The head is the part of the body that we must protect the most when we practice certain activities in the mountains. It houses the brain, our most important vital organ, which can suffer irreversible damage in the event of any blows or impacts with small falling rocks, for example.
Therefore, in certain types of mountain activities, such as rock climbing, mountaineering, iron way, or simply trekking through somewhat broken areas, we must always be protected with a good climbing helmet that guarantees our safety.
In this article you will find a selection of the best models of climbing helmets currently, indicating in each of them the type of specific activity for which it is best suited. Also, if you are new to the world of mountaineering, we invite you to click here to go directly to the buying guide, where you will learn all the keys that you must take into account to know if a specific model of the climbing helmet is suitable for you or not.
BLACK DIAMOND HALF DOME
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and ABS |
| SIZES | S/M (50-58cm) and M/L (56-63cm) |
| WEIGHT | 330g |
Recommended for…
All those beginners or medium-level climbers who are looking for a climbing helmet with great versatility and durability, maintaining a very tight weight and price. Ideal for any type of activity in the mountains (rock climbing, iron way, mountaineering, etc.).
The Black Diamond Half Dome is a mythical climbing helmet, redesigned in this most recent version to reduce its weight by 40 g compared to the original version, and improve its closure system.
We are facing a climbing helmet with great travel in recent years, highly tested and used by most people who practice sports and mountain activities, such as climbing, mountaineering, iron way, etc. And it is that it has extraordinary versatility and a very reasonable price.
Among its features, we find a very comfortable, fast, and precise one-hand wheel closure system that allows a perfect fit to the head. The arrangement and shape of its slots give it good ventilation, more than enough for intense climbing or iron way activities. In addition, it has built-in exterior clips to easily attach a headlamp or a small action video camera.
It is the most popular and currently sold climbing helmet model.
pros
- good quality with price ratio
- polyvalence
- durable
- very comfortable
cons
- experiencing no cons
BLACK DIAMOND HALF DOME WOMAN
This is the women’s version of the Black Diamond Half Dome climbing helmet, with the same features and characteristics, but with design details and ergonomics specifically designed for female climbers.
PETZL BOREA
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and ABS |
| SIZES | S/M (48-58cm) and M/L (53-61cm) |
| WEIGHT | 285g |
Recommended for…
Beginner or intermediate level climbers looking for a versatile and durable climbing helmet, ideal for climbing, iron way, mountaineering, caving, canyoning, etc.
The Petzl Boreo is the climbing helmet equivalent to the Black Diamond Half Dome but from the prestigious Petzl brand. Both have really similar prices and features, although with some design differences typical of each of the brands. However, the lightness of the Petzl Boreo is somewhat greater than that of the Half Dome.
It is a very versatile, robust, and durable off-road climbing helmet, as its thick ABS outer shell perfectly protects it against small impacts or scratches, in addition to complying with all safety regulations. It has an adjustable and flexible structure and inner contour, which adapts very well to the head, providing high comfort of use.
The inner structure has distributed foam pads that guarantee excellent stability on the head while in use. In addition, the structure is foldable towards the inside of the helmet, so that we can easily transport and store it when not in use.
Undoubtedly one of the models with the best quality/versatility/price on the market, which also has the Petzl Top and Side Protection safety seal.
pros
- Polyvalence
- Comfortable
- Durable
- affordable Price
cons
- The synthetic fiber can become smelly sometimes (requires cleaning regularly)
PETZL BOREA WOMAN
The Petzl Borea is the specific version for women of the Petzl Boreo, which has the same technical features, but comfort details for female climbers, such as the modified internal structure at the back to comfortably house the ponytail.
PETZL METEOR
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and polycarbonate |
| SIZES | S/M (48-58cm) and M/L (53-61cm) |
| WEIGHT | 225g |
Recommended for…
Mid-level climbers looking for a light, robust, versatile helmet with good finishes. It is an ideal option not only for the practice of any climbing activity (rock climbing, mountaineering, iron way, etc.) but also for ski mountaineering.
We know the Petzl Meteor climbing helmet very well, as it has been part of our own personal mountain equipment for a few years. And the truth is that we could not be happier with him. Despite being the same type of climbing helmet as the Petzl Boreo or Black Diamond Half Dome, it has features and details that are a step above.
