Everything You Need to Know About Snowboarding Hats and Helmets

Stay Safe: Use Your Noggin!

Your head is, um, important ;)

When you are snowboarding you should wear a hat and a helmet. Some ski resorts require protective headgear for anyone using the half-pipes and jumps, as these can be especially dangerous.

Stay Warm: Conserve Body Heat

If you choose to not wear a helmet when snowboarding, you will still want to wear a warm hat. 80% of all of your lost body heat leaves your body by way of your head. If you invest in only one article of snowboarding-clothing this winter, let it be a hat. A warm hat is crucial for keeping you going all weekend and keeping you healthy all winter.

Helmet Ratings

When looking for the best snowboarding helmet, pay attention to the ratings. There are actually two different kinds of rating systems for helmets: the ASTM 2040 and the CE 1077. Those helmets that meet or exceed the ASTM standards are your safest bet, as these standards are the most stringent.

Helmets that meet ASTM standards must be able to withstand the impact of a fall from 2 meters under many extreme weather conditions. This means that if you fall from the ski lift, run into a tree, are stabbed in the head with some kid’s ski pole, your precious brain should be left un-damaged.

When buying a helmet, you should not take risks. Only buy those helmets that are new and meet the ASTM standards. Used helmets may look safe, but could possibly have hairline cracks, which weaken their ability to protect. If you suspect that your own helmet has been damaged then you should replace it immediately.

Popular Helmet Manufacturers

Boeri, Burton, Giro, K2, Lamar, Leedom, OVO, Pro-Tec, Salomon Tyler Sports and Uvex are the most well known snowboarding helmet manufacturers. There is not much information available on which helmets are the best, safest, award winning or top rated, although if you shop in a store the salesperson should be able to help you pick a helmet that will keep you safe.

Because of the differences in fit by brand and shape of your head it may be best to do a bit of offline research to find a helmet that fits comfortably for you before deciding what to purchase.

Stay Comfortable: Size and Fitting

Another important factor for the best snowboarding helmets and hats is fit. Your helmet should be adjustable, padded and comfortable. Your hat should not fall over your eyes and should fit snugly enough about your head to keep you warm.

Many helmets come with comfortable ear pads and plenty of internal padding. Some pieces are removable while others are not. If your comfort fitting pads are non-removable then you really need to take care of where you store your helmet when it is not in use to prevent moisture causing mold formation. Some helmet manufactures also sell protective helmet bags for as little as $10 extra.

The helmet fit is going to vary from style, brand and manufacturer. Here is a sample list of helmet size by manufacturer

Boeri

  • Small 51-52 cm
  • Medium 53-54 cm
  • Medium / Large 55-56 cm
  • Large 57-58 cm
  • XL 60-61 cm
  • XXL 62-63 cm
  • XXXL 63+

Salomon

  • S 55-56 cm
  • M 57-58 cm
  • L 59-60 cm
  • XL 61-62 cm

K2

  • XS 50-51 cm
  • S/M 52-55 cm
  • M/L 56-59 cm
  • L/XL 60-63 cm

Head injuries are terrible—and preventable. You have no excuse to go without a helmet this winter; it could save your life.