Do you own a helmet? What type is it, and in what situations or scenarios do you think it will be useful?

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Julian_1_2_3_4_5@reddit

i mean ihave tree climbing equipment at home, including a helmet, but not really as a prep, more as a hobby/part time work, but yeah it could definitely get useful

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Optimal_Law_4254@reddit

Me too. Saved my head from being bashed in a few times.

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Started_WIth_NADA@reddit

If you are looking for a ballistic helmet that’s inexpensive then buy a USGI PASGT Helmet.

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First would be a Bike helmet/bump helmet/hardhat if you live in a Earthquake prone area would be my best guess if you're unlucky enough to participate in recovery efforts. Any standard "bump rated" helmet could be useful in a variety of natural disaster scenarios as well, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, etc where things might fall from the sky or be violently blown around. Second, Ballistic helmets are great if you're a civilian in a war zone and want to protect your head from missile/drone shrapnel. They can be very expensive for legitimate gear but this one could save a life.

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PlanetaryPeak@reddit

WAR

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TacticalMrBean@reddit

Bump helmets would work for pretty much anything besides riding a motorcycle. (Search and rescue, climbing, construction, bicycle/scooter riding, tactical shooting situations w/ nods or ear pro, scuffles, etc)

Tbh, actual ballistic helmets would almost be a waste unless you are going into full-fledged battle. They're heavy, cumbersome, very limited with what rounds they stop/deflect, and even if they stop a handgun round and absorb all the energy, it's hell on your neck.

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dezzear@reddit

Nasal helm with full aventail

I plan on using it during the conquest of England

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TacticalMrBean@reddit

^THIS^

A full aventail (if rivited or welded) would also protect the neck in a zomB apocalypse, dual purpose!

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itamau87@reddit

Bump helmet.
FAST helmet, equipped for NVGs ( working for comms it's new ).
Russian Titanium TIG helmet with faceshield and integrated comms.
Various construction worker helmets.

The only two I've ever really used are the bump and the TIG, both in airsoft games. They've saved my head during night skirmish in the woodlands. Easy to trip on a branch and fall.

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DeafHeretic@reddit

I have several different types; ballistic, “safety” hard hat, motorcycle/etc.

The ballistic are ACH surplus. I am wanting to get something smaller lighter like a high cut FAST?

I have the ballistic helmets because I figure that if SHTF and I need firearms/ammo to defend against “bad guys”, I am going to want/need body armor too.

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ryansdayoff@reddit

There are services to cut ACH helmets to be high cut and put rails on the side. Not a bad budget choice

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capt-bob@reddit

Just get a hard hat then.

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Electrical-Title-698@reddit

You can do it yourself with a Dremel too

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

Yes. ACH would be the minimum I would consider for mounting NODs on. Can't tell you how many calls I've taken over the years with people asking about jury rigging mounts on skateboard helmets, Dora the Explorer bike helmets, etc. My reply is always "you really want to dangle your $3K investment off some jury rigged mount???"

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

A newer high cut will (in general) be more comfortable and easier to mount ear pro, lights, a counterweight etc. as well as most having a built in NV shroud.

Whatever you decide, get 4DT helmet pads, absolutely THE BEST upgrade for your helmet, feels like wearing boobies on your head with 4DT pads! Massive increase in comfort!

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Xsiah@reddit

Bike helmet. For when you bike.

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Satanicron@reddit

Kinda like soup for my family...

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capt-bob@reddit

Soup helmet?

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AggravatingCricket61@reddit

Full face for extra protection.

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wishinforfishin@reddit

With dinosaur spikes or a unicorn for extra gray man cred.

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Federal_Refrigerator@reddit

I like to put a massive sign on it that says “I possess the resources you need and am entirely unprepared to defend myself”. You grey man, I rainbow man. /jk

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AggravatingCricket61@reddit

You’ll blend right in! Or, everyone will be too afraid to approach... win win.

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arthurjeremypearson@reddit

Just finished making my tinfoil hat

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ConjuredOne@reddit

They're in style these days

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Paranormal_Lemon@reddit

BS, you can't even buy tin foil anymore

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arthurjeremypearson@reddit

went to a restaurant supply company, they were selling these super thick tin foil serving trays. Made my hat out of that.

