A very sturdy construction in rugged light olive drab cotton. The hat has a sharply downward-pointing visor. There are green buttons on the back that were designed for the extra fold-down neck flap that would provide protection against blowing sand. The liner shows a stamp of the garment factory in the city of Sverdlovsk with a 1979 date of manufacture, probably the earliest date we have seen for a hat of this type. The size is 56 (Medium, corresponds with approximately US size 7 but will probably even fit up to size 7 1/8 head.)

This hat is new old stock, never used Soviet military surplus in mint condition. Beautifully preserved after 40 years in a military warehouse. It has no soiling, tears or other condition issues, absolutely free of any mildew problems, and doesn't even have the typical Soviet warehouse smell to it. Comes without the optional neck flap.

This hat was reportedly first used by the Soviet advisors in Syria, hence its unofficial nickname. Later, it was adopted by Soviet forces operating in desert terrain elsewhere, especially in places where sand and dust could be a serious concern - such as Afghanistan.