Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>]

This continues the helmet thread from July.

For MSAR riding in terrain full of pointy rocks or trees (eg,
much backcountry), I think highly vented helmets are unsafe.  
A pointed object impacting a vent would split the helmet and
the head inside.  Also, the lightweight helmets that are just
a styrofoam bowl with minimal plastic shell may be cheaper
to buy but they are essentially disposable.  They are flimsy.
Long term, they may end up costing more, if you must replace
them due to the ordinary wear and tear of SAR.

Mine is a "schooling helmet";  it is larger and stronger than
most, and has a reasonably large visor that snaps on and off.
Sadly, Lexington, the company that made it, went bankrupt a
few years ago.  Per industry newsletters, their helmets became
too popular suddenly and they could not meet the demand.  The
only reasonable alternatives I have seen to this helmet are
basic rock-climbing helmets.  Those have very strong shells,
and are fairly light-weight, with no styrofoam.  Instead they
have an internal webbing harness so there is full ventilation 
between the helmet and your head.

Another option would be a type of helmet used by some mounted
police.  Anyone have experience with these?

        Una Smith
        Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse, in New Mexico