For anyone who is seriously interested in prepping and wants to be ready for anything, a good gas mask should be on your list of gear. The best gas masks are designed for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats, as well as smoke and particulates. These military-grade gas masks can even help protect you from radiation that could be inhaled after a nuclear blast. These masks are also great to have on hand if you live in an area that’s prone to forest fires.
There are a lot of different factors that go into what makes the best gas mask, including: rubber material and thickness, lens type and thickness, canister type, airflow design, and how comfortable the mask is to wear for extended periods of time. Our top pick features a great blend of all these things, plus it’s incredibly affordable!
The Drager X-Plore 5500 full-face gas mask is a cool-looking, reliable, and highly affordable option. It has a large lens that provides a wide view and won’t fog up no matter how long you wear it. It comes with a neoprene headgear that’s comfy to wear and fits most head sizes. It pairs with a bunch of different filters, but we recommend getting the ones that are specifically designed for this mask. Check them out here.
This is a military-grade gas mask that was made with US Armed Forces and first responders in mind. The M50 is the current standard of protection for the Marine Corps, and it has a ton of different options and accessories that make it one of the most customizable gas masks on the market. It has a double seal for worry-free protection, a speech device, and threaded filter joints that are easy to keep clean. You can buy replacement filters for it, but we recommend getting the MIRA SAFETY brand filters because they’re compatible with it and you can depend on them to last a long time.
Another great choice is this full-face gas mask from SYINE Organic Vapors. It has tinted lenses that protect against a variety of things, from pepper spray to smoke bombs, and it’s made with high-quality materials like butyl rubber that can resist blister agent chemicals. It’s a bit heavier than some of the other options on this list, but it still fits comfortably and offers plenty of protection in any situation.
If you’re looking for a child-sized version of a gas mask, this one from Israel is an excellent option. It’s similar to the ones that firemen across the country use, and it’s backed up by testing against chemical weapons like mustard gas. It also features a built-in hydration system that can be connected to a water bag for extended usage.
A good quality, inexpensive gas mask is a must-have for anyone that is serious about prepping. It won’t be the only piece of equipment you’ll need to be prepared for any scenario, but it will definitely give you peace of mind knowing that you can take care of yourself if anything goes wrong. best gas masks