Climbing Helmets

Helmets are an often ignored piece of safety equipment. Flying rocks and high exposure can seriously injure the climber and the belayer. A typical climbing helmet is made out of some form of plastic, does not obstruct vision or hearing, and is very adjustable.

The helmet pictured above is a very good one. Notice the holes in it. These are used for ventilation. The helmet also has small metal tabs for attaching a headlamp.

It is best to have a helmet for both the climber and the belayer. If only one helmet is available however, the belayer should use it. This is an often-debated question. Why should the belayer use it?

If the belayer is below the climber, they have more of a chance of being hit by rocks
If they belayer is injured, the climber is instantly put in jeopardy
If the climber is being belayed from above, it might be better for the climber to use the helmet. It is a judgment that the climber and belayer need to make, depending on the circumstances. The best situation, however, is for both the climber and the belayer to use a helmet.