Outdoor wilderness and camping can be enjoyable but staying safe should always be a highly valued when practicing a prepper mind-set. Personal protection is an essential part of that planning.
High-quality body armor and a ballistic helmet can provide you with some protection.
(Individuals who willingly risk their own safety for recreational or occupational reasons would do well to consider a ballistic helmet of maximum protection.)
Whether you’re involved in search and rescue, a hunter, or hiking in a mountainous, rocky environment, a good protective helmet should be an essential part of your gear.
Kevlar Helmets
Early ballistic helmets were made of steel. Modern helmets became lighter when steel was replaced with the composite material Kevlar in the 1980s. Thankfully, this innovation significantly improved helmet design.
Kevlar is a strong, heat-resistant synthetic fiber developed by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965. It was first used commercially in the 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires.
Kevlar’s chemical structure features repeating chain bonds and cross-links with hydrogen bonds. This provides a tensile strength ten times greater than steel for an equivalent weight.
The US military first adopted Kevlar combat helmets in 1983. Kevlar’s flame resistance means it doesn’t ignite, melt, degrade, or heat up, making it ideal for protective headgear for firefighters.
A Kevlar helmet would be an excellent safety helmet for backcountry activities, camping, and outdoor living.
Ballistic Helmets
Now that you’ve decided to choose a ballistic helmet, it’s important to find the one that best fits your needs.
There are several types of ballistic helmets to consider.
These include the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT), Modular Integrated Communication Helmets (MICH), Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH), Enhanced Combat Helmets (ECH), and Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) helmets.
Types of Ballistic Helmets
Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT)
This Kevlar helmet, also known as the “K-Pot,” is the oldest type of modern tactical helmet and is still in use today.
Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH)
This helmet features an advanced Kevlar construction, making it lighter and more comfortable while maintaining the same level of protection.
Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH)
The ACH is an advanced version of the MICH, offering improved protection and comfort.
Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH)
The ECH is a second-generation ACH made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene instead of ballistic fibers. It is designed to be lighter and provide increased protection.
Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST)
Recognizable by its high-cut design that exposes the ears, the FAST helmet is designed to prevent water retention and accommodate accessories such as communication systems and night vision equipment.
Ballistic Helmet Brands
There are various brands that sell ballistic helmets and accessories. These include Crye Precision, Hard Head Veterans, Galvion, Ops-Core, Shellvac Tactical, Team Wendy, and United Shield.
Crye Precision
Crye Precision manufactures American-made products dedicated to high performance, usability, and longevity. They pride themselves on excellent customer support and actively integrate user feedback into their designs.
Hard Head Veterans
Hard Head Veterans is a veteran-owned and operated company that makes protective gear accessible and affordable.
Ops-Core
Ops-Core provides helmet systems for modern defense, emergency response, and security forces. Their modular helmet systems integrate with hearing protection, eyewear, communication systems, and respiratory protection products.
Shellvac Tactical
Shellvac Tactical designs and manufactures premium, innovative tactical gear with a focus on functionality and durability.
Team Wendy
Team Wendy develops leading-edge products designed to protect against serious and life-threatening impact-related injuries.
United Shield
United Shield International supplies major government departments, law enforcement, and security services.
Armored Republic
Armored Republic produces inexpensive AR500 steel armor, vests, and accessories. They also offer Level III ballistic helmets.
Protector Helmet
Typical Price: $279
Protect yourself from incoming rounds, blast debris, and blunt force trauma with the Protector Helmet from Armored Republic. Rated to stop Level IIIA threats, it can defeat all handgun rounds. This lightweight helmet (3 pounds) features an adjustable under-the-chin suspension system.
Choosing the Right Helmet
First, you need to decide if you need a bump helmet or a ballistic helmet.
Most people will likely need a bump helmet, as they aren’t typically facing incoming fire from hostile forces. A bump helmet protects your head and provides a platform to hold items like ear protection and night vision goggles.
HHV ATE GEN2 Ballistic Helmet
This ballistic helmet comes in four sizes and five color patterns. It features an above-the-ear or high-cut design and weighs three pounds, offering a slim profile.
Accessories for this helmet include lights, headset adapters, and cameras.
It has an initial impact padding system, velcro-mounted panels, and a customizable comfort padding system. Additionally, it comes with a ten-year shell performance guarantee, and the manufacturer offers lifetime repairs.
The HHV ATE GEN2 ballistic helmet costs $534.
Galvion Batlskin Caiman Bump Helmet
This helmet is available in five sizes and two color schemes, with additional colors available upon request. It is lightweight, designed to accommodate additional equipment.
The weight range of the Galvion Batlskin Caiman Bump helmet is 1.6-2 pounds. Accessories include fixed and rotating visors and a mandible.
This helmet costs $732.
Ops-Core FAST SF Super High-cut Carbon Composite Helmet
This bump helmet comes in four sizes and six color schemes. It is designed for less extreme conditions, including training and water operations. It is compatible with various helmet accessories.
The helmet weighs 1.5-1.7 pounds and costs $943.
Crye Precision AirFrame Ballistic Helmet
This helmet is available in three sizes and three color schemes. It is a modular helmet featuring a unique design that allows for ventilation and passive cooling.
It weighs 2.3-2.8 pounds. Accessories include ear and face protection.
Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet
This above-the-ear ballistic helmet is designed for those serious about their tactical equipment. It weighs about 2.7 pounds and is made from hybrid composite material.
The helmet features CAM FIT retention, allowing easy adjustment for individual head shapes. It also has a set of movable comfort pads. Accessories include visors, ear covers, face shields, and a mandible.
The Team Wendy EXFIL ballistic helmet costs $1,176.
DevTAC Ronin Ballistic Helmet Facemask
This is a full-faced ballistic helmet offering the most protection of all the products. The mask weighs 5-6 pounds and comes with detachable plates that allow for customized levels of ballistic protection, design, and function.
This facemask can also be ordered in a non-ballistic version.
The DevTAC Ronin costs $2,910, while the non-ballistic version costs $2,800.
Finally, when choosing a ballistic helmet, consider how you will be using it and what is best for you. Additionally, factor in the cost of the helmets. Once you’ve made your decision and purchase, you can safely enjoy your outdoor activities.
