The Best Hard Hats for 2022
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Best Hard Hat
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Along with a pair of work gloves, work boots, high visibility vest, and safety glasses, a hard hat is an essential piece of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). So whether you are working on a high-rise site or a small home renovation, it will help to reduce the risk of injury when working in construction. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best hard hats currently available.
UPDATED: April 21, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Klein Tools 60407 because it features an ANSI Type I compliant design, a full brim, operable vents, and accessory slots.
Here are a few things to look out for when selecting a hard hat model:
Safety Standards
The industry standard for hard hat safety is ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection. This standard takes into account the potential hazards a worker will encounter and determines the appropriate safety categories.
The two main categories are Type and Class.
The Type is based on the location of the impact.
Type I is designed for a top impact only.
Type II is for both a top and lateral impact.
The Class is the provided electrical insulation and is available in three options.
Class G (General) provides voltage protection up to 2,200 volts.
Class E (Electrical) provides high-voltage protection up to 20,000 volts.
Class C (Conductive) does not provide protection against electric conductors.
The manufacturer will provide what standards the hard hat has been designed to meet. The type of work you will be doing and the hazards you will be exposed to will determine what specific categories you require.
Size and Adjustment
According to OSHA: personal protective equipment should be safely designed and constructed, and should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion. It should fit comfortably, encouraging worker use. If the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed.
Most hard hats use a suspension system that sits within the shell. This provides a separation from the shell to help absorb impacts and also provide a proper fit. The back of the support will have an adjustment knob to loosen or tighten the band to ensure it isn’t too tight or won’t fall off.
Materials
The most common material for hard had shells is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This provides a strong, rigid shell that is impact-resistant, lightweight, and affordable. Other options include fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforcement for additional strength. Carbon fiber will come at a cost premium. Note that carbon fiber textures are common, but it is often just a pattern applied and not actually constructed from carbon fiber.
Brim Style
There are two common types of brim style to choose from, full brim and cap. The full brim is exactly what it sounds like, the brim extends completely around the circumference of the hat. This provides additional protection from the sun and rain. The cap style has the brim just at the front. These may also include a rain trough that directs water like a gutter off of the hat to help keep you dry.
Heat Mitigation
If you are working in hot conditions there are a couple of features that can be beneficial. The first is a sweatband that is part of the suspension system, this helps to provide comfort and avoid dripping when it is hot out. Some hard hats also include vents in the shell which can help to provide ventilation and keep you cooler.
Accessories
Some models will offer the ability to attach accessories such as headlamps to the front of the shell which is convenient for working in no or low-light conditions. You can also just put the headband of any headlamp around the top of the hat to secure it that way. In addition, models like the Klein Tools 60407 feature universal accessory slots on either side of the hat for attaching a face shield or earmuffs. This is a convenient way to keep track of all your equipment since it functions as one unit.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Klein Tools, Lift Safety, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Hard Hats for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Klein Tools 60407 Hard Hat
The Klein Tools 60407 features vents that open and close to increase airflow.
Features a suspension system that is designed to optimize air pass through and an overall good fit.
Equipped with a big knob to easily adjust with one hand.
Includes a soft neck pad that pivots to be out of the way of bandannas or ponytails.
Features universal accessory slots on both sides for attaching a face shield or earmuffs.
Includes a removable headlamp that is powered by three AAA batteries.
ANSI Type 1, Class C.
Runner-up: Lift Safety HDF-15NG Hard Hat
The Lift Safety HDF-15NG is constructed from fiber-reinforced resin.
Features a six-point suspension system for comfort and impact protection.
Equipped with a Clarino synthetic leather comfort dome.
Features an oversized ratcheting fitment dial that makes adjustment easy even while wearing gloves.
Features a moisture-wicking foam-backed microfiber liner which helps to reduce sweat build-up.
Class G DAX.
Must-have accessories:
Don't forget the other protective equipment.
Best Design Options: Acerpal Hard Hat
The Acerpal hard hat is available in a wide range of patterns to find a cool unique look.
Features a full brim hat style.
Features patterns that are produced using a hydro dipping process.
Equipped with a padded 6-point ratchet harness with a quick twist the knob adjusts from 6-1/2 to 8 inches.
Designed for comfort and protection with a low center of gravity.
Compliant with ANSI Z89.1-2014, Type 1, Class E, G, and C standards.
Best Value: Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat
The Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat features a strong, lightweight design.
Features an easy-to-adjust ratchet suspension.
Features a four-point suspension system that can be upgraded to six.
Meets ANSI Z89.1-2009 standards, type 1, Class C, G, and E.
Constructed from ABS material.
Offers the ability to replace the soft brow pad, suspension, and headband.
Best Carbon Fiber: Lift Safety DAX Fifty 50 Full Brim Hard Hat
The DAX FIFTY50 features a carbon fiber reinforced resin construction.
Equipped with a large ratcheting fitment dial so it can be adjusted when wearing gloves.
Perforated Clarino synthetic leather comfort dome with
Features a shock-absorbing molded EVA foam insert.
Includes a foam-backed microfiber liner to minimize sweat build-up.
Equipped with a 6-point suspension system for a comfortable fit.
Meets ANSI Z89.1-2014 requirements for Type 1, Class C.
Best for Hot Conditions: Evolution Deluxe Hard Hat
The Evolution Deluxe shell is constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Includes a six-point suspension system with polyester textile straps.
Includes the Chamlon sweatband with an Egyptian cotton core and a porous PU coating for sweat absorption.
Equipped with a full brim for additional protection.
Includes a wheel ratchet for a comfortable fit.
Best Lightweight Option: Pyramex Full Brim Hard Hat
The Pyramex features a lightweight full brim design.
Equipped with a ratchet suspension for easy adjustment.
Offers the ability to adjust the fit while wearing.
Features a lightweight shell constructed from high-density polyethylene.
Meets ANSI Z89.1 Type 1 Class C, G, and E.
Includes a mounting point for a chinstrap (not included)
Best Fiberglass Option: Roughneck Hard Hat
The Roughneck is constructed from fiberglass for high strength.
Equipped with an eight-point suspension system that provides comfort and impact protection.
Features a solid color resin for a durable finish that won’t chip.
ANSI Type 1.
Features Class C and G.
Best Budget Option: Pyramex Cap Style Hard Hat
The Pyramex Cap Style Hard Hat features a shell that is constructed from high-density polyethylene.
Equipped with an easy-to-adjust ratchet suspension system.
Includes a snap-lock suspension.
Features accessory slots for mounting ear muffs.
Includes a rain trough on the sides and back to help stay dry.
Best Suspension System Options: MSA 454664 Skullgard Hard Hat
The MSA 454664 Skullgard features an ANSI/CSA Type I compliant design.
Offers protection from vertical impacts and penetrations.
Equipped with the four-point Staz-On suspension system for comfort and a semi-custom fit.
Features headband, sweatband, nape strap, and adjustable crown straps.
Includes nylon height adjusters.
Made in the USA.
I hope this list of the best hard hats was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
