Climbing could sometimes be a risky adventure, so its best to take your helmet with you or just have a change of heart.
You probably must have been told that before right? Well, these words could only have been said by loved ones who don’t want to see you hurt.
Having the right climbing helmet could save you from falling debris which could be icefall, rockfall, and accidentally hitting your head against the wall.
This makes climbing helmets an essential tool not just for those high-risk climbing, but also hiking and mountaineering especially in locations where there is a constant rockfall or icefall.
Consider some of the best climbing helmets out there on your next expedition;
1. Edelrid Madillo
This helmet has been designed for the gear nerds out there as well as backpackers due to its foldable feature.
So if you’re looking to save some space in your pack, you may want to consider this climbing helmet.
Although this helmet saves you some space for that extra snack, it’s a bit on the heavy side and not the most durable gear among the list.
For climbers who rarely embark on an adventure but would love to pack a helmet should the need ever arise, you may want to consider this protective gear.
Pros
- The design of this helmet makes it a conversation starter
- Quite easy to pack due to its unique foldable design
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Quite expensive
- Not durable
2. Petzl Boreo
The famous Petzl Elios was replaced by the Petzl Boreo in 2018, with its distinctive hardshell design.
Users may choose to attach a headlamp with four clips that give you that extra safety, and one can also adjust the headband circumference thanks to a plastic slider bar.
This climbing helmet can be used alongside the Vizion eyeshield which is sold separately for that extra protection against spindrift as well as ice chips.
Are you new to mountaineering and climbing? Well, this is a great helmet for you due to its durability and price tag.
Pros
- A durable climbing helmet
- Easily adjustable
- Cost-effective option
- Lasts long
3. Grivel Stealth Climbing Helmet
Do you need a climbing helmet that’s guaranteed to make heads spin while scaling? The Grivel Stealth Climbing Helmet is definitely a show stopper.
Whatever color you might be going for; chrome or yellow, this helmet is certain to get the attention of everyone and is worth every penny as it is one of the best out there.
Pros
- Amazing design
- Premium quality
- The foam of this climbing helmet molds nicely into a person’s head
Cons
- The choice of bright colors may be considered unattractive to some
- Mounting a camera may be difficult due to the surface.
4. Singing Rock Penta
This lightweight climbing helmet weighs a little over 7 ounces and has a tough exterior design.
This climbing helmet is a combination of durability and fragility due to its durable exterior that shields it from damages as well as the ultralightweight that allows you to carry around all day with ease.
The detachable padding means this climbing helmet is easy to tidy and is also well ventilated.
You may want to consider trying this helmet first as users can only get this protective gear in one option.
Pros
- Amazing design
- A durable climbing helmet
- The ultralightweight ensures you carry this helmet everywhere with ease
- Great value for your money
Cons
- Single sizefor all users
- The adjustment can be quite challenging
5. Mammut Wall Rider Helmet
If you desire a total package in a climbing helmet, then the Mammut Wall Rider is the ideal protective gear.
This helmet is in the lightweight category and is also durable due to its addition of both EPP foam as well as a plastic hard exterior.
You should know that the hard exterior only covers both the front and top of the helmet due to these areas’ susceptibility to harm and damage.
There are about 16 large air vents available that let just enough airflow while maintaining a stylish design.
Pros
- Amazing design
- Belongs to the lightweight category
- Durable exterior
- Great foam
Cons
- Fixing headlights could be quite challenging
- Not easily adjustable
6. Petzl Sirocco
This is one of the most highly-rated climbing helmets out there and this lightweight protective gear weighs around 170g which can be said to be almost half of the average helmet in weight.
Shallow helmet models may need to restructure their designs using the Petzl Sirocco’s deeper shape as a blueprint due to that extra comforting feeling this climbing helmet delivers.
Users are protected by the EPP foam as well as the EPS plate against rockfalls without compromising on comfort.
The tough plastic exterior gives this helmet extra durability without hindering its large ventilation holes which helps to keep the Petzl Sirocco airy and cool.
Pros
- Great ventilation
- There is an optimized volume positioned on the head.
