The Best Kids Rock Climbing Helmet For 2023 – Top 6 Picks!

Has your child recently expressed an interest in rock climbing?

Whether they’re a beginner starting lessons or want to take their rock climbing to the outdoors, climbing can be extremely dangerous. A kids rock climbing helmet is essential to make sure your child is safe and protected.

S​afety is the number one priority when buying gear for your mini-climber. Make sure they are protected in case of an accident or from falling rocks with the right helmet.

We’ve put together a list of the six best kids rock climbing helmets so you can buy with confidence and keep your child safe. So regardless if your child is just practicing climbing the tree in your backyard or you’re formally enrolling them in rock climbing classes, we’ve got you covered.

When Should Kids Start Rock Climbing?

I​f you are interested in getting your child enrolled in an official climbing course, it’s typical for the minimum age requirement to be at least five years old. This age requirement is important because the child needs to be old enough to follow directions.

A​lthough nothing can stop you from starting your kid earlier than that, it’s not recommended, and they will need constant adult supervision. However, if you’re adamant about introducing climbing to your little one, many outdoor parks have small scale rock climbing walls that are much safer to start on.

What Equipment Kids Need for Rock Climbing?

The equipment you need in order for your child to climb safely is as follows:

  • Rock climbing shoes — these are specially made shoes to help prevent slipping.
  • Climbing ropes — these ropes are durable to prevent your child from falling.
  • A harness — climbing ropes hook up to the harness for extra security.
  • A helme t— an essential piece of gear to ensure your child’s head is protected in case of an accident.
  • Rock climbing chalk and a chalk bag — chalk is used to absorb sweat, oils, and moisture from your hands to help prevent slipping as you climb.

What Are the Best Kids Rock Climbing Helmets?

We’ve wrangled up our top picks for kids rock climbing helmets based on quality and personal style preference.

Comparison Chart:

Image Product Technical Spec Price
B​est over-all

Picchu Kids Climbing Helmet

Picchu Kids Climbing Helmet
  • Size: One Size
  • Color: Blue
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling
  • Brand: PETZL
Check Price
Fun design

Animiles Kids Rainbow Helmet

Animiles Kids Rainbow Helmet
  • Color: Red
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling
  • Brand: ANIMILES
  • Vehicle Service Type: Sport Bike, Scooter, Street Bike
  • Inner Material: Expanded Polystyrene
Check Price
Good for toddlers

Kamugo Kids Adjustable Helmet

Kamugo Kids Adjustable Helmet
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Black
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling,Inline Skating,skateboaring,scooter,rollerblading,multi-sport
  • Brand: KAMUGO
  • Vehicle Service Type: Sport Bike, Scooter, Street Bike
Check Price
M​ost affordable

XJD Kids Bike Helmet

XJD Kids Bike Helmet
  • Size: Small
  • Color: BLUE
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling
  • Brand: XJD
  • Vehicle Service Type: Scooter
Check Price
Best for small heads

OutdoorMaster Kids Skateboard Cycling Helmet

OutdoorMaster Kids Skateboard Cycling Helmet
  • Size: Small: 46-52cm / 18.1″-20.5″
  • Color: Black Green
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling, Skateboarding
  • Brand: OutdoorMaster
  • Vehicle Service Type: Scooter
Check Price
Most breathable

Adyohemt Toddler Helmet

Adyohemt Toddler Helmet
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Blue
  • Recommended Uses For: Cycling, Inline Skating, Skateboarding
  • Brand: Adyohemt
  • Vehicle Service Type: Scooter
Check Price

Below is a more detailed review of each of these helmets so you can confidently choose the right one for your child.

Best Kids Rock Climbing Helmet

 

1. B​est over-all: Picchu Kids Climbing Helmet

PETZL - Picchu Kids Climbing Helmet

The Picchu Kids Climbing Helmet is designed specifically for climbing. This helmet fits perfectly for children ages 3-8 years old. The wide range of adjustability makes this helmet the most adjustable and durable out of the entire list.

It’s double certified and has enhanced protection. The EPS shock absorbing foam is the go-to choice of climbing helmets.

