Tree Gear Equipment

Some climbers in the past were reluctant to wear helmets when climbing because they found that plenty of the available helmets were rather heavy. Fortunately, with the development of materials that are lightweight yet strong and durable, there are now helmets you can wear that almost feels like you are not wearing it at all.

The Edelrid Ultralight Climbing Helmet is one of those light, comfortable, and well-ventilated head protection gears available in the market. A further advantage of this helmet is that it is less expensive than its competitors.

The outer shell is constructed out of impact-resistant polymers that enable the helmet to maintain its strength even after extended period of use and abuse. It also resists degradation from exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Inside the helmet are thick pads that absorb impact thrust upon the outer shell, thus protecting the wearer’s head. A suspension system consisting of straps on the back of the head, around the ears, and on the chin cinches the helmet securely.

A hook retention system effectively clamps most headlamps allowing you to proceed with your climb even in the dark.

Owing to its extremely lightweight construction, at only 235 grams, and its increased ventilation surface that freely allows air to enter and circulate beneath the outer shell, it is easy to forget that you are actually wearing a Petzl Meteor III. This makes the helmet ideal for your summer climbs even in tropical countries.

The Meteor III is available in a single size but with its adjustment system it can comfortably fit head circumferences ranging from 53 to 61 cm. The height of the nape strap and the circumference of the headband straps are easily adjustable. In addition to this, the chin strap is also fully adjustable. This can be done whether you are wearing it or not. All straps are made of durable polyester webbing.

The outer shell is made of thin polycarbonate that is temperature and impact resistant. It is lined with an expanded polystyrene foam that effectively cushions and absorbs any impact the helmet is subject to. The combination of the outer shell and interior foam provides excellent head protection from falling tree branches or twigs, ice, or stones.

At the front of the helmet are four clips intended to hold a headlamp for nighttime climbing. And if you have to travel to your climb site and need to pack the Meteor III, you can fold the headband adjustment into the shell for a more compact carry.

With the Petzl Meteor III, you have a choice of three colors –orange, green, and white.

As the Rockman Forestry Helmet is constructed out of ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastic, it is a lightweight protective gear, weighing only about 360 grams. The helmet shell includes UV stabilizations that reduce ultraviolet light degradation. It has also been reinforced against lateral impacts.

The design of the helmet features a wide profile and a rain trough that protects from a continuous flow of rainwater. For better vision, especially when you need to look up, the visor has been shortened. There are 30-mm accessory slots that can accommodate various attachments as hearing protectors, goggles, headlamps, or visors. For ventilation, there are 20 vents at the top of the shell which are said to offer better airflow than those positioned at the sides of the helmet.

A suspension system of woven nylon webbing anchored on six points provides a comfortable wear. The headband is adjustable with a rear-mounted knob that can be operated with one hand. A low nape strap in incorporated to prevent the movement and shifting of the helmet, as well as chin straps that are easily adjustable for proper helmet alignment. A sweat band made of non-allergenic fleece is also provided to prevent sweat from getting into your eyes.

The Rockman is available in four bright and visible colors –yellow, white, orange, and green.

The Petzl Elios Helmet is a durable but lightweight foam helmet within a hard shell. In addition to this, it provides a great fit and performance.

The outer shell is made of the thermoplastic ABS which makes it light, rigid, and durable. Beneath the shell is a crown made of expanded polypropylene foam which is excellent for impact absorption.

Ten ventilation holes spread over the polycarbonate shell assures good air flow into the helmet. This means a cool and sweat-free climb. In addition to this, four headlamp clips are also included.

For fit and comfort, the helmet’s headband is easily adjustable even with only one hand through a wheel-ratchet dial mounted at the nape. The chin strap can also be slid forward or backward to guarantee a comfortable fit and a properly angled helmet.

Petzl Elios shells come in different colors –blue, anthracite, orange, white, and two shades of green. There are two available sizes, Size #1 for 48 – 56 cm head circumference, and Size #2 for 53 – 61 cm. The smaller size weighs 315 g, while the other is 345 g.

The makers of the Black Diamond Tracer Climbing Helmet pride themselves in having built a protective gear for the head that is extremely lightweight at 235 grams, and unobtrusive that you will not even notice you are wearing it until it protects you from a falling rock or tree branch.

The design is low-profile and minimalist yet it manages to look good and, more importantly, provide excellent protection. Its outer shell is made of an impact-resistant yet lightweight polycarbonate shell. EPS or expandable foam is co-molded with the shell providing it with structural strength.

Fourteen vents are scattered all over the helmet assuring ample air flow for a cooler climb. Debris, however, is kept out of them with mesh screens. There are retainers for your headlamp strap so you can continue climbing even before sunup or after sundown.

Finding the precise fit of the Tracer Climbing Helmet is easy as this can be done by rotating a nape-mounted dial to adjust the size of the headband. You can do this with only one hand. The chin strap that is made of nylon webbing is also adjustable so you can wear the helmet with just the right forward tilt. Whether you are wearing the helmet or simply holding it in your hands, adjustments can be made.

The Trace Climbing Helmet can be blue, grey, orange, or white. Head circumference sizes range from 53 cm to 63 cm, classified into small, medium, and large.

The avowed goal of Mammut Sports Group AG of Switzerland is the production of safe and comfortable climbing equipment. It is for this reason that its climbing helmets, such as the Mammut Skywalker 2, are designed and equipped to provide superior protection and a secure and snug fit.

