Climbing helmets

What are climbing helmets?

Climbing helmets, which reduce the chance of head injuries, are one of the most important pieces of equipment you need when climbing. 

Climbing head injuries can occur for two main reasons:

• A person can fall and hit their head on an object such as a rock or tree. 
• A person can also be hit from objects falling from above, such as rocks or branches blown off trees during storms.

Modern rock climbing helmets have a hard outer shell that provides extra protection for your head from bumps and bruises. They can greatly reduce the chances of serious injury or death resulting from a fall or contact with objects while climbing. 

How are climbing helmets different from other helmets?

Climbing helmets are designed specifically for climbing, and to protect against falling debris. As such they tend to be more lightweight and have foam protection on the outside rather than an expanded polystyrene "crash" shell inside like most bicycle helmets do.

How do climbing helmets protect the head?

Climbing helmets are designed with a combination of strong materials that give them the strength and durability needed to absorb shock from an impact. 

The outer layer serves two purposes: 

• It protects against abrasion, such as when you drop onto rocks or rub up against rough surfaces while climbing
• It also has strips sewn in for knotting to make a comfortable, adjustable harness to hold the helmet on your head.

Climbing helmets are not designed to be reused after they have taken a heavy impact. If you hit your head hard enough in any accident, no matter what type of helmet you wear, chances are that the foam lining inside will absorb so much force that it breaks down and becomes too soft to absorb more shock without squashing dangerously close to your head. If this is the case, it’s time for a replacement.

What should I consider when buying a climbing safety helmet?

Aside from the safety benefits mentioned above, choosing the right mountain climbing helmet can drastically improve your sense of comfort and security when climbing. Here’s what to look for when buying a climbing helmet online:

• Fit. Your helmet should fit securely and be comfortable to wear. It should sit level on your head, without being pushed too far back or sitting too high at the front, with two or three fingers' width between the brim of the helmet and your eyebrows.
• Adjustable. Make sure the helmet is adjustable so it cinches tight against your head once adjusted properly around your ears. The webbing straps should be strong but not too thick as they could dig into your skin excessively if they are very wide.
• Features. Some helmets come with an additional chin strap sewn in for extra security, others do not. Some have added features such as improved ventilation, clips for headlamps, and a range of highly visible colours.

Climbing helmets from Oz Backcountry

Oz Backcountry takes pride in stocking premium climbing helmets, including the industry-leading Mammut Wall Rider helmet range. Ultra lightweight and designed for comfort and safety, these helmets are the convalescence of decades of mountain climbing helmet design.

When you buy Mammut Wall Rider climbing helmets online from Oz Backcountry, you are safe. If you are unsatisfied by our products in any way, we will happily replace it, offer store credit, or refund entirely. Visit our returns and exchange policy to learn more.