The idea of being around bees invokes fear in many people, and for good reason. Bees, as small and cute as they are, can feel easily threatened and when threatened, deliver painful and sometimes deadly stings. This is why protective gear is an essential piece of equipment for beekeepers. It is important that everyone, but especially those just starting out, must take proper precautions when dealing with bees.
The head is one of the most vulnerable areas of the human body and thus, beekeeping hats cover the face and prevent serious harm coming to a person. In this article, we will discuss more about the beekeeping hat, the types you might find and where to find the best ones in 2022.
Beekeeper Hat and Veil
As a prospective beekeeper, you should know that protecting your face is extremely important. Technology has ensured that with the right protective equipment, like the beekeeping hat, you can do just that!
Typically, the beekeeping hat consists of a hat but also a veil. There have been many reported cases of beekeepers being attacked in on the face and neck which often results in extreme pain and swelling. That’s where the beekeeping hat comes in! The veil is a special type of netting that falls over the face and neck and which prevents bees from stinging the sensitive skin of these areas.
It must be noted that a hat without a veil accompanying it, and vice versa, makes little sense in terms of offering sufficient and effective protection. This is why it is advisable for newbie keepers to ensure that they obtain a hat and a veil as part of their beekeeping suit.
According to “beekeepclub”, the hat and veil combo can come in two separate options. Option 1 is where the veil attaches to the hat, and they form one piece. Option 2 is where the veil and hat come as separate components, though this option seems slightly more impractical than the first, it all depends on preference.
Beekeeping Hats: There are different types!
Not all veils are created equally. In fact, beekeeping veils come in a variety of types, shapes, designs, and materials, so there are plenty to choose from. Although it might not always be necessary to wear a veil, it takes only one sting to quickly change that! So, any hat and veil are better than none at all. Therefore, we are going to discuss the different types of veils, along with their advantages and disadvantages, so it is that much easier to decide which is the best for you!
Kinds of Beekeeping Veils: What to Look Out for…
- Fencing Veil
The fencing veil is a modern style of veil designed to minimize contact between the head and veil. This veil is by far the most popular kind of veil and is used by most beekeepers.
Visibility:
The visibility score of this veil is surprisingly poor! The fencing veil conveniently hangs forward to give a straight-down-view of what you’re working with. However, there is very little peripheral vision which can be distracting.
Comfort & Fit:
The fencing veil scores high in comfort with its lightweight and adjustment-free design that sits directly on the head.
Screening:
Screening in veils can either be made of sturdy wire mesh which can last for years or out of material mesh that is much easier to tear. Unfortunately, the fencing veil is usually made of the latter.
Affordability:
In general, the fencing veil is more expensive than the round or folding veils but are still affordable.
- Round Veil
A more classic veil design, the round veil is made of a highly breathable mesh and provides a wide field of view for the wearer. The veil moves with your head and in that regard, is better than the fencing veil.
Visibility:
As discussed, the visibility of the round veil is excellent.
Comfort and Fit:
This veil is built into the beekeeping hat with an adjustable band and usually fits comfortably on normal to larger head sizes.
Screening:
The screening is made up of metal mesh, so it is definitely sturdier! The only disadvantage of this is that is it impossible to fold and therefore takes up more storage space.
Affordability:
Compared to other veils, the round veil is definitely cost effective.
- Folding Veil
The square veil has a front mesh to provide for a wide field of view and side mesh to allow plenty of fresh for the wearer. This type of veil is more popular with hobbyists than with commercialists who wear the veil for long hours.
Note: This veil is not recommended when handling overly aggressive bees.
Visibility:
Much like the round veil, the folding veil offers excellent front and peripheral visibility. The only marked difference is the two binder panels that enable the veil to fold, although many report that this does not affect their vision at all.
Comfort and Fit:
This veil requires a separate hat to use, although the advantage of this is that you can find a hat that perfectly fits your head. Overall, this veil scores well in this category.
Screening:
The screening is made of metal mesh and is very durable.
Affordability:
The folding veil is less expensive than the round veil and as affordable as the round veil.
Hopefully this gives you a better sense of the pros and cons of each of the types of veils and helps you choose the best one for you!
The 10 Best Beekeeping Hats & Veils of 2022 Ranked!
To simplify things even further, we have found and listed the best beekeeping hats in the bu(zz)iness for your convenience! Click on the links below and find the ideal beekeeping hat for you in 2022. These hats are not only good quality, but also relatively budget friendly.
- Foxhound Bee Company Adult Beekeeping Jacket with Round Veil and Hat
- Forest Beekeeping Jacket with Round Veil
- Humble Bee 220-ST Aerated Beekeeping Veil with Round Hat
- Natural Apiary Apiarist Beekeeping Jacket with Fencing Veil
- Humble Bee 210 Polycotton Beekeeping Veil with Round Hat
- Mann Lake CL122 Stingless Binding Round Veil
- Goodland Bee Supply Natural Cotton Beekeeping Veil
- Holulo Beekeeping Jacket with Fencing Veil
- BeesNise Beekeeping Veil
- Sunflower 2 in 1 Beekeeping Hat and Veil with Gloves
Conclusion:
The beekeeping hat is an essential piece of protective equipment for beekeepers, old and new. An indispensable part of the beekeeping hat is the beekeeping veil of which there are three kinds: the round, the folding, and the fencing veil. Choosing, which is best suited to you can be complicated, so hopefully our breakdown of their respective visibility, affordability, screening and comfort and fit scores has helped you decide which would best work for you!
To make things even easier, we have provided a list of the top 10 best ranked beekeeping hats on the market in 2022 as well as links straight to where you can buy them.
Happy shopping!
