With the decline of bee colonies worldwide, beekeeping has become a popular hobby. Having a successful beekeeping experience requires the right gear, and of utmost importance is an effective bee hat. Bee hats provide protection from the sun, the rain, and most importantly—the bees. With so many options available on the market today we’ve taken the guesswork out of your decision by providing a review of the top bee hats.
A bee hat is a device worn over the head, neck, and shoulders to prevent being stung when tending bees. They are also useful for preventing bites from mosquitoes, wasps, and other flying insects. Bee hats consist of a brimmed hat for sun protection and a veil to prevent bees from landing on the skin.
Bee hats work by draping a mesh veil over the face, neck, and shoulders to prevent bees from landing on the skin. The brim of the hat provides enough clearance for the mesh to drape over it and not touch the skin. Bee hats also have ventilation for use in hot weather.
We have provided links to the bee hats reviewed in this article.
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty.
The bee hats reviewed in this article range in price from $ to $$.
- Novo Beekeeping Veil with Square Hat
- Humble Bee 221-ST Aerated Beekeeping Veil with Fencing Hood
- BackYard Hive Bee Helmet and Veil
- Glory Bee White Ventilated Adjustable Helmet
- Goodland Bee Supply Professional Beekeeper’s Hat & Veil
- Betterbee Ventilated Helmet (no veil included)
- Kocome Beekeeper Veil with Round Cowboy Hat
- Forest Beekeeping Supply Veil With Round Hat
- Glory Bee Drawstring Veil with Attached Hat
- Humble Bee 220-ST Aerated Beekeeping Veil with Round Hat
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This beekeeping hat has a veil to protect the user’s face from bees. It can be used in conjunction with protective beekeeping gloves. The hat is designed so it will not block the user’s line of sight. The unisex design is suitable for adult men and women. It is easy to wear and remove. The veil of the hat is black, and the hat is a light deflecting wheat color.
- Versatile unisex design
- Veil protects the face from bee bites
- Does not block line of sight
- Large “Made in China” label on the headband
- Arrives crushed from shipping
- Straps come off
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
This bee hat is easy to put on and take off. It will not block the user’s line of sight.
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This aerated beekeeper veil has a fencing hood and features collapsible mesh and elastic shoulder straps. The fabric is 100% synthetic and ultra breathable. The fabric is aerated for exceptional ventilation to keep the user cool in hot weather. The lightweight foam insert provides superior protection against bee bites. The bee hat has a universal fit and a unisex design. Oversized mesh protects the user’s neck and shoulders and elastic shoulder straps keep the hat in place. Ten percent of earnings are donated to bee conservation efforts.
- Aeration keeps the user cool in hot weather
- Foam insert protects against bee bites
- Shoulder straps keep the hood in place
- Veil sits too close to face
- Must be re-shaped after shipping flat
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Some users may require assistance using the shoulder straps. It does not block the user’s line of vision.
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This bee hat and veil slips over your jacket or suit and adjusts for a secure fit. It has an adjustable helmet band and a full-view mesh veil. The helmet provides shading around the face and prevents reflections on the screen for better visibility. The helmet has ventilation holes that keep the user cool. The mesh screen covers 360 degrees of the helmet for ultimate visibility. It also allows the user to spray water on the back of their neck for a cooler experience. The rigid mesh prevents the veil from pressing against your face.
- 360-degree visibility
- Reduces reflection on mesh for better visibility
- Ventilation holes keep the user cool
- Metal mesh will bend if folded
- Complicated to put on
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
This product may be confusing to put on. It provides 360-degree visibility with no reflections.
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This helmet is made from a water-resistant, breathable, white molded mesh. It has bee-proof eyelets that improve ventilation. It features a terry cloth sweatband that is detachable and washable and doubles as a Velcro sizing mechanism. It is recommended to use the helmet with a folding wire veil or a round wire veil for a traditional combination. The helmet is durable and will last for several seasons. One size fits most.
- Removable terry cloth sweatband
- Water resistant
- Bee-proof eyelets improve ventilation
- Does not include veil
- No hooks to attach the veil
- Too big for small heads
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
The product is easy to use, but it can be a challenge to attach a veil. There are no complaints about the range of vision.
