Review: Black Diamond Vapor Helmet

Unfortunately the helmet arrived at the start of what seemed to be an never-ending winter monsoon so testing didn’t get off to a flying start. A couple of photographic days hanging on the ropes established the fit of the helmet was very comfortable but I wanted some big days out and some good cragging so when the sun started to come out, I hit the crag. The intention was to let a few people try it out for fit and get their impressions and let me get a few climbing pictures of the helmet in action.

Finally the never-ending rain began to slow down and some sun led to some sports climbing at Pentrywyn and a bit of slate and some mountain days out. I was sold on this from the start – lighter, more comfortable and sleeker than the previous model I already liked, however the friends I got to model for the climbing pictures all commented on the ‘wow you barely notice it’s there’ feel and the feeling that your head wasn’t being broiled. When it came to packing and transporting, I did treat it with a little more care because of its weight but this is PPE so should be looked after.

As well as climbing I also used it whilst taking climbing pictures from the rope and the slim line fit meant it was much easier to use with a camera – a niche concern I know but is indicative of how this helmet fits.