Looking for the ultimate protection for whatever situation you might encounter?
Enter the hazmat (hazardous materials) suit, which can range from painter’s coveralls to fully encapsulated suits with their own air supply.
We’ll cover our favorite picks across the protective ratings so you’ll be prepared to whatever you might face.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Editor’s Pick
-
For Light Protection
-
For Chemical Resistance
-
Highest Protection
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Chose
We picked the top hazmat suits by testing out the suits ourselves and also checking out other authoritative sources known for their expertise in safety and survival gear. One thing we looked at first was whether these suits that can handle everything from dust to full-on chemical threats. From basic particulate resistance to comprehensive CBRN defense, we made sure that suits fit various hazardous scenarios. Also kept an eye out for cool extras like gear compatibility and ease of moving around, without making your wallet cry. Aimed to provide reliable, affordable options for different risk levels and applications.
Best Hazmat Suits
1. Mira Safety CBRN Hazmat Suit
Let’s start with our favorite and probably the most protection you’ll get without something fully encapsulated and with its own air supply.
The Mira Safety CBRN Hazmat Suit features puncture-resistant film composite (same as military grade ones) that protects you against chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
And those CBRN letters?
We’ve covered Chemical above…but there’s also Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear protection. Nuclear takes care of traditional nuclear fallout while Radiation covers dirty bomb isotope fallout.
Shelf-life is undetermined but Mira notes that studies on the material used can be up to 20 years if stored correctly in a cool & dry environment.
Reasonably easy to don on and off with zippers and then some Velcro to really get things nice and tight.
However, the hazmat suit itself still leaves gaps in protection that you’ll have to beef up with a respirator.
It becomes a Level C hazmat suit when worn with a standard air-purifying respirator or PAPR and a Level B hazmat suit when worn with an SCBA system.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
We love the Mira Safety CM-7M gas masks since you can shoot more easily in them.
Otherwise, check out our other favorites in our Best Gas Masks article.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Comfort is about what you’d expect in something that’s impermeable and meant to protect you from toxic environmental factors.
I didn’t get sweaty simply sitting around standing around but movement did make it a little moist. However, I’m impressed at the agility maintained.
I’m 5’11” and had some room to spare with the L/XL sizing. If you’re ~6’2″ and above or have very long limbs…opt for the 2XL size.
Throw in some Butyl gloves, hazmat booties, and Kappler Chemtape and you’re fully ready to go.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
What’s your take on the Mira?
2. DuPont Tyvek 400 Coveralls
Looking for something a little easier to don and wear comfortably when you’re not facing serious contamination?
Our pick is the DuPoint Tyvek 400 Coveralls which protects against dry-particulate hazards.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Traditionally used for spray-painting, lead remediation, and agriculture. It’s decently comfortable even when running and gunning in the desert.
They fit respirators and full-face gas masks well. Make sure to get gloves and Tyvek boot covers if needed.
3. DuPont Tychem 2000 Hazmat Suit
Want to step it up a notch for chemical resistance? Take a look at the Dupont Tychem 2000 Coveralls.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
These come with hoods that work well with full-faced gas masks as well as built-in booties. You’re still on your own with gloves, though.
Also, be sure to size up if you’re in between sizes.
Because you’re also upping in protection, expect to be a little sweatier when compared to the previous Tyvek option.
Plus…you’re always ready with a last-minute Halloween costume if needed.
4. DuPont Tychem 1000
When absolutely only the best will do…and you need Level A protection…check out the DuPoint Tychem 1000 suit that will set you back around $1,200.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Available in both front or rear donning models.
And comes with built-in booties, gloves, and face shield. SCBA breathing system is not included though.
Notable Mentions
5. 3M Disposable Protective Coverall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
3M’s expertise in materials and chemicals is evident in their disposable protective coveralls. These suits provide solid protection against biological hazards and airborne pollutants, making them a versatile choice for dealing with light to moderate liquid hazards. They’re pretty affortable too and comes in sizes from medium to 2XLs. These are not tyvek suits so it’s not going to be very durable.
6. Raygard 30303 SMS Chemical Protective Suit
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
An affordable option that does not compromise on safety, the Raygard 30303 suit offers protection against biological hazards and airborne radioactive dust. It’s a disposable suit that’s both light and provides a tight seal against the elements, suitable for various professionals including healthcare workers and construction workers. The downside is they’re not as durable as the other options. The zipper isn’t great. But for the price, it’ll do it’s job for a short amount of time.
Hazmat Suit Ratings
I’ve mentioned ratings of Level A, B, & C above…but what do they mean?
If you see a hazmat suit rating with letters…they are United States ratings while numbers are European.
Level A or Type 1: Highest level of protection against vapors, gases, mists, and particles. The suit is fully-encapsulated and users wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) inside the suit. Gas tight.
Level B or Type 2: Protects against splashes from hazardous chemicals and still requires a SCBA but may not be fully encapsulated. Not gas tight.
Level C or Type 4: Protects against liquid chemicals for a limited period. Respiratory protection still required but not a SCBA. Liquid saturation tight.
Level D or Type 6: Does not protect against chemical exposure. A pair of coveralls and chemical resistant footwear is all that is needed.
Conclusion
The hazmat suit may be the ultimate piece of PPE for whatever you may face. Hopefully, we shed some light on the different levels of what you may need.
Check out our Best Gas Masks article if you want to fully kit out your suit.
1 Leave a Reply
Fun stuff, would love to see a full Hazmat setup