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<p>Helmets are an often ignored piece of safety equipment. Flying
rocks and high exposure can seriously injure the climber and the
belayer. A typical climbing helmet is made out of some form of
plastic, does not obstruct vision or hearing, and is very
adjustable.</p>
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<p>The helmet pictured above is a very good one. Notice the holes
in it. These are used for ventilation. The helmet also has small
metal tabs for attaching a headlamp.</p>

<p>It is best to have a helmet for both the climber and the
belayer. If only one helmet is available however, the belayer
should use it. This is an often-debated question. Why should the
belayer use it?</p>

<ul>
    <li>If the belayer is below the climber, they have more of a
        chance of being hit by rocks</li>
    <li>If they belayer is injured, the climber is instantly put
        in jeopardy</li>
</ul>

<p>If the climber is being belayed from above, it might be better
for the climber to use the helmet. It is a judgement that the
climber and belayer need to make, depending on the circumstances.
The best situation, however, is for both the climber and the
belayer to use a helmet.</p>
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