The best tree climbing helmet is the one that fits your needs. Whether you are a hobbyist or professional, this can make all the difference in the world. It’s important to find a helmet that has features such as an adjustable headband and chin strap for comfort, wind protection and rain resistance, along with safety ratings from leading organizations like ANSI and CE.
To help narrow down your search we have compiled a list of five top-rated helmets on Amazon.com so you can find the perfect match!In addition to looking at reviews for these products, it’s also important to read their specifications carefully before making any purchase decisions because things like weight will vary by model.
What are the Best Tree Climbing Helmets?
To decide on the absolute best tree climbing helmets, we have examined dozens of helmets for normal rock climbing as well as tree climbing and reviews left by real users who bought and used them. Based on what they geniunely shared and experienced, we have shortlisted the top 7 tree climbing helmets for you to consider, including their most important features, in order for you to make an informed decision.
On top of that, to make it easier for you, we have also compiled a list of critical things and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to consider before purchasing helmets for tree climbing. You can find later further down in the article. So without further ado, here’s introducing the best tree climbing helmets.
1. Husqvarna Technical Forest Helmet with Ratchet
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Orange ounces Colours: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Shell Material: Yes Face Shield: Yes |
Husqvarna is a well-known brand that provides a wide range of forestry equipment and protective gear. The Technical Forest helmet is designed for professional loggers and arborists and features a robust and lightweight construction for long hours on the job. It comes with top mesh ventilation to keep you cool in hot weather while also providing warmth for working in low temperatures.
Other notable features include a mesh face protection visor that is adjustable to close over the face or open fully for an unobstructed view. The 6-point textile harness is adjusted with a one-hand ratchet wheel to secure the headband around your head and it even accommodates knit caps in the cold months, while the earmuffs provide noise cancellation to 26-decibels. One downside is that the earmuffs come off quickly, while the headband does not absorb sweat. However, it comes in a bright orange color for visibility, and the helmet comes with a cloth shield to cover your neck.
Pros
- Provides a universal fit for all
- Protective mesh face shield with clear visibility
- Well ventilated for hot seasons
- Comes with noise reduction earmuffs
Cons
- Earmuffs and face shield slips off occasionally
- Premium pricing
2. TR Industrial TR88011 Hard Hat Forestry Safety Helmet & Ear Muffs
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Orange ounces Colours: Recyclable Plastic Shell Material: Yes Face Shield: Yes |
The TR Industrial Hard Hat provides excellent protection for arborists and is made with recyclable plastic materials. The five-in-one helmet features adjustable and removable earmuffs with interchangeable plastic and metal mesh visors. It also features vents at its top to allow warm air to escape and keep your head cool, while the headband features a thin removable cushion to absorb sweat.
Also notable are the 22-decibel noise reduction earmuffs that protect your ears from chainsaw noise. However, some users have noted that the earmuffs come off their hinges quickly, and the high-density foam also comes off its casing. The helmet features a 6-point suspension system that is easily adjustable with a ratchet wheel. But, some have found it constantly unsnaps, which makes the helmet loose fitting.
While it is significantly lower priced than the big brand helmets such as Husqvarna and Stihl made for professional work, the TR Industrial is an excellent quality safety helmet ideal for the occasional property clean-up.
Pros
- Good quality and affordable helmet
- Comes with interchangeable face shields
- Effective noise reduction earmuffs
- High visibility orange color
Cons
- Inferior suspension system
- Not ideal for industrial work
3. NoCry 6-in-1 Industrial Forestry Safety Helmet
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Red ounces Colours: Polypropylene Shell Material: Yes Face Shield: Yes |
NoCry is an Estonian-based company that produces high-quality work and safety gear. The 6-in-1 Industrial Forestry helmet is an affordable protective gear for professional forestry work. It features a 4-point suspension system that fits comfortably and securely, with a padded sweatband and adjustable with a ratchet wheel. However, some users have found the helmet to be too tight for their size. The 25.9-decibel earmuffs offer the highest noise reduction in the market and can rotate backward or removed when you do not need them.
The helmet also comes with a full wrap-around polycarbonate face shield to protect against high-velocity debris. It also comes with a mesh visor that allows breathability in hot conditions. Both face visors move smoothly up or down the helmet for visibility and are removable if you prefer using safety goggles. The helmet does not come assembled, and many users struggled with installing the suspension system.
