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Best helmet for hot weather?

Hunting
#1

So I need a new helmet, and there are so many options these days! I would like something that is acceptable in the hunt field but allows for as much airflow as possible. We get a few cold days here but they are not numerous.

I still love and prefer the look of the ‘traditional’ velvet helmets (qualifying with quotes so I don’t get dinged for calling a helmet as opposed to a hunt cap traditional :wink: ), but they do better at heat retention than dissipation.

IRH helmets tend to fit me, at least based on past experience. Haven’t yet tried on any COs but hope to do so soon. I have more of an oval shaped head so haven’t even bothered with the GPAs (not to mention I previously resisted the skunk look, but the airflow may be worth it).

#2

The Ovation Competitor is a super-lightweight helmet that has the more traditional look of a velvet flocked helmet, but with lots of vents. Much lighter and cooler than CO or GPA.

http://www.adamshorsesupply.com/browse.cfm/4,8938.html

#3

…and cheeeeper, how cool! (Pun intended.)

Thanks for that idea, any input on how it fits, or compares in fit to other brands?

#4

Whatever you get, I can’t do without Wicky Stick-It Helmet Liners in the summer. Keeps the helmet stink away and your forehead clean.

#5

It has a dial fit, which some people do and some people don’t like. It’s super-stong and I haven’t had a problem with mine at all (I have the schooler version of this helmet and have been wearing it for over a year now). I like it because I can wear it with my hair up or down and it still fits. It’s sort of in between a round and a long oval…not quite either one. The S/M size fits 6 1/2 -7 and the M/L fits 7-7 1/2. If you have a definite long oval head and are right on the 7 line, go up to the M/L. My friend has a really long oval head that is exactly 7 1/2 and the M/L didn’t fit (it couldn’t be made long enough).

I’ve worn both GPA (in college) and Troxel. The Troxel was a long oval and was really too long for me, but was a really great deal so I made it work (bad, I know). The GPA was a loaner, and was slightly too round. I felt like I was wearing a bubble (one that was heavy).

#6

I like the Charles Owen AYR 8. It has airflow vents but still looks somewhat traditional.

http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?ProductClassId=6857&cm_mmc=paidfeeds--froogle--NA-_-16857

There is also the AYR8 classic that is even more traditional

http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?ProductClassId=8963&cm_mmc=paidfeeds--froogle--NA-_-18963

I like the fit and safety of the Charles Owen helmets.

I have an AYR8, a GR8 and a Showjumper classic. I normally hunt in the Showjumper. I have a brown version for informal days.

#7

IRH

Oh, and if the IRH fit you, they have an IRH Air that is new.

http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=9507&cm_vc=Search

Much like the CO Ayr 8 but less expensive.

#8

Thanks for all the great ideas! :slight_smile: Time to try on some helmets…

#9

Let us know what you end up with and how you like it.

#10

Whatever you do, avoid the Charles Owen gr8 at any cost. It looks amazing, ut is hands down the hottest helmet I’ve ever ridden in in my entire life. I complain every time I ride in it . There are no vents it is terrible.

#11

I also use the Charles Owen and love it.

#12

Thanks for the thread, I am shopping too as of today - when my horse dodged right around a tree I thought we were going left around… the helmet probably saved my life as I rebounded off the tree (top of helmet only contact, thank you!) with enough force to land back in the saddle I had just vacated!

I was already looking, but this has made it a bit more urgent.

WHEEEEE!!!

#13

http://www.doversaddlery.com/tipperary-sportage-8500-riding-helmet/p/X1-36064/cn/39/

If cool and comfortable is the goal this is the best…not the handsomest helmet ever though.

#14

http://hobbyhillfarm.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=128&products_id=682&zenid=ebe2db2ad0ddbdb0df2e74de9ada7556

You could also try one of these under your current helmet. I just used the cooling vest under my Tipperary safety vest and I was amazed at the cooling effect.

I just purchased the vest and a liner for my helmet.

