Climbing can be one of the most rewarding experiences out there! However,safety and protection are one of the most important factors to be considered when you climb, and your head is the most important area. For instance, you need to protect your head from any falling debris or from accidental slip-and-fall.
We may have a thick skull, but rocks are usually harder so the best climbing helmet will definitely make your adventure safer and, why not, more fun.
Anyone who enjoys rock climbing from beginners to experts should consider a rock-climbing helmet to be an essential part of their safety gear. Still, a helmet only works if you wear it, so make sure you choose one that will be comfortable for each and every climb.
Objective dangers like rocks falling can strike when you least expected and a helmet will allow you to care about your grip while still being safe.
Buying the right gear saves money, time and energy and owning a gear you’re confident in just makes for a better climbing experience.
You should not only wear a helmet for single pitches at the crag but also for mountaineering, canyoneering, and multi-pitch rock/ice routes. You should also initiate wearing the helmet on the first day of your climbing journey and adopt it as a habit afterward, wearing it frequently.
Important Features to Consider Before You Purchase
There are a lot of available climbing helmets on the market, with different sizes and styles. Here are the most recommended features to make the search a lot easier for the buyers.
Ventilation
Lack of ventilation is a big reason why many people don’t wear a helmet while climbing. Helmet manufacturers add more and more ventilation in their helmets as technology improves.
The more ventilation a helmet has the better. The lightweight foam helmets have a lot more openings in the shell, and therefore much better ventilation than hardshell helmets.
Weight
When it comes to climbing helmet, weight is very important depending on the type of climbing you’re doing. In other words, the lighter the helmet is, the less durable it is. That is true for all the climbing helmets on thelist below.
You may want to consider weight for climbs with really long approaches mountaineering or multi-pitch routes objectives. Lighter helmets are usually less noticeable, more comfortable and are more likely to be worn. Having a lighter helmet will drain much less energy when climbing and will allow you to climb higher and longer.
Comfort
The major factor is not wearing a helmet – it’s actually comfort. Also, if you don’t wear it, it won’t protect you. Having an uncomfortable helmet that irritates you will result in an uncomfortable climb and will only be a waste of money.
It is advisable to look for a helmet that is easy to adjust and get in a perfect position that you may even forget that you wear a helmet.
Size
Helmets sizes are different depending on your head. All helmets offer some degree of sizing adjustability and there is some overlap between one size and another. A well-fitting helmet should feel snug before you clip the chin strap. The climbing helmet should fit comfortably, and shouldn’t bob around when you move your head.
Durability
Durability is also important as we are always looking to get the best value for our money. If your climbing helmet would be seeing lots of abuse then opt for a durable and more protective helmet.
Since you cannot determine the type of rock and items that may possibly fall, it is better to focus on having a very hard shell material that can withstand heavier impact, as more durable helmets can last for decades.
Adjustability
The biggest consideration for adjustability probably is just how intuitive it is and how easy it is to use. Sometimes in climbing, your helmet may move to an uncomfortable position and this may hinder you from looking up or even finding your next step so if you cannot easily adjust your helmet, it will not be a beneficial item to carry along. Having a helmet that is easy to adjust will give you a better climbing experience.
Headlamp
We strongly recommend that any helmet you buy has this feature. You never know when you might find yourself late on a climb and need the illumination.
The headlamp will not only give you an extra free hand but will make your climbing experience smoother and you will always be able to see where you are going. Any helmet you buy should be headlamp compatible and also consider the system used for securing the headlamp before you make a purchase.
Reviews, purchasing advice, and useful info
Since we also know that the market is flooded with a wide range of products, this article will review the best climbing and mountaineering helmets on the market. Below, in our picks, we’ve also included detailed buying advice that breaks down the technical information and factors that differentiate one climbing helmet from another.
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 inches
Design: Hybrid design with molded EPS foam
Best Use: Climbing
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet offers great overall protection, with a large cap of polystyrene in the interior.
A custom-designed wheel adjuster is also added for quick, secure and precise adjustments with an improved fit and weight savings of more than 40 grams over the original design and it’s still the most durable helmet that Black Diamond offers.
If you like a rear click wheel adjustment, then this helmet is for you.
Other Important Features:
- Suspension’s custom wheel adjuster allows for improved fine-tuning of fit
- Large vents on the sides and back offers natural airflow without compromising integrity
- Wheel adjuster accommodates a variety of hairstyles and head sizes while maintaining a specific fit
- Tuck-away suspension allows for easier storage
Outdoor Sports Safety Helmet for Rock Climbing
Weight: 360grams
Dimensions: 21.65-24.02 inch
Material (inner/outer): Polypropylene (PP) / polycarbonate (PC)
Special features: Adjustable buckle/strap to adjust length, softer inner material makes the helmet comfortable
Best Use: Climbing, Mountaineering
Outdoor Sports Safety Helmet for rock climbing is durable and light in weight with an air vent effective for ventilating and cooling.
