Pith Helmets

Pith helmets are a regular favourite of outdoor adventurers. A pith helmet is both functional and attractive. With its hard outer shell it provides excellent protection from the sun and brush, while still sitting lightly enough on you head to allow for adequate ventilation. The topi is the most popular kind of pith helmet for those trying to keep the sun at bay. Also, Wolsely pith helmets are good for such a use.

Historic Pith Helmets

For those looking for authentic replicas of military pith helmets, the Vietcong pith helmet might be of interest. These pith helmets were widely used in the Vietnam War and proved to be very effective and lightweight head protection in the dense jungle warfare. Another historic pith helmet popular with many consumers is the Mid Eastern Wolseley pith helmet, a piece of equipment widely used by the British in the Middle East. It also features lightweight durability and a certain colonial flair.

Practical Features

Not all pith helmets function solely as martial artifacts, however. The sun helmet is exactly what it sounds like, protecting the wearer from the heat as well as the harsh rays. The best sunscreen you can buy! Also, the marine pith helmet, though designed for military use and used by Marine Corps rifle range instructors, is an excellent piece of head protection for someone interested in going out for a day of sporting. The hard shell offers excellent protection from spent shell casing ejected from the weapon’s bolt housing group. Also, the topee is excellent in similar situations.

Attractiveness

All pith helmets lend an air of swagger to your appearance. Of particular note is the Mid Eastern Wolseley khaki pith helmet and the NVA pith helmet, a variant on the Vietcong pith helmet. Pith helmets have had an explosion of popularity because of their unique look and style. Pith helmet clip art has even made a splash on the Internet, testifying to the cultural infiltration pith helmets have accomplished. Of course, no one could talk about pith helmets without mentioning perhaps the most famous of all, the safari pith helmet. And yet, the straw pith helmet, though perhaps not as immediately recognized, offers a handsome and practically weightless alternative. The pith helmet will continue to be recognized as a central symbol of adventure and daring; however, as we transition into a new era, it will also prove to maintain its appeal because of its consistent durability combined with elegance.