The Class 2 Hi-Vis Safety Vests That Work Best for Industrial Jobs: Options Featuring Flame Resistant Materials and ANSI Compliance

What We Recommend and Why

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is the top flame resistant hi-vis Vest because it features fire resistant treated cotton fabric and a 14″ zippered pack for industrial utility.

Choosing a safety vest that balances high visibility with actual flame resistance can be difficult when you need to ensure your gear won’t melt or drip during a flash fire. Selecting the wrong material puts your safety at risk and can lead to equipment failure in high-heat industrial environments.

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest provides a reliable solution with its treated cotton construction, while the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest is a better choice for high-volume warehouse work and the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 suits those needing a black-series aesthetic.

At TacticalVestPro we evaluated the flame resistant safety vest class 2 options we track against this topic’s criteria. Our selected options provide a range of features for prices between $28.99 and $57.75.

Full Comparison Table

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding.

The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest offers the strongest price-to-spec ratio because it provides 2″ reflective tape and 10 pockets for around $28.99.

The Full Review of Each Pick

The 3 picks below run from $28.99 to $57.75, reviewed in rank order.

Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest

We selected the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest because it offers a specialized surveyor configuration with fire-resistant treated cotton fabric. It serves as a premium choice for industrial workers who require both flame resistance and high-capacity storage for tools and gear.

What we like: This vest includes a 14″ zippered pack across the entire back area for large equipment transport. The fire-resistant treated cotton fabric and heavy-duty brass snaps provide a durable construction for heavy industrial use. It holds a 4.2 rating from 135 ratings.

Keep in mind: The fire-resistant treatment is applied to cotton rather than being a fully synthetic FR weave. This model is best suited for workers needing specialized surveyor features rather than those seeking a lightweight mesh vest.

Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest

The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest is a high-volume budget favorite that provides a massive amount of utility for a low price point. It is designed for workers who need multiple storage points and a standard-compliant visibility rating without a premium price tag.

What we like: At the $28.99 mark, this vest offers 10 distinct pockets, including a dedicated tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap. It is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R Standard compliant, ensuring it meets modern visibility requirements. The 4.4 rating from 1,620 ratings reflects its reliability for warehouse and construction work.

Keep in mind: This vest is made of 100% polyester mesh and does not list a flame-resistant (FR) rating. It is not suitable for environments requiring NFPA 2112 or similar flame protection.

Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002

We chose the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 as a premium alternative that balances a sleek aesthetic with high-performance visibility. It provides a specialized layout for surveyors who need quick access to spray paint and stakes.

What we like: The S5002 features a built-in padded neck and ultra-lightweight mesh backing for increased comfort during long shifts. It includes specialized elastic spray paint can pockets and dedicated stake pockets. This model holds a 4.6 average across 142 ratings.

Keep in mind: This vest is priced at $57.75, making it a higher investment than the polyester mesh options. It is designed for specific surveying tasks rather than general-purpose warehouse use.

Does this vest meet ANSI/ISEA 107 2020 standards for Class 2?

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O-Class 1 compliant. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest and the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 are both ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R Standard compliant. You should check the specific ANSI rating on the product tag to ensure it meets your job site’s legal requirements.

Is there a price difference between a standard hi-vis vest and a certified FR vest?

Yes, there is a price difference because fire-resistant (FR) materials require specific chemical treatments or specialized fibers. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest, which uses fire-resistant treated cotton, is priced higher than the $28.99 polyester mesh vest. You are paying a premium for the FR treatment and the heavier cotton construction compared to standard polyester visibility gear.

If you need mobility in remote areas, see the best flame resistant hi-vis vest for field work.

Workers in high-impact environments should consider the best flame resistant hi-vis vest for heavy duty work.

What to Look For in a Flame Resistant Safety Vest Class 2

Flame Resistance Certification

Flame resistance certification determines if the vest can withstand industrial heat or arc flash events. You should prioritize products with specific standards like the fire resistant treated cotton fabric found in the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest. This specific material provides a layer of protection against flash fires that standard polyester cannot offer. For other industrial jobs where arc flash is a risk, check the manufacturer’s documentation for NFPA 70E compliance, as the other options listed do not specify flame resistance beyond standard construction materials.

Reflective Tape Width

Reflective tape width determines how visible you are in low-light environments. We evaluated the reflective tape width and found that 2″ high-performance reflective material is the standard for high-visibility requirements. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest and the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest both utilize this 2″ width. Wider tape or higher-performance materials ensure your profile remains visible to operators from a distance, which is a primary requirement for Class 2 compliance.

Material Breathability

Material breathability is essential for long shifts in hot environments or during heavy physical labor. Look for mesh construction or vented materials to prevent heat buildup. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest uses 100% polyester mesh, while the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest includes an ultra-lightweight mesh backing. These features allow for airflow, whereas the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest relies on mesh side vents to manage temperature in its treated cotton fabric.

Closure Durability

Closure durability determines how many times you can open and close the vest before the fasteners fail. For heavy-duty work, look for brass snaps or heavy-duty zippers rather than plastic toggles. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses heavy-duty brass snaps, while the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest features a zipper front closure with webbing. If you carry heavy tools or gear, a zipper closure often provides a more secure seal against the body than snaps.

Weight Distribution

Weight distribution ensures the vest does not sag or pull on your shoulders when loaded with tools or radios. You need a vest with load-bearing straps or internal pockets to keep gear close to your center of gravity. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest features load-bearing straps on its internal zipper pockets, and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest includes an inside lower left tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap. These features prevent the vest from sagging, providing more stability than a vest with only external pockets.

To understand the underlying technology, learn how flame-resistant safety vests work.

What You Need vs What These Picks Deliver

Match the job you actually need done to what it requires, then check whether anything on this page reaches that level. Where nothing does, the row says so.

Thresholds are the levels this category is generally held to, not manufacturer claims. Check them against your own workload before buying.

Who Buys Flame Resistant Safety Vests Class 2, and What It Really Costs

The Questions This Choice Raises

How many washes can a flame resistant safety vest handle before the reflective tape or FR coating degrades?

Durability for industrial use depends on the specific material construction, as the data for these vests does not provide a specific wash count. You should check the manufacturer’s care label on the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest or the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 to see if the FR treatment is wash-fast or requires specialized cleaning to maintain its rating.

Will the FR material become stiff or itchy after it gets soaked with sweat or water?

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses fire resistant treated cotton fabric, which typically retains a softer hand-feel than synthetic coatings when damp. Because the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 utilizes a polyester front with an ultra-lightweight mesh backing, you can check the specific fabric weight on the manufacturer’s site to determine how the material reacts to moisture during long shifts.

Understanding the industry standards is easier when you see the different types of flame-resistant safety vests.

Who Should Skip These Flame Resistant Safety Vests Class 2

If you require flame resistance, the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses treated cotton to meet specific safety requirements. Other options on this page, such as the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 or the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest, do not list fire-resistant fabric in their specifications.

If you work in high-heat or electrical environments requiring arc flash protection, you need a vest that meets the NFPA 2112 standard. None of the products on this page meet that specific requirement.

For those requiring higher flame resistance standards, you should look for gear specifically rated for NFPA 2112 compliance. If you are searching for a specific budget-friendly fire-resistant option, see best budget flame resistant safety vest class 2 for construction workers.