At left is a forage cap. Made of dark blue wool, the top of the cap is round and slopes over the front. The top should flop over and not stand up straight, if it stands up it is too small. Leather bill with leather chin strap held in place with two brass buttons.  

  

Alternate Hat/Hardee Hat

The black, brimmed hat in the image above is an example of an alternate/optional form of headgear, for Western Theater events ( Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and vicinity ), when the 79th is taking part in events like Chickamauga. Also, this type of hat is useful in rain. Caps, like the forage cap and kepi are preferred.

A word of caution about hats like the one above, you don't want a floppy, unshaped hat, with the brim drooping down. Federal troops, when they wore hats rather than caps, wore formed, stiff hats.