- You get a comfortable soft sack that can be used to store small items.
7. Black Diamond Vapor
This is the advanced version of the Dark Diamond Vector helmet characterized with a closed layout, a mild vapor as well as extra vents.
This is a suitable helmet for venting and among the best protective helmet you can find out there.
Pros
- This helmet is in the lightweight category
- Great ventilation
- Comfortable on the head
Cons
- Very fragile
- Quite expensive
8. Grivel Salamander Helmet 2.0
Similar to the Grivel Stealth Climbing Helmet, this helmet offers users a great choice of colors ranging from yellow, chrome, etc.
Also one of the best climbing helmets in the market, the polystyrene foam applies built-in molds on the user’s head.
Easy to adjust and extremely cool and a shell that’s top of the line guarantees user’s safety from rocks and icefalls.
Pros
- Premium quality feel
- Great design
- Foam molds effortlessly into your head
Ways to choose the best climbing helmets
Fit: You need to first ascertain if the helmet of choice fits not just in your mind but practically. No helmet should be too stressful to wear so try and avoid any that could trouble you while climbing.
Size Adjustment: A great point to also take into consideration is the dimension of your climbing helmet’s adjustment range which is usually between 53 to 62 cm.
Usage: You should pick your helmets based on the kind of expedition you’re embarking on, a sport climber could opt for a foam shell helmet as this is an ideal choice for such a tour.
This offers protection against a collision between the headwall and rocks, alpine climbers on the other hand can get a shell helmet due to its better protection against rockfalls.
Weight: You need to get the right weight on your head, not too light and not too heavy. An ultralight climbing helmet might give you a sense of danger as heavy rockfalls may break the exterior of such helmets.
Heavier climbing helmets may slow you down and wear you out quickly, which means you might have to postpone your tour due to tiredness.
Efficient Ventilation: A great ventilation is essential as this prevents excess sweating below your climbing helmet.
The conventional number of slits on climbing helmets are between eight to ten, more ventilation slits mean less sweating and better air distribution.
Chin Pad: There are quite a number of helmets with a chin pad attached to the strap, this protects the chin from any scratch or deep cut to the skin while offering great comfort.
Not everyone likes a chin pad, so its left to you, try out whichever suits your head the best.
Ways to wear the best climbing helmets
Let’s show you the best ways to use your climbing helmets and the best scenarios to get them on.
Understand the features of the helmet: You need to have an in-depth knowledge of the climbing helmet before making a purchase so as to enjoy th full protection for your head.
Get acquainted with the properties of your protective gear, as this helps you protect both yourself and the gear even more.
Head circumference adjustment: There are a few alterations you need to consider before having this form of protection in mind.
First, you need to adjust the helmet’s head circumference using your own dimension and if you are not familiar with it, try adjusting it till you get the most comfortable position.
A wide climbing helmet may become a disturbance, use the flexible band located on the rear to adjust your head circumference.
Wear your helmet: As soon as you get the accurate dimensions, note it. This is easy, simply select the chinstrap, add it, and pull to position the ribbon before tightening all.
Avoid overtightening as this may lead to suffocation.
Put your helmet on only when the situation arises: Helmets are not just to protect you against falls but it’s also an essential gear for scaling.
The helmet delivers protection against friction against rocks as well as ice mounds that could be harmful to your head.
Keep it tidy: Due to the constant sweating, your climbing helmet is prone to get dirty as dust and other particles also often settle on the surface.
Washing your helmets after use makes it more comfortable to wear on your next tour. You can wash the surface with a sponge that has been soaked in water.
Try brushing the chin straps and dry in the open air, as this is necessary to get the wetness out.
Conclusion
You need to give your mind the protection it deserves as it is a vital part of your body, these protective measures include wearing a helmet when necessary.
You may need to overlook designs as well as appearances of the helmet if the safety benefit is the highest concern.
This list comprises of some of the best climbing helmets in the market today. When purchasing this protective gear, ensure to discover some of the distinctive features.
If you find yourself still uncertain as to what helmet to choose, kindly get this manual and make the best choice today.
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