Tough, ultra-lightweight helmet for hard sport and long approaches - Mammut Wall Rider Helmet

This is easily the best climbing helmet I've ever worn!

As soon as I put it on, I was taken aback by how incredibly lightweight and comfortable the Wall Rider is. I can forget that I'm wearing a climbing helmet while I have this on because it is so light, comfortable, and breathable. For long approaches typical of alpine climbs, shaving the weight off a more traditional (read cheaper) helmet is really nice. Helmets are extremely important, and pretty cheap life insurance, but only if you consistently wear it while climbing and belaying in the mountains. This helmet is so light and comfortable that it is a really easy decision to always use it, which keeps me safe. I really like the lack of plastic adjustable doo-dads, replaced by a pure adjustable webbing strap. This makes it much more comfortable, and feels like your head is cradled by this lightweight safety guru.

The quality of this helmet is incredible, and the price point is even better. This is one of the lightest helmets on the market (only a couple grams heavier than the BD Vapor), and it can be found on sale for less than $100! That's an incredible deal, and the construction of the helmet seems really tough and durable while maintaining the lightweight nature of the design.

While you probably shouldn't buy a helmet just for looks, this helmet looks awesome. It doesn't make you look like an egg-head, and it covers the sides of your head well, which adds extra protection in the case of swinging falls and weird accidents that can happen in climbing.

I have a head size that doesn't work well in BD Helmets (right on the line between S/M and M/L), so I decided to try this helmet since I fall more in the middle range of the larger size, and it works perfectly for me.

Because I have only used it climbing a few times, I can't yet speak to its long-term durability. Included with the helmet is a little fabric bag to store it in, but I'm nervous to just chuck it in my pack with all my trad gear. I typically leave it on the outside or pack it separately with my wife's helmet in her pack. I believe it's a super durable helmet, but the exposed foam on the sides and back make me want to be a little careful with it, not while it's on, but while it's in/outside my pack.