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Paranormal_Lemon@reddit

Those are aluminum foil, it doesn't work. Trust me I even tried an aluminum salad bowl.

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mediocre_remnants@reddit

I have a motorcycle helmet that I wear when riding my motorcycle. I have a couple of bicycle helmets that I wear when bicycling. I have a chainsaw helmet with built-in earmuffs and face shield that I use when chainsawing or using a string trimmer. I have a couple of plain ol' hard hats that I wear when doing trail work with a volunteer group.

The basic idea of a helmet is that you wear one to protect your head. If you are doing something that has a risk of something hitting your head, or hitting your head on something, you wear a helmet.

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smellswhenwet@reddit

Apparently I need several helmets as I have hit my unprotected head too many times

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tearjerkingpornoflic@reddit

I have all these helmets as well. OP what is your intended use? In a gun battle during the apocalypse? Then you would want a military helmet, newest you can afford. Getting hit by a Tsunami? I would probably want one of my motorcycle helmets. If I had any time at all I'd probably be on my dirt-bike making a rip for the mountains. In which case I would already have my dirt bike helmet on.

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KizzyTheExorcist@reddit

This guy clearly preps for head hitting events

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followupquestion@reddit

I announce I have to hit the head multiple times a day.

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BarberProof4994@reddit

I have whitewater helmets, construction hard hats, spelunking helmets, bike helmets, some tactical (ballistic rated) helmets, and each are properly stored when not in use (they All have life times and expirations) and replaced when needed.

And used for their appropriate activity

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Alita-Gunnm@reddit

Two full-face motorcycle helmets.

A 12 gauge mild steel sugarloaf helm with riveted stainless aventail.

A spring steel barbute made for buhurt; I still have to attach the aventail.

An unfinished 12 gauge 4130 chromoly steel bascinet.

And unfinished 16 gauge stainless sallet.

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Lard523@reddit

I own a ski helmet. I use it to ski, snowboard and bike (i know it’s not a bike helmet, it’s what i’ve got and it fits me). I think it’ll be pretty useful anytime a helmet is needed.

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Efficient-Effect1029@reddit

Bump helmet for SAR work. Ballistic helmet for firearms stuff

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MidSinglesInYourArea@reddit

I have a motorcycle helmet (for riding motorcycles) and a variety of hard hats from work. I can't see getting a ballistic helmet unless I also had a pair of NODs to mount to it.

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Mysterious_Radio_190@reddit

Thinking about getting a bump helmet like this one which can be worn under a cap.

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blitzm056@reddit

Team Wendy bump helmet. Can't go wrong.

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SensitiveAddition913@reddit

I have pretty much every fire helmet I’ve ever worn, 2 of which are of the European style (I was a beta- tester to see if there was interest in the U.S. fire service…. There wasn’t). Both have snap off neck shields, so they look like standard motorcycle helmets. Pretty much been my catch-alls for any activity.

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Satanicron@reddit

I keep a hardhat and some toes in my car in case I go to a job site. Eyes and ears too.

I got an ACH, never needed it lol.

I wear a bump cap in a hat to protests, sometimes I bring a skateboard helmet in a backpack with foam to absorb rubber bullets. Funny enough, respirators are not needed when the wind is blowing past the bridge they try to gas you on, but I still have a respirator with carbon filters.

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SheistyPenguin@reddit

I received a generic "hard hat" helmet for completing our local CERT course.

Otherwise, activity-specific helmets: for bicycles, snowboarding etc.

From a prepping / emergency standpoint, a skateboarding or construction helmet would likely work well as an all-purpose for search and rescue, moving through wreckage etc.

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Seawolfe665@reddit

Huh. I have a horse riding helmet, full face motorcycle helmet, bicycle helmet and a carbon fiber construction hard hat. The last definitely gets the most use (for work), but never thought of them as preps. Now, my knee braces on the other hand….

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ObligatoryID@reddit

Full-on Plague Helmet.

