Helmet for Blanca standard approach?

[mscnln]

Is a helmet recommended for the standard ("difficult class 2") approach to Mt. Blanca?
Just following the risk factors, rockfall potential is classified as considerable, and considerable means, "Rockfall is likely on steeper sections. Wear a helmet!"
I've seen mixed/scattered responses online, so I'd figured this is worth checking so I can approach this hike with due reverence. I'm used to class 2 trails and have not worn a helmet before when hiking.

Thanks!

[speth]

I don’t think it’s necessary.

[desertdog]

Why not bring one with you? They don't weight that much and you can put it on if it makes comfortable. I wore one last week on a loose Class2+ climb and was glad to have it. Learn from my stupidity, I took a tumble on a Class2+ peak in the Sangres with no helmet and it hurt plus there was blood everywhere. Ruined my buff too.

[hellmanm]

Yeah, bring one. Blanca gets a little steep at the top. Besides, it'll make you look cooler in photos

[daway8]

For nearby Little Bear the answer would be: absolutely!

For Blanca, I'd say it's more personal preference/risk tolerance. As has been pointed out, helmets don't weigh much and you can easily strap it to the outside of your pack until you feel the need to put it on.

And yeah, things like ice axes and helmets do make it look like you must be doing something really serious out there!

[wineguy]

I agree that helmets are light, and are also useful for protection against head-bumps on sub-class 3 terrain. But I'm usually the last one to put one on because I like the sun protection of a brimmed hat. Definitely not as cool, but consistent with my geezer persona.

[seannunn]

I agree that helmets are light, and are also useful for protection against head-bumps on sub-class 3 terrain. But I'm usually the last one to put one on because I like the sun protection of a brimmed hat. Definitely not as cool, but consistent with my geezer persona.

You can wear the helmet with a baseball type hat underneath, and turn the hat as needed to block the sun. You probably want a hat without the hard "brad" thing on top though.

One thing people miss is that if you are on class 2-3 terrain climbing along the edge of a gully, it is very easy to bump your head again the rock face on the side of the gully. You aren't going to die from that, but a helmet makes it a lot less painful.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

[DeTour]

I'm usually the last one to put one on because I like the sun protection of a brimmed hat. Definitely not as cool, but consistent with my geezer persona.

Brimmed hats are cool on geezers IMO. (Speaking as one.) They can be cool on youngsters if they have what it takes to pull the look off.

[daway8]

I'm usually the last one to put one on because I like the sun protection of a brimmed hat. Definitely not as cool, but consistent with my geezer persona.

Brimmed hats are cool on geezers IMO. (Speaking as one.) They can be cool on youngsters if they have what it takes to pull the look off.

But if you really want to be badass you have to wear one of those floppy brimmed hats with a bright orange helmet over top of it! I have an example photo buried somewhere on my phone, I think, but I don't want to make people jealous!

It's a little trickier to still get a snug fit with the helmet than when just putting a ball cap underneath, but it can be done...

[Wentzl]

Wear a helmet, always, wherever you go, whatever you do:

[two lunches]

i would guesstimate 3/4 of the people we saw today on blanca & ellingwood had helmets on

[madmattd]

i would guesstimate 3/4 of the people we saw today on blanca & ellingwood had helmets on

Agreed, it was a majority wearing them. I think it's worth bringing a helmet as there is enough loose rock and such on these peaks, though it isn't necessarily required.

(Shockingly it seemed like only about half the people we saw that had done the LB-B traverse even had helmets with them...)