It goes without saying that safety is super important when climbing. This is why, out of all the non-negotiables for those living in the vertical world, having one of the best climbing helmets is a necessity.
“Climbing helmets are essential for climbing because they protect you from falling rocks or objects, offer impact absorption during falls, and shield your head from sharp objects, Magnus Raström, senior product manager of climbing gear at Mammut, says. “Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the likelihood of suffering a severe or major head injury in various situations, such as falling, hitting a wall sideways, or being struck by falling rocks,” the expert adds.
Of course, not all climbing helmets are equal. For starters, soft-shell climbing helmets are often made of foam and a polycarbonate cover, so they are very lightweight. Traditional hardshell helmets are generally crafted from ABS plastic or polycarbonate. They also have an inner foam liner made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP), so offer up top-notch durability. While hybrid designs are all the best bits of the two.
Different types will suit different climbers. But either way, you look at it: “Any certified helmet worn correctly offers better protection than no helmet at all,” Raström adds. “We strongly recommend that when it comes to equipment that could make the difference between life and death, you don't cut corners—make a conscious and well-informed purchase decision.”
What features are important with climbing helmets?
Along with giving some consideration to the type of helmet you choose, Raström recommends finding a comfy option. “The comfort of a helmet is a key factor because the more comfortable it fits, the more likely you are to wear it,” he says.
Also, weigh up the weight. “A helmet of moderate weight will prevent neck muscles from tiring quickly,” the expert says. “The straps should be adjustable for an optimal fit, and aramid or Kevlar reinforcements provide penetration protection. Additionally, you can look for features like headlamp attachments or extra padding.”
For more climbing gear, check out the best mountain climbing jackets and the best climbing shoes.
Best climbing helmets for men at a glance:
- Best overall: Black Diamond Vapor Climbing helmet - £150, Black Diamond
- Best for durability: Black Diamond Vision Helmet - £58.77, Amazon
- Best for performance: Salathe Lite - £109.95, Alpine Trek
- Best for price: Skywalker 3.0 Helmet - £52, Mammut
- Best for protection: Black Diamond-Capitan climbing helmet - £69.95, Alpine Trek
Best climbing helmets for women at a glance:
- Best overall: Mammut Crag Sender Helmet - £70, Mammut
- Best for affordability: Singing Rock Penta Helmet - £45.99, TrekkInn
- Best for trad climbing: Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet-£55, Black Diamond
- Best for ventilation: Singing Rock-Kletterhelm Hex - Climbing helmet - £62.95, Decathlon
- Best for hybrid construction: Salewa Vega Climbing helmet - £99.95, Alpine Trek
Best climbing helmets for men
Black Diamond Vapor Climbing helmet
Best: overall
When it comes to helmets, no one does it quite like the US-based outdoor equipment company, Black Diamond. Having launched more than 60 years ago in 1957, the brand is made by climbers, for climbers. So you can rest assured this global company addresses the needs for every crag, cliff and climb — just take the moulded Black Diamond Vapor Climbing helmet as an example.
The unisex helmet comes with an open-air design to reduce sweat build-up and is crafted from the virtually unbreakable material polycarbonate, which won’t put your safety second. It’s easily adjustable and above all, ultralightweight in its design weighing between 150g to 180g. So you’ll barely even notice you’ve got it on.
- Size: 53-59cm
- Weight: 150g-180g
Buy now £150.00, Black Diamond
Black Diamond Vision Helmet
Best for: durability
Just when you thought Black Diamond’s helmet offering couldn’t get any better, along comes its most ‘durable foam helmet’ to date. The Black Diamond Vision Helmet offers up a triple layer of protection, thanks to the durable EPP and EPS foam and the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene material the shell is coated in.
It also scores all the bonus points for its integrated headlamp clips, which allow for lights to be mounted directly to the helmet, and its all-new and improved side and back coverage so you can focus on your next move. Sold out in not one, but six of its colourways, you’ll have to move fast if you want to add either teal, maroon or red to your basket.
- Size: 53-63 cm
- Weight: 215g
Buy now £58.78, Amazon
Salathe Lite
Best for: performance
Interested in a mountain climbing helmet from Salathe? Sharing the same name as the 3,000-foot high climbing wall in Yosemite National Park, why wouldn’t you be? The Salathe Lite climbing helmet takes the phrase ‘high performance’ to new levels. Weighing around 20 per cent lighter than its predecessor in the same range, the classic ABS shell has been replaced with the thermoplastic material, Curv.
This material is highly impact-resistant against rock fall, it’s lightweight and very strong. So it’s no wonder why we’ve named this as our best high-performance climbing helmet. But the good news doesn’t stop there. Other features include a headlamp attachment with two clips at the front, an elastic strap at the back and large vents for good airflow. The Salathe Lite is even ski-goggle compatible.
