Best Climbing Helmets of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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Climbing helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who enjoys the thrill of scaling mountains or rock faces. Designed to protect the head from impact and penetration, these helmets are constructed from lightweight yet durable materials and feature a comfortable, adjustable fit. With a range of styles and colours to choose from, climbers can find a helmet that suits their personal taste and needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, investing in a high-quality climbing helmet is a wise decision that could potentially save your life.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mammut Crag Sender Climbing Helmet Cover #TOP 1
Mammut Crag Sender Climbing Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet M-L Cover #TOP 2
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet M-L
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Petzl Vertex Vent Unisex Headguard, White Cover #TOP 3
Petzl Vertex Vent Unisex Headguard, White
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 6 Climbing Helmets

#TOP 1

Mammut Crag Sender Climbing Helmet

2030-00260
titanium
52-57cm
Mammut Crag Sender Climbing Helmet Cover
Mammut Crag Sender Helmet Helmet

The Mammut Crag Sender Helmet is designed with your safety in mind. It boasts CE EN 12492 certification, ensuring it meets high safety standards. The extensive safety tests assess the helmet's robustness, particularly after lateral impacts, giving you peace of mind while climbing. Its in-mold construction features an EPS core with Kevlar reinforcements for added durability. Additionally, the helmet provides extra protection on the front, back, and sides, safeguarding you from potential hazards during your climbs.

What We Like
High safety certification
Robust impact protection
Durable materials used
Extra coverage for safety
#TOP 2

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet M-L

33805300021
slate
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet M-L Cover
Black Diamond BD620209SLATM_L1 Half Dome Helmet M-L

The Black Diamond Half Dome is designed for safety and convenience during climbing. Its polycarbonate shell and moulded EPS foam provide robust protection while remaining lightweight, ensuring you’re not weighed down. The flat closure system allows for easy fastening, giving you a secure fit without hassle. Plus, with slim headlamp clips, you can effortlessly attach your light source, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. The one-handed adjustment wheel makes it simple to fine-tune the fit, ensuring comfort throughout your climbing adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Secure flat closure system
Easy headlamp attachment
Simple one-handed adjustments
#TOP 3

Petzl Vertex Vent Unisex Headguard, White

A010AA01
White
Petzl Vertex Vent Unisex Headguard, White Cover
PETZL Unisex's Vertex Vent Headguard, White, UNI

The Petzl Vertex Vent is a reliable climbing helmet designed for your safety and comfort. With an adjustable headband that fits head sizes from 53 to 63 cm, you can easily find the perfect fit for your head. Weighing just 490 g, it remains lightweight, allowing you to wear it for extended periods without discomfort. This helmet is certified to multiple safety standards, including CE and ANSI, ensuring you receive optimal protection while climbing. The combination of these features makes the Petzl Vertex Vent a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable headguard.

What We Like
Adjustable headband for comfort
Lightweight design
Multiple safety certifications
Suitable for various head sizes
#TOP 4

PETZL Boreo Climbing Helmet in Grey

A042VA03
Grey
PETZL Boreo Climbing Helmet in Grey Cover
PETZL Boreo Helmet - AW25 Grey

The PETZL Boreo Helmet is designed with safety and comfort in mind. Its ABS shell offers robust protection against sharp objects, ensuring you feel secure while climbing. The EPP/EPS liner effectively absorbs impacts, providing an extra layer of safety during your adventures. With a hard shell that is both impact and scratch resistant, you can trust this helmet to withstand the rigours of the outdoors. Furthermore, the top and side protection feature ensures that you are shielded from potential dangers from all angles.

What We Like
Robust ABS shell
Effective impact absorption
Scratch resistant hard shell
Comprehensive protection
Increased ventilation
#TOP 5

PETZL Youth Picchu Helmet for Climbing and Cycling

A049AA00
Blue
One Size
PETZL Youth Picchu Helmet for Climbing and Cycling Cover
PETZL Unisex Youth Picchu Helmet, Blue, One Size UK

The PETZL Picchu Helmet is designed for children aged 3 to 8, providing enhanced protection for climbing and cycling activities. It has multiple certifications, ensuring safety standards are met for both climbing and biking. The helmet features a hard outer shell that is impact- and scratch-resistant, offering durability for active use. Additionally, its design provides greater coverage against impacts from various angles, giving you peace of mind while your child enjoys outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Multiple safety certifications
Enhanced impact protection
Durable outer shell
Good ventilation
Adjustable fit
#TOP 6

PETZL Vertex A010AA03 Black Helmet

A010AA03
Black
standard size
PETZL Vertex A010AA03 Black Helmet Cover
PETZL Unisex_Adult Vertex A010AA03 Helmet Black, Solid, standard size

The PETZL Vertex Helmet offers exceptional comfort, making it ideal for extended wear during various activities. It provides robust protection designed for both work at height and on the ground, ensuring your safety in diverse environments. You can also benefit from its modular accessories, which allow you to customise the helmet to suit your specific needs. This versatility is particularly useful for professionals who require adaptable gear for different tasks.

What We Like
Very comfortable fit
Robust protection
Modular accessories available
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of climbing helmets?

There are three types of climbing helmets: hard shell, foam, and hybrid. As with most things, each type has its advantages and disadvantages: Hard Shell Helmets are reminiscent of a hard hat construction workers would use.

2. Is a helmet necessary for climbing?

Most ice climbers and mountaineers wear helmets, as do many traditional rock climbers. But far fewer rock climbers don lids for short climbs, especially sport routes.

Editor's Notes

During our climbing helmet research, we found 196 climbing helmet products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,171 customer reviews through our big data system to write the climbing helmets list. We found that most customers choose climbing helmets with an average price of £57.58.

The climbing helmets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of climbing helmets, including Mammut, Black Diamond, PETZL.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.