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Description

Light like a helmet should be.

The Grivel Salamander Helmet seamlessly transitions from rock to ice and alpine realms. Unlike traditional helmets, this one features a wrap-around design for a close fit and side protection.
  • In-mold construction for extremely light weight
  • Wrap-around design provides more protection than standard ice-climbing helmets
  • Ratchet-back adjustment for easy fit changes
  • Headlamp clips for nighttime climbing

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Grivel Salamander Helmet

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Josh C.

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

The helmet is extremely easy to make fine adjustments for a customized fit. It is so comfortable that I forget its on. I was ice climbing the other night and almost wore it for the drive home. I only remembered the helmet was still on because my head was sitting weird against the headrest. Yes, its really that comfortable.

The only negative I have found so far is that it doesn't secure a headlamp strap as precisely as I would like, but it does the job well enough that a lamp won't fall off.

As far as sizing, I followed Grivel's sizing chart. I have only worn it in the cold with a beanie for warmth, so I can't give any info on long term comfort in warm weather.

2 5

Chris Darwin

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

This helmet is poorly designed. I wonder if they even field tested it. The chin strap is very hard to adjust. When you put on or take off your knit hat you need to adjust the fit and you have to really yard on the buckle to change it. And when you do it changes the front to rear adjustment so it then sits crooked on your head. Then the rear dial for the headband adjustment keeps loosening by itself. At one point the knob even pulled off when trying to adjust it. I can imagine it getting knocked off or coming off and dropping it with a gloved hand. Helmet fit is critical for safety. It should be easy and quick to get properly adjusted and should stay where you set it, it fails in these respects. Had it out for about 4 climbs and already want my money back.

I just wondering about the size of salamander...

vincent

Member since 
Posted on

I just wondering about the size of salamander XL I saw the size on official web is 58/66 but I saw 56/62 here so which one is correct thank you

Pat Palmer

Member since 
Responded on

I'd go with the manufacturer's stated specs. The folks at Backcountry are good, but sometimes they mess up too.

4 5

Erik

Member since 

First, the flaw: The adjustment knob on the back of the helmet is fragile. Mine came apart on my first climb as a result of pulling my Nanopuff over my head. Luckily the pieces stayed with me. Replacement helmet it the same way. Beware.

But, the helmet is so good that I'm hell-bent to find a solution to assure the adjustment knob stays put. Great side and rear protection - much better than other helmets on the market. Sure it's heavier, but in my opinion the extra coverage and the ABS shell are worth it. Oddly, the helmet doesn't have a UIAA sticker on it. The UIAA test has a higher control limit than the CE test. But when you go on the UIAA site and look at certified helmets, it shows the Salamander as being certified. Like I said, odd.

I highly recommend the helmet. Just be ready to figure out a way to keep the dial parts together.

5 5

mas5659461

Member since 

Greetings y'all! In the not to distant past, I took up rock climbing! Wish I would have long ago! that being said, let me cut to the chase! I have a large noggin! Was having trouble finding a suitable helmet till I came across this website. I looked around the site and saw that they had a XL which turned out to be a Grivel! Very light, very comfortable, very easy to use! i will buy another from here when the need arises!

Finding a large helmet!
2 5

rlwing3

Member since 

This helmet has one major flaw in my opinion. The way the straps are set up allows the helmet to slide back off of your head if you push it. It doesnt matter how tight the chin stap is, it still slides backwards. I tried adjusting it for an hour with no luck. I have a petzl helmet that fits fine and does not slide back at all. This could potentially be extremely dangerous, because when it slides back the chin strap cuts into your neck. If you took a hard enough hit it could potentially strangle you.

5 5

Allan

Member since 

I have used it once so far while climbing Royal Arches at Yosemite National Park. Nothing has fallen on my head so far, but the helmet feels very secure and doesn't shift at all once adjusted correctly. The chin strap has a felt sheath that adds to the overall comfort of the helmet. We climbed for about 11 hours that day, and not once did I feel the urge to take it off. I highly recommend it.

Very Comfortable Full Protection
5 5

Dan Fruehauf

Member since 

It gets a 5 star rating from me, and the reasons are here:
http://bashinggear.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/grivel-salamander/

4 5

pet2962422

Member since 

Not in that Paris-Hilton-psuedo-slang sort of way, but literally, this thing does not breathe as well as some other options out there. It definitely makes it preferable in the winter, but it can get uncomfortable when rock climbing in the summer. On the other hand, this is one of the lowest profile helmets out there, which is great. A lot less clunking under a low roof with the Salamander, something I've run into with other, higher profile (and therefore better breathing) helmets. It has a lot in common with skiing helmets, not the least of which is the padding on the chinstrap. I get the impression that since Grivel is mostly an ice climbing and mountaineering company, that was deliberate. The headlamp clips are also kind of lousy in back too. If they switched to the squared off hook thingies that are used in front, it would work a lot better. In addition, the little notches that the bungee goes through don't really keep the bungee in place. The current system is not really compatible with 3-strap headlamp designs (e.g. Petzl Myo XP). As it stands, I have to disconnect the top strap of my headlamp and reattach through the bungee loops. Makes it super secure, but takes a lot more time to adjust.

5 5

chernivtsy1536178

Member since 

Between heavy helmets like the Petzl Ecrin Roc and the super light weights like the Petzl Meteor. Love the comfort and the adjustment system. Good looking bucket too!

Is this helmet "big head" friendly as all...

laughing man2

Member since 
Posted on

Is this helmet "big head" friendly as all BD helmets fail to fit me?

Ryan Hamilton

Member since 
Responded on

It has an XL size so I assume that means it is made to fit large heads. I say get it and if for some reason it doesn't fit Backcountry has an awesome return policy.

4 5

m_c100542727

Member since 

Just bought the grivel salamander helmet and have to say that I like it a lot. Very comfortable, and feels more fitting than other helmets I have had in the past. Only flaw I would have to say is that their should be elastic headlamp holders on the sides as well. I have already had the back holder pop out on me night climbing. and your headlamp will ride up the sides a bit. overall, very glad I bought it.

5 5

Dane Burns

Member since 

My favorite hard shell. Very durable! I've broken a number of hard shells when it gets cold in Canada. Never broken this one and I have had several. Fits a big head easily even with a thick hat.

Will ski goggles work with this helmet? I...

Phil Vermont

Member since 
Posted on

Will ski goggles work with this helmet? I need a helmet for ski mountaineering and the climbing helmets don't accomodate ski goggles with a goggle strap holder in the rear. i cannot tell from the photo if this helmet does.

Mads

Member since 
Responded on

There's a bungee cord in the back that may work in a pinch but I wouldn't recommend it as your regular ski mountaineering helmet. The bungee cord attaches at the top and I find that my ski goggles tend to slip upwards and would probably pop off with this helmet. The Petzl and Mammut helmets have downward clips that might work better.

4 5

Heather

Member since 

I've ordered a number of different helmets to try, and this one fit the bill. It's not perfect, but it had enough good things to make me decide that this was the one to keep.

Pros: securely fits my head, straps are comfortable and adjustable and the wheel at the back allows me to easily tighten after it's too warm for a hat beneath. It is not as high profile/stands up high from my head as some of the other helmets I've tried. The stickers come off, too. I'm thinking of grabbing some paint and making a cool design of my own since it is a bit on the plain side.

Cons: It is not a super lightweight helmet, although I don't really notice that it's on when I'm wearing it. I'm a bit worried that it will be too warm on a hot summer day as it's black and not as well ventilated as some of the other types.

Overall, it fit the best and was comfortable for me.

Nice fit, good helmet

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