Pros
- Good quality and affordable helmet
- Internal headband provides a secure fit
- Full wrap-around visor for improved protection
- High noise cancelling earmuffs
Cons
- It may be difficult to assemble
- Tight-fitting for some users
4. Petzl Pro Vertex Vent Helmet
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Black, White, Yellow ounces Colours: ABS Plastic Shell Material: Attachable Face Shield: Attachable |
The Petzl Vertex Vent helmet is ideal for professional work and recreational climbing activities. It is significantly heavy at 640g compared to the competition and is not suitable for extended wear. However, the ABS outer shell meets EN 397 industrial standards and EN 12492 standards for shock absorption and impact resistance. It also features side vents with slide shutters that allow airflow in hot weather and can be closed for warmth in cold temperatures.
The Vertex Vent helmet features a 6-point textile headband with a CenterFit system that comprises two adjustment dials at both sides of the helmet. This system makes the helmet position on the center of your head for comfort, while the Flip and Fit system positions the headband low for a secure fit.
Another notable feature includes the chin strap that allows you to adjust the fit depending on the environment. The helmet is also compatible with several accessories such as an eye shield, headlamp, hearing protection, and nape protector, among others. While it features an impressive build quality with excellent safety features, the helmet may not be ideal for professional rock climbing due to its weight.
Pros
- The suspension system provides a comfortable fit
- High quality and durable construction
- Adjustable ventilation system regulates airflow
- Compatible with several accessories
Cons
- Heavy construction for climbing
- Premium Pricing
5. JORESTECH 6-Point Ratchet Suspension Hard Hat
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Lime, Orange, Pink, Red, White ounces Colours: ABS Plastic Shell Material: Attachable Face Shield: Attachable |
The Jorestech hard hat helmet offers general headwear protection for any work condition that requires a helmet. It features a low-profile design that allows unobstructed upward visibility and is compatible with eye, nape, and hearing protection gear. It offers decent impact protection with an ABS outer shell and shock absorption with a 6-point ratchet suspension system that allows multiple adjustment points for a secure and comfortable fit.
The Jorestech helmet also features a chin strap to keep it in place when looking up. However, many users find the chin cup uncomfortable, and it is easily removable without affecting the overall performance of the helmet. It also features adjustable ventilation holes to allow airflow when needed and a quick-detach, washable, and replaceable brow liner that keeps sweat out of your eyes.
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Compatible with safety accessories
- Decent head protection for working heights
- Moisture-wicking and washable soft brow liner
Cons
- Uncomfortable chin strap
- Slightly Brittle material
6. Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: Orange, Black ounces Colours: Polycarbonate Shell Material: No Face Shield: Attachable |
The Fusion Meka is a work helmet suitable for industrial jobs and recreation activities. The most notable feature of this helmet is its lightweight at 0.7lbs, which makes it packable and comfortable to wear. It features a polycarbonate construction that gives it high impact resistance, while the EVA foam 4-point ratchet suspension system provides extra comfort and a secure fit. However, the suspension system does not adjust vertically to sit low on the head.
The helmet features ten ventilation shafts to keep your head cool while antimicrobial padding absorbs sweat on the headband. However, the padding is not removable, and the shafts are not adjustable to open and close as conditions allow. It also features headlamp clips and slots for mounting earmuffs when needed.
Pros
- Sturdy and lightweight construction
- Excellent ventilation and moisture-wicking interior
- Padded headband for comfort
- Good value for money
Cons
- The ratchet wheel breaks quickly
7. SMASYS Safety Hard Hat with Smoked Visor
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Price: (fewer = cheaper) Weight: White ounces Colours: ABS Plastic Shell Material: Yes Face Shield: No |
The Smasys helmet is a sports helmet for cycling and climbing that features a sun visor to protect your eyes from sun and glare. It also features an ABS construction with a 6-point suspension system for a secure fit. However, the helmet is quite heavy compared to the competition, probably due to the inclusion of a sun visor for eye protection. The ratchet wheel adjustment is easy to use and provides a universal secure fit, but it may also break quickly.
The helmet also features a chin strap with double belt buckles adjustable for comfort, while the air vents are openable to facilitate airflow when needed. It has an attractive design, although the visor does not have protection against scratches when packed. Overall, it is a high-quality and affordable helmet for light-duty use.
