How to Choose the Right Climbing Helmet

Canada has pretty amazing climbing destinations. This is a country that has something for everyone, so it isn’t strange that many people love the idea of going mountain and rock climbing, or something more specific like sport climbing. Preparation is key in making the most of this type of adventure, however. Aside from some of the most basic gear like ropes, security harness and climbing pack, you shouldn’t forget about another crucial piece of gear – the helmet.

What Is the Purpose of a Climbing Helmet?

Well, the truth is simple, just like other helmets, these ones have one goal – to protect you from injuries. Rock climbing is an activity that has its own risks, like being hit by loose rocks above you, peeling off or whipping into a wall, or accidentally hitting your head on an overhang. Either way, your head is quite exposed when climbing, so staying protected with the right headgear is crucial if you want to avoid some serious injuries.

How to Choose Climbing Helmets?

The best piece of such headgear you can buy is the one that can provide you with the utmost protection. To be certain of this, choose climbing helmets that meet standards for impact protection. A good and quality helmet of this kind should be designed for ice climbing and mountaineering as well, and it needs to be made from high-quality materials. In order to choose the right model for you, you should take into account some important things.

Type

Generally speaking, you can choose from two types of them: hardshell and shelled foam helmets.

Hardshell

The hardshell ones are certainly one of the most durable options available on the market, and are mainly made from ABS plastic for extra protection. Usually, they have a thin foam layer on the inside for a more comfortable fit and a strap suspension system. The things that have made this helmet so popular among users are their low price and long lifespan.

Shelled

The thing that makes these climbing helmets different from the rest is their weight, which is significantly lighter than the others. But despite being light, these helmets don’t compromise protection as they feature a layer of impact-absorbing polystyrene/polypropylene foam, which is usually protected with a polycarbonate shell. Aside from their light weight, these pieces of headgear don’t miss to improve your protection, and unlike the hardshell models, these ones also offer greater ventilation.

Type of Foam

EPS – Expanded Polystyrene

This is one of the most commonly used types of foam. This foam is quite dense, and it can absorb both harder and softer impacts. An important thing you should know about it is that EPS can absorb only one harder impact before it regains its form. But while the foam might regain its previous shape over time, it’s said that its energy-transmitting properties can expire during one impact.

In those times when the foam will take a direct hit, the foam will certainly crack if not break, making it not eligible for use. The thing that makes this foam popular is its attractive price, light weight, ability to be tuned to absorb hard impacts, and ability to be paired with a polycarbonate shell for increased strength. The downside of its use is that it can only absorb one hard impact before breaking. Plus, EPS cannot be recycled, and its production process isn’t considered environmentally friendly.

EPP – Expanded Polypropylene

While this material is considered to be pretty similar to the previous type of foam, it’s said that its manufacturing process is quite different. Additionally, EPP seems to be softer than EPS, giving a more rubbery feel, which is one of the main reasons why it cracks and breaks harder than EPS. Practice shows that this foam has proven better at absorbing impacts.

This foam is lightweight, doesn’t need to be protected with a plastic shell from soft impacts, and it can be recycled. The downside of this foam is that it’s a bit more expensive to produce, and it’s less dense than EPS.

While you can choose helmets made entirely from EPP or EPS foam, you can also choose a combination of both for greater protection. In such pieces of headgear, EPS is used on the top of the head to protect it from harder impacts, and EPP is used on the sides and back.

Proper Fit

The last thing to have in mind when choosing the right type for you is the fit. When searching for the right model, make sure to try it if possible for better results. You can start by placing the helmet securely on the head, and the front rim secured across the forehead. Once on your head, make sure that it sits snug, then buckle the straps so they aren’t loose. They should form a ‘Y’ around each ear without giving you any discomfort – this is one of the signs that you have chosen a well-fitted headpiece.