Best Class 2 Hi-Vis Safety Vests for Men: Featuring ANSI Compliant Reflective Tape and FR Fabrics

Our Pick and How the List Was Built

The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 is the top choice for a flame resistant hi-vis Vest because it balances high-performance 2″ reflective material with a specialized 2-tier chest pocket system.

Finding a safety vest that balances heavy-duty utility with reliable visibility standards can be difficult when you need to manage multiple tools while remaining visible to heavy machinery. Choosing the wrong gear often leads to cluttered pockets or reflective material that degrades too quickly in harsh environments.

The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 solves these issues by providing a dedicated 2-tier left chest pocket and a hidden back pouch for secure storage. You should choose the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest if you require fire-resistant treated cotton, or the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest if you need a high-volume budget option with 10 pockets.

At TacticalVestPro we evaluated the flame resistant safety vest class 2 options we track against this topic’s criteria. Our selected options cover a price range from $28.99 to $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 10 pockets and 2″ reflective tape for $28.99.

Our Picks Examined One by One

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

Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002

The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 made this list as a premium, feature-rich option for professionals who need high-capacity storage and specialized utility features.

What we like: This vest meets the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R standard for visibility and includes 2″ high-performance reflective material. It offers extensive storage options, including 10 distinct pockets such as dedicated stake pockets, spray paint can pockets, and a hidden back pouch with zipper access. The construction features a heavy-duty bottom and a built-in padded neck for added comfort during long shifts.

Keep in mind: This model is not listed as flame resistant, which means it is not suitable for environments requiring NFPA 2112 or 70E compliance.

Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest

The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest is the specialized choice for workers in high-risk environments that require both high visibility and flame resistance.

What we like: This vest is made of fire-resistant treated cotton fabric and carries both CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O-Class 1 certifications. It provides a significant safety upgrade over standard polyester, featuring heavy-duty brass snaps and a 14″ zippered pack across the entire back area. At a price point of around $56.95, it offers a specialized FR rating for a relatively low cost compared to other industrial-grade gear.

Keep in mind: Because it is rated for Class 1-Level 2, you should verify if your specific job site requires the higher surface area of a Class 2 rating.

Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest

The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest is included as the high-volume budget choice, offering essential safety standards and high utility at a lower price point.

What we like: This vest provides a 4.4 rating from over 1,600 buyers and meets the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R standard. It includes 10 pockets, including a dedicated tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap and a 4-division pencil pocket. The design uses 100% polyester mesh and Oxford cloth for the front material, providing a breathable construction for under $29.

Keep in mind: This is a budget-friendly polyester option and lacks the flame-resistant treatment found in the Viking model.

You might also consider exploring alternative ways to achieve flame resistance.

How to Choose a Flame Resistant Safety Vest Class 2

Flame Resistance Certification

Flame resistance certification determines if a vest can withstand heat and flash fires without melting or dripping. You should prioritize the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest for this requirement, as it features fire resistant treated cotton fabric and meets CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 standards. For most workers, a flame-resistant rating is a critical safety threshold that non-FR vests like the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest cannot provide. Because the Viking model uses a treated fabric, you must check the manufacturer’s specific laundering instructions to ensure the treatment remains permanent after washing. If a vest does not explicitly state an FR rating like the Viking’s, assume it will melt or char in a high-heat event; always check the care label for “dry clean only” or “tumble dry low” instructions to prevent the material from shrinking or degrading in a standard dryer.

Reflective Tape Width

Reflective tape width determines the visibility distance and surface area of the retroreflective material. We selected products that feature 2″ high-performance reflective material, which is the standard for many Class 2 requirements. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 and the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest both utilize this 2″ width to ensure high visibility. While wider tape provides more surface area, 2″ tape is the industry standard for balancing visibility with a restorable fit. If you work in low-light environments with high-speed traffic, prioritize the placement of the tape, such as the reflective trim around the arms on the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest.