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

Complete with obligatory "plague doctor" front nose/beak I hope??? Hozho style?

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ObligatoryID@reddit

My crow on my shoulder.

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02meepmeep@reddit

I have one from back in the ancient times when I used to visit job sites. I don’t know if it’s good for disaster stuff though.

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gonyere@reddit

We have a few different helmets - climbing, bicycle, chainsaw - all in various sizes and age...

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BACON-luv@reddit

What ages of chainsaw?

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11systems11@reddit

Mid-teens

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11systems11@reddit

Bike helmet

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Hey-buuuddy@reddit

PASGT with the liner upgrade.

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BlissCrafter@reddit

I have a forestry helmet. I had a near thing with a tree I was cutting for firewood and said never again. Whenever I’m going to be off where a serious fall or getting plonked on the head is possible I wear it. A little peace of mind. Set me back about $125. Protects my noggin from blows as well as having safeguards against chainsaw kickback

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Intelligent_Ticket_3@reddit

I have 2. One is the Hard Head Vets ATE Rifle Rated Ballistic Helmet the other is the Atomic Defense Level III+ Ballistic helmet. I love both.

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Panthean@reddit

Surplus CVC tanker helmet because I'm a bit of a gear larper.

I use mine to mount ear protection, and will use it for night vision when I finally break down and buy some.

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

As long as it has a shroud or pre-drilled hole(s) for shroud these are good lower cost options for NODs.

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Panthean@reddit

Now if only NODs didn't cost as much as my car

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

You don't have to have a dual tube set. Everything you need to do you can do with a 14. Anyone who tells you otherwise just wants to up sell you to a dual tube set.

That being said, both (duals or a monocular) do require some training and practice, but that part is fun :)

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livestrong2109@reddit

I pulled a Kevlar one from the first golf war out of the trash in near mint condition.

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JRHLowdown3@reddit

Galvion Caiman for the wife and I, couple of Viper A5s, two Gentex TBH helmets, handful of Ops Core bump helmets. All set up for NODs, Norotos Lo sto helmet mounts on most of them, one G24 hanging around although prefer the Lo Sto.

Principal usage is a solid platform for NODs, dual tube sets or PVS14s, been using thermal more helmet mounted as well, both the RL25V2 and the RH25V2 as well as occasionally an Armasight Sidekick as well.

In all the rucks we have Crye Nightcap setups that mirror the helmet setups, with a few of the rucks having 14s kept in faraday bags in hard cases on the rucks- the Armasight is in one of them also. The RH25V2 and RL25 stays around the house most of the time for checking alerts- have caught more than a few possums and strays getting into the chicken pen or messing with the rabbits with them. All the other NODs and thermals stay in faraday bags inside ammo cans when we aren't using for a class or training.

"What realistic scenario would you need this"- more than a few times after Helene when seismics, Dakota Alerts, etc. went off we went out to check things with these on. Note: not suburbia so not an opsec issue.

Wife and I take NODs walks a lot in the winter, she loves to drive the Ranger fast under NODs-

https://www.instagram.com/p/DE5Xgwrtfuc/

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SignificantNorth9972@reddit

I have bump helmet. It works good for my PVS-14

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cutslikeakris@reddit

My head is in the 130th percentile, so it’s rare to find a helmet that fits me as most places do t have XXXL let alone XXXXL helmets. Bought a swat helmet years ago from EBay and it makes me look like Gazoo….

Big heads mean shitty helmet choice.

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Disastrous_Night_80@reddit

ACH. Useful if I have to wear plate body armor. Required to ride in military vehicles.

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gunmedic15@reddit

I just retired from the fire department and I got to keep my cool AF fire helmet. Even has a light on it. It's a little burned, but it was super useful in fires.

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improbablydrunknlw@reddit

Bike helmet, motorcycle helmet, hard hat. Also a 3III ballistic helmet because I'm an adult with poor impulse control and a credit card.

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Wild_Locksmith_326@reddit

I obtained a kevlar during my time in the service. Gear adrift is a gift. Love setting up on a field site dnd finding stuff left by the last unit to use it. Once found a foot locker full of 30rd magazines left by a previous unit. Who would you even think about turning it in to?

