Helmet, gloves and quickdraw karabiners are essential accessories for tackling a via ferrata safely, even in those cases where you think you are taking on a route you already know and of (supposedly) modest technical difficulty.
Mountaineering helmet
As with any other mountaineering product, helmets come in various models, some light, others heavier and more protective. An important rule that holds for the rucksack, holds for boots, but also holds for the helmet: it's best to try it on your own head before buying it. Three important factors need to be weighed up:
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comfort and fit on the head;
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overall weight;
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ease of use of the buckle and strap adjustment system;
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whether you can use a head torch with it.
This last factor in particular matters all the more if you intend to use the helmet for other hiking activities too, including ones that take place at night. In this case it's best to check whether the head torch sits properly on top of the helmet and doesn't slip on its surface, or alternatively whether the helmet has a way of attaching the head torch.
Via ferrata gloves
On vie ferrate, where progress necessarily involves contact with metal materials (sometimes rusty) or frayed steel cables, it's useful to protect your hands from pointless and unpleasant abrasions. There are special via ferrata gloves, but cycling gloves will do fairly well too, as long as they are leather. Above all they must grip metal surfaces well whenever rain or condensation makes them particularly slippery.
Complete your kit with the via ferrata set with energy absorber, lanyards and karabiners.
Checklist before setting off on a via ferrata
- Helmet: try it on before buying and, if you think you'll also use it at night, check that the head torch stays firmly in place.
- Gloves: they must protect your hands from frayed cables and give a good grip on wet metal; leather cycling gloves are a good alternative.
- Harness and via ferrata set: helmet and gloves alone aren't enough, you also need the harness and the kit with energy absorber.
- Checking your gear: before every outing check straps, buckles and wear, and replace anything that is damaged.
If it's your first time, first read what a via ferrata is and how to choose your harness.