Petzl Sirocco - Climbing Helmet

Executive summary = amazingly light, surprisingly good fit, downright embarrassing appearance.Details, drawbacks first:1. Sizing seems too big for the spec. My head circumference is 57.2cm, which over the years has matched up well with my ski helmets, bike helmets, the CAMP Speed "1.0" 56-62cm range, and other climbing helmets. The Sirocco Size 2 is 53-61, and front<>back was okay, but the sides were just sticking out far too much. I was able to get the Size 1 48-56cm to work by removing the small comfort foam piece in front.2. Appearance is so bad that it's good, like a really good bad movie (or when Orwell decided that Kipling was not a bad good poet, but rather a good bad poet). Something about the contours, the color, and the texture all taken together is ... MoreExecutive summary = amazingly light, surprisingly good fit, downright embarrassing appearance.Details, drawbacks first:1. Sizing seems too big for the spec. My head circumference is 57.2cm, which over the years has matched up well with my ski helmets, bike helmets, the CAMP Speed "1.0" 56-62cm range, and other climbing helmets. The Sirocco Size 2 is 53-61, and front<>back was okay, but the sides were just sticking out far too much. I was able to get the Size 1 48-56cm to work by removing the small comfort foam piece in front.2. Appearance is so bad that it's good, like a really good bad movie (or when Orwell decided that Kipling was not a bad good poet, but rather a good bad poet). Something about the contours, the color, and the texture all taken together is just so very wrong. Either Petzl designers are so good that they care only about function, or instead if they care about styling then they are utterly incompetent. So try to take your pictures such that the top of the helmet can be cropped out (seriously), like in the attached photo.3. The straps are so narrow that they're easy to twist up when putting on the helmet. But they're so thin that even when twisted they're still super comfy.4. The magnet to enhance one-handed connection of the chin strap is clever, but it can allow the strap to be closed insecurely with only one of the two side clips engaged. Once aware of this possibility though, it's not longer a problem -- just need to remember to check that both sides of the clips are engaged.5. Compared to the CAMP Speed, seems to have slightly less side protection. Although if that is an important issue for you, should get a dual-cert ski/climb helmet.6. Vents are impressively ample. But realistically no climbing helmet will ever vent well at ascent speeds, since it has to be solid up on top to be certified. Does cool down very well on skiing descents at speed, so well that when I tried it in a race with nothing underneath on what I thought was a warm day I got the worst "ice cream headache"!And now the pros:1. Weight. Yes, that can be summed up adequately in a single number, but it's still amazing.2. Durability. As demonstrated to me by a Petzl rep, you can step on this helmet, smush it, etc., w/o worrying about damage to the thin plastic exterior ... because there is no thin plastic exterior, just a single piece of foam. So it's been my favorite now going into its fifth season when strapping a helmet to the back of my pack for long dry approaches in late spring and summer when it might get jostled around back there.3. Can also attach a Petzl Vizion visor, but my impression is that those are more for ice climbers, so I've stayed with the usual assortment of sunglasses, wrap-around shields, and ski goggles.4. Strap system is brilliant. With just thin straps, Petzl has achieved the same adjustable and snug front<>back fit that is usually achieved by much more bulky adjustment systems/knobs/etc. at the back of the head. In addition to weight savings, less interference with wearing a sun cap underneath or sunglasses retainer.5. Headlamp clip in back is minimalistic (well, of course, everything has to be at this weight) yet effective, and even securely holds a wide ski goggle strap.

I love these helmets.The extremely low weight makes them very comfortable to wear, as well as aiding in keeping pack weight and total weight low.The minimalist straps are actually quite adjustable and work very well.The webbing and helmet shell is quite comfortable.I also like the foam coverage on the side of the head for falls.I’d say it fits true to size. I have a 56 cm head, and can tighten the bigger size down enough to be snug, but the extra space in the shell worries me.The smaller size is a closer fit, and still plenty comfortable for me.Of course, the drawback of this low weight is reduced durability. Don’t cram it in a pack along with hard objects like cams.And the drawback of the webbing harness is that it won’t support a (heavy) headlamp very ... MoreI love these helmets.The extremely low weight makes them very comfortable to wear, as well as aiding in keeping pack weight and total weight low.The minimalist straps are actually quite adjustable and work very well.The webbing and helmet shell is quite comfortable.I also like the foam coverage on the side of the head for falls.I’d say it fits true to size. I have a 56 cm head, and can tighten the bigger size down enough to be snug, but the extra space in the shell worries me.The smaller size is a closer fit, and still plenty comfortable for me.Of course, the drawback of this low weight is reduced durability. Don’t cram it in a pack along with hard objects like cams.And the drawback of the webbing harness is that it won’t support a (heavy) headlamp very well.