Breathability Rating

Breathability rating determines how well the vest manages heat and moisture during physical labor. You should look for mesh construction or specific venting to stay cool in warm climates. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest uses 100% polyester mesh, while the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest includes mesh side vents to improve airflow. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 offers a different approach with an ultra-lightweight mesh backing and a built-in padded neck. Choose the mesh-heavy options if you work in high-temperature environments, but note that mesh can sometimes limit the number of heavy-duty pockets available.

Closure Type

Closure type affects how quickly you can put the vest on and how securely it stays in place during movement. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest uses a zipper front closure with webbing, which provides a secure seal for the front of the garment. In contrast, the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses heavy-duty brass snaps, which are common in industrial applications for durability. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 does not specify a front closure type in the data, so you should check the specific model’s construction for your preference between a zipper or a snap-based system.

Colorfastness

Colorfastness determines if the high-visibility lime or yellow colors will fade or bleed during repeated industrial cleaning. Because most of these vests are made from polyester or treated cotton, they generally maintain color well, but high-heat drying is the primary risk for color degradation. The Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 uses a lime and black color scheme, while the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses vibrance material in contrasting tape. To maintain the integrity of the high-visibility colors, follow the manufacturer’s specific wash instructions for the material type, as polyester and treated cotton have different heat tolerances.

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

What Buyers Still Want to Know

Flame Resistant vs. Flame Retardant

Flame resistant (FR) and flame retardant materials differ in how they react to heat; FR materials are designed to resist ignition or self-extinguish, while flame retardant treatments may only delay the spread of fire. For industrial safety, you should look for specific certifications like NFPA 2112 to ensure the fabric meets established benchmarks for flash fire protection. The Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest uses fire resistant treated cotton fabric to meet these requirements, whereas standard polyester vests like the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest do not offer these specific thermal protections.

Storage Capacity and Tool Mobility

Storage capacity varies significantly across these models to accommodate different tool requirements. The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest provides the highest quantity of storage with 10 pockets, including two lower outside heavy duty expandable cargo pockets with adjustable flaps and grommets. For specialized gear, the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 features a 2-tier left chest pocket with a dual function flap and hook & loop, plus dedicated stake and spray paint can pockets. If you need to carry heavy tools, check the specific pocket dimensions and load-bearing strap features in the seller’s guide, as the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest utilizes multiple pockets with hook-and-loop fasteners and a 14″ zippered pack across the back.

Which vest should I choose for high-volume storage?

You should choose the Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest if you need to carry the most individual items. This model offers 10 pockets, including a 2-tier, 4-division pencil pocket and a heavy-duty tablet pocket with a load-bearing strap.

Is the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest worth the price?

Workers in environments with flash fire risks should prioritize the Viking Open Road Surveyor FR Safety Vest. At the $56.95 mark, it provides fire resistant treated cotton fabric and CSA Z96-15 Class 1-Level 2 compliance that standard polyester vests lack.

Does the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 offer specialized pockets?

Yes, the Kishigo Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest S5002 includes specialized storage such as left and right stake pockets and elastic spray paint can pockets. These features are designed for surveyors who need hands-free access to specific tools.

What is the cheapest Class 2 hi-vis safety vest?

The Class 2 Hi Vis Safety Vest is the most budget-friendly option at approximately $28.99. It maintains ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Type R Standard compliance while providing 10 pockets and 100% polyester mesh.

If you are shopping for a female-specific fit, view our comparison of women’s hi-vis vests.

Who Should Skip These Flame Resistant Safety Vests Class 2

If you require protection against flash fires or arc flashes, these options do not meet the NFPA 2112 standard. None of the vests on this page are rated for high-heat or electrical environments requiring specific flame resistance benchmarks beyond standard FR treatments.

You should look for gear specifically rated for industrial fire safety if your work involves high-heat hazards. For more specific applications, you may prefer to see best flame resistant hi-vis vest for heavy duty work