The Class 2 Hi-Vis Safety Vests That Work Best for Surveyors: These Models Feature Specialized Tool Storage

The Verdict, and the Basis for It

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is the best Class 2 hi-vis Safety Vest for Surveyors because it features fire-resistant treated cotton fabric and a 14″ zippered pack for heavy-duty field use.

Choosing a high-visibility vest that balances specialized storage with safety compliance can be difficult when you need to carry specific surveying tools without compromising on visibility. Selecting the wrong gear often results in disorganized equipment or a vest that lacks the necessary flame resistance for industrial sites.

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest solves this by combining heavy-duty brass snaps with a large rear zippered pack. You should choose the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 if you need a padded neck and mesh backing, or the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest for a high-volume 10-pocket budget option.

We at TacticalVestPro evaluated the flame resistant safety vest class 2 options we track against this topic’s criteria to find these models. Our selected options cover a price range from $28.99 to $57.75.

If you need extra durability, see our top-rated heavy duty FR vests.

Full Comparison Table

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

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest offers the strongest price-to-spec ratio because it provides fire resistant treated cotton fabric for hazardous environments.

Each Pick, Reviewed

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

Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest made this list because it provides specialized fire-resistant protection and a configuration specifically designed for field surveying tasks.

What we like: This vest features fire-resistant treated cotton fabric and meets CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O-Class 1 standards. It includes a 14″ zippered pack across the back and multiple pockets with hook-and-loop fasteners for tool organization.

Keep in mind: The cotton construction is heavier than polyester alternatives, which may be less ideal for users who prioritize minimal weight over fire-resistant material.

Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002

The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 is included because of its high-performance reflective material and specialized storage for surveying equipment like spray paint and stakes.

What we like: This model is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R compliant and features 2″ high-performance reflective material. It offers specialized storage including elastic spray paint can pockets and dedicated stake pockets.

Keep in mind: The polyester front and mesh backing provide high breathability, but this model does not list a flame-resistant (FR) rating.

Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest

The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest made the list as a high-volume, budget-friendly option for surveyors who need basic high-visibility compliance and high pocket density.

What we like: This vest is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R compliant and features 10 different pockets, including a 2-tier pencil pocket and a tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap. It is priced at the $28.99 mark, making it the most affordable option.

Keep in mind: This vest lacks the fire-resistant treatment of the Viking model and the specialized stake pockets of the Kishigo model.

Does it meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards for Class 2?

The Kishigo and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest both meet the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R standard. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest meets the older ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O-Class 1 standard. You should check the specific ANSI rating on the product tag to ensure it meets your local site requirements.

Is there a price difference between a basic FR vest and one with high-durability stitching?

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest costs $56.95 and includes fire-resistant treated cotton and heavy-duty brass snaps. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest costs $28.99 but uses 100% polyester mesh and does not list fire-resistant properties. You are paying a premium for the FR treatment and the heavier cotton construction compared to the polyester mesh options.

You might also consider different ways to achieve flame resistance.

What Separates One Flame Resistant Safety Vest Class 2 From the Next

Tool and GPS Clip Accessibility

Tool and GPS clip accessibility depends on whether you need dedicated storage or just a mounting point. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 provides specific elastic spray paint can pockets and stake pockets, while the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest includes a 4-division pencil pocket and a 10-pocket layout. If you need to carry heavy equipment, prioritize the load-bearing straps found on the Kishigo and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest over simple pockets. We selected these three options because they offer varied configurations, from the specialized survey tools on the Kishigo to the high-volume storage on the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest.

Breathability for Long-Distance Trekking

Breathability for long-distance trekking is best achieved through mesh panels and lightweight materials to prevent overheating. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 uses ultra-lightweight mesh backing, while the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest is constructed from 100% polyester mesh. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest utilizes mesh side vents to manage airflow. If you are trekking in high-heat environments, the 100% polyester mesh of the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest provides the highest level of airflow among the options we compared.

Flame Resistance Certification

Flame resistance certification ensures the material is FR-rated to protect against flash fires rather than just being heat resistant. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is made from fire resistant treated cotton fabric and carries the CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O-Class 1 certifications. Because the other options do not list FR certifications, you should check the manufacturer’s label for “FR” or “Flame Resistant” ratings before ordering if your job site requires NFPA 2112 compliance. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest separated the field in our comparison by providing certified fire resistance.

Reflective Tape Placement for Side Visibility

Reflective tape placement for side visibility requires wide bands and specific positioning to ensure you are seen from all angles. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 features 3″ contrasting bands and 2″ high-performance reflective material, while the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest includes 3″ breathable contrasting color and 2″ wide high performance reflective material. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses reflective chest straps and vibrance material in contrasting tape. For maximum visibility, the 3″ bands on the Kishigo and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest provide a larger surface area than the standard tape on the Viking.

Learn how to understand FR vest terms and specs easily.

Which One Is Right for You

For the heavy-duty surveyor

If you require flame resistance for industrial sites, the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is the correct choice because it uses fire resistant treated cotton fabric. This vest provides a WCB/Worksafe/DOT configuration and includes a 14″ zippered pack across the back for larger gear. It features multiple pockets with hook-and-loop fasteners and heavy-duty brass snaps to secure your tools.

For the gear-heavy surveyor

If you need to organize a large amount of specialized equipment, the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 provides the most storage options. This vest includes 10 specific storage areas, such as elastic spray paint can pockets, stake pockets, and a hidden back pouch with zipper access. It also features a built-in padded neck and a 2-tier left chest pocket for small components.

For the budget-conscious surveyor

If you need a high-visibility vest for general use at a lower price point, the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest provides 10 pockets for around $28.99. This vest uses 100% polyester mesh and includes a 2-tier, 4-division pencil pocket on the right chest and a heavy-duty gusseted radio pocket on the left. It features reflective trim around the arms and an inside lower left tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap.

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

Before buying, verify the official safety standards for FR gear.

Questions Buyers Ask Before Choosing

How does the fabric hold up against heavy brush and thorns?

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses fire resistant treated cotton fabric, which typically offers more durability against abrasions than standard polyester. For the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest, the data lists polyester and polyester mesh; you should check the manufacturer’s denier or weight rating to determine the specific tear resistance for heavy brush. Because material durability varies by weave, verify the fabric weight in the specific model’s size guide before ordering for dense terrain.

Who Should Skip These Flame Resistant Safety Vests Class 2

If you are a surveyor, prioritize the specific storage requirements of your tools before selecting a vest. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest ranked first on fire resistance in our comparison due to its treated cotton construction. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 offers specialized utility for spray paint and stakes that other options we compared lack.

If you need to meet the NFPA 2112 standard for high-heat industrial environments, these products do not provide that specific rating. These options are selected for survey and general work where standard Class 2 visibility and basic flame resistance are the primary requirements.

If you require a vest that meets the NFPA 70E standard for arc flash protection, none of the options on this page provide that level of electrical safety. These vests are designed for high-visibility and basic flame resistance rather than specialized electrical hazard environments.