Smith Summit MIPS - Best Backcountry & Touring Helmet
Purpose-built for the backcountry, the Smith Summit MIPS offers an ideal balance of light weight, robust protection, and touring-specific features like headlamp routing.
- +Lightweight yet protective hybrid construction certified for skiing, mountaineering, and climbing
- +Excellent ventilation from 33 fixed vents and features like a foldable Boa system for easy packing
- +Integrated headlamp slots and attachment points for securing to a backpack enhance backcountry functionality
- -Lacks ear pads, requiring a separate beanie for warmth and ear protection in cold conditions
- -Fixed vents cannot be closed, allowing snow and moisture in during stormy or wet weather
- -More substantial than minimalist climbing helmets, adding weight for pure ski-mountaineering objectives
The Smith Summit MIPS is a helmet engineered specifically for the demands of backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. It achieves a rare balance, offering substantial protection through its hybrid in-mold shell, Koroyd coverage, and MIPS technology, while maintaining a weight of just one pound. This is crucial for long tours where every ounce matters. The helmet is exceptionally well-ventilated, with 33 fixed vents that effectively dump heat during strenuous ascents. Thoughtful backcountry-centric features set it apart: the Boa fit dial folds flush to avoid snagging, dedicated channels route headlamp straps cleanly, and built-in bungees allow it to be securely strapped to the outside of a pack.
Its triple certification (EN 1077, EN 12492, UIAA) validates its use for skiing, climbing, and mountaineering. The minimalist design omits ear pads to save weight and maximize ventilation, meaning skiers will need a thin beanie for cold days. The fixed vents, while great for airflow, can let in blowing snow during descents in storms. For skiers who venture in and out of bounds, tackle technical mountaineering routes, or simply want a highly protective yet breathable helmet for touring, the Summit MIPS is a top-tier, purpose-driven tool.