Ushanka Fur “Trapper” Hat

When you think of the north, places like Canada, Alaska, Norway, and of course Russia – you think of the iconic fur hat worn by the peoples there. In English this is known as a “Trapper hat” or “fur hat”. In Russia, where some of the early origins of this style came about, these are known as “Ushanka”

A Ushanka is Russian style hat with round crown and ear flaps, usually made of fur. The Russian word ushanka simply means “ear hat”. but Today it’s sometimes called a “chapka”or simply a “Russian hat”, or “Trapper Hat”. The Ear flaps have strings or clips which can be tied together on the top of the hat or at the chin. This is so the flaps can be lowered to protect your face from cold weather or the wind. Ushankas also have a “visor” or front piece that folds up. This is mostly for a wind block as if it was folded down, you would be unable to see. Properly made Ushankas are ideal for the coldest winter months. They are often considered “fur helmets” as a properly made Ushanka is formidable headwear and covers a good portion of your head. They are often worn with a ski mask to cover your entire head except for eyes.

Higher end Ushanka  are made entirely of sheepskin, rabbit fur, Fox or even Wolf fur.  Artificial fur Ushanka are sometimes referred to as “fish fur”, or “fun fur” hats. They are often less expensive than a genuine fur hat, but sometimes preferred by modern people who are opposed to wearing fur, but still wish to have the image of a fur hat. Beware of fish fur hats, as they will not be warm and functional like an original real fur Ushanka.

Ushanka are made in many countries of the world, not just Russia. This includes Canada, the United States, and of course China.

The modern history of Ushanka dates back to the 17th century when hat with earflaps called “treukh” was worn in central and northern Russia. Hats similar to Ushanka existed centuries ago in the Balkans and Scandinavian countries as well in Russia, Poland and the Ukraine. Many northern cultures have developed a version of the Ushanka including the Indigenous people of Canada.

Today the Ushanka has been remodelled to suit the styles the 20th and 21st century, Most of this was due to the Russian Civil War between 1917 and 1922. During that time, Aleksandr Kolchak the ruler of Siberia, decided that hat with round crown and ear flaps should be a part of the standard military uniform. This was after the Winter War against Finland, where many soldiers died of cold exposure, Red Army made changes to their uniform, and adopted the Ushanka. The Finnish military also created a similar version called the Turkislakki M36, which was better protection from cold than budenovka.

Evidence that ushanka was the right choice is seen in that German soldiers during the Battle of Moscow would often take Ushanka hats because they couldn’t stand Russian winters. From that time, Ushanka has become one of the symbols of the Soviet Union.

The Ushanka is iconic and standard issue for the Russian military, and has become winter uniform’s hat in many countries such as Canada and The United States, Particularly in Alaska.  Genuine Russian Ushanka were not imported to the USA until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Before this the identical American “Trapper Hat” was worn as cold weather gear, particularly in Alaska.  Ushanka are still used by Germain police and Finnish Defence Forces. In China, it is part of People’s Liberation Army’s winter uniform, and people there still call it “the Lei Feng hat” because of Lei Feng who wore it. They are also commonplace in Northern Canada and cold parts of the United States.

As with all historic items, Ushanka have evolved over time, and been adopted globally by various cold weather cultures around the world. Historically the Ushanka was a mens hat, however in the late 20th century it became unisex and anyone could wear it. Sadly in 2013 the Russian Minister of Defence decided that Ushanka should be substituted with new uniform hat, and is no longer officially worn.  They are still iconic Russian and manufactured by dozens of companies in various colours and styles for the civilian and paramilitary market.

The Ushanka, Russian Hat or Trappers hat has a timeless style to it and originated over 500 years ago. The Ushanka is often portrayed in movies depicting Soviet era soldiers, and was once humorously portrayed in the 142nd episode of Seinfeld called “The Chicken Roaster” airing on November 14, 1996. Still worn and treasured by bushcraft enthusiasts, dog mushers, and the militaries around the world today, it will most likely remain a classic with functional style in centuries to come. Often times today high quality fur Ushanka can be found at antique stores and thrift stores around the world.

References:

“Ushanka – Different Types of Russian Winter Caps”. www.historyofhats.net. Retrieved 2019-12-4.

Fedorova, Inna; RBTH, special to (2014-01-28). “Russian winter hats: Ushanka, kubanka, petushok”. www.rbth.com. Retrieved 2019-12-4

Seinfeld TV Show, Season 8, Episode 8, Seinfeld “The Chicken Roaster” Retrieved 2019-12-04