For decades, the MSA Cairns® 1010 and Cairns 1044 Fire Helmets have helped protect firefighters, serving as a beacon of hope when people in distress see that iconic shape rushing to provide emergency services. And for decades to come, MSA Cairns will help protect firefighters with the next generation Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet.

Nearing 200 Years of Protecting Firefighters

Paying homage to the first Cairns fire helmet made in 1836, the Cairns 1836 Traditional Fire Helmet is engineered to advance functionality and build on the tradition and legacy of the Cairns 1010 and Cairns 1044 helmets, and all the other helmets that came before. By listening to firefighters and learning what features they wanted to see in the next generation of the traditional fire helmet, the Cairns 1836 builds on nearly two centuries of experience helping protect firefighters. It maintains the iconic look of traditional fire helmets that firefighters love while offering innovations designed to enhance comfort, weight, care, maintenance, and cleanability.

The Cairns 1836 is not a “reinvent the wheel” helmet but rather an effort to incorporate advanced features beyond those of the Cairns 1010 and Cairns 1044 helmets—and that’s why firefighters and departments are making the switch.

Why Switch to the Cairns 1836 Traditional Fire Helmet?

Comfort Enhancements

Several features built into the Cairns 1836 enhance wearer comfort and were the direct result of feedback from firefighters.

• Weight Reduction: The Cairns 1836 is approximately 8% lighter compared to the Cairns 1044.
• Balance: The Cairns 1836 features a half-inch reduction in ride height, which helps keep the helmet from being top-heavy. This helps improve the balance and reduce strain on the wearer’s neck.
• Ride Height: The ride height is reduced 0.5” and is customizable with two adjustments in the front and three adjustments in the back.
• Adjustability: An expandable and pivoting ratchet, combined with a pivoting nape, helps a wide range of wearers find a comfortable fit. The Cairns 1836 can accommodate 95% of head sizes, based on NIOSH anthropometric test data. Less space between the top of the head and the helmet shell provides a more comfortable fit.

Care, Maintenance, and Cleanability Enhancement

The Cairns 1836 was designed with a focus on quicker and easier disassembly and reassembly, aiding in cleaning and inspection efforts.  

• Parts Reduction: The Cairns 1836 has 42% fewer parts when compared to the Cairns 1010 and Cairns1044 Fire Helmets. This means it’s easier to disassemble and there are fewer parts to clean.
• Removable Soft Goods: Quick-connect soft goods and earlaps are easy to remove for cleaning, addressing industry preferences for a helmet that can help promote increased cleaning frequency. The new cushion liner uses TenCate’s Tecasafe® Tech4 station wear material for comfort, and all textile components utilize PFAS-free coatings.
• Assembly & Disassembly: The patent-pending Slide-Lock System allows for quicker and easier disassembly and reassembly. The entire helmet system can be disassembled in as little as 7 minutes, and disassembly and reassembly can be done in less than 15 minutes. This can aid in inspections and promote frequent cleanings.
• New Labels: Gone are the days of labels falling off. The Cairns 1836 includes laser-etched labels engraved into the helmet.

New Features

New features of the Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet compared to the Cairns 1010 and Cairns 1044:

• Visor: The Cairns 1836 features the Articulating Defender® Visor integrated into the helmet that makes the visor easy to deploy, allowing the wearer to simply pull it down from inside the helmet. It is easily replaced and can be adjusted closer to or further from the eyes.
• D-Ring: The D-ring has been redesigned to be wider and features a clamping design to help with retention of the edge trim.
• New Front Holder Options: Available in both 5.5 and 6-inch designs, wearers can choose from a silk-screened Maltese cross or eagle. There is also a carved brass eagle option with crumple zone technology.

What Hasn’t Changed with the Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet?

• The Cairns Shell Release System (SRS): The Cairns 1836 features the Cairns SRS, which allows the helmet to separate from the shell under severe impact to help prevent neck damage or being hung by the chinstrap. The unique system is designed to keep the impact cap on the wearer’s head if the shell is dislodged.
• Industry-Leading Warranty: The Cairns 1836 retains the Cairns Fire Helmet 10-year warranty. Other fire helmets on the market only offer 5-year warranties.
• Proven Materials: The Cairns 1836 is made from MSA’s proven shell material, which helps maximize shell strength and impact performance through a state-of-the-art composite material molding process.

Carrying the Cairns Legacy Forward

Since 1836, Cairns fire helmets have helped protect generations of firefighters. The Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet continues that tradition—thoughtfully evolved for the needs of today’s fire service, with input directly from firefighters.

Learn more about the MSA Cairns 1836 Traditional Fire Helmet.