- Featherweight helmet for the local crag and hard-earned alpine lines
- Polycarbonate crown increases protection and durability
- Ultralight ALUULA composite under crown reduces weight
- Strong molded EPP foam sides keep gram count down
- Large lateral vents allow optimal airflow to keep you cool
- Webbing and cord adjustments for a secure fit and packability
- Minimalist headlamp clips are replaceable for longevity
ALUULA is a proprietary material known for its exceptional lightweight and strong properties. Using ALUULA in helmet construction significantly reduces the overall weight without compromising safety. This means you can enjoy a more comfortable experience during outdoor activities, allowing for longer wear without fatigue.
Recent Reviews
So light and comfortable
I barely even notice wearing it. I appreciate how adjustable it is. Some initial discomfort was able to easily be resolved by adjusting the various straps Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great light helmet
I have worn this helmet rock climbing and ski mountaineering with various hats underneath. Takes a bit of playing with the fit, but was able to fit it well in different conditions. Extremely light, which probably means less durable. Ive been carrying mine in a light sack and trying to be careful when packing. Overall amazing helmet. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light, works well with headlamp! Fits big head.
Adjust well to my big head ! Comfortable. Headlight strap mounts work well. Lightweight. Best helmet that I have owned. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great helmet for the alpine environment!
Super light and very breathable. No excuse not to bring it even if only need it for a short technical section in the big mountains. Great for long multi-pitch climbs where every ounce matters as well. You do have to be careful with how you pack it and treat it since it’s more fragile than most helmets but that is what you get at this weight class… Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light, stylish and comfortable
I like this helmet! I wore it climbing in Squamish, BC on some hot days and barely noticed it was there. My long hair was braided and that did not seem to get in the way of the helmet padding or tightness system. I never took any falls, but it works great as far as I can tell! I like the black with the gold logo. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great helmet!
The Black Diamond Vapor Helmet is hands down one of the best climbing helmets I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly lightweight, so much so that I often forget I’m even wearing it. That’s a game-changer on long multi-pitch climbs or alpine routes where every ounce counts. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Featherlight
If your neck/shoulders ever get sore from your helmet - this will do the trick. I don’t even feel it, and it’s works great for rock falls. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Helmet review
The helmet fits well, is light, and I don't notice it while climbing. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
New Vapor is in a league of it's own... perfect.
Sizing is a bit off... the S/M should fit me but it doesn't I'm a 58cm and it's a smidge small all the way open and if you want to wear a beanie or anything else totally not gonna happen. So size up if you're on the upper limit of the size range. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Very light
The helmet is actually very light and doesn't feel as flimsy as I imagine it might. I really liked the fact that I can't see it while I'm wearing it. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Super Light
This helmet is way more lightweight than my Petzl. Haven’t had a “ROCK!” test, yet. But my neck muscles are thanking me. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light and comfortable
You’ll forget your wearing it, straps are not as comfortable but I’ll get used to it. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
It fills its niche very well.
It's marketed as an extraordinarily light helmet, and it is. It fits me very well. If you have it on the back of your pack and you fall on it. . . . it will blow up into a thousand pieces. This was the 3rd vapor I bought. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Super comfy and great fit.
Super comfy and great fit. Would highly recommend! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Feather light
Super lightweight and surprisingly comfortable. The touring helmet perfected. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Super Light Helmet
The Vapor helmet is amazingly light and super easy to adjust. It fits well and does not move around on your head. I was able to adjust it to my head in a few minutes and love the comfort and light weight. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Bomber
By far my favorite helmet yet! Super comfy with great adjustable straps, barely feel like it's there until it protects your noggin from an unknown object! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Very durable for being so lightweight
I love the Vapor helmet! I tried on every other helmet brand and this model fits me the best for my small head (I got the S/M). It's so comfortable that I actually don't even notice it when it's on, especially since it's so light! I do always make sure to fit it inside my pack to protect it from unnecessary wear/impact. And bonus - it doesn't even look dorky in pictures. Even though it's light, I've found it has really held up well with both ice and small rockfall. I wore my old Vapor for 3 years and even accidentally dropped it off of The Great Red Book and it was completely intact - couldn't believe it. Just replacing it now with this great new black & gold colour (yes, I'm Canadian) and it looks great & coordinates with everything. The only downside is that I miss how the old Vapor model adjusted in the back with a dial. This new model has a nylon tab to pull, and I find it difficult to find and adjust with gloves on (ice climbing). But I imagine that was updated to make it even lighter than the old Vapor. Anyway, love the Vapor helmet and will never wear anything else! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Saved my dome
Took a football-sized rock from 20+ feet up and made it feel like a friendly pat on the head. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Comfortable helmet
A great helmet, functional, lightweight and comfortable. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Vapor helmet
This is my second time buying the vapor. It's light weight and breathable and the sweat band works great on it. Don't sit on these kinds of helmets and you'll be good for many years! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Photo worthy.
I have had this helmet before, but it always dented up, which now with its improved design with foam and she’ll should help with that. Also the new colors are so cool looking. Making helmets cool; take my photo! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Lightweight, Strong Alpine Helmet
This helmet is lightweight and perfect for staying quick on a long approach. Does not have full hard plastic coverage that I like for cragging, will not hold up well to being banged around with bricks of gear. If you want to move fast and light in the hills yet stay safe, this is your helmet. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
New Vapor is Great!
