The Petzl Elia is a dedicated women's climbing helmet, sized smaller than the unisex Petzl Elios, and designed to fit female head shapes. It is designed to be worn more comfortably over long hair and ponytails.
The new Omega cradle system is tailored specifically to female head shapes whilst a redesigned adjustment system allows the helmet to be worn more comfortably over long hair and ponytails. The fit system folds back into the helmet for carrying ensuring that you won't damage the Elia in transit.
The foam padding inside the Elia is all removable for washing and to adjust fit, this makes this the most comfortable womens-specific helmet on the market and an ideal choice for cragging as well as mountaineering.
A climbing helmet is designed to protect you from more than just rock fall. Type the words “climbing whippers” into a search engine and you won’t have to watch many before you swear never to climb without a helmet ever again!
Fundamentally, to wear a climbing helmet is personal choice. However, your head is THE most important part of your body so to help you protect it, we have gathered lots of information below so you can choose the best helmet for the type of climbing you enjoy……
- What are the different construction types of climbing helmet?
- I can use my ski/bike/water/Rope Access helmet for climbing right?
- How are helmets tested?
- Do I need to check my size?
- What features should I look for?
- Why does my helmet have a shelf life?
- How can I tell when my helmet should be retired?
- How can I recycle my helmet?
Top Tips to make the right choice:
The best helmet is the most comfortable one that fits your head. If you can’t feel it on, then it is absolutely the right one for you (and you are more likely to wear it!)
Try on as many different styles as you can. If you wear a ponytail when you climb, make sure you try your helmet on with it. If you are planning on wearing a hat underneath – make sure you try your helmet on with it. If you plan on keeping your sandwiches in between the cradle and helmet shell – errr, don’t bring them into the shop.
Wearing a brightly coloured helmet can make you quicker to find in an emergency (and looks great in the pics!)