Backcountry Guides' Favorite Helmets '24-25 Season | Pro Choices and Reviews

It goes without saying that backcountry skiing, where you may be skiing on exposed rock faces or walking through deep forests, is always fraught with danger. A helmet is essential for safely enjoying skiing and touring in the snowy mountains. Protecting your head safely is a top priority, but lightness and comfort are also important. We asked backcountry guides who spend long periods of time in the snowy mountains what helmets they rate as excellent and what they use most

*All prices shown include consumption tax

"Lightweight and fits well" | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office, Makoto Kuroda

DYNAFIT | RADICAL HELMET

It's extremely lightweight, weighing just 300g, and its effective ventilation helps evaporate sweat and dissipate heat, making it comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. Its stylish and sporty design also meets safety standards for mountaineering helmets, making it suitable for climbing and other activities, making it highly versatile and suitable for year-round use

◆Official website: https://rexxam.com/dynafit/

It's light and fits well on the head

"Its lightness, breathability, and safety" | IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa

GIRO ｜OWEN SPHERICAL

It's ultra-lightweight, yet equipped with Mips technology for safety. It's well-balanced and streamlined. The passive-aggressive ventilation system manages temperature and airflow for comfortable riding, whether you're skiing, hiking, or just standing still. It's also reasonably priced and available in six colors

◆Official website: https://www.giro-japan.com/

I'll be using the GIRO OWEN SPHERICAL this season. I use GIRO helmets because they're lightweight, breathable, and they're one of the first to incorporate the latest technologies like Mips, focusing on head protection and safety.

The rate at which helmets are worn on my tours is increasing every year. In the backcountry, there are many hidden risks, such as branches and rocks hidden in the snow. If you lose your balance, you might be hit by a protruding branch, which can be quite a shock. Wearing a helmet to protect your head in the backcountry is a necessity.

---

"It's super light, weighing just 320g, and comfortable enough to use on a bicycle." | Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station

K2 ｜ROUTE

The extremely lightweight design weighs approximately 320g, so it doesn't feel heavy even when used for long periods of time. Numerous ventilation holes provide excellent breathability, allowing you to maintain comfort according to the weather and your body temperature. EPS foam is used to protect from impacts, ensuring durability and safety

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

It is extremely lightweight, weighing just 320g, so you won't feel tired even if you wear it for a long time. It has good airflow and doesn't get hot, so it's comfortable. It also has a headlamp holder, so you can use your headlamp at night or on a gas station. It can also be used on bicycles

---

"It's a perfect match with POC goggles, and there are no gaps on the forehead." | KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi

POC ｜OBEX BC MIPS

◆Official website: Hestra Gloves Japan (full-marks.com)

I think it fits the shape of Japanese heads. I like how it fits my head. It's a perfect match with POC goggles, and the forehead area fits snugly, leaving no gaps. The ventilation lever on the top of the head is also easy to use

---

"I never get tired of the design and shape, and I've been using it for over four seasons." | Kenji Akutsu, Telemark School & Ski Guide, Izumiya AK.T

SMITH ｜Method Mips

This ultra-lightweight, low-center-of-gravity model features an in-mold construction. Featuring a light feel, stylish design, and Mips technology, the "Method" has been a long-running hit since its predecessor, the "Maze," thanks to its reliable, high-protection performance. It also comes in an Asia Fit model that fits Japanese heads. The shell is equipped with SMITH's signature AirEvac airflow system, which draws in fresh air from the outside and expels heat and moisture from the inside, ensuring constant comfort

◆Official website: https://smithjapan.co.jp/

It's incredibly light for a snow helmet. Its Asian fit makes it a perfect fit for my typical Japanese head. I've never gotten tired of the design and shape, and I've been using it for over four seasons now

"Excellent visibility, safety and comfort" | Mountain Guide Coyote Furuichi Ryuta

SWANS｜ HSF-190

Three ventilation holes in the frontal area of ​​the visor effectively ventilate the humidity that accumulates inside the helmet. When used in combination with SWANS goggles, ventilation compatibility is further improved, maximizing the ventilation effect. SWANS' unique Japan fit, which is designed with Japanese heads in mind, ensures an excellent fit. If you are looking for a safe, comfortable view and ride, this is it

◆Official website: https://www.swans.co.jp/

What I like most about it is that it's made by the same manufacturer, and the helmet and goggles fit perfectly. The goggles don't fog up easily, so visibility and safety are excellent! The three ventilation holes on the front of the helmet allow air to pass through, preventing the inside of the helmet from getting stuffy and making it comfortable. It's also attractive because it's lightweight and doesn't look too big, giving it a smart look

---

"It's relatively lightweight and my favorite among the Sweet Protection products." | CIRCLEGAME GUIDE SERVICE Shohei Sasaki

Sweet Protection ｜Igniter 2vi MIPS

For the 2024-2025 season, the shell structure has been changed to a mono-shell structure using a reinforced plastic ABS hard shell, further improving strength and performance

◆Official website: https://sweetprotection.jp/

I like this product because it is relatively lightweight among Sweet Protection's products. It goes well with goggles and has good ventilation, so it doesn't get too hot when you use it on climbs

---

　"Cool and sturdy!" | Jun Nagai, JUNRINA mountain service

Sweet Protection｜Grimnir 2Vi Mips

This is a pro model for Terje Haakonsen, a legendary snowboard rider who is the roots of Sweet Protection. It features 2Vi technology and Mips technology. Carbon fiber is used throughout the shell, achieving high levels of lightness and rigidity. By varying the thickness of the shell in areas that require particular protection, such as the head and sides, and by varying the density of the inner mold, safety and comfort are both achieved. The wide fit provides a comfortable fit

◆Official website: https://sweetprotection.jp/

Cool and sturdy!