[Review] The Boreo Helmet by Petzl

I’m going to go ahead and make a bold assumption with the fact that helmet technology has really improved in the last 18 years. 18 years-that’s how old my current climbing helmet is. Stepping up to the Boreo Helmet by Petzl makes me wonder what I’ve been waiting for. If you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable climbing helmet upgrade, look no further than the Boreo.

The Boreo is everything you’d want in a climbing helmet – it is well-vented, comfortable all day long, lightweight, and protective. Petzl even went above and beyond and made this helmet attractive with the bright colorways. I’m not concerned with how helmets look, because it’s more about how well they do their job, however the look of the Boreo is slim and flattering and I guess it’s worth mentioning.

Petzl defines the Boreo as hybrid construction and I would very much agree with that. The thick ABS shell (yet lightweight) combined with both an EPP foam liner and EPS foam liner gives your head ultimate protection without being overweight, uncomfortable, and bulky. The interior headband is soft against the skin, keeps the helmet nicely in place, and catches sweat from dripping into my eyes. It also dries quickly and doesn’t start to stink after the first day on your multi-day climbing adventure.

The Boreo works really well for climbing and canyoneering but could easily be adapted to ice climbing/mountaineering in the winter. Versatility adds a lot of value when it comes to helmets and this is definitely one that can be used for many activities and many seasons.

The protection that the Boreo provides is innovative and protects against top, lateral, front and rear impact. Petzl is adopting a new standard of helmet manufacturing that “guarantees a certain level of protection throughout the entire helmet and not just the top. These helmets carry Petzl’s proprietary label­­ Top And Side Protection for easy identification” (www.petzl.com). Not only does this new standard help protect your head in its entirety, but it also adds to the versatility of the Boreo and protects you in many different situations. The Top and Side Protection has been substantially tested and thoroughly developed to provide you with the best possible protection while staying lightweight and comfortable. 

Protection is often irrelevant if the fit isn’t perfect but this won’t be an issue with the Boreo as it can be adjusted to fit your head perfectly. The adjustable “bracket” runs all the way up to your temples so it really pulls in the fit concisely. Not only can you adjust how tight the helmet is on your head, you can also adjust up and down which is especially nice for the ladies with a lot of hair (this is what Cally tells me). Dialing in the fit every day is super easy and simple with the Boreo.

Between adequate ventilation, headlamp clips, awesome color options, and the affordability, the Boreo is one of the best upgrades I’ve made in a really long time. I have no idea why I’ve waited so long but it is also worth mentioning that my old Petzl helmet had a good life and even after 18 years, was in great shape. Think safety first when it comes to your head and pick up the Boreo Helmet for any of your climbing endeavors.

If you’re thinking about purchasing the Boreo, we ask that you do so using this link as we get a small kickback from your Amazon purchase.