#8 on this list
USA Speed Comp
CAMP
The CAMP USA Speed Comp is engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of ski mountaineering, ski-mo racing, and technical alpine ascents. It holds official dual certification for both mountaineering (EN 12492) and competitive ski mountaineering (ISMF rules conforming to EN 1077/B). This makes it the go-to choice for backcountry athletes who transition frequently between crampon-assisted bootpacks and steep, exposed descents. Field performance is tailored around functional mountain utility. The in-mold EPS core features a durable polycarbonate exterior shell, balanced with specific side and rear reinforcements to handle high-velocity ski wipeouts as well as overhead rockfall. CAMP includes an internal adapter padding kit to fine-tune volume for smaller head shapes. The helmet also features dedicated ski goggle retention straps and an easily accessible dial-adjustment cradle that works smoothly with cold fingers. At 12.4 ounces, the Speed Comp is heavier than dedicated ultralight rock climbing helmets. The extra weight comes directly from structural reinforcements required to satisfy winter ski-crash impact standards. Additionally, the interior padding and snug coverage make it warmer than open-air rock helmets when climbing in summer temperatures. **Highlights** - Dual-certified for mountaineering and ISMF ski mountaineering - In-mold EPS core with protective polycarbonate shell - Elastic goggle retention system alongside headlamp clips - Precise dial adjustment system with winter padding inserts - Comprehensive crash protection across crown and temples **Watch-outs** - Weight sits at 12.4 ounces - Warm interior profile limits warm-weather rock climbing comfort
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#9 on this list
Summit Mips Helmet
Smith
The Smith Summit Mips is a premium helmet built from the ground up for big-mountain ski mountaineering and high-alpine exploration. Fully dual-certified for both alpine climbing and international alpine skiing standards, the Summit Mips packs comprehensive safety engineering into a streamlined package for athletes tackling high-risk, multi-discipline terrain. The protective structure combines an in-mold hybrid shell with Zonal Koroyd—a honeycomb-like polymer structure that crushes consistently upon impact to absorb energy—alongside EPS foam and a integrated MIPS rotational liner. Beyond protection, the features are thoroughly considered: a custom BOA 360 fit system provides micro-adjustable tension around the entire skull and packs flat into the shell, while integrated headlamp routing keeps lighting locked in place without shifting. The barrier for most climbers will be the premium price tag, hovering around $260. Furthermore, while the BOA system and Koroyd construction make it remarkably light for a fully ski-rated helmet, it remains bulkier and heavier than single-purpose ultralight rock climbing lids, making it overkill for casual sport cragging. **Highlights** - Dual-certified for alpine climbing (EN 12492) and downhill skiing (EN 1077 Class B) - MIPS slip-plane layer reduces rotational forces - Zonal Koroyd technology for enhanced, consistent energy absorption - BOA 360 Fit System for precise tensioning and compact packing - Integrated, low-profile headlamp routing channels **Watch-outs** - Expensive investment at roughly $260 - Overbuilt for dedicated summer rock climbing
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | USA Speed Comp | Summit Mips Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12.4 oz (350 g) | — |
| Certifications | EN 12492 (Climbing), EN 1077/B (Skiing) | EN 12492 (Climbing), EN 1077 Class B (Ski) |
| Impact Foam | In-mold expanded polystyrene (EPS) | — |
| Outer Shell | Polycarbonate | — |
| Adjustment | Rear dial cradle | — |
| Approximate Price | $140 | — |
| Impact Tech | — | Zonal Koroyd, EPS foam, Mips liner |
| Fit Adjustment | — | BOA 360 cable fit system |
| Shell Type | — | Hybrid in-mold construction |
| Lighting Support | — | Integrated headlamp routing and clips |
| Approximate MSRP | — | $260 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
USA Speed Comp
- Dual-certified for mountaineering and ISMF competitive ski alpinism
- Enhanced lateral and rear impact coverage compared to rock helmets
- Dedicated ski goggle strap retention alongside headlamp clips
- Dial adjustment cradle operates easily while wearing winter gloves
- Heavier than single-purpose climbing helmets at 12.4 ounces
- Ventilation profile runs too warm for midsummer rock cragging
- Single shell size requires pad inserts to fit smaller heads properly
Summit Mips Helmet
- Dual-certified for both alpine climbing and downhill skiing
- BOA 360 harness packs flat inside the shell to save pack space
- Zonal Koroyd and Mips provide advanced impact mitigation
- Seamless integration with technical headlamps and ski goggles
- Steep investment at approximately $260
- Warmer and bulkier than single-purpose summer rock lids
- Internal Koroyd structures cannot recover from impacts
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.