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This premium quality beekeeping veil protects against angry bees stinging while their hive is being tended to. It is made with lightweight protective fabric of glass fiber with a fireproof coating. The helmet fits hat sizes from 6 3/8″ to 7 3/8″. The veil is hand washable. The veil and helmet will also protect against wasps and mosquitos.
- Fireproof coating
- Hand washable veil
- Includes hat and veil
- Stitching on straps fail
- Elastic fails
- D-rings don’t function properly
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
This product requires a lot of repair to straps and stitching. It does not block the user’s range of vision.
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This helmet is sturdily constructed of a light straw-like material for a traditional look. It features an adjustable built-in sweatband that will allow it to fit a wide variety of beekeepers. The helmet is lighter and provides more ventilation than plastic helmets. It is the perfect accessory for a square tie-down veil.
- Straw-like material
- Adjustable sweatband
- More ventilation than plastic helmets
- Sweatband cannot be removed to clean
- Does not include veil
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
Ease of use and quality of sight will depend on the veil used in conjunction with this helmet.
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This bee hat has a sturdy wide brim, durable black mesh in front, and cowboy netting on the back and sides for ventilation. It keeps mosquitoes, flies, and other insects off your face while outdoors. It features elastic arm loops and hem to ensure a secure fit. The hat is light and durable to provide effective and comfortable protection.
- Wide, sturdy brim
- Elastic arm hoops for a secure fit
- Light and durable
- Arm hoops are short
- Vent holes allow bugs in
- Cowboy mesh allows bugs in
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
This product appears to be easy to use and will not limit the user’s range of vision.
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This pull-down beekeeping veil uses cords to secure it around the user’s waist. The veils are made from rugged polyester that will not rust. The material bounces back to its original shape if accidentally bent. The mesh provides both ventilation and protection and is easy to roll down over the brim of a hat or helmet. The veil does not require a helmet. It has a string and elastic to use in conjunction with coveralls or street clothes. The veil has no zippers and allows easy access for drinking or wiping away sweat. The veil can be hand washed and line dried.
- Polyester veil holds its shape and will not rust
- Cords secure veil around the user’s waist
- Hand washable
- Poor usage instructions
- Bees can get in under the chin
- Stitching on straps fail
This product can be found on Amazon for around $$.
This product can be confusing to put on. There are no reports of it hindering the user’s range of vision.
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This veil is a great backup for quick work in the hive or for guests who want to visit your hives. It is recommended for beginning beekeepers who don’t want to make a large investment until they decide if they are going to continue beekeeping after the first year. The hat is made of a lightweight cotton polyester blend. The veil is also a lightweight mesh that runs from front to back. The front of the mesh is darker to help shield the user’s eyes from the sun. The extra mesh around the bottom can be tucked into a shirt or jacket. Long polyester drawstrings secure the veil to the user’s body.
- Great for backup or guests
- Inexpensive
- Fits up to men’s XL
- Not for heavy-duty work or angry bees
- Blows off in the breeze
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
This veil is easy to use and does not hinder the user’s range of vision.
Buy on Amazon
This aerated beekeeper veil has a round hat, reinforced brims, and elastic shoulder straps. The hat is made of medium weight cotton polyester blend that is comfortable. The trimmings are 100% synthetic and aerated to keep the user cool in hot environments. The hat has a unisex design and a universal fit. The oversized mesh protects the user’s neck and shoulders, and the elastic shoulder straps keep the hat in place comfortably. Ten percent of earnings are donated to organizations that promote bee conservation efforts.
- Comfortable medium weight cotton polyester blend
- Unisex, universal fit
- Shoulder straps to keep the hat in place
- Net doesn’t stay far enough away from the face to prevent stinging
- Elastic shoulder straps are too small
- Arrives wrinkled
This product can be found on Amazon for around $.
This bee hat is reported to be easy to use and does not interfere with the user’s range of vision.
Based on our research we believe the best bee hat is the Glory Bee White Ventilated Helmet. The terry cloth headband is removable for cleaning and allows the helmet to adjust to multiple sized heads. It is durable and ventilated. This helmet, when paired with a veil of your choice, is sure to enhance your beekeeping activities and will last for several years. It’s a great choice for all of your beekeeping activities.