If you are into hill climbing or rock climbing, it is important that you are adequately protected against possible injuries caused by falls, slips, and other such things.
Your head needs complete protection, and therefore you should make sure that you have a good quality helmet on your head when climbing.
However, you also must make sure that the helmet that you choose fits properly. When climbing hills or rocks, you must understand the importance of climbing helmet fit and be in a position to adequately answer the question of how should a climbing helmet fit.
In this article, we will try to find the right answer to this question, but before that, we will briefly share a few things to be kept in mind while buying a climbing helmet.
Keep These Things in Mind While Buying Climbing Helmets
Before buying a climbing or rappelling helmet, be sure about the type of helmet, the type of climbing you are planning to do, and most importantly, make sure that these helmets fight you properly and rightly.
Also, there are some climbing helmets that are specifically designed for smaller heads and for bigger heads.
As far as helmet types are concerned, you could choose between helmets with hardshell, helmets with shelled foam, and also low-profile helmets. Learn how to choose a climbing helmet based on their types.
The former are known for their durability, and they also have traditional lid features. They also come with an outer shell that is extra hard.
It is mostly made from ABS plastic, and it is paired to a strap along with a thin foam liner. A few of them also are known as hybrid or suspension helmets. They are low priced and have a reasonably long life.
Helmets with foam shells are popular because they are lightweight. They come with a special polypropylene or polystyrene foam that has special impact-absorbing properties. These foams are protected and are kept in place with the help of a shell that is made from polycarbonate.
The use of deformation technology helps in the dissipation of the impact force. They are used by many climbing professionals because they offer impressive ventilation and are also lightweight.
Also, make sure that you choose a helmet with bright color for rock climbing and mountaineering.
When you have a whiteout condition, a colored helmet will make it easier for other team members to spot and identify you should the need arise. Also, choose the right helmet if you are going in for ice-climbing or warm-weather sport climbing.
If you are planning for long climbs, make sure that the helmets have adequate headlamp clips so that you can see the road forward in poor lighting conditions.
Pay Attention to the Fitment of the Helmets
It would be wrong to assume that a helmet that perfectly fits one person will also fit exactly the same for you and others. Your head structure, face’s size, dimension, shape, and other such things should be considered when choosing a good climbing helmet.
The most important thing is to make sure that the helmets fit perfectly and snugly on your head and face.
In case a particular model does not fit the model, you should not hesitate to try another and perhaps another till the fit is perfect. There should not be any compromise on this.
Do a few things to ensure a secure fit. You must start by trying the helmet on your head. Also, ensure that the front portion is firm across the forehead.
Once the fit has been adjusted, shake your head from one side to another and also move the head slightly towards the back. When doing so, the helmet should remain firmly in place. Only after that, you should try fixing the helmet buckle.
Also, ensure that the chin straps are perfectly in place, and you should adjust them properly. Once the straps or buckles are in place, you should be sure that it does have any slack.
The rear and the front straps should automatically form a “Y,” and they should be around each wearer’s ear.
Ease of adjustment is also a factor that should be kept in mind. You should try using the strap adjustment system and make sure that it is intuitive, and it should also be easy for you to fine-tune the fit.
Always make sure that ease of adjustability is one of the most important points, especially in cold conditions. You may need to readjust your climbing helmet fit so that you can adjust a skullcap beneath the helmet should the weather demand it.
The Final Word
Ensure that you spend enough time and effort choosing a quality climbing helmet that meets your specific needs, weather conditions, and other such things.