The first characteristic to highlight is its excellent lightness since it weighs only 225 g, which makes it extraordinarily comfortable to wear and transport. In addition, it has remarkably large ventilation holes, which contributes to its lightness and improves air circulation and perspiration on the head.
Its design has been improved over the years with the different versions that have been released on the market and, today, it has very careful finishes and a really refined and attractive design. As it could not be otherwise, it has the acclaimed Petzl Top and Side Protection safety seal, in addition to being the first CE-certified climbing helmet for ski mountaineering, which makes it a tremendously versatile option. Proof of this is its specifically developed design in the front part to be able to wear a ski mask comfortably, as well as incorporating a compatible rear elastic to be able to adjust the mask perfectly.
On the other hand, its interior contour for the head is semi-rigid and it has a very robust quick-adjustment system, which allows the helmet to be easily adjusted to the head even with gloves. The closing buckle for the lower chin area is also very practical, as it contains a magnet that allows it to be closed very quickly and easily when the ends are brought together.
pros
- great in Lightness
- very comforting
- Polyvalence
- design
cons
- bit pricey
PETZL SIROCCO
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and without external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS |
| SIZES | S/M (48-58cm) and M/L (53-61cm) |
| WEIGHT | 170g |
Recommended for…
Demanding advanced level climbers who look down to the last gram, and are looking for a technical, ultralight, comfortable, and versatile helmet. The best mountain helmet on the market.
The Petzl Sirocco is the best climbing helmet on the market today. With only 170 g of weight, by far the lightest and most minimalist helmet exists, maintaining very high performance in terms of safety, comfort, and design.
Its very large ventilation slots and its refined adjustment system to the head allow a maximum level of comfort during the activity, also counting on the magnetic closure buckle, which greatly facilitates the action of putting it on and taking it off. How could it be otherwise, it has the Petzl Top and Side Protection seal, a guarantee that it meets the highest safety standards.
On the other hand, it is one of the most versatile mountain helmets that exist, as it is also certified with the CE standard for ski mountaineering helmets. Of course, its extreme lightness is achieved by dispensing with an external protective shell, which can cause the helmet to be easily damaged if we transport it outside the backpack, for example.
pros
- Ultra-light
- comfortable
- polyvalence
- great design
cons
- bit costly
MAMMOTH SKYWALKER 2
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and durable synthetic shell |
| SIZES | 53-61cm |
| WEIGHT | 380g |
Recommended for…
Beginners in mountain activities looking for a very off-road, robust, and durable climbing helmet at a really affordable price.
Mammut is a recognized brand that makes high-quality mountain products at reasonable prices. The Skywalker 2 offer a mountain helmet focused mainly on beginners, designed for a very wide range of activities (sport climbing, classic climbing, ice climbing, iron way, etc.).
Its main advantage is its high robustness and durability, as it has a really resistant outer casing, even to small scratches and scratches. The downside of this is its weight, somewhat high for the average climbing helmet of this type. However, its price is really tight, which makes it a very attractive option for all those beginners who are starting out in mountain activities and are looking for a durable, versatile, and relatively cheap helmet.
It has the typical features you would expect from a climbing helmet: thumbwheel adjustment at the rear, adjustable chinstrap, 8 vents, and mounts to attach any headlamp or action camera.
pros
- very durable
- varsatile in design
- Padded tongue delivers comfort
cons
- a little weighty
SALEWA TOXO
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and polypropylene |
| SIZES | 53-61cm |
| WEIGHT | 370g |
Recommended for…
Fans of mountain activities who are looking for a cheap, but practical and safe climbing helmet for activities of moderate intensity (iron way, sport climbing, trekking, etc.).
A Salewa Classic. If what you are looking for is a functional, simple and practical mountain helmet, with just what is necessary to fulfill its function and a price that is as optimized as possible, the Salewa Toxo is undoubtedly an excellent purchase. Its price is one of the lowest in the market, giving it an excellent quality/price ratio. In addition, the Salewa Toxo is a unisex helmet, fully valid for both men and women.
It is a climbing helmet that is really similar in performance and weight to the Mammut Skywalker 2, but with a slightly lower price. Among its characteristics, we find the typical ones that can be required of a simple and minimalist helmet like the Toxo: robustness, durability, comfort, and versatility. It features a simple and comfortable head adjustment via a dial on the back, as well as headlamp mounts and ventilation slots.