It is a protective guard design to prevent the damage of your chin when a collision occurs. The softer inner material brings you comfortable feeling and comes in different size, color and suitable for women, men, and children.
Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet
Weight: 0.7 pounds
Dimensions: 6.25 x 8.25 x 10.25 inches
Special Features: 10 ventilation areas to keep user from overheating on a day, two slots are available for mounting hearing protectors, extremely durable
Best Use: Climbing, Mountaineering
Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet has Anti-Microbial foam padding that offers outstanding comfort and manages moisture. They have a single hand use to adjust the size and shape of the helmet.
The Meka gives a variety of adjustability and 10 spaces for air flow to stay the users head cool and relaxed all through actions. The Meka is the helmet for you.
Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 6 inches
Material: ABS shell, polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene liner
Special features: Sliding ventilation shutters, slidelock headband adjustment, headlamp compatible
Best Use: Climbing, Mountaineering
This new version of the Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet is excellent and inexpensive. Its lightweight ABS shell passes all the standard certifications for climbing, and the expanded polystyrene liner is ventilated and prevents the helmet from moving around on your head while you climb.
Petzl also integrated shutters over the vents so you can open or close the vents depending on your preference. PetzlEliosis more than just a foam helmet with a hard shell; it sets a new standard in helmet design – high performance and a great fit at the right price.
Mammut Wall Rider Chill Climbing Helmet
Weight: 195 grams
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 6 inches
Material: EPP core combined with a hard shell to offer maximum impact-absorbing properties
Special features: Large ventilation for heat discharge and good air circulation, ergonomic interior with comfortable padding, ultra-lightweight, minimalist adjustment system, chin strap for ideal fit, headlamp
Best Use: Climbing, Mountaineering
Mammut Wall Rider Chill Climbing Helmet is a hard shell helmet, durable and not heavy. The Wall Rider has an adjustable suspension system, which makes use of thin webbing straps to lock it down on your head.
To help climbers keep a cool head when solving the next crux section, the Wall Rider is equipped with numerous ventilation openings. Weight is also kept to a minimum by the use of EPP in the foam construction.
The Wall Rider is able to save on weight without compromising its ability to tackle more robust conditions. Mammut Wall Rider Chill climbing helmet is great for both ice cragging and climbing in the sun.
Black Diamond Vector Climbing Helmet
Weight: 2 pounds
Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 7 inches
Material: Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell
Features: Ratchet adjuster with molded push buttons, large ventilation ports provide max airflow, tuck-away suspension makes for compact storage, in-mold headlamp clips for ultra-secure attachment
Best Use: Climbing
The Black Diamond Vector is a revolutionary helmet that’s ideal for long routes and other weight-sensitive missions; it combines lightweight protection, great ventilation, and comfort like never before. The Black Diamond Vector is constructed from expanded polystyrene and covered by a thin polycarbonate shell with enclosed co-molded EPS foam for a versatile design that allows airflow without compromising protection.
Edelrid Shield Helmet
Weight: 0.55 pounds
Dimensions: 7 x 8.8 x 10.6 inches
Material: Lightweight In-Mold construction with expanded polystyrene foam core and tough polycarbonate shell
Features: Fully adjustable head and neck strap for the perfect fit, fully adjustable chin strap, ergonomically-shaped interior with removable padding, airflow system with large vents, 4 robust head torch clips, spare padding included
Best Use: Climbing
Edelrid Shield Helmet is profoundly lightweight and still provides robust protection from falling objects. Its In-Mold construction consists of a tough polycarbonate shell and expanded polystyrene foam that you can remove if you need more room.
The Wing-Fit system has a minimalist adjustment dial that lets you adjust the fit comfortably and easily.
Petzl Picchu Climbing Helmet
Weight: 310 grams
Dimensions: 38 x 14 x 14 inches
Material: Expanded polystyrene liner to absorb impacts
Features: Ratchet-back design for easy adjustability, hard-shell design increases durability, side openings permit good ventilation, adjustable chinstrap, headlamp attachment with 4 optimally placed clips, foam is removable and washable
Best Use: Climbing, Cycling
Petzl Picchu Climbing Helmet is designed for children who want to rock climb or cycle. It is very light in weight, comfortable and constructed for durability. It comes with three pages of stickers, with one reflective page, so that the helmet can be personalized and made more visible. Definitely recommend getting it, if your kids climb and cycle.
What we learned
You simply must have a helmet to ensure that you are eliminating every possible risk when you are climbing! After all, a helmet costs less than brain surgery and it should be considered a fundamental part of safety equipment. If you want to spend your money wisely, climbing helmets are the number one piece of equipment you should get.
Please keep in mind that the helmets we discussed today are specific to climbing and are meant to protect your head from falling objects. We hope that the reviews above will help you to choose the right type of helmet for your climbing needs.
Of course, we can’t wait to hear your experience with a helmet and, how it may have saved your life. Until then, stay safe and continue climbing!
Featured Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/helmets-climbing-helmets-60080/
