Helmet A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet. Bicycle or ski helmets are designed for a different type of impact and will not substitute as a climbing helmet. Helmet Fit Your helmet should fit comfortably with and without a hat. It should be tight enough that it won\'t slide around when you move your head, but not so tight that it creates uncomfortable pressure. The helmet should sit much like a regular hat: directly on top of your head with the front just above your brow. A good fit will not allow the helmet to slide back on your head and leave your forehead exposed. \r\n\r\nMechanical Ascender This item is optional for your seminar. Finding the Right Ascender If this seminar is a step for you towards a larger mountain such as Mt. McKinley, investing in a mechanical ascender is a good idea. On the seminar, we will cover ascender use and rigging for climbing fixed lines, like we would find on many of the larger mountains around the world. There are several brands and models of mechanical ascenders on the market, and most function essentially the same. Thus, ergonomics and ease of opening and closing the rope cam are the most important factors when choosing an ascender. When climbing, you will be operating the ascender with gloves on, so it isn\'t a bad idea to put on a pair of gloves and try operating them to get an idea of which is easiest. Ascenders come in either right or left hand configurations, but either can be used with either hand, thus which you choose is not of great importance.\r\n