Undoubtedly the ideal option for those who are looking for a cheap but safe climbing helmet, with a level of quality that is more than sufficient for the practice of mountain activities of a not very high level of intensity (iron way, trekking through areas with risk of falling stones, etc.).
pros
- great value for the price
- simple to use
- very sturdy
- cheap but safe
cons
- a bit weight may bother
SALEWA PURE
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and ABS |
| SIZES | S/M (48-58cm) and L/XL (56-62cm) |
| WEIGHT | 310g |
Recommended for…
Beginner/intermediate level climbers who want a functional, lightweight, and attractive climbing helmet for practicing mountain activities of a certain intensity.
The Salewa Pura is a unisex climbing helmet set one step above the Salewa Toxo. It stands out for its attractive design, low weight, and details not very common in other similar helmets on the market, such as its removable and washable inner lining, which allows constant and simple care of the helmet, notably increasing its durability.
Regarding its characteristics, it has an adjustment to the head by means of a dial on the back, easily operable with one hand. In addition, it has 4 wide clips to securely attach a headlamp or an action camera, and large ventilation slots that significantly improve air circulation compared to the Salewa Toxo, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
pros
- polyvalence
- washable
- attractive design
- removeable lining
cons
- the somewhat flimsy interior trim structure
KAILAS
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and ABS |
| SIZES | 55-60cm |
| WEIGHT | 405g |
Recommended for…
Fans of the practice of the iron way, both young and old, are looking for a cheap, functional, and safe helmet.
The KAILAS is one of the cheapest climbing helmets out there. Simple, practical, and safe, valid for both men and women. It is the best-selling climbing helmet among all those who practice the iron way.
And it is that the KAILAS is a very versatile and comfortable helmet, as it has padding on the adjustable strap that passes under the chin, which significantly improves comfort when wearing it. In addition, the padded areas that it has can be easily removed to be able to clean them after several uses. The adjustment to the head is done easily and precisely by means of a wheel placed at the rear.
Finally, it is worth noting the wide variety of colors in which this climbing helmet is available, which makes it an ideal option for young people and adults, both men and women.
pros
- affordable price
- many colors available
- comfortable
cons
- flimsy interior and weight
EDELRID ZODIAC
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and ABS |
| SIZES | 54-62cm |
| WEIGHT | 359g |
Recommended for…
People who want to start practicing the iron way, with the idea of progressing towards more demanding activities in the mountains, such as rock climbing or mountaineering.
The Edelrid Zodiac was our first climbing helmet, with which we first ventured on an iron way, and with which we later started rock climbing. We know him very well, since he has accompanied us during our first years doing activities in the mountains, and we have to say that it was a great acquisition.
Simple, practical, and economical, this climbing helmet is ideal for beginners in mountain activities that can become demanding and intense, such as long-distance rock climbing or mountaineering. The precise adjustment to the head is achieved through a small wheel on the back of the internal structure, easily accessible with one hand. This internal adjustment structure is also foldable inwards, which greatly reduces its size for convenient storage and transport. In addition, it allows you to remove the inner pads to be able to wash them after several uses.
In turn, the Edelrid Zodiac has all the features that can be required of a simple and cheap climbing helmet: wide ventilation slots for the head, clips to fix a front, and a comfortable strap that is easy and quick to adjust chin. Finally, it should be noted that this climbing helmet is available in 5 different colors according to the user’s taste.
pros
- varsatile usibility
- affordable price
- very sturdy
- variety in colors
cons
- The adjustment dial ends up loosening after years of heavy use
EDELRID SHIELD II
| HULL TYPE | Deformable structure and external protection |
| MATERIAL | EPS and polycarbonate |
| SIZES | Size 1: 48-56cm, Size 2: 52-62cm |
| WEIGHT | 248g |
Recommended for…
Beginner or intermediate level climbers looking for a lightweight, comfortable, durable climbing helmet with a beautiful exterior design. Ideal for iron way and any other mountain activity of a certain intensity.