Great helmet! It's super light and breathable, doesn't dent, and the webbing is just right. I checked the sizes and went for the small/medium, even though I was right on the edge of the bump up size and I'm very happy because it's pretty svelte, no rattle! It's a great daily driver - thanks BD! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Featherweight
Insanely light helmet with good coverage and super breathable. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great helmet
This was my my ultralight choice for a Baker climb. I forgot it was on a few times. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Sport helmet
Light, stays in place. Closer to a bike helmet, but not quite as good of a fit as my road helmet, POC Ventral. It may be the best climbing helmet I have worn. Using the bike style fit on the back of the helmet would be totally awesome. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Best climbing helmet I have
Best climbing helmet I have ever had super light weight can hardly tell I’m wearing a helmet Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Very Comfortable
Having only used a guides selection of helmets getting my own was a priority. You will forget your even wearing a helmet. This vapor is so light and comfortable. I typically wear large helmets and was concerned a M/L might be small. It fits great and looks good. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Best Helmet on the Market
I have a large head. Deep/high crown hats are the only ones that fit me (sometimes) this helmet and the precious version fit perfect. My last Gen vapor adjustment plastic cracked on me super stoked this is a webbing based system! Nice new features. Same classic fit. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Perfect fit for me
This helmet is lightweight and super comfortable, can wear it all day long without thinking about it🤙🏼 and they look cool😎 Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Lightweight & Cute
This helmet is very lightweight & comfortable. It fits well and adjusts easily. It seems sturdy for the weight & works well as a canyoneering helmet. I’m not sure I would use it as a climbing helmet though. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light, tough and dang sexy
Awesome update to an already great helmet. Lighter than a sirocco and it doesn't look like I'm wearing a fried egg on my head Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Helmet fit
Extremely light. Several ways to adjust to get the perfect fit. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great profile
I love this helmet! Super light. Also doesn't sit as high on the head as other helmets. My old helmet sat higher and would constantly bonk in to things (*clumsiness not included) Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Vapor is an accurate name for this helmet
Genuinely forget I'm wearing a helmet when this is on my head. It's feather-light and comfortable. I also like that I fit the S/M, where most often, I have to wear a helmet that feels too big because I'm on the small end of the large size. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Excellent
This helmet has never let us down. Light weight, comfortable, good color. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great new design
A great. lightweight and durable helmet. The adjustment system at the back of the helmet is vastly improved from previous Vapor designs. Highly Recommended Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Saved my life?
Every one knows climbing is dangerous. Especially backcountry choss surfing. We know what to do when your partner yells rock with the fear in his voice. It’s amazing that this little bit of styrofoam can take a blow from a football sized rock 140’ up and I am completely unharmed. Probably saved my life. Thanks bd This helmet is so light and comfy I don’t mind wearing it. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light weight no bs
Wonderful light weight helmet for touring to long crag days. Running warm this helmet is wonderful. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
crazy lightweight & comfortable
The Vapor is easy to wear over a hat or with a braid, and it's so lightweight. The fit is awesome, I seriously forget I’m wearing it sometimes. Upgraded from my previous helmet this summer and have loved this one on long climbs and scrambles. The weight reduction is awesome, especially for such a crucial piece of safety gear.
Good, but miss the old style
The Vapor helmet has been a favorite for years because it's so lightweight and flattering. But the new version's use of exposed foam doesn't look at good as the previous version. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light, Solid, All Around Good
The straps of this helmet take a bit of messing around with, but once you do, the fit on the helmet is great. It hardly feels like wearing one. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Vapor Helmet
This is my second one of these super light but super tough helmets Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Good helmet
I like this helmet for several reasons: it’s light, breathable, and comfortable. The fit of the suspension compared with traditional climbing helmets takes a little getting used to but after a few days I find I like it better—lighter feel and less pressure points. My only negative comment is that it’s hard to wear sunglasses the way that the straps come over the top of my ears. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Ultra light
This is a very nice helmet. I am right in the middle size-wise, I wore a medium in the old Tracer helmet, which makes fit a little challenging. Since this is a multi-season helmet for me, it is a little floppy with no hat, but fits great for cold rock/ice days. Very light, and the straps are quick and easy to adjust. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
I do miss the old design
The new vapor design does the job. Incredibly light and soft, but doesn't quite look as good as the old one. I also loved the plastic fitting and adjustment system in the old one that I could adjust with one hand with ease. The new soft strap fittings are ok, but it does add a bit of complexity to get it to sit right. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
super light comfy...check sizing
crazy light...i seem to be right in the middle of sizing of the vapor. i usually wear a medium/large helmet. i got the small/medium. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Solid Helmet, one Annoying Detail
The helmet itself is lovely. Light, breathes well, and is secure once you dial in the fit. The problem I've run into is that for both size options (s/m and m/l), I can't seem to adjust the harness system in such a way that the helmet fits snug on my head ~and~ one of the straps doesn't run awkwardly right over my neck in an uncomfortable way. It's not really "choking" or anything that dramatic, but it's just quite irritating. I never had issues with the harness system in the old vapor design, and clearly they've saved some grams with this new one. Otherwise, great piece. But, after long hours of rocking it on big climbs I found myself wanting to take it off to give my neck a break (which isn't great). Thought I maybe purchased the wrong size. Borrowed a friend's for a week, and -- same issue. This could absolutely just be a sizing quirk and a "me problem", but this now lives as my backup helmet in my garage. I wanted to love it, because I loved the old vapor so much. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com