Adults – Your an adult and should be able to assess your own risk!
Kids – Read the ‘Outdoor – Kids Helmets’ post
Factors to consider…
What are the risks?
How valuable is Your Head?
What do the Majority of other climbers in your area do?
Shoes, Harnesses and Helmets are all very personal and you should try on as many different makes and models as you can, find the Right one of each for You.
Here are my opinions…
Outdoor Climbing Helmets for Adults
Ive climbed on quite a few different surfaces.
Ask yourself, what are the chances of things like rocks falling on you from above?
Sandstone and Gritstone there is not much of a chance, when the stone weathers it turns into grains of sand, rather than breaking off into chunks of rock.
Other types of rock are more likely to break off into bigger and smaller chunks and fall on you from above.
Climbing Helmets either have no holes for ventilation on the top of them or they have grills over holes so that things falling on your helmet from above cant reach your head.
If you are alpine climbing, you wont need or want air holes in your helmet. If you are climbing in warmer climbs you will appreciate a well ventilated helmet and this is what most people do. Some climbers will do both and own more than one helmet.
If you decide on a ventilated helmet it MUST be a climbing helmet, No other helmet will do!
Some helmets can include a visor particularly for ice climbing.
Most helmets can take minor scrapes and grazes and still be ok to use.
Plastic helmets with a cradle can take more damage than the lighter polycarb helmets. If you are At All Worried, replace your helmet as soon as you can. If you are not sure, try to find someone who is an equipment expert to check it. It is also possible to scan the structure of your helmet though a new helmet will probably be cheaper.
Helmets do come in different sizes and different fits, remember to try on as many different types as you can and ask questions, most people selling helmets also use them and have expert advice to pass on.
Try to assess the place you are climbing and the activity you are doing. I found climbing on sand stone mostly did not need a helmet. Exceptions were climbs that involved cracks which needed to be chimney climbed. It is easy to get minor bumps chimneying and having my helmet on was a very good thing under those circumstances. Ive also climbed on granite and other hard stones and been exceptionally grateful for my helmets in every case.
Ultimately you have to decide where you are happy wearing and not wearing a helmet.
I hope this has helped you 
Clive
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