Why Climbing helmets?

[bucksaw]

General question. Why do people wear climbing helmets when skiing?

I am seeing this more and more and do not understand the thought process.

[samthaman]

i dont wear it much, but when i do bring it, its because its a little lighter and it's a day when i'm more worried about things falling on me, then me falling into things.

[boardman]

The styrofoam-type climbing helmets (like the Petzl Meteor) are made like bike helmets and are designed for side impacts in climbing falls (unlike the old, standard climbing helmets that were only designed for rock and ice fall). They are much lighter and mre compact than your typical ski helmet. I would guess that some folks just would rather not spend the cash for two helmets, so they go for the more versatile one -- you would never wear a ski helmet climbing. I have a regular ski helmet for resort riding, and I use my climbing helmet for BC (and climbing, of course).

[danimal]

They also breath better than a ski helmet for high-cardio activities like BC skiing (at least the uphill part).

[brakeformoose]

While many will say its because they offer better ventilation and are lighter when it comes down to it I would think 90% of the time it is people who don't want to buy two helmets.

[stoneman]

Ya, i'd have to agree with BFM. But really, the only reason for wearing a ski helmet ( other than for sking into trees & lift towers & such) is they are a heckofalot warmer than a hat.... Climbing helmets aren't very warm, so whats the point?

[PwdrHound]

Hmmmm.....are you seeing this in the backcountry? Are these people making ski approaches to climbs?

This is a timely thread as I've been looking into buying and ice helment. I currently climb rock and ice with a BD Tracer (Kids version...saved me $30 and, hey, the fit is bomber!)
Anyway, my ski helmet has a lot more volume but, I wouldn't say it is much different then the Tracer. I mean, the Tracer doesn't have all the padding and such, but I wear a skull liner when it is really cold anyway. Other than that and the sweet quick-adjusting knob on the head strap, I don't see how this helmet would be considered any safer then my ski helmet....maybe I'm missing something....

[bucksaw]

Hmmmm.....are you seeing this in the backcountry? Are these people making ski approaches to climbs?

Funny you ask... I saw someone this weekend skin up to Tucks (helmet on) and slide the little headwall then down the shirbe.... whole time wearing a petzl ROC.

I'm no helmet expert I just know what I read (http://www.telemarktips.com/Helmets.html). A real ski helmet, is designed different than a climbing helmet. After watching so many people "acting safe", they are missing the mark and it too bad, because they are trying.

A climber helmet is designed for a top impact, even the ones that look like they "could take more". The tests (CE / UIAA) are either straight on or at a slight angle. Ski helmets are / rated based off of coverage, stability, impact management, etc. If someone could market a certified dual purpose helmet they would but the standards/modes of injury are different (I say this knowing CAMP.USA markets dual purpose uncertified models).

[boardman]

Ya, i'd have to agree with BFM. But really, the only reason for wearing a ski helmet ( other than for sking into trees & lift towers & such) is they are a heckofalot warmer than a hat.... Climbing helmets aren't very warm, so whats the point?


Gotta disagree as far as this goes, based solely on my own reason for wearing one. I took up wearing a helmet because of the very real possibility of collision with other skiers/riders at resorts. There are just so many out of control idiots out there, that I didn't feel safe on-resort without one. I have a hell of a lot of money invested in my head (which I'm still paying off!), so I feel it's worth protecting. If I had the resort to myself, I wouldn't wear one ever.