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mr-pootytang@reddit

brother, you good?

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eflask@reddit

I have some bicycle helmets, a ski helmet, a whitewater helmet, a hardhat and a couple of bump caps.

think I'm covered.

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mr-pootytang@reddit

smith vantage. great for skiing. but looking at opscore or team wendy to land some nods on

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Alfalfa-Boring@reddit

Good lord.

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Diego2k5@reddit

I had an electric scooter and was using a full face motorcycle helmet. I felt dumb, like I was overdoing it. Then I had a car nearly hit me and I was thrown from my scooter. The force I slammed my head on the road, I am sure I avoided a concussion and road rash fo the face.

After that I no longer cared if I was over protected or looked dumb, I was being safe and no longer cared how it looked!

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y0plattipus@reddit

You might want to look into what helmet protects best for what activity you are doing. Motorcycles helmets are mostly intended to keep your skull in one piece, but aren't great for crashes at lower "scooter" speeds. There is a higher concussion risk in "big boy" helmets at "small boy" speeds.

Turns out there is likely the right tool for the right job. Your choice to use it or not.

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FletchWazzle@reddit

Bicycle helmet and trucker hats

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tb12rm2@reddit

I own a racing helmet, because I’m into drag racing. It’s a Simmons Viper. I think it will be useful next time I’m drag racing.

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Stuckincowtown@reddit

Skydiving helmet. For skydiving. Although it rides around in the back of my car year round and I always thought if I had to walk somewhere away from my car in a blizzard, or similar, it would be good extra protection

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BatemansChainsaw@reddit

I bet it comes in handy during a hailstorm!

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Stuckincowtown@reddit

Hailstorms are fairly brief. Unless you’re in imminent danger by staying in your car, it is not a good idea to get out when it’s hailing

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V2BM@reddit

I have a hard hat somewhere. I should either find it or buy another.

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thatoneguyj2021@reddit

I have a Milwaukee hard hat with the face shield for high wind and flying hazards last thing I want is to take a branch to the eye or a rock to the head when I'm clearing a road

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Muted-Novel4403@reddit

We have snowboard, baseball and bike helmets I guess if we need them.

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Thought_Ninja@reddit

I have a bunch of helmets for different things: - Some bike/skate helmets - Full faced MTB helmet - Dirt bike/motorcycle helmet - Snowboard helmet - Wakeboard helmet - Tactical helmet (for S&R, climbing, and occasional protest)

If I had to pick two for the most use case coverage I would probably go with the dirt bike and tactical helmets.

I also have a radio/comms system for all but the bike/skate and wakeboard helmets.

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BACON-luv@reddit

Balaclava from Walmart

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Dylan-uSOB@reddit

I have a PASGT and many hardhats.

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qwerty5560@reddit

Thought this was the motorcycle subreddit for a sec....😂

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GunnCelt@reddit

I collect military gear from my time in the service and prior. I have my old PASGT, and a Vietnam era M1. I have a bump helmet for rappelling, a bicycle helmet for riding and a fire helmet for when I respond to certain calls on the FD

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Artful_Dodger_1832@reddit

I have a Hockey helmet with face guard to keep me from licking the windows.

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Physical-Ad-5039@reddit

I have combat helmets for after Earthquake inspection.

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lickmybrian@reddit

I have a few, some for riding bikes and some for construction purposes, I find the iron workers helmet to be one of the better ones as it has little nubs on the side for a face mask

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churchillguitar@reddit

I have a few hard hats, but just because I work construction

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Backsight-Foreskin@reddit

I have an SPH-4 from when I was a pilot in the Army, and a kevlar helmet. I have a motorcycle/riot helmet from when I was a cop. I have a hard hat from when I worked for the phone company.

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Routine_Mortgage_499@reddit

Bike and motorcycle helmets. Maybe you'd need a hard hat if digging people out from an earthquake.

