Climbing helmets are safety devices that protect climbers in common scenarios that occur during a climb. These include falling rock or ice from above or hitting your head on an ice overhang, thus making them a crucial part of mountaineering gear.
In this article, we explore the different kinds of helmets available, its parts, how to use them and also provide tips on their maintenance.
Different Types of Helmets
Hard Shell Helmets: These helmets help dissipate the force of an impact with the help of the hard outer shell and a webbing suspension system. These are the most durable variant available and also offer different sizing in one helmet. While they offer great protection, they are also heavy and not very well ventilated.
Foam Helmets: These helmets consist of a thick layer of expanded polystyrene (foam) which takes in the impact in case of an accident and coating of a thin layer of polycarbonate on top of the foam which protects the climber from minor bruises and bumps. Foam helmet is the lightest in terms of weight which makes it fragile and also more expensive.
Hybrid Helmets: True to its name, this variant is a hybrid of hard shell and foam helmets. These helmets consist of a thick thermoplastic shell along with some expanded polystyrene. This blend between the two variants offers an all-rounder helmet that has the benefits of being lightweight, durable and affordable all at the same time.
Parts of a Helmet
Most modern helmets have three components:
Outer Shell: This forms the outer shape of the helmet and is the first in the line of defense against an impact or an abrasion.
Foam Liner: This layer heightens the shock absorption and is the part that is directly over the head.
Straps and Suspension: This is attached to the shell, foam liner or both and is the webbing that helps attach the helmet to your head. These straps can be adjusted for better fit as required.
