Multi-pitch climbing is a demanding and exhilarating discipline that involves ascending rock faces over multiple pitches, often spanning several hundred metres. Unlike indoor or single-pitch sport climbing, where routes are generally short and well-protected, multi-pitch climbing is an outdoor sport that requires careful preparation, good physical fitness, and the right equipment. Among the essential gear, a climbing helmet plays a crucial role in ensuring both safety and comfort. It protects the head from falling rocks as well as from harsh impacts against the rock face.
Contents
- Why choose an ultra-light climbing helmet?
- Our selection of the lightest mountain helmets on the market
- Construction of an ultra-light climbing helmet
- Helmets compatible with ski touring
- Via ferrata, ski mountaineering, or alpine helmets: truly versatile models
- How to choose the right size?
- Conclusion
Why choose an ultra-light climbing helmet?
When spending several hours, or even an entire day, on a crag, the weight of your gear becomes a crucial factor. A lightweight helmet helps reduce fatigue and improves comfort around the neck, which is essential for maintaining performance and optimal focus throughout the climb. Here are a few reasons why a lightweight helmet is indispensable for multi-pitch climbing:
- Reduced fatigue: A slightly heavier helmet can cause strain on the neck and shoulders, especially after hours of climbing. A lightweight model minimises this strain, helping to conserve energy for technical sections.
- Enhanced comfort: Lightweight helmets are often designed with breathable materials and efficient ventilation systems. This helps keep the head cool and reduces sweating, which is particularly important during summer climbs or in direct sunlight.
- Freedom of movement: A lightweight helmet provides better mobility, which is crucial for climbers who frequently need to look up to find holds or bolts, as well as for belayers who need to keep an eye on the lead climber. It also reduces the load during the approach hike.
- Safety: Despite their lightweight design, modern helmets offer optimal protection against falling rocks and impacts. Like all climbing helmets, they comply with the CE EN 12492 standard, but their construction differs from traditional models. Classic mountaineering and climbing helmets feature a rigid outer shell across the entire surface for both vertical and lateral protection. In contrast, ultra-light climbing helmets use a hybrid construction. This hybrid design typically combines a rigid, puncture-resistant shell on the top of the helmet with an EPS foam (a type of rigid expanded polystyrene) shell around the sides to protect the rest of the head.
Our selection of the lightest mountain helmets on the market
To help you choose the perfect helmet for your multi-pitch adventures, here is a selection of the top 5 models known for their lightweight design, comfort, and performance:
Black Diamond Vapor
The Black Diamond Vapor helmet is one of the lightest helmets on the market. It features an EPS foam shell with a polycarbonate cap, providing robust protection and excellent impact resistance while remaining ultra-lightweight. The Vapor is also equipped with large ventilation openings to ensure good airflow and prevent overheating. Its adjustment system is simple and effective, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit.
Weight:
- 186 g in size S/M
- 199 g in size M/L
Black Diamond Vision
The Black Diamond Vision is a great option for multi-pitch climbing, even though it is not the lightest in the selection. It features an EPS foam shell with a polycarbonate outer layer that provides more coverage than its counterparts. The Vision stands out with its ergonomic design and adjustment system, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit. It is equipped with large ventilation openings and reflective straps for improved visibility. A headlamp can be easily attached, and its internal padding is both removable and washable.
Weight:
- 215 g in size S/M
- 225 g in size M/L
Edelrid Salathe
The Edelrid Salathe is a hybrid helmet that combines lightweight design with durability. Weighing 210/217 grams, it features an external ABS plastic shell and an internal expanded polypropylene liner. The Salathe is equipped with large ventilation openings and a dial-adjustment system for easy fitting. This Edelrid helmet is also compatible with ski goggles and all brands of headlamps, making it a versatile choice for climbers. Additionally, it is PCSR-002 11.2019 certified, allowing it to be used for ski touring.
Weight:
- 210 g in size S/M
- 217 g in size M/L
Mammut Crag Sender
The Mammut Crag Sender is a lightweight and durable helmet, weighing approximately 199/219 grams. It features an In-Mold construction with an EPS core and Kevlar reinforcements, providing reliable protection against impacts, including from the sides. The Crag Sender stands out with its ergonomic design and dial-adjustment system, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit. It is also equipped with large ventilation openings to ensure excellent airflow during activity.
Weight:
- 210 g in size S/M
- 220 g in size M/L
Petzl Sirocco
The Sirocco is Petzl’s benchmark for lightweight performance. Its hybrid construction combines an EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam shell with an internal EPS foam liner, reinforced on top with a polycarbonate cap. This hybrid design offers excellent impact and falling rock protection while remaining ultra-lightweight. The Petzl Sirocco helmet stands out with its compact design and dial-adjustment system, allowing for quick and precise fitting. It also features reflective straps for better visibility in low-light conditions and a headlamp attachment system for headtorches. A flagship model from the French brand, it is ideal for climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, and ice climbing.
Weight:
- 160 g in size S/M
- 170 g in size M/L
Petzl Meteor
The Petzl Meteor, while slightly heavier than the Sirocco at 225/240 grams, remains a popular choice among climbers for its excellent balance of comfort and safety. It features an In-Mold construction with a full polycarbonate shell lined with an internal EPS foam liner. The Meteor stands out with its ergonomic design and dial-adjustment system, allowing for a precise and comfortable fit. It is also equipped with large ventilation openings to ensure good airflow and prevent overheating. Additionally, it includes front hooks for securing a headtorch. The front of the helmet is specifically designed to fit snugly with ski goggles, with a rear retention system to keep the strap securely in place.
Weight:
- 225 g in size S/M
- 240 g in size M/L
Construction of an ultra-light climbing helmet
Helmets compatible with ski touring
At present, ski touring does not have a specific helmet safety standard. It is possible to wear either a CE EN 1077 certified skiing helmet or a CE EN 12492 certified climbing helmet. However, some brands, such as Petzl and Edelrid, have developed their own internal certification for ski touring: Petzl’s Top and Side Protection certification and Edelrid’s PCSR-002 11.2019 certification. These standards ensure strong side impact protection. Whichever ultra-light climbing helmet you choose, you can also use it for ski touring in winter.
Via ferrata, ski mountaineering, or alpine helmets: truly versatile models
All our climbing helmets can also be used for ski mountaineering, ski touring, as alpine helmets, and even for via ferrata. This allows you to enjoy all the possibilities the mountains offer with a single product while maintaining the same level of safety. A great way to explore new disciplines and embark on adventures all year round.
How to choose the right size?
Before purchasing your new multi-pitch climbing helmet, take a few seconds to determine the correct size. Simply measure your head circumference using a tailor’s measuring tape.
Each brand has its own size range. Ideally, aim for a size that falls in the middle of the range to allow for adjustments.
Mammut climbing helmet sizes:
S/M: 52-57 cm
M/L: 56-61 cm
Petzl climbing helmet sizes:
S/M: 48-58 cm
M/L: 53-61 cm
Edelrid climbing helmet sizes:
S/M: 50-58 cm
M/L: 52-62 cm
Black Diamond climbing helmet sizes:
S/M: 50-58 cm
M/L: 56-63 cm
Conclusion
Multi-pitch climbing is a demanding activity that requires the right equipment to ensure both safety and comfort. Choosing a lightweight helmet is essential for reducing fatigue, improving mobility, and maintaining optimal focus throughout the climb. At Glisshop, you’ll find a wide selection of lightweight mountain helmets at the best prices, allowing you to enjoy your adventures year-round. By investing in a high-quality helmet, you ensure that you can fully embrace your multi-pitch climbs safely and with maximum enjoyment.