Exceptional performance for a lightweight helmet

We use this helmet as our team helmet for guides at Pisgah Climbing School in NC. Compared to past foam and hardshell helmets I've used in the past, this is head and shoulders above in quality and performance. It's so lightweight that I've had no neck strain using it, even in 15 hour days where I'm constantly looking around and assessing hazards. The head protection is also phenomenal for protection from tree branches/rocks in search and rescue or top-managed guiding, or taking lead falls on low angle terrain where I've had glancing blows on the sides. I was initially concerned about durability, but I've stuffed this into my 45L pack where it got compressed from above and below by gear with no noticeable wear other than scratches on the orange plastic from my ... MoreWe use this helmet as our team helmet for guides at Pisgah Climbing School in NC. Compared to past foam and hardshell helmets I've used in the past, this is head and shoulders above in quality and performance. It's so lightweight that I've had no neck strain using it, even in 15 hour days where I'm constantly looking around and assessing hazards. The head protection is also phenomenal for protection from tree branches/rocks in search and rescue or top-managed guiding, or taking lead falls on low angle terrain where I've had glancing blows on the sides. I was initially concerned about durability, but I've stuffed this into my 45L pack where it got compressed from above and below by gear with no noticeable wear other than scratches on the orange plastic from my cams.Compared to heavier helmets in the past, I can keep this on all day and forget I have it on, which encourages the user to be safer at the crag, especially in areas with potential rockfall.

Great, lightweight helmet

I love this helmet. It is extremely lightweight and you will forget that you're wearing it. The one downside is that is is basically just hardened foam and you need to baby it when not in use. You can't jam it into your pack or throw your pack down on top of it or it will smash. Once it's on your head- it's amazing. If you are reluctant to wear a helmet while climbing or belaying because they feel heavy, sweaty or clunky, this is the helmet you need because it is none of those.

Light & Versatile

The Sirocco is now the only helmet I have. With it top and side impact protection and the double certification for both climbing and ski touring, it is versatile and complete. I really love how light it is, and had no problem with durability unlike some other reviews. It is also perfectly integrated with use of the Nao RL headlamp. Light and perfect, and not to forget, you will see a lot of top end athletes using it! To someone like me which is older and sometimes reluctant to use a helmet, the Sirocco's design and lightness make it feel almost like not wearing a helmet... while wearing a helmet!

Lightweight and comfortable

The helmet is very comfortable and lightweight. The adjustment system is a little slower than your standard rachet or dial systems, but does allow a good fit. Like many others I forgot I was wearing it after awhile. The foam used in the majority of the helmet seams robust and like it will hold up, but time will tell. The magnetic clip is unnecessary and isn't any better than a standard clip. Slightly disappointing that REI is promoting the updated version of the helmet on their site, but I still got the older version. Not a huge deal though since this version meets my needs.

Superlight and Extremely Comfortable

This helmet is so light that you hardly notice it on your head. The foam is surprisingly durable for how light it is but I would recommend being careful when putting it inside a pack. It still has plastic on the top of the dome and all other features you could want, even a magnetic assist in the buckle.The suspension of the helmet is all nylon webbing and a few plastic buckles instead of the usual plastic frame you find on most helmets. This is not quite as easy to adjust on the go but is much more comfortable against your head. I can wear this helmet for a full day of climbing with zero pressure points or anything weird. No other helmet I have tried for any other sport is this comfortable.

Try the helmet in your local REI store first !!!!

The helmet is super lightweight but runs narrow if compared to the black diamond vapor line. If you are like me and are new to climbing and mountaineering world please keep in mind that any helmet that leaves the store will be destroyed when you return it (simply for safety reason. They want to guarantee that the helmet is in 100% new condition for every customer). I am an idiot who knows nothing about these type of safety measures. I purchased the helmet online and directly sent it to my apartment. After I received the package, I immediately realized that even in M/L, it was way too narrow for me. I returned it the next day. REI is kind enough to accept it but they are going to destroy that helmet, which probably spend less than 30s on my head. I felt so bad for ... MoreThe helmet is super lightweight but runs narrow if compared to the black diamond vapor line. If you are like me and are new to climbing and mountaineering world please keep in mind that any helmet that leaves the store will be destroyed when you return it (simply for safety reason. They want to guarantee that the helmet is in 100% new condition for every customer). I am an idiot who knows nothing about these type of safety measures. I purchased the helmet online and directly sent it to my apartment. After I received the package, I immediately realized that even in M/L, it was way too narrow for me. I returned it the next day. REI is kind enough to accept it but they are going to destroy that helmet, which probably spend less than 30s on my head. I felt so bad for REI. Leaving this review here so that hopefully more people will know there are these type of safety measures. Maybe REI could put out some warning messages to better inform customers when they attempt to purchase helmet or other climbing gears through the websiteIf the REI website shows the helmet you want is not in stock in your local REI store then (1) check if your local REI store carries any other helmet manufactured by the same company/brand. The fit should be similar (2) purchase online but deliver the helmet to your local REI store and do the fitting in the store. If you dont like the fit simply return it there. the helmet will not be destroyed because it never leaves the store.

Very Comfortable-like it's not even there!

First helmet i've owned that's so light and comfortable thatyou forget its on your head! Have used it only on winter climbs/hikes but it has absorbed a few fallen ice hits without passing on the pain. I usually wear a 7-5/8 hat size and the M/L Sirocco leaves enough room for a bellaclava/thin beanie underneath. Connecting the magnetic chin strap takes a little getting used to but is a great feature. Bonus for me was the headlamp clips for alpine starts on these short winter days.

love it

Super comfy and light weight. some would think that it being mostly Styrofoam it wouldn't protect your head, but it does. the straps hold really well and the magnetic clip is fun to mess with. i have yet to pinch my fingers in the clip. most helmets I've used give me pressure headaches, this one doesn't..