Will I tried out the vest under my vest, I could feel the temperature difference between my chest area and my head. My head felt like it was cooking even though my chest was cool.

I’m going to try the helmet liner tomorrow and I’ll let you know how it goes.

#15

Jawa, please

Hey Jawa,
Please tell us if this works for our climate. I’m taking jumping lesson with Jimmy Wofford. Once it stays hot, I’m doomed to heat exhaustion. I want to jump next season with you. Does this work for under an eventing safety vest?
Is it thin enough for under a cubbing jacket for next Fall?

I’m trying to figure out what it is made of and what it feels like…

Thanks in advance!:slight_smile:

#16

[QUOTE=amc2;5606765]
Whatever you do, avoid the Charles Owen gr8 at any cost. It looks amazing, ut is hands down the hottest helmet I’ve ever ridden in in my entire life. I complain every time I ride in it . There are no vents it is terrible.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree! I just ordered one of the AYR8’s as I needed something cooler. I had no choice but to go with the CO because nothing else fit my head - and I tried EVERYTHING in the store. :lol:

#17

Just got back from the barn after riding and doing some chores.

I went for a 30 minute ride in a partly shady part of the farm for some walk/trot work and I wore my new vest and liner for my helmet. Prior to heading out I had placed the wet vest and liner in ziplock bag and placed them in the frig. I wrung the excess water out of the vest and liner and put them on and rode.

The helmet liner was amazing. I could feel the difference as I rode. In a comparison to yesterday, when I only had the cooling vest, I never felt like I was cooking my brain in the helmet.

I finished my ride and then did some chores, some in the barn, some in the sun. I did sweat, but I never felt overcome by the heat.

When the breeze was blowing or when I was making my own breeze by riding or walking about, I could really feel the difference.

If the vest were slightly more fitted, it would work better, as contact with you allows for a better transfer of the coolness of the vest.

The vest is not going to win any fashion contests, but it is functional. You may be able to wear it under a shirt and get the same effect and still seem fashionable.

Hope the report helps.

#18

[QUOTE=jawa;5654895]
Just got back from the barn after riding and doing some chores.

I went for a 30 minute ride in a partly shady part of the farm for some walk/trot work and I wore my new vest and liner for my helmet. Prior to heading out I had placed the wet vest and liner in ziplock bag and placed them in the frig. I wrung the excess water out of the vest and liner and put them on and rode.

The helmet liner was amazing. I could feel the difference as I rode. In a comparison to yesterday, when I only had the cooling vest, I never felt like I was cooking my brain in the helmet.

I finished my ride and then did some chores, some in the barn, some in the sun. I did sweat, but I never felt overcome by the heat.

When the breeze was blowing or when I was making my own breeze by riding or walking about, I could really feel the difference.

If the vest were slightly more fitted, it would work better, as contact with you allows for a better transfer of the coolness of the vest.

The vest is not going to win any fashion contests, but it is functional. You may be able to wear it under a shirt and get the same effect and still seem fashionable.

Hope the report helps.[/QUOTE]

When the helmet liner started to warm back up, after you had worn it for a while, did you notice any blocked air flow? My IRH (Elite eq) has a lot of vents which are great. My head doesn’t get that hot, but just really sweaty, if that makes sense. So I was just wondering if it would block air from flowing through the vents? Also, how long does it last?

#19

I only did a short (30) minute ride and won’t have a chance to put it to the real test until next week. I’ll ride for 3 hours Tues and 3 Wed. 2 of the 3 hours on Tues will be a moving out trail ride, some in the woods, some in the open. The 3 hours on Wed will all be in a ring with NO shade. I’ll report back when I’ve had a chance to give it a real test.

#20

[QUOTE=gypsymare;5502838]
Whatever you get, I can’t do without Wicky Stick-It Helmet Liners in the summer. Keeps the helmet stink away and your forehead clean.[/QUOTE]

I wonder if you could just use another sort of “liner” for this purpose :wink: Would be much cheaper.

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