Durability is what this helmet is all about. It has a hard ABS outer shell so it’s resistant against impact as well as scratches. In fact, it’s ranked high (#17) on Amazon’s list of climbing helmets, so it’s highly recommended for rock climbing.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: PETZL
  • Certified climbing and cycling standards in the U.S. and U.K.
  • Adjustable Headband and chinstrap (48-54 cm headband).
  • Hard ABS outer shell
  • EPS Foam liner absorbs impact
  • Replaceable foam padding
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Made for climbing
  • Double certified
Cons
  • Tips back on smaller heads

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a great helmet that is very adjustable, comfortable and durable. It’s specifically made for rock-climbing and certified accordingly, making it the most protective helmet for your child’s climbing activities.

This helmet is on the pricey end, costing close to $60 USD, but its versatility and durability make it worth every cent.

2. Fun design: Animiles Kids Rainbow Helmet

Animiles Kids Rainbow Helmet

Staying safe does not mean your kid is stuck with bland colors. The Animiles Kids Rainbow Helmet is made with stylish kids in mind.

If your son or daughter loves rainbows and sparkles, they’re going to love this comfortable and adjustable helmet! However, the star on the side tends to fall off easily, it’s still a beautiful helmet.

The outer PC shell is great for protection, and the inner lining is made of EPS foam that is shock absorbing. It’s also lightweight and weighs only 270 grams. So this helmet won’t weigh your child’s head down, which is great for a sport like rock-climbing because they will be looking up much of the time.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: Animiles
  • Lightweight only weighing at .64 lbs
  • Adjustable for head sizes ranging from 52-58cm.
  • PC outer shell
  • EPS Foam liner absorbs impact
  • Adjustment dial
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Stylish
  • 100% money back guarantee
Cons
  • The glitter star on the side comes off easily
  • Not for children under three years old

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a good quality helmet with added flare. Your child will love rock-climbing in style although it’s recommended for indoor rock climbing or for practice.

3. Good for toddlers: Kamugo Kids Adjustable Helmet

KAMUGO Kids Adjustable Helmet

This sturdy and well-made helmet will fit on your child like a glove—or a well-fitted helmet. It comes in a variety of colors so picking one that appeals to even the pickiest climbers shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, it comes in two sizes, nine different colors, and an EPS shock absorbing shell to protect your child upon impact.

This adjustable helmet features a turn dial to help keep it snug and secure while your child is rock climbing. This is such a simple and wonderful feature because you can have that “instant fit” with a turn of the dial. So there is no risk of this helmet falling off or becoming too loose.

The snug fit makes this helmet comfortable and your child will wear it without complaint.

And although this is one of the more sturdy helmets, the paint on the outer shell does tend to scratch easily. So if you can overlook the vanity flaw, you will really like this helmet.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: Kamugo
  • Perfect fit with an adjustable harness and wheel dial to fit a range of head sizes from 18.9 – 21.3 inches
  • Shock absorbing EPS shell
  • Comes in nine colors
  • Comes in two—sizes two to four years old and eight to 14 years old
Pros
  • Perfect fit with the adjustable dial
  • Very sturdy
  • Great customer service
  • Comfortable
  • Wide variety of colors
Cons
  • Will need to purchase a new one after impact
  • Scratches easily

Final Thoughts

Overall, this helmet fits wonderfully due to the adjustable dial. Since this helmet comes in two sizes, it fits a wide range of head sizes and is very sturdy. This product is one of the better quality helmets for an affordable price.

4. M​ost affordable: XJD Kids Bike Helmet

XJD Kids Bike Helmet

Do you have a child who swears they’re going to be a rock climber, but you’re not sure if they’re going to stick with it?

This kids bike helmet would make a great indoor practice climbing helmet. So this helmet is perfect for the little beginner climber. It comes in many different colors and is made out of EPS foam; a design meant to absorb impact.

This helmet is lightweight and adjustable so it’s great for a toddler who will not be doing a lot of strenuous outdoor climbing. Like most of the helmets on this list, it comes with adjustable straps as well as a knob to keep it snug.

This helmet is so affordable that you can test out indoor rock climbing with your child without having to spend a bunch of money on expensive gear.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: XJD
  • Made with durable PVC material
  • Impact-absorbing EPS foam
  • Fit head sizes ranging from 48-54cm and 55-57 cm
  • Adjustable spin dial
Pros
  • Special aerodynamic design and breathable foam to help your child stay cool
  • Adjustable dial
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • Flimsy straps can break
  • Padding on the inside is not secure

Final Thoughts

This helmet is perfect for the beginner climber just getting started in indoor climbing, but not recommended for the more experienced kids who are ready for rock climbing.

5. Best for small heads: OutdoorMaster Kids Skateboard Cycling Helmet

OutdoorMaster Kids Skateboard Cycling Helmet

Does your child tend to sweat a lot?

