As a climber, you know the importance of having the right gear. A good helmet is an absolute must-have for any climber, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. We’ve rounded up the five best climbing helmets of 2023 to get you prepared for your next adventure. If you’re just starting off with rock climbing, make sure to check out our article on Bouldering vs Rock Climbing: Pros and Cons.
Best for Lightweight: Petzl Sirocco Helmet
- Durable construction that can withstand impacts
- Designed to provide a secure fit
- Big openings for great ventilation
Best Waterproof Tent Overall: Black Diamond Vision MIPS
- Rapid Tent frame system offers rapid setup
- Integrated gear loft and side storage compartment
- Rainfly protects from inclement weather
Best for Value: Black Diamond Vector Helmet
- The helmet is designed to be lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- The helmet features an solid adjustable fit, which allows people to customize the fit for their head shape and size.
- High-low ventilation for optimal airflow
1. Petzl Sirocco Helmet
- Helmet Sizes: S/M (19-23 in/48-58 cm), M/L (21-24 in/53-61 cm)
- Weight: 6.0 oz/170g (M/L model)
- Colors: Black/Orange and White/Orange
- Material: Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam & expanded polystyrene (EPS) Foam Injected crown
The Petzl Sirocco Helmet is one of the most popular helmets for climbers. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, and its low profile design makes it ideal for all types of climbing. The helmet also has a foam liner that offers excellent shock absorption and ultra-breathability to keep your head cool during long climbs. Plus, it comes in two sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Big openings for great ventilation
- Durable construction that can withstand impacts and is designed to provide a secure fit
Cons
- The helmet is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market
- Some users have reported that the helmet’s fit can be a bit tight, which can be uncomfortable for people with larger heads
2. Black Diamond Vector Helmet
- Helmet Sizes: [S/M] 53-59 cm (21-23 in), [M/L] 58-63 cm (23-25 in)
- Weight: [S/M] 231 g (8.1 oz), [M/L] 240 g (8.5 oz)
- Colors: Alloy/Octane, Sulphur/Anthracite, Blizzard/Teal
- Material: Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell
The Black Diamond Vector Helmet is designed with maximum breathability in mind, making it ideal for hot days on the wall. Its lightweight construction means you won’t get weighed down during long climbs, and it features adjustable suspension straps so you can customize your fit. The Vector also has an adjustable chin strap, so you can keep your helmet secure no matter how hard you climb or move around while belaying.
Pros
- Lightweight design: The helmet is designed to be lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Big openings for great ventilation
- Adjustable fit: The helmet features an adjustable fit system, which allows the wearer to customize the fit for their head shape and size.
Cons
- The Not very breathable: Some users have reported that the ventilation system does not provide enough air flow to keep the head cool.
- Some users have reported that the helmet’s fit can be a bit tight, which can be uncomfortable for people with larger heads
- The helmet is not suitable for use in ice climbing as it doesn’t have a clip-on shield.
3. Black Diamond Vision MIPS
- Helmet Sizes: [S/M] 53-59 cm (21-23 in), [M/L] 58-63 cm (23-25 in)
- Weight: [S/M] 240 g (8.4 oz), [M/L] 250 g (8.8 oz)
- Colors: Black
- Material: Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell
The Black Diamond Vision MIPS is the ultimate climbing helmet for any climber. Its superior comfort and versatile fit make it the perfect choice for any head shape. The helmet is equipped with the innovative MIPS Brain Protection System, which allows for movement of up to 15 mm during angled impacts, reducing rotational forces on the brain. The helmet is constructed with EPP foam and a durable hard ABS top plate that provides superior protection from both side and top impacts. Investing in a helmet is an important decision, and the Black Diamond Vision MIPS offers the best protective features on the market.
Pros
- MIPS technology is designed to reduce the rotational force on the brain in case of falling directly on the head, which may help to reduce the risk of brain injury.
- Big openings for great ventilation
- Highly adjustable, making for a good fit
Cons
- MIPS helmets are usually more expensive than non-MIPS helmets of similar quality and style.
- Some people may find that the MIPS layer inside the helmet is uncomfortable or causes the helmet to fit differently than a non-MIPS helmet.
4. Edelrid Salathe Lightweight Climbing Helmet
- Helmet Sizes: [S/M] 53-59 cm (21-23 in), [M/L] 58-63 cm (23-25 in)
- Weight: [S/M] 231 g (8.1 oz), [M/L] 240 g (8.5 oz)
- Colors: Alloy/Octane, Sulphur/Anthracite, Blizzard/Teal
- Material: Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell
The Edelrid Salathe Lightweight Climbing Helmet is designed with both comfort and safety in mind. It uses an innovative suspension system that evenly distributes pressure around your head while still providing maximum protection from impacts or falls. The Salathe also has plenty of ventilation to keep your head cool during long climbs, plus an adjustable chin strap so you can customize your fit whenever needed.
Pros
- Easily placeable head lamp set up
- Very light when compared to other climbing helmets
- The EPP foam keeps the helmet light, while also offering side and rear impact resistance
Cons
- The adjustment harness is limited in range
- Some users have reported that the helmet’s fit can be a bit tight, which can be uncomfortable for people with larger heads
5. Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet
- Helmet Sizes: [S/M] 50-58 cm (19.7-23 in), [M/L] 56-63 cm (22-25 in)
- Weight: [S/M] 330 g (11.6 oz), [M/L] 350 g (12.3 oz)
- Colors: Denim, BD Orange, Rain, Slate
- Material: EPS impact foam and durable ABS shell
Last but not least on our list is the Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing helmet – another popular choice among climbers everywhere! This classic model features an expanded polystyrene shell that provides superior impact resistance while still being lightweight enough to move with ease on challenging routes or traverses. Plus, its adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit so you can focus on conquering each crux without worrying about losing your helmet along the way!
Pros
- Easily placeable head lamp set up
- Very light when compared to other climbing helmets
- The EPP foam keeps the helmet light, while also offering side and rear impact resistance
Cons
- The adjustment harness is limited in range
- Some users have reported that the helmet’s fit can be a bit tight, which can be uncomfortable for people with larger heads
In Conclusion
All the helmets had great qualities, but the one that stuck out the most to me was the Black Diamond Vision MIPS. It is the lightest weight helmet on the market and has great head coverage. The Black Diamond Vector Helmet is also a great helmet and it has a really sleek design. I like that it has a magnetic chin strap, which makes it easy to take on and off. The Edelrid Salathe Lightweight Climbing Helmet is another great option if you are looking for a lightweight helmet. It has great head coverage and ventilation. The Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet is a great all around helmet. It is durable and has a lot of features like an adjustable fit system and headlamp clips. The Black Diamond Vision MIPS helmet is also a great choice if you are looking for a helmet with MIPS technology.
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