Recommendations? Sure! You are correct in going to a store and trying one on. My experience is that they are rather comfortable. i formerly wore out an Elios (Petzl?)and currently wear a Black Diamond half Dome which I have worn for long periods.

The most recent episode was a dig where we were at the base of a steep crumbling cliff, full of rocks ready to fall. we all wore helmets with no events until the last day, when there was a very loud clunk! as a rock hit a helmeted fellow worker (she was wearing my old Elios) who came up with a smile on her face and no cuts or bruises.

Without the helmet protection, I am sure there would have been at least a nasty scalp wound and a precautionary X-ray, tricky because we were in a remote locale.

I really believe in head protection. I have seen quite a few cranial injuries, and they all involved body recoveries.

Usually the cleanup efforts following a disaster (hurricane, EQ, whatever) often cause as many injuries and fatalities as the disaster itself. Good PPE does a lot to counteract that...

Just back from REI checking out helmets, they had a few. I ordered the Black Diamond Half Dome, up close I liked it better. I was initially drawn to the Petzl Boreo because it comes in white which I like for visibility; I’ll remedy that with white reflective tape.

How about a bicycle helmet like this Nutcase Zone?

[img:left]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0228/2...pg?v=1547670301[/img]

It all depends on the certifications the helmet meets. That helmet is certainly better than no protection at all.

I don't care for the dark color. Bike helmets should be highly visible.

It’s available in “cream” at REI - https://www.rei.com/product/872780/nutcase-bike-helmet-mens

Looking at the REI illustration, one can see that there are cooling vents in the top of the helmet. They make perfect sense on a bike helmet, but are not optimum when you might deal with falling objects.

Cream is a decent color. I commuted regularly by bike for many years and i became a firm believer in bright clothing for the cyclist.

Of course, when an EQ strikes, how likely are you to have a helmet handy. It will be critical during the aftermath and during cleanup. Lots of potential hazards there....

Another helmet I considered was the Petzl VERTEX BEST ANSI, White. No vents which in some climates would be just fine. Other climates and the helmet is a tad warmer. However, for construction or work in the aftermath of an EQ, this might be a good option. In any case, better than the classic hard-hat.

On a sidenote, when I ride my bycycle I have this jacket on:
https://www.arktisoutdoor.co.uk/image/ca...y-2000x2500.jpg

So the color of a helmet does not make a big different, be it light or dark.

Note that there are different standards for hard hats.

As noted, the lightweight plastic shell type (ANSI Type I) doesn't do a lot. It's not much more than a bump cap, though that's still better than a ball cap.

The CSA-approved Type 2 hard hat, for example, has substantial side impact (lateral) protection all around. These are required on all industrial and construction sites up here. They are heavier and more expensive, but designed to protect against concussion, so well worth it.

I believe there's an ANSI Type II as well, though the testing methodology and underlying assumptions are quite different.

EDIT: It's also worth considering whether your respiratory protection system will work with your head protection. Industrial hard hats and respirators are commonly designed to work together.