To be used properly, a helmet must have a snug, secure fit. All climbing helmets have adjustable chin straps to hold the hemet firmly to a climber’s head.
Climbing helmets have an outer shell that either provides the impact protection or protects a foam layer that absorbs impact forces. Many climbing helmets have an inner cradle that goes around the head with a sweatband over the forehead. This cradle keeps the shell from moving around on a climber’s head.
To be used properly, a helmet must have a snug, secure fit. All climbing helmets have adjustable chin straps to hold the hemet firmly to a climber’s head.
Climbing helmets have an outer shell that either provides the impact protection or protects a foam layer that absorbs impact forces. Many climbing helmets have an inner cradle that goes around the head with a sweatband over the forehead. This cradle keeps the shell from moving around on a climber’s head.
Fiberglass/Resin Composite Shell: Early climbing and mountaineering helmets were made of a hard composite material that shielded the head from falling rocks. These helmets are durable and the impact protection qualities of the material lasts a long time, but they’re heavy and have poor ventilation. They are still popular for outdoor climbing centers and camps.
Plastic Shell: These use the same cradle and shell design as above. With advances in plastic technology, manufacturers can create lighter helmets with better ventilation. They don’t have the same lifespan as the heavier fiberglass/resin shell helmets, but they’re more comfortable and still offer good impact protection.
Expanded Polymer Foam: These helmets are more similar to bicycle helmets than the traditional shell and cradle climbing helmets. A thin plastic shell works with a thick foam layer to absorb impact forces. These helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and well ventilated. They may use a cradle strap system or they may sit directly on the climber’s head. The uniform thickness of the foam layer provides good impact protection on each side, which makes them good for absorbing impact to the head from a fall while rock climbing.