigil]

Boy you are quick. I was hoping for that answer. I thought it would stimulate some discussion but not that quick.
Over the years any hat that is used for special events,RE: Jamborees,NOAC, Troops ,OA are considered part of the uniform. Again what would your idea of a great Scout Hat be?

[optimist]

oops

[Rick Tyler]

Again what would your idea of a great Scout Hat be?

I do Scouting in the Pacific Northwest. I've spent four years trying to convince our troop to adopt this as our official uniform hat:


It is the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero. It's a Goretex rain hat.

[Bob White]

Any clothing made by the BSA or sold by the BSA with their trademark is "official" BSA clothing. That doesnot automatically make it a uniform piece. The uniform for each program is different. Only the BSA can determine what the official uniform is.

Many of the apparel carried by the BSA is for non uniform wear or souvenir.

To learn what constitutes the correct uniform of your program see The Insignia Guide 2003-2005, the handbook for your program level, the uniform inspection sheet for that uniform, or attend Leader Specific training.

Hope this helps,
Bob White

[wagionvigil]

I like the OR hat myself it is a functional piece of equipment. Columbia and some other MFG make this also. I am not a baseball cap person. There needs to be something in between the Campaign hat and the Ball Cap type and the OR look does that. It would be better if it was not nylon as you can't brand them at Philmont if it is. It just Melts.

[Guneukitschik]

I think scouting will aways have a variety of hats to fit the variety of different scouters...
Let's face it.... The baseball cap is as American as it gets and it's here to stay.
The Campaign hat...although dwindling in popularity...has some historical look to it and will most likely stick around but the high cost has to deter some from purchasing it.
The beret came and went...although it still looks sharp...it served no practical purpose (other than being a hat)...you have to admit, if it were 95 degrees and sunny or 0 degrees and snowing the beret is not going to be the first hat on your list of items to take camping!
The latest felt/wool hat (Indiana Jones Style) does actually keep the weather off of you...but doesn't look too scoutish? anyway...this works great for activities but doesn't look that great for ceremonies, etc.
The boonie/bucket hat is another recent addition and serves a great purpose in the outdoors, however I have to admit it looks quite sloppy for flag ceremonies and such. Although, makes a great activity hat.
So which hat style is best? I guess that depends on what you plan on using it for and what your preference is in hats?

[hops_scout]

Personally I would like to see the red beret brought back for ceremonies and such and the boonie hat for activities such as hiking. Yeah, It's two hats, but they would fit their jobs better than any one thing would.

[cballman]

Yes the berets had a very useful purpose we used them for frisbees when we got bored. Yes very useful

[t305spl]

I like the Berets and yes they would be a great look for ceremonies.

[wagionvigil]

Lets look at the Pros and cons for the hats you have suggested.Sell your product. Make us want to use your suggestion.

[Guneukitschik]

It's hard to just pick one... they all have qualities that are beneficial depending on the use? If I had to just pick one...I would pick the good ol' baseball cap.
Keeps the sun out of your eyes.
Looks sharp, so it would be ok for ceremony use
Can be made of wool to help keep your head warm...(your ears will still freeze!)
Can be made of Cotton/mesh for summer use.
Affordable so everyone can have one or two.
Is as American as apple pie!...which would represent the BSA well since the rest of the world tends to not wear baseball caps!

My second vote is for the campaign hat...but at $80+/- each...they have priced themselves out of the market.

[wagionvigil]

There are many winter Ball Caps made with ear flaps.
OK that is one pitch how about some more

[hops_scout]

Beret---
Bringing back the red beret would bring back a historical uniform item that many did not know existed. I believe that the beret would be great for wear during ceremonies. If you will notice, most color guards wear a beret of some color. While not providing any use in the outdoors, I feel that it is an excellent choice for uniform wear.

Boonie Hat---
The boonie hat is a great hat that works well in the outdoors. It provides more coverage than a baseball cap does and usually has a lanyard so it wont blow away. The bill of this hat extends all the way around providing coverage on your neck, ears, and face.

Two hats are better than one b/c not one hat fits both needs.

[t305spl]

Sorry about this but does anyone have a picture of a boonie hat. I don't know if I have seen it. Can somebody show me?

[Rick Tyler]

Sorry about this but does anyone have a picture of a boonie hat. I don't know if I have seen it. Can somebody show me?

Sure. Here's a pic of the BSA version:



I like the OR hat better...

[RWSmith]

Beret---
Bringing back the red beret....

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[optimist]

Gratz hops

[t305spl]

Congrats