- Size: 50-62cm
- Weight: 178g
Buy now £109.95, Alpine Trek
Mammut Skywalker 3.0 Helmet
Best for: price
The Skywalker 3.0 proves that it’s possible to invest in a helmet that delivers on substance without costing you the earth. Costing just over £50, this climbing helmet might be the most reasonable climbing helmet in our guide, but doesn’t skimp on features.
It’s a hybrid construction, with an ABS hard shell and an EPP and EPS foam inner that protects against side, front and rear collisions. It’s also got an all-important headlamp attachment thanks to the four clips in the front and back, so will help you light up the way from dawn until dusk. For the more affordable price, you’ll even get a handy bag for transport. With sizes available from 53–61 cm, there’s the perfect fit for all.
- Size: 53–61 cm
- Weight: 330g
Buy now £52.00, Mammut
Black Diamond Capitan climbing helmet
Best for: protection
You might be wondering how the Capitan helmet differs from Black Diamond’s other offerings in this guide. For starters, weighing around 325g, the Capitan helmet is much heavier than the Vapor. This might suit some climbers, but may be too heavy for others. Secondly, it’s kitted out with an outer ABS shell and an inner shell of EPP foam and EPS foam that will absorb just about anything.
So, no matter whether you’re hoping to protect your head from ice or falling rocks, the Black Diamond-Capitan is up to the task. Just note that this helmet will run a little hotter than all other Black Diamond inclusions that have come before. But for less than half the price you’d pay for the other additions, it’s worth its weight in gold.
- Size: 53–63 cm
- Weight: 325g
Buy now £69.95, Alpine Trek
Best climbing helmets for women
Mammut Crag Sender Helmet
Best: overall
If you’re A) looking for a lightweight helmet option and B) interested in finding one that doesn’t skimp on protection, you’ll find everything you are looking for (and more) in Mammut’s Crag Sender. Available in three different colours, ranging from grey, white and jade, the robust helmet is very easy on the eye, while offering up top-class protection.
This is all thanks to the protective EPS foam that’s backed up with incredibly strong Kevlar reinforcements. This option is also ideal for those who run hot too, as the large vents allow for maximum airflow. Coming with a handy bag for transport and a headlamp holder, you can concentrate on climbing and leave the safety precautions to the professionals.
- Size: 52–61 cm
- Weight: 220g
Buy now £70.00, Mammut
Singing Rock Penta Helmet
Best for: affordability
The perfect addition for sport climbing, traipsing across via ferratas and mountaineering the Singing Rock Penta Helmet scoops our spot for the most affordable best climbing helmet for women. This is the second generation of the much-loved Penta and it comes with a couple of noticeable differences.
This includes its 30 per cent larger vent area, which keeps you from overheating even on sunny days, and its lower profile, which gives the back of your head more protection than before. Bright and beautiful in sunshine yellow, this is just the mood-boosting staple your rocky outdoor adventures have been missing.
- Size: 48–62 cm
- Weight: 200g
Buy now £45.99, TrekkInn
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
Best for: trad climbing
Offering you the best of both worlds, this Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet is designed for both traditional cragging and alpine expeditions. Meaning? It’s the best climbing helmet for climbers who want to do it all. Coming with an all-new and low-profile suspension, an improved outer shell and secure, streamlined headlamp clips, this redesigned helmet isn’t one to be missed.
We love the easy adjustment dial so you can find the perfect fit, the updated chin strap for comfiness and security and did we mention it's available in five different colours? From orange, blue, white grey and red — so there’s something for every style.
- Size: 48cm - 61.5cm
- Weight: 330-350g
Buy now £55.00, Black Diamond
Singing Rock Kletterhelm Hex Climbing helmet
Best for: ventilation
Durable thanks to the ABS outer shell and the EPP foam inner, Singing Rock has created the perfect hybrid helmet with its Kletterhelm Hex work of art. The first thing you might notice about this helmet is its fancy ‘open cell’ construction, which is made up of 35 ventilation holes.
The brand says this offers up an impressive 108 cm² of maximum ventilation without putting your safety second. So if you’re looking for a helmet for the warmer months, or just run hot during your climbs, this is the best climbing helmet for you thanks to its durability and second-to-none ventilation.
- Size: 52cm - 61cm
- Weight: 300g
Buy now £62.95, Alpine Trek
Salewa Vega Climbing helmet
Best for: hybrid construction
Unisex in its design, Salewa’s Vega Climbing helmet is the hybrid offering that’s best suited for Alpine climates. Featuring a carbon-reinforced outer shell and an EPP foam and EPS foam inner, this helmet will protect you against rockfalls and any knocks or bumps you take while trekking through the glaciated terrain.
Other need-to-know features include the magnetic buckle on the chin strap which makes for easy closure, the attachment for a headlamp to help you guarantee a safe ascent and descent from dawn until dusk and a twist lock that you can operate with one hand to keep your helmet nice and secure.
- Size: 55cm - 63cm
- Weight: 250g
Buy now £99.95, Alpine Trek
