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.

This article will discuss choosing between a ballistic helmet and a Kevlar helmet.

(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.  

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Kevlar Helmets

Early ballistic helmets were made of steel. Modern helmets became lighter when steel was replaced with the composite material Kevlar beginning in the 1980s. Thank goodness for that. 

Kevlar is a strong, heat-resistant, synthetic fiber that was developed by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965. Kevlar was first used commercially in the 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires.

The chemical structure of Kevlar includes repeating chain bonds and cross-length with hydrogen bonds. This structure provides a tensile strength ten times greater than steel for an equivalent weight.

The US military first used Kevlar combat helmets in 1983. Kevlar is flame resistant and doesn’t ignite, melt, degrade, or heat. These features make it ideal for protective headgear for firefighters.

A Kevlar helmet would be a good safety helmet for backcountry, camping, and living.

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Ballistic Helmets

Now that you’ve decided to choose a ballistic helmet, you’ll need to know which one best fits your needs.

There are several types of ballistic helmets.

These include Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops, Modular Integrated Communication helmets, Advanced Combat helmets, Enhanced Combat helmets, and Future Assault Shell Technology.

Types of Ballistic Helmets

Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT)

This is a Kevlar helmet also called “K-Pot.” It is the oldest type of the modern tactical helmet. It still has some use today.

Modular Integrated Communication Helmet

This type of helmet uses an advanced type of Kevlar construction. It is lighter and more comfortable but just as protective.

This helmet is re-designed and made of advanced Kevlar.

Advanced Combat Helmet

It is an advanced version of the Modular Integrated Communication helmet.

Enhanced Combat Helmet

This is a second-generation Advanced Combat helmet. The helmet is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene instead of ballistic fibers. It is designed to be lighter weight with increased protection.

Future Assault Shell Technology

This helmet is recognizable because of its high-cut design which exposes the ears. It is designed to prevent water retention. The helmet allows for accessories such as communication systems and night vision equipment.

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Ballistic Helmet Brands

There are a variety of brands that sell ballistic helmets and accessories. These brands include Crye Precision, Hard Head Veterans, Galvion, Ops-Core, Shellvac Tactical, Team Wendy, and United Shield.

Crye Precision

Crye Precision manufactures American-made products. Their products are dedicated to high performance, usability, and longevity. They pride themselves on their customer support and work to integrate feedback from their users.

Hard Head Veterans

Hard Head Veterans is a veteran-owned and operated company. They make protective gear which is accessible and affordable.

Ops-Core

Ops-Core has helmet systems for modern defense, emergency response, and security forces. Their modular helmet systems integrate with hearing protection, eyewear, communication system, and respiratory protection products.

Shellvac Tactical

Shellvac Tactical’s mission is to design and manufacture premium, innovative tactical gear. They focus on the functionality and durability of their gear.

Team Wendy

Team Wendy focuses on developing leading-edge products. They 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

Makers of inexpensive AR500 steel armor, vests, and accessories. They also offer level III ballistic helmets. 

BTW If you buy anything with the links we provide on this page we might get a small percentage of the sale from the manufacturers end. For more info click here.

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, the Protector will defeat all handgun rounds. This helmet has a light weight of 3 pounds and an adjustable under-the-chin suspension system.

$279AR500

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Choosing the Right Helmet

First you need to decide if you need a Bump helmet or a Ballistic helmet. 

My guess is that the vast majority of people will need a Bump helmet, as they aren't taking incoming fire from a hostile force. A Bump helmet protects your head and allows you a platform to hold items like ear protection and NV goggles.

HHV ATE GEN2 Ballistic Helmet

This ballistic helmet comes in four sizes and five color patterns. It is an above-the-ear or high-cut design helmet. It weighs three pounds and has a slim profile.

Accessories for this helmet include lights, headset adapters, and cameras.

The helmet has an initial impact padding system, velcro-mounted panels, customizable comfort padding system. It also has a ten-year shell performance guarantee. The manufacturer offers lifetime repairs.

The HHV ATE GEN2 ballistic helmet costs $534.

Galvion Batlskin Caiman Bump Helmet

This helmet comes in five sizes and two color schemes with additional colors available upon request. It is lightweight with the anticipation of additional equipment being added.

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 helmet accessories.

The helmet weighs 1.5-1.7 pounds. The Ops-Core helmet costs $943.

Crye Precision AirFrame Ballistic Helmet

This helmet comes in three sizes and three color schemes. It is a modular helmet. The helmet features a unique design that allows for ventilation and passive cooling.

It weighs 2.3-2.8 pounds. Accessories include ear and face protection.

The Crye Precision AirFrame ballistic helmet costs $1,093.

Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet

This ballistic helmet above-the-ear helmet is for those who are serious about their tactical equipment. It weighs about 2.7 pounds and is made from hybrid composite material.

The helmet features CAM FIT retention. This allows easy adjustment for individual head shapes. It also has a set of movable comfort pads. Accessories include visors, ear covers, face shields, and mandible.

The Team Wendy EXFIL ballistic helmet costs $1,176.

DevTAC Ronin Ballistic Helmet Facemask

This is a full-faced ballistic helmet. It offers the most protection of all of the products. The mask weighs 5-6 pounds. It comes with detachable plates that allow 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. The non-ballistic version costs $2,800.

Finally, when choosing a ballistic helmet you’ll need to consider how you will be using it and what is best for you. Also, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the helmets. Once you’ve made your decision and purchase, you can safely enjoy your outdoor activities.