Pros
- Comes with a sun visor for eye protection
- Provides secure and comfortable fit
- Stylish design available in many colors
- Good value for money
Cons
- Heavy construction
- The ratchet wheel may break loose
Following all the comparisons, research and information we have gathered about these top tree climbing helmets, we can confidently say that Husqvarna Technical Forest Helmet with Ratchet is the best tree climbing helmets out in the market.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the TR Industrial TR88011 Hard Hat Forestry Safety Helmet & Ear Muffs as an affordable alternative.
Lastly, if you are going all the best features with high quality materials and would like to consider all the premium options out there, we will strongly recommend the Petzl Pro Vertex Vent Helmet. We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below what are some other models that you might have experienced that are even better!
What You Should Know Before Buying Tree Climbing Helmets
Why Wear A Tree Climbing Helmet
Most tree industry standards throughout the world require professional tree climbers to wear helmets at all times, whether up on trees or on the ground. Helmets protect from falling objects and impact from potential swings. They are especially important for tree climbers working on the ground because branches and twigs can get dislodged and fall. In addition, even the most experienced tree climbing professionals have dropped objects like carabiners and water bottles.
Eye Protection
While helmets protect the head from impact and falling objects, eye protection is necessary to protect the eyes from falling debris. In addition, eye protection is mandatory while operating heavy equipment like chainsaws. Safety goggles and glasses should give unobscured vision and resistance to impact. Wire-mesh goggles have increased ventilation, making them more resistant to fogging while performing tasks and scaling the trees. Lastly, these helmets with an eye protection component must conform to the ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Ear Protection
One of the often neglected items for personal safety, ear protection is required for arborists operating heavy and loud machinery like chainsaws and chippers to prevent hearing loss. Ranging from simple ear plugs to ear muffs, hearing protection should not be modified and needs to be taken seriously. The mainstream earphones or headphones are not a substitute for proper hearing protection for tree climbing professionals and cannot be used in its place.
Certifications
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) is the global standard of tree climbing certification. It is recommended to be a certified ISA Tree Climbing Specialist to do any tree work. Climbers must have a minimum of 18 months of climbing experience and have current training in aerial rescue, CPR and First Aid. To be certified as an ISA Tree Worker, arborists are tested in both a classroom (theory) and field ( practical) setting.
Other Equipment needed for Tree Climbing
In addition to the helmet, some other equipment is needed for tree climbing:
- Lanyard – The lanyard attaches to the side d-rings of your tree climbing or tree safety harness and goes around the tree to hold you in place. A lanyard adjuster to make your lanyard adjustable to get the perfect position.
- Rope – A rock climbing rope or any other rope is not suited for tree climbing. You’ll need a rope double the length of the tree you’re intending to climb. Ropes can range from 35 to 60 meters.
- Prusik – A friction hitch piece of cord that can be used to adjust your position on the rope. The cord used in prusiks has to be a specific material to be able to tolerate heat from the friction generated as you move up and down the climbing rope.
- Locking carabiners – Made of alloy or steel and rated for a certain weight, carabiners will connect you and your equipment.
- Spurs or spikes – These allow you to maintain a foothold on the tree. For environmental reasons, spurs are usually used only for tree removals and not pruning as it strips the tree’s bark.
Questions and Answers About Tree Climbing Helmets
Is wearing a helmet essential for tree climbing?
Yes, helmets are absolutely essential for any tree work. Most professional tree climbers have to wear helmets at all times whether on the ground or up a tree to protect from the smallest of falling sticks and debris. In uncontrolled circumstances, even the most experienced and careful tree climbers can accidentally drop objects from height and onto fellow tree workers below. In addition, a tree climbing helmet will protect your head from swings and impact from any falls.
What other equipment do I need for tree climbing?
In addition to the harness, some other equipment is needed for tree climbing:
Lanyard, harness, rope, prusik, locking carabiners and spurs or spikes. These allow you to maintain a foothold on the tree. For environmental reasons, spurs are usually used only for tree removals and not pruning as it strips the tree’s bark.
Lydia Yang
Lydia Yang is a Singaporean city girl who decided to ditch her high heels for hiking boots and become a full-time traveller and digital nomad. She has been to more than 50 countries to date! She has a knack for adventure travel, especially rock climbing, and always hunts down the best climbing spots around the world.
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