ROOOCCCCKKKK!!!!!!
The absolute last thing you want to hear while climbing is someone yell rock. This means your climbing partner has broken off a part of the rock directly above you and your only line of defense is a good rock climbing helmet.
Climbing helmets are a very important part of your rock climbing gear. Helmets can protect against falling debris or from slamming into the wall.
As simple as helmets are, a climbing specific helmet comes with some more features than your average bike or skateboard helmet.
The main things to look for to find the best rock climbing helmet are as follows:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Headlamp Compatible
- Adjustable/Comfortable
Getting the right climbing helmet will make the difference between leaving it at home and wearing it religiously.
If you buy a cheap helmet you are risking it failing when you need it the most. Making a good investment in a quality rock climbing helmet can mean walking away from a bad accident, where without it, you would have been severely injured.
Note: Always be extra careful while rock climbing. Here is a good list of how to safely rock climb.
Weight and Durability
Having a helmet that will protect your head is only good if it’s also lightweight. Sure, a 100% steel full facemask helmet will keep your head safe, but you probably won’t be able to pull off of the ground with all that weight.
Climbing gear manufacturers are very good at making strong, lightweight materials for their products. Climbing helmets are no exception.
Gear companies will use the latest impact resistant foam technology to form the inside of the helmet. This keeps the rock climbing helmet as light as possible while also be very sturdy.
The outside of the helmet usually has a high strength polymer shell that is used to help avoid any punctures. This shell also distributes any forces across the entire helmet to help absorb shock.
These materials are also extremely durable and can take multiple impacts before needing replacement (obviously this depends on the severity of the impact, always inspect your helmet before climbing for any damage).
Headlamp and Accessories
What good is the best climbing helmet without some extra gizmos?
Attaching a headlamp securely to a rock climbing helmet is a no-brainer. Whether you are planning a multi-day excursion of El Capitan or an early alpine start climbing in the Rockies, having your headlamp easily mount to your helmet is invaluable.
If you are looking for a good climbing headlamp check out this one: Petzel TIKKA
Other goodies that can be added to your helmet consist of
These additions are only good if you are doing specific types of things with your helmet. For most climbers, a headlamp is the only thing they will need.
Adjustability and Comfort
Rock climbing can take a climber to some pretty extreme places. You can be climbing in the desert with shirts off one day and a few weeks later be ice climbing in the mountains.
Have a good, adjustable climbing helmet is important for these extreme weather changes. Being able to put on a beanie underneath the helmet will keep you warm and comfortable.
Some climbing helmets have very good adjustment systems, whereas others have rather poor ones. Depending on how often you plan on changing the size of your helmet will determine whether this is an important factor in your decision.
Top 7 – Best Climbing Helmets
#7 CAMP Armour Climbing Helmet
This CAMP made climbing helmet is a great starter helmet. It is constructed with premium materials that will stand up to elements.
The Camp Armour climbing helmet has an ABS molded shell with 10 vents. This helmet has a good mix of comfort and protection. Headlamp attachments are readily available on this climbing helmet.
You won’t have to worry about your outfit matching your helmet with the CAMP Armour helmet. This helmet comes in 5 colors so there will always be something for you!
This helmet may not be the best helmet for the price. Coming in at over $50 there are definitely better options out there.
#6 Petzl Meteor Climbing Helmet
Petzl has put its patented magnetic chin straps on this model for extreme comfort and easy fastening. This makes the Meteor helmet one of the best climbing helmets for frequently taking on and off.
This helmet is much more heavy duty than some of the others on this list. It resembles a bike helmet more than other climbing helmets. This is both a good and bad thing. Depending on where you climb, this might be the safest helmet for you.
You really can’t go wrong with a helmet like this, although you might find one you like better later on in this list.
#5 Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
The Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet is a climbing helmet and nothing more.
This is by far the best budget climbing helmet on the list. It is easy to use, lightweight, and comfortable.
This helmet is headlamp compatible and has good ventilation ports.
No, this is not a super high dollar helmet and you probably won’t see a pro climber wearing it, but if you don’t have a helmet yet this is the one for you.
#4 Mammut Skywalker 2 Climbing Helmet
This helmet has 8 ventilation slots to keep your noggin cool during the hot summer days at the crag.
Adjustability is a key focus of the Mammut helmet. The back strap of the has thumbwheels for effective and efficient adjustment to different head size.
The Skywalker 2 also has headlamp clips that are perfect for the late night pitches.
#3 Petzl ELIOS – Durable Multi-Purpose Helmet
This helmet supports a very cool ventilation system. The vents can be opened or closed depending on your comfort preferences. This makes this helmet really good for all seasons and different environments.
The Petzl Elios comes ready to attach any headlamp which is a huge plus!
Lastly, the Elios has push-button adjustment on the back strap to make this helmet a two size fits all (this helmet comes in two different sizes).
You can also check out this hyper lightweight model by Petzl: Sirocco
#2 EDELRID – Madillo Climbing Helmet
That’s right, this helmet folds up flat! It sounds crazy but it actually works.
If you struggle to fit your clunky old helmet into your climbing pack or just don’t want to ever have to experience that in the first place then look no further. The Madillo helmet transforms from a flat piece of plastic to a full blow helmet in a matter of seconds.
The Elelrid Madillo is one of the coolest pieces of engineering genius to hit the climbing market in the past couple of years.
The video below gives you a bit more insight into exactly how the helmet’s folding functions works.
#1 Black Diamond Vector Helmet
That may sound cheesy, but it’s true. The main purpose of a climbing helmet is too ensure your head is protected from shards of rock plummeting down from above and the Black Diamond Vector is ready for that.
The helmet has a very rugged construction with its Co-molded EPS foam with Polycarbonate shell. This makes the Vector one of the strongest helmets on the market.
Black Diamond designed the Vector with extra large ventilation ports for maximum airflow.
This helmet also has headlamp clips that will fit any headlamp of your choosing.
Adjustability is also no problem with the BD Vector. The helmet has ratcheting adjusters with molded push button so you can always get that perfect fit.
There is nothing special about the Black Diamond Vector expect that it will keep you safe, the way a helmet should!
Final Words
Helmets keep us safe and let us do what we love. Climbing is dangerous and you should always be careful.
A small investment in a helmet can mean the difference between a close call and a hospital stay.
Be smart, stay safe, and keep crushing!
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.
