What is the Capitan Helmet?
The Capitan is Black Diamond's bombproof solution to safety on the rock. The sturdy construction takes impact well, with extended coverage around the back and sides to optimise protection, engineered to handle abuse on any rockface - even the big El Cap' itself.
What is it made of?
Built using a two-piece ABS shell construction, the Capitan helmet allows a secure fit whilst offering maximum protection. Inside is a layer of EPP foam and an EPS foam puck, designed to absorb impact with a high strength to weight ratio, whilst providing thermal insulation and water resistance to keep you comfortable in any conditions.
Too many acronyms? Here's a quick breakdown.
ABS - ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene... bit of a mouthful, right? It's a plastic known for its superior stiffness and overall strength. ABS can take impact really well, so it's perfect for protection against falling rocks and debris that can be potentially dangerous, or life threatening in extreme cases, when climbing outdoors.
EPP - EPP is Expanded Polypropylene. This type of foam is super strong and offers fantastic thermal insulation and impact absorption, whilst being water and chemical resistant.
EPS - EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene, which is a lightweight cellular plastic with similar properties to EPP. EPS is strong and durable, offering high levels of impact protection, thermal insulation and moisture resistance which helps to prevent rot. EPS is environmentally safe to use and recyclable, meaning it is slightly more friendly to the planet than regular plastic foam.
The mixture of these materials and the overall design/shape of the Capitan meets the proposed UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) requirements, of increased side and back protection.
What features does it have?
The Capitan has vents strategically placed across the design to maximise airflow and improve breathability, making you feel much more comfortable in warmer climates and on exposed multi-pitch summer routes.
A low-profile suspension system has been built into the helmet, which dials in the fit whilst keeping a sleek and minimal aesthetic. Who said you couldn't look cool when you're harnessed to a rock?
There are integrated headlamp clips with an elastic keeper on the back - super handy for starting or completing ascents in the dark when you need some extra visibility to suss out your next move.
Velcro pads are useful for absorbing sweat and increasing comfort through cushioning inside the shell. The Velcro pads on the Capitan helmet are reversible/removable, so if they don't tickle your fancy, you have the option to take them off.
Features:
- EPP + EPS + 2-piece ABS shell combo creates ultra-durability
- Increased side and back protection
- Low-profile suspension system
- Integrated headlamp clips
- Removable/reverse Velcro pads