(Runner-Up) Best Overall Climbing Helmet

Price: $110

Weight: 5.6oz

Sizes: S/M (48-58cm), M/L (53-61cm)

Shell: Polycarbonate

Foam: EPP, EPS

Colors: 1

Adjustment: 2-handed, straps

What We Like: Extremely lightweight, Back bungee straps

What We Don’t: Magnetic buckle

Clean lines and a Halloween-style color palette; what else can you ask for in a climbing helmet? The Petzl Sirocco is the Ferrari of the climbing helmet world: it’s high performance and lightweight with a price tag to match. At $110, the Petzl Sirocco isn’t the most expensive on our list, but it certainly is near the top. That being said, it is the lightest on our list, so if you spend a lot of time in the alpine and count ounces or are looking to be the flashiest climber at the crag, look no further. The Petzl Sirocco was named Runner-Up for Best Overall Climbing Helmet of 2021; the price is fair for the amount of technology, but it comes with a specific fit that may not work for every climber.

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See Our Best Climbing Helmet Review HERE!

Construction

At 5.6 oz, the Petzl Sirocco is hilariously light. It feels lighter than a bandana on your head and does a way better job of protecting it. This is thanks to almost the entire helmet being constructed with EPP foam. However, the top of the helmet (which is most likely to take a direct blow from rock fall) is made from an EPS plate that is covered with a hard polycarbonate shell. You will also find 24 ventilation holes throughout this helmet. This impressive number of vents are placed strategically to decrease weight without compromising impact protection at the crown of the head. The helmet also comes with a carrying case to keep it from getting banged up during transit.

Adjustability

The adjustment along the Sirocco has been designed for weight saving as well as easy handling while wearing gloves. The adjustment along the back is done simply by pulling some straps; it’s not as robust as other plastic options, but it gets the job done. The chin strap for the climbing helmet is magnetic to make clipping easier with gloves. Unfortunately, if the helmet is put on the ground at a climbing area, the magnets can attract magnetic sediment and clog up the clip. So if there is a flaw with this almost perfect helmet, that is where you’ll find it. As for sizing, it is available in two sizes that have a little bit of overlap. It is a helmet that should be tried on before committing.

Accessories

While it seems like this helmet is too light to have features, it is surprisingly packed with added value. The headlamp attachment is simple to use and can be deployed quickly using the two clips at the front and the elastic bungee in the back. The large elastic bungee makes it easier to hold a bulky headlamp battery pack. The bungee is also large enough to hold ski goggles. This makes the helmet extremely versatile for all kinds of mountain pursuits, from rock climbing to ski mountaineering—in fact, it is even CE certified as a ski mountaineering helmet (a different certification from downhill skiing helmets).

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to go for big trad objectives, ski a major couloir, or simply get out climbing at a local crag, the Petzl Sirocco is ready for every objective. While it is pricey at $110, the lightweight design and protection will be very worth it to many climbers. The materials it uses are not the most durable in the world, so after any major impact the helmet will likely need to be replaced. This can be a bummer as the initial investment is already pretty substantial, but so is your brain, so it’s a worthwhile buy. We do really like this helmet, though, as it earned our Runner-Up Best Overall Climbing Helmet Award. The price is fair for the technology you get, it just comes down to the specific fit of the helmet.

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