The outer shell of the Skywalker 2 is made of an extremely durable and hard plastic shell that does not easily crack upon impact. The inner lining is made of EPS or expanded polystyrene that has been upgraded to make it tougher without losing its cushioning properties. This also guarantees a longer helmet lifespan.

Eight vents are incorporated in the outer shell to facilitate air flow into the helmet. This prevents or even eliminates a sweaty head. Adjusting the fit of the helmet on the head is easily accomplished with a simple turn of a thumbwheel that can be operated with a single hand. The chin strap is fully adjustable to ensure the most comfortable fit. Clips are included in the outer shell for mounting head lamps.

The Mammut Skywalker 2 fits head sizes from 53 to 61. It weighs 370 grams, and can be used for caving, classical alpinism, ice climbing, and tree climbing.

Protecting your head is always a primary consideration in any form of climbing, whether rock, ice, or tree climbing. Stones and ice can come loose or branches and twigs can break and fall on your head. This is why Camp USA designed a helmet intended to protect you from falling material, even several falling materials.

The Camp Armour is made of molded ABS thermoplastic shell. On the sides of the shell are vents allowing the flow of air into the helmet, thus preventing sweaty head and wet hair. In case you overslept in your hammock up a tree and woke up after dark, you can easily clip on a headlamp on the helmet’s clips that are specifically intended for this. Its interior is lined with foam and soft padding to protect your head from impacts.

The headband inside the shell is adjustable by turning a dial located at the back of the band. The range of this adjustment is from 54 to 63 cm. The chin straps are also fully adjustable. You can fine tune them in a way that they do not pass over your ears or get too tight behind them, that you do not feel as if you are being strangled by them, and that the helmet is kept from tilting even with vigorous movements of your head.

The Armour helmet is available is five colors –red, blue, orange, green, and gray. A women’s version is also available with its headband having a smaller circumference.

The simple lines and superb ventilation of the Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet, along with its maximum coverage and lightweight construction, make it an attractive choice even among helmet-haters.

The outer shell of the helmet is made out of durable ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastic making it rigid yet light. Inside the shell is an EPS or expanded polystyrene foam that provides additional protection for the head. To keep perspiration from flowing into your eyes and face, an absorbent brow pad is included.

There are numerous vents –six on the lower sides, three at the back, four combination vents and latches for a headlamp on the upper sides– on the outer shell which allow free airflow keeping your head cool. The low-profile latches are incorporated to hold headlamps securely should you wish to do your climbing in the night. They are also excellent when spelunking in tight spaces. The raised brim protects your face from rain.

The headband is easily fine-tuned to your preference with a knob that is mounted at the back strap. This can be operated with one hand. The fit should be snug but not tight. The height of the back strap can also be adjusted by moving the tab to a different hole. The chin strap is also fully adjustable through the hook-and-latch mechanism allowing a close but comfortable fit.

The Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet comes in blue, orange, gray, and white. The outer shell is available in only one size but its headband can be adjusted to fit head sizes from 21 – 24 inches.

The “TC” in the Stein Super Plasma TC Helmet stands for Tree Climbing. This means that this protective head gear was specifically designed for tree surgeons and arborists who need to work both at the base and at the top of trees. It does not mean, however, that it cannot be used by recreational tree climbers.

The helmet’s outer shell, made of thermoplastic polymer, is of high density and is highly shock-resistant. Its inner shell consists of polystyrene with ducts that allow air flow into the head thus keeping you cool at all times. The air intakes on the outer shell are equipped with an aluminum anti-intrusion grille that prevents the entry of leaves or small broken twigs.

The seating of the helmet on the head can be easily and quickly adjusted with a wheel wrapped with a rubber grip located at its rear. This adjusts the soft polyethylene headband. This headband and a disc constitute the inner padding. These are made of non-allergenic, odor-resistant, and moisture wicking fabric; and can be removed for washing either by hand or machine.

The fit of the Stein Super Plasma is guaranteed by the four fastening points of the chin strap at the back. Its safety release system, which complies with EN 397, allows quick fastening and opening of the locking mechanism. Soft polyethylene side retractors regulate the length of the straps.

Slots are provided where eye and ear protective gear may be installed. A Kask visor and all Peltor ear defenders are compatible with the slots.

The helmet is available in dark gray, navy blue, white, and red.

The PASGT combat helmet that replaced the M1, used by American troops since the Second World War, has 29 layers of Kevlar in its shell and is capable of providing protection from shrapnel and ballistic threats. The new material has proven quite effective that even the later replacements of the PASGT helmet continue to use it as a primary shell component.

It was thus a matter of time before Kevlar would be put to use in civilian application helmets. Among them is the Pacific Kevlar Shell Helmet.

The name Kevlar is actually a trademark for a light yet strong para-aramid synthetic fiber. Given the same weight, it has five times the strength of steel. It is thus quite comfortable to wear and some users swear that sometimes they forget they are wearing it.

The Pacific Kevlar Shell Helmet features a 6-point ratchet suspension and 3-point chin strap adjustments. These contribute to the comfort of wearing it as they allow for a snug fit that is neither too tight nor too loose.

It also has a visor that keeps the sun out of your eyes; as well as branches, twigs, and leaves from falling into your face. Additional protection is made available through slots that can accommodate a face protection screen and protective ear muffs.

The helmet is finished with a high-gloss paint and is available in yellow, orange, or white.