HELMETS




Mountaineering Helmets

The climbing helmet, a standard piece of equipment for climbers and scramblers, is designed to protect your head from falling objects such as rock fall or another climber’s falling gear. It is also designed to protect you from the impact of falling on hard surfaces such as rock or ice.

When it comes to selecting a helmet, there are basically two kinds to choose from: hardshell and foam/hybrid.

Hardshell Construction - These helmets are constructed using a hard plastic shell, with webbing inside to help you get the perfect fit. They’re the most durable type of helmet, but also tend to be heavier. If you know you are constantly going to have rocks raining on you from above, this is the way to go; a foam helmet just won’t stand up to that repeated abuse. Since these helmets do not provide a ton of protection towards the rim of the helmet, they are most useful deflecting falling rocks and/or ice from above as opposed to blows from the side.

Hardshell helmets are a good choice when you’re out on long mixed routes since even if they get dings they’re still protective so you can keep going. If you intend to use your helmet for scrambles and rock climbs, this is a good choice of material.

Foam/Hybrid Construction - These helmets are built a lot like most standard bike helmets, using EPS foam with a shell over the outside. Some of the outer shells are quite thin, while some models sport relatively thick, rigid outer layers. They are much lighter than hardshell helmets and, since the foam often extends all the way to the rim of the helmet, they offer good protection against side impacts. In the event of an impact the foam collapses, absorbing the energy. This may crack the helmet but, save your skull.

The helmet should fit squarely on your head with the front straight across your forehead. If you shake your head from side to side the helmet should stay in place and the fit should feel comfortably snug even when unbuckled. Most helmets will offer adjustments to enhance fit—play with it until you get it just right. The chin strap should form a “Y” around your ears when buckled. Tighten the strap so that no slack remains.

One way to fit your helmet is to measure with a soft measuring tape or get the size from a fitted hat. Remember, you should be able to put the helmet on your head, and without strapping it on, bend over without it falling off.

There are several other features to consider when selecting a helmet:

Headlamp clips - You may find yourself on a pre-sunrise alpine start, or maybe you ended up on a scramble trip a lot longer than you planned. All helmets should come equipped with clips for your headlamp. Be sure to check compatibility between each helmet and your headlamp.

Layering - Consider the profile of your helmet—bulkier models may prevent you from employing the hood on your shell or thermal layers. For winter activities you may consider sizing up, or getting a highly adjustable hardshell, so you can layer a balaclava or buff underneath to protect your face and ears.

Features to keep an eye on, and check on a regular basis, include:

  • Are the chin strap and buckle in good working order?

  • Scan the interior and exterior for any dings or signs of damage. Minor dings and scratches do not mean it “needs” to be replaced by any visible cracks pretty much do. Just remember, if it is a foam helmet and the foam is a little collapsed, that’s less protection should the helmet take a hit in that exact spot.

  • Stow your helmet carefully inside your bag to prevent dings and bangs.