If they get hot easily and sweat a lot, this is the helmet to go for. With a smooth ventilation system, this helmet will keep your child cool and reduce the risk of overheating.

This helmet is comfortable to wear and comes with extra pads, making it an even more adjustable option. The fact that the pads are removable makes them easy to clean. That’s an added plus for hygiene! And you know your kids will be safe because it’s ASTM F1942 certified.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: OutdoorMaster
  • Reinforced ABS outer shell
  • shock absorbing EPS core
  • Extra removable lining for different head sizes
  • Smooth ventilation system
  • Safety certifications
  • Adjustable chin straps and dial
  • One-year warranty
  • ASTM F1942 certified
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Good ventilation
  • 1-Year Warranty
  • Easy to get a secure fit
  • Easy to wash
Cons
  • Padding falls out easily

Final Thoughts

This helmet is a great option for kids who are prone to overheat. The ventilation system design helps keep your kid’s head cool during exercise, and its removable pads make it easy to clean. You can simply throw them in the wash to prevent stinky sweat and bacteria build-up.

6. Most breathable: Adyohemt Toddler Helmet

Adyohemt Toddler Helmet

Like the last helmet we looked at, this helmet features removable pads. Removable cushions make it easier to clean for better hygiene and add some extra adjustability for a customizable fit.

The removable cushions aren’t the only thing that makes this helmet adjustable though. Much like the other helmets in this list, it features a turn-dial, so it fits snug on a small head. It comes with 11 vents so it’s extra breathable. Even kids who typically don’t like wearing helmets have enjoyed the comfort of this one.

This helmet comes in two sizes and four colors, so it fits a range of ages from 2 to 12 years old. You will also receive a cool drawstring bag to keep your helmet in.

Technical Details and Specs:

  • Manufacturer: Adyohemt
  • ABS outer shell
  • Shock absorbing EBS foam lining
  • Removable foam pads absorb sweat to keep it comfortable during use
  • Lightweight
Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Adjustable
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Comes with a drawstring bag
Cons
  • Not for children under two years old

Final Thoughts

This helmet is very comfortable for little kids and adjusts to fit small heads. It’s a great general option for multi-sport use.

Things to Look for Before Buying a Rock Climbing Helmet for Kids

A​ few to keep in mind when looking for a kids rock climbing helmet are as follows:

Rock Climbing Helmet for Kids

  • Adjustability – being able to adjust and customize the helmet fit makes the helmet safer and more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to purchase a helmet that will fit your child as they grow.
  • Comfortability – it’s important to choose a helmet that your child will keep on, so make sure you choose one that is comfortable. Extra padding and a secure fit will keep the helmet on your kid’s head.
  • Durability – the most important thing to keep in mind is durability. You want to make sure the helmet is capable of absorbing impact to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bicycle helmets OK to use for rock climbing helmets?

No, it’s not recommended to use bicycle helmets for rock climbing. They are designed to handle different kinds of impact.

How much do rock climbing helmets cost?

The cost in the list above range from $16 – $60, but they can cost more or less depending on the material used and durability.

How long do climbing helmets last?

If you have a good quality, sturdy helmet, it should last ten years. However, all helmets need to be replaced ten years after the manufacture date. But it should be noted that all helmets should be replaced after absorbing a hard impact. The foam deteriorates and is less effective in protecting due to the fact that they tend to crack while absorbing hard impacts.

How do you size a climbing helmet?

You can size your child’s head for a climbing helmet by measuring around the circumference of their head. Most child climbing helmets are adjustable for head sizes ranging from 48-58 cm. Pick the helmet that has a range within your child’s head measurement.

Is a helmet required for climbing?

Helmets are necessary for outdoor rock climbing. However, many climbers don’t wear one for indoor climbing. That said, children should always wear a helmet when climbing to ensure proper head protection.

Final Thoughts

The helmet is the most essential part of rock climbing gear. It protects your child’s delicate and developing brain and should not be purchased merely based on price.

After carefully looking at the list of helmets in this article, the top pick we recommend is the Petzl Picchu Rock Climbing Helmet because it’s the only one that is double certified and made specifically for rock climbing. But as stated before, be sure to replace the helmet after any hard impact or every ten years.

Calvin Rivers

Hey, I’m Calvin Rivers, a climbing veteran with 10+ years on crags and walls around the world. I can’t wait for you to explore our site and fall in love with the outdoors just like I have.

More Posts - Website

Leave a Comment