Grivel Salamander

A very comfortable helmet that has multiple sizes available. A great helmet for ice climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. Comes in multiple colors.

This is a great helmet. I own several different climbing helmets and this one has by far become my favorite across all climbing sports.

I have a large head and the multiple sizes allow me to get a good fit. Some one-size-fits all helmets are tough for me to fit.

One of the most important features I have found is the improved side protection around the ears. This prevents the helmet getting pushed to the side when I lean my head against the rock on tougher climbs. 

It is also a great mountaineering helmet as it doesn't bounce around much while hiking.

It does get a bit hot in the sun. but is not much worse than any other helmet I own.

I've been in the market for a climbing helmet for quite some time. My problem is that I have a small melon. Kid's size even! I've tried a variety of small helmets. Some fit OK but were "kid colored" or decorated with "cool" or "rad" graphics. Some adult helmets, like the Petzl Elios, are available in a small size too, but the fit just wasn't right. The regular size (size 2) was too large, and the small (size 1) looked like I had a 2 lb. margarine tub on my head! Not enough coverage.

I found the Grivel Salamander (size small) online and decided to give it a try.

Pros: This helmet fits great. It's really light and offers full coverage of the top and back of my head without limiting mobility of, or rubbing, my neck. Even though I got the small, there are still a number clicks left in the adjustment band allowing me to wear a helmet liner, or even a wool cap. The suspension system is a lot more comfortable than the Petzl Elios, and it's less complicated too. There is a clear or smoke colored visor available for this helmet to protect your eyes from ice, dust and small debris while on belay.

Cons: The headlamp retention system could use some beefing up - front and rear elastic cords only, no side clips. Adequate, but minimal. The decals that come on the Salamander are a bit much, but they came off easily and cleanly

This helmet is not currently available at REI as this site states. I got mine at http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Grivel/idesc/Salamander+Helmet/Store/MG/item/210189/N/0

More info at www.grivel.com

I used the helmet less then a dozen times before the suspension in the helmet broke in the back.

I don't recommend buying from Grivel in North America anymore. I took it back to the shop so they could get it warrantied, but there is no longer a distributor in North America so you cannot get it warrantied without sending it to France.