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Kilroy1007@reddit

Just go get you a search and rescue style bump helmet. If you're worried about getting shot in the head you got bigger things to worry about rather than whether your helmet will stop a bullet or not. But bumping your head into stuff happens all the time. Hell go get you one of those Milwaukee hats with the plastic insert. You just don't want an open scalp wound out in the wild.

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Granadafan@reddit

I live in earthquake country so there are very likely collapsed buildings. A hard hat is an absolute must. If I can’t find my hard hat, I have a few bike helmets. Better than nothing. I also have my dad’s Vietnam War helmet though I don’t think that would be very useful and would look weird

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AlphaDisconnect@reddit

I would go the cheaper the better. If you need it. Your hopefully metal tub will work better.

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PineSoul603@reddit

Yeah always a good idea to cheap out on life saving equipment. That's just another form of natural selection

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AlphaDisconnect@reddit

So Kevlar works better than a ww2 helmet?

Take both out to to the range.shoot them with an m1 garand. I dont care if you spend 1000$ on a helmet the results will be the same.

A skipping bullet. An explosion. Yes. It works. Otherwise you might be able to make a very nice 5 finger glove

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PineSoul603@reddit

Uh yes, modern helmets have made many improvements over the USGI M1 helmet including their ballistic rating. Lots of studies, videos, and articles out there that prove you wrong if you're interested in educating yourself on the differences instead of digging your heels in.

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AlphaDisconnect@reddit

Yes they have. But maybe count your other 100 holes. What are you protecting against.

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HalloweenBen@reddit

I live in an earthquake prone area. I keep a climbing helmet with headlamp near my bed.

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ImGudLuhv@reddit

HJC, several

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David_Parker@reddit

I have a technical rescue helmet.

Headlamp, ear muffs, and safety goggles, plus a doo-rag tucked away and my CPR certs and whatnot. It even has a chin strap.

I used to do that type of work, so it’s the helmet I’ve got and prefer over a standard hard hat.

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avalon01@reddit

Bike helmet. I wear it every time I'm on my bike. MIPS protection and a good fit are most important to me.

I also have a hard hat that I wear on job sites.

I have a tactical helmet, but it's for Instagram photos. I think I've worn it once or twice.

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xamott@reddit

Man. All joke answers here. I have a level 2 or 3 BP helmet. Heavy as shit so I only imagine using it in a total collapse if I’m like stationed as lookout or something on the top of my bdg. So like most actual SWAT and military I also have a “bicycle” style tacticool helmet, for if I actually plan to walk around in it.

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Ok-Way8392@reddit

I have a friend that lives in Wisconsin. She has one helmet per person living in the house. They’re stored in the basement where everyone goes when the weather alarms go off.

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WardenWolf@reddit

I own 3, all IIIa ballistic rated.

PASGT upgraded to pads and a modern harness ACH SOHAH high-cut

All three have NVG brackets. The SOHAH also has accessory rails. I think I spent probably $750 total. I wouldn't buy a PASGT on today's market, but I paid $75 for the helmet and $75 for an Oregon Aero BLSS kit (normally over $200) so got a comfortable ballistic helmet for $150 total investment.

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feraldreamrot@reddit

I own multiple helmets.

Bicycle helmet for riding my bike. Climbing helmet for rock climbing. Motorcycle helmet for being a Motorcycle Mama (wkuk, I don't ride). Tactical bump helmet for larping and night vision.

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Lolimnewlmao@reddit

Yes

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No-Material6891@reddit

I have a team Wendy exfil helmet and love it.

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There_Are_No_Gods@reddit

I have quite a few, each fitting a different role, including bicycling, tree felling, and for attaching my ear pro, hands free comms, and night vision.

You could use many types of helmets for more than the intended purpose, but they do have useful specializations if you can afford to buy and store multiple types. A bicycle helmet could double in a pinch as a kayaking helmet, or a tree felling helmet could work for spelunking, for example, not ideal, but potentially a lot better than nothing. I wouldn't want to wear a military ballistic helmet bike riding long distances, though, where not all roles can be well addressed by just any helmet.

So, I suggest turning around your question a bit, and thinking about your likely scenarios and which, if any, type of helmet would work, while considering multi-use as appropriate.

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