Quandarys West Ridge

[Harvester]

Seeking input from anyone with previous experience on the West Ridge of Quandary. Helmets necessary for a party of 2? Thinking yes, but thought I'd tap into the collective to confirm.

[JQDivide]

ALWAYS A HELMET FOR CLASS 3!

[letourneau41]

ALWAYS A HELMET FOR CLASS 3!

+1

[daverflave]

Just wondering why a Helmet would be needed when a fall is almost certain to end fatally, what help really will a helmet do?

[dpage]

Just wondering why a Helmet would be needed when a fall is almost certain to end fatally, what help really will a helmet do?

Did you see the recent Crestone accident thread where SAR credited the victim's helmet with saving his life after he fell?

[Hungry Jack]

Mos def. There is noteworthy exposure as you head over the white rock and then on the final wall. If you are coming down the Christo couloir, a helmet is not a bad idea either.

[danshannan]

I wouldnt worry about it. Only mountains Ive worn a helmet on have rock fall danger from groups above you, like Maroon Bells, Little Bear type mountains. So not necessary but if youre asking then youre thinking you should have it, always trust your gut.

[daverflave]

Just wondering why a Helmet would be needed when a fall is almost certain to end fatally, what help really will a helmet do?

Did you see the recent Crestone accident thread where SAR credited the victim's helmet with saving his life after he fell?

no, I wasnt trying to be rude. Really just curious

[polar]

Just wondering why a Helmet would be needed when a fall is almost certain to end fatally, what help really will a helmet do?

But it is not certain that a fall will be fatal on Quandary West Ridge. It's class 3, it's not the Diamond on Longs. It's low angle with enough ledges that if you fall you'll most likely just roll a short distance.

I always wear a helmet on class 3 and above. It doesn't weigh that much, and it's good insurance against small rocks, short falls and tumbles. It may not help in a all cases, but I like to stack the odds in my favor.

[rob runkle]

Personally, I've never worn a helmet on Class 3, but definitely on Class 4.

But, I would lean towards wearing a helmet on class 2 and above, where the potential for rock fall from parties above is high (i.e. Sneffels).

It is funny how the masses seem to jump to wearing a helmet on anything class 3 and above now, but evidence suggests that not very many people are carrying the 10 essentials anymore (i.e. a paper map and compass).

In response to IP, it couldn't hurt to carry it, that's for sure.

[tobiasfunke]

Just wondering why a Helmet would be needed when a fall is almost certain to end fatally, what help really will a helmet do?

Rocks fall too.

[Jim Davies]

That ridge isn't hugely exposed; you're rarely more than 10 feet off the deck, usually less. A helmet helps in short falls, too (think tripping over a rock and hitting your head on the ground - I've done this a few times).