With a really attractive design and high-quality finishes, the Edelrid Shield II is an ultralight and resistant climbing helmet, for those who are willing to pay a little more than with the Edelrid Zodiac but obtain in return a remarkable lightness and quality.
This climbing helmet is not only ideal for the iron way, but also for any other intense activity in the mountains, such as long routes of climbing, ice climbing, or alpinism. And it is that it has a new system, called Wing-Fit, which allows obtaining an optimal, ergonomic, and comfortable fit to the head. Its side buckle system prevents chafing under the chin and neck during use, as it does not contain any clip in those areas.
Its shell contains large ventilation grills, and its internal head-fitting structure is foldable for easier storage and transport. In addition, its interior head pads are removable to ensure cleaning and maintenance.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful climbing helmets on the market, offered in several different designs and colors, all of them very attractive. Among the different colors, the Oasis stands out, which is also fluorescent and glows in the dark.
cons
- Pricey
Beginner Climbing Shoes Buying Guide
What climbing helmet to buy? Buying Guide 2022
If you need to buy a climbing helmet for your next adventure in the mountains but you do not know very well its characteristics or what you should take into account when choosing one, then this is for you. Below we are going to explain in a simple, clear, and concise way what a climbing helmet is really for, and what you should look for to buy the best climbing helmet for you.
Types of climbing helmets
Although it is somewhat obvious, a helmet, whether for climbing, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. Its main mission is to protect our heads. What happens is that not all helmets are suitable for everything, since each one has been specifically designed to maximize protection according to the specific activity in which it is going to be used. That said, in the different mountain activities we can fundamentally find 2 potential dangers for the head:
The first type of danger can cause a perforation in the skull, the second a concussion (movement of the brain inside the skull, which hits against its walls).
Suffering a fall while skiing is not the same as receiving the impact of a rock falling from above while climbing a wall. In the first case, we will need our helmet to protect us very well both laterally and frontally, while in the second we need good protection, especially in the upper area. On the other hand, in mountain sports, another important variable also comes into play: weight. For all these reasons, we can find 3 different types of climbing helmets: rigid ones, those with a deformable structure and external protection, and those that only have a deformable structure, without external protection.
They represent the classic climbing helmet, with a rigid external structure (shell) made of rigid polymers, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PE (High-Density Polyethylene). Some models of rigid climbing helmets are equipped with an internal padding structure, but most simply have a simple structure with straps to adjust the helmet to the head. Therefore, the outer shell itself confers the main structure of the helmet.
It can give the impression that they are poorly ventilated and hot, as there are not many slots in the case. However, its inner structure that separates the head from the outer shell creates air channels that ventilate very well and make these climbing helmets less hot than they seem.
They are the largest and heaviest climbing helmets, but also the most durable, versatile, and economical. As we will see later, they can undoubtedly be the ideal option depending on the type of activity you are going to do.
PROS
CONS
The rigid outer shell has grooves that respect the grooves of the main EPS structure, providing excellent ventilation for the head.
These climbing helmets are considerably lighter than rigid climbing helmets, and therefore somewhat more expensive. They have good durability and, like rigid helmets, they are very safe for practicing mountain activities (mountaineering, climbing, etc.), as they comply with the different regulations and requirements.
PROS
CONS
Despite their lightness, they are perfectly safe and comply with all regulations, although their durability is much lower compared to the 2 previous types. Of course, the feeling when wearing it is like wearing nothing, so its comfort is extraordinary.
PROS
CONS
The answer depends mainly on the use you are going to give it. It might be thought a priori that it is best to choose the lightest because ultimately they all comply with all safety standards and regulations. However, there is a very important variable to take into account, which depends on the use you are going to make, durability. The lighter a climbing helmet is, the less durable it will be, as it has less outer protection for its main EPS structure.
And we are not only talking about the durability in terms of being able to continue using it after receiving an impact but also about its resistance to small bumps and scratches that it may suffer while transporting it in the backpack, for example.
According to this relationship between lightness and durability:
Final words....
Choosing a good climbing helmet is essential to safely enjoy mountain activities. In this article, we have shown you a selection of the 10 best models of climbing helmets currently, the best sellers, and the best valued by users. In addition, we have included a detailed buying guide with the key aspects that you should know to be able to choose the best climbing helmet for the specific type of use that you are going to make of it.
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