Black Diamond  Vapor Climbing Helmet

I've worn this on all my Class 3 and 4 Colorado 14ers, and it's exactly what you want for technical scrambling: genuinely lightweight, to the point where you forget you're wearing it on long approaches. It packs down small enough that carrying it isn't a burden even when you don't end up needing it, and the headlamp attachment holds securely — no slipping or repositioning mid-climb, which matters when you're moving over exposed terrain in low light. Overall very happy with it. It does the job a technical climbing helmet needs to do — protection without weight penalty — and hasn't given me a reason to look elsewhere.

I've worn this on all my Class 3 and 4 Colorado 14ers, and it's exactly what you want for technical scrambling: genuinely lightweight, to the point where you forget you're wearing it on long approaches. It packs down small enough that carrying it isn't a burden even when you don't end up needing it, and the headlamp attachment holds securely — no slipping or repositioning mid-climb, which matters when you're moving over exposed terrain in low light. Overall very happy with it. It does the job a technical climbing helmet needs to do — protection without weight penalty — and hasn't given me a reason to look elsewhere.

The old vapor without the foam is much more durable and shows dirt and grime much less. I understand the appeal of the lighter helmet, but personally I find I can cut weight elsewhere in the alpine. The protection a solid helmet provides also gives some warm fuzzies. I would appreciate if Black Diamond made a model in all foam like the Petzl Sirroco, and a model less "comp" / "speed mountaineering" oriented and had it be a full hardshell. Fit is phenomenal much like the old model, but I would appreciate a one handed magnet buckle (even though they can pick up some iron from the dirt) for when I am wearing gloves.

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.

I have so many helmets in my garage--ski, kayak, bike, motorcycle--and I know immediately when one just isn't going to work. I've owned two previous Vapors; got the one the very first year it came out and it was my favorite piece of gear. Stayed tight on my head in chimneys, breathed well, and took a number of good smacks from sideways falls. This redesign is a miss. Reading the reviews, it seems like maybe it will fit if you have a certain shaped head--especially large and high domed. I don't, and there was no amount of fussing with the straps that would solve it. The helmet fits on my head, but the straps only adjust in one direction, so that the buckle is never where you want it. I predict another redesign next year. . .

Ordered 2 helmets for my wife and myself and had to return both. We both owned the old version for several years. Unfortunately, the design from the new model makes it impossible to wear the helmet with sunglasses. The side from the helmets comes down so far, that it touches the arms from the sunglasses. Who designs a helmet for mountain adventures, that are not suitable to wearing sunglasses? In the mountains you always must protect your eyes from bright sunlight. Also, the new strap design in the back of the head makes it hard to place the helmet stable on the head. On both of us, the helmet moved around too much. Sad, we really hoped for this update but the construction from the old model is truly better compared to this new model.

As a bigger guy with a solid cranium, finding helmets that fit can be hard, especially if one want to also fit a beanie in there too. The vapor helmet line is my go to lineup for helmets. I have probably owned 5 of them over the years. The older versions were susceptible to cracking but this new line with its new foam material seems very promising. I know I am going to be very happy with this new vapor helmet. Good work BD. A great, lightweight, and well fitting helmet for all my guided and personal trips!

I have a small head and previous model s/m was a perfect fit. New model is too big and does not stay on the head. Also it feels more like « mushroom » Furthermore, the straps get tangled in the hair and and less easy to handle than previous version. Very disappointed as visually it looks great and I love the older version. Any chance to review the design for next upgrade 🙏🏼

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.

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.