Climbing Helmets

Climbing Helmet: Practical Guide

If you want to buy reliable and high-performance climbing gear, start by choosing an appropriate helmet. A good helmet protects against falling objects, impacts against the wall, and limits head trauma.

Types of Helmets

• Full helmet (closed shell): reinforced lateral and rear protection. Ideal for technical mountaineering and mixed climbing.
• Ventilated helmet (partial shell): lighter and better ventilated, suitable for crag and indoor sports.
• Ultralight helmet (foam/in-mold): low weight for long routes, sometimes less resistant to repeated impacts.

Standards and Certifications

• EN 12492: European standard specific to mountaineering and climbing helmets.
• UIAA 106: international certification used by many manufacturers.
• Check the inner label: it indicates compliance and the manufacturing date.

Technologies and Benefits

• MIPS (or similar systems): reduces the transmission of rotational energy to the brain during oblique impacts.
• In-mold construction: polycarbonate shell fused to foam: lighter.
• ABS/PE shell + EPS: often more robust against repeated direct impacts.

How to Choose the Best Helmet for Climbing

• Try it on with a belt and headband: good fit without painful points.
• Weight vs ventilation: prioritize comfort based on the season of use.
• Compatibility with lighting/mask/ears: practical for long or winter routes.
• Check the chin adjustment and ease of adjustment.

Maintenance and Lifespan

• Cleaning: lukewarm water and mild soap, no solvents or alcohol.
• Storage: away from UV and humidity, avoid extreme temperatures.
• Replacement: after a major impact, immediately replace the helmet. Without impact, the recommended lifespan is generally 5 to 10 years depending on the material and use.

Differences in Comfort and Weight

• Ultralight helmets prioritize comfort but may sacrifice robustness.
• Models with more padding offer better comfort but increase weight.
• Ventilation greatly affects comfort in summer; poorly ventilated helmets are better suited for cold.

Quick Comparison (Tips)

• For sport routes: ventilated, lightweight helmet.
• For long routes and mountaineering: more covering and robust helmet.
• For raids and bivouacs: prioritize comfort and versatility.

Accessories and Additional Equipment

Don't forget the essentials: buy a chalk bag for climbing to maintain a good grip, and plan for bivouac gear for climbing if you are going for several days.

Recommendations and Brands

If you are looking for reliable options, consider buying an Edelrid climbing helmet while checking standards and type. To complete your technical kit, prioritize the Mammut backpack and gear for hikes and challenging routes. For lighting, protection, and technical helmets, PETZL outdoor expert gear is often cited by practitioners. For the entire system (ice axes, quickdraws, carabiners), C.A.M.P. equipment for climbing and mountaineering remains a reference. Finally, for protection and belaying accessories, Black Diamond equipment covers a wide range of needs.

Conclusion and Final Choice

To choose well: test the helmet, check the EN/UIAA standard, prioritize a good fit, and replace it after a shock. If you want to compare models, consider technologies (MIPS), shell type, and comfort. And if you are ready to take the plunge, look for where to buy reliable and high-performance climbing gear and make a choice suitable for your practice.