#2 on this list
Summit Mips
Smith
The Smith Summit Mips is built specifically for backcountry skiers, ski mountaineers, and splitboarders who need reliable head protection without the dead weight or bulk of a traditional resort helmet. Stripped of thick fleece linings and heavy plastic components, it prioritizes packability, airflow, and dual safety certifications. It meets both alpine skiing standards and international mountaineering criteria, making it legal and safe for technical alpine climbing as well as steep descents. Weighing in at roughly 16 ounces, the Summit uses an in-mold construction supplemented by Koroyd in critical impact zones along the sides. Instead of a bulky dial retention system, Smith employs a minimalist, pack-friendly cable adjustment system that stows flat against the shell when strapped to the outside of a pack. Ventilation is passive and generous, maintaining steady airflow during high-output skinning in mild conditions. The trade-offs center around resort comfort and insulation. Because the Summit is designed to fit over a beanie or ball cap, its included padding is minimal, offering little warmth in sub-zero chairlift environments. It also lacks switch-operated vent covers, meaning you cannot close the openings when encountering wind-driven sleet or heavy wet snowfall. **Highlights** - Dual-certified for both ski touring (ASTM F 2040 / CE EN 1077) and mountaineering (CE EN 12492) - Lightweight in-mold construction with targeted Koroyd inserts - Low-profile Boa-driven fit system that packs flat - Integrated headlamp routing clips and pack carry attachment loops - Mips brain protection system **Watch-outs** - Minimal padding provides little thermal protection in cold resort weather - Non-adjustable passive vents cannot be sealed in heavy rain or spindrift - Premium backcountry price tag around $260
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#3 on this list
Method MIPS
Smith
The Smith Method MIPS is tailored for riders who value a clean, minimalist silhouette and low pack weight without giving up modern safety features. Weighing just 14.1 ounces, this in-mold helmet is aimed at freestyle skiers, park riders, and casual resort cruisers who find traditional dual-vented lids overly technical and heavy. Independent reviewers consistently highlight its featherweight feel on the head, which reduces neck fatigue over long days. Despite its understated exterior, the Method incorporates high-end safety elements. It uses targeted Koroyd coverage placed inside an in-mold EPS foam liner, paired with a standard Mips slip-plane system for rotational impact dampening. A self-adjusting elastic fit system wraps the back of the skull, accommodating different head shapes and thin beanies without requiring manual dial twists. Goggle integration is smooth, featuring front vents that pull moisture away from the lens frame. Where the Method shows its limits is climate control. The ventilation consists of fixed, passive channels; there are no active mechanical sliders to close vents when icy drafts hit, or to open them wider during intense spring slush sessions. The lightweight in-mold exterior is also more vulnerable to cosmetic dings from everyday handling than heavier ABS plastic shells. **Highlights** - Lightweight 14.1-ounce in-mold construction - Koroyd zonal inserts in critical impact areas - Mips rotational impact protection liner - Self-adjusting lifestyle fit system provides snug, hassle-free tension - AirEvac ventilation channels aligned with goggle rims - Clean, low-profile skate-inspired aesthetic **Watch-outs** - Fixed passive vents offer no manual weatherproofing - In-mold outer shell dents more easily than hard ABS plastic
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Summit Mips | Method MIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16 oz (454 g) | 14.1 oz (400 g) |
| Certifications | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077, CE EN 12492 | — |
| Construction | In-mold shell with targeted Koroyd inserts | — |
| Rotational Protection | Mips safety system | — |
| Ventilation | Passive high-flow channels | Fixed passive AirEvac channels |
| MSRP | Approximately $260 | — |
| Shell Type | — | In-mold polycarbonate with EPS |
| Safety Tech | — | Mips liner with zonal Koroyd |
| Fit System | — | Self-adjusting lifestyle fit system |
| Audio Compatible | — | Yes, zippered ear pads |
| Approximate Price | — | $160 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Summit Mips
- Dual-certified for alpine skiing and technical mountaineering
- Lightweight 16-ounce chassis with low-profile, pack-flat Boa harness
- Generous fixed ventilation channels keep air moving on ascents
- Integrated headlamp clips and pack carry attachment loops
- Passive vents cannot be closed against heavy spindrift or rain
- Minimal internal padding offers very little standalone warmth
- Thin in-mold shell is prone to exterior scuffs during transit
Method MIPS
- Exceptionally low weight of 14.1 ounces minimizes neck fatigue
- Zonal Koroyd and Mips deliver high-level impact and rotational safety
- Clean, low-profile exterior integrates smoothly with most standard goggles
- Self-adjusting elastic harness stretches easily over thin beanies
- Fixed passive vents cannot be sealed during freezing winter storms
- In-mold outer shell is prone to cosmetic dents from rough transport
- Absence of a mechanical dial prevents precise micro-tuning of fit
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.