REASONS TO BUY
Super lightweight
Breathable
Very comfortable
Rated for ski touring
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimalist adjustment system
Blockier shape than similar designs
Edelrid Salathe Lite Review
A super-light helmet rated for climbing and ski touring, but it's pretty bulky
The Edelrid Salathe Lite is a very reasonable, ultralight option for climbing and ski touring. But its minimalism limits adjustability.
Credit: Brooke Maushund
By Brooke Maushund ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 3, 2026
RELATED: The Best Climbing Helmet
Our Verdict
The Edelrid Salathe Lite directly competes with other featherweight foam helmets on the market; it's just a touch bulkier and heavier. With a smaller plastic shield directly on top of the helmet – targeted where you're most prone to rockfall – it's lighter than all but a few select options. But unlike those other ultralight helmets, the Salathe Lite is also certified for ski touring, making it far more versatile. If you are in the market for a 4-season climbing helmet, the Salathe Lite is a great option.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Edelrid Salathe Lite | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Lightweight Climbing Helmet | Best Overall Climbing Helmet |  Best Bang for the Buck | ||
| Price | $135 List Check Price at Backcountry | $140 List Check Price at REI | $120 List Check Price at REI | $65 List Check Price at REI | $115 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An ultra-lightweight helmet that's rated for climbing and ski touring, it's just a bit bulkier than similar options | The lightest, most comfortable helmet on the market, and our favorite for long days of climbing | The helmet is lightweight, comfy, and durable, providing everything you need for climbing in any season | A modern, lightweight helmet that costs nearly half as much as the competition | A highly adjustable climbing helmet with a low weight and fair price |
| Rating Categories | Edelrid Salathe Lite | Blue Ice Blast | Black Diamond Vision | Metolius Hardtop | Petzl Meteor |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Adjustability (20%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Ventilation (10%) | |||||
| Features (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Edelrid Salathe Lite | Blue Ice Blast | Black Diamond Vision | Metolius Hardtop | Petzl Meteor |
| Sizes Available? | 19.7 - 22.8 in 20.5 - 24.4 in |
S/M M/L |
S/M M/L |
S/M M/L |
S/M M/L |
| Adjustable? | Yes, webbing strap | Yes, webbing harness | Yes, plastic slider | Yes, webbing harness | Yes, plastic slider |
| Certified Activities | Climbing, Ski touring | Climbing | Climbing | Climbing | Climbing |
| Measured Weight (Size Medium or M/L) | 6.7 oz | 5.4 oz | 8.3 oz | 8.3 oz | 8.5 oz |
| Shell Materials | Curv thermoplastic shell, ultra-light EPP core | EPP and EPS Foam, Polycarbonate | ABS Shell with EPP and EPS Foam | ABS Shell with EPP Foam | EPS, Polycarbonate |
| Listed Certifications | EN 12492, PCSR-002 11.2019 (CE-certified for ski touring) | EN 12492:2012 | CE/EN, UIAA | CE, EN 12492:2012 | EN 12492, UIAA |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The ultralight Salathe Lite is great for long pitches of desert red rock. You'll hardly even notice it's on your head! Credit: Brooke Maushund
Likes
The Salathe Lite is exactly that: light! This is the kind of helmet you put on and forget about. It also has huge vents, so our heads were less sweaty after a long climbing day.
It also feels a bit more durable than similarly ultralight helmets. The foam is relatively thicker than those other helmets, and the plastic shell hasn't dented easily, even after bumping it off rocks while climbing. Your money will go a bit further since the Salathe Lite should stand up to a few more seasons than most featherweight helmets.
The enormous side vents make the Salathe Lite even more comfortable. Credit: Brooke Maushund
Dislikes
Even though it's super light – or, perhaps, because it is superlight – the Salathe Lite is pretty minimalist. The suspension and adjustment systems are simple, and it has a minimalist headlamp attachment that isn't super secure.
The Salathe Lite adds a bit more protection than other dainty, foam helmets, but that extra protection also adds bulk. If you're stacking hoods over your helmet in cold weather, this one may start to feel like you're running out of room to do so.
The adjustments on the Salathe Lite are minimal. Credit: Brooke Maushund
Should You Buy the Edelrid Salathe Lite?
Ultimately, we don't see this helmet adding or subtracting anything significant compared with other popular ultralight helmets. If the style suits you, or the slightly more durable construction entices you, then the Salathe Lite is a viable option for a lightweight helmet – you certainly won't be disappointed, but there are better options available.
What Other Climbing Shoes Should You Consider?
The Salathe Lite is lightweight, but it's also bulky. The Blue Ice Blast is slim, lighter, and just as protective. For a more affordable foam helmet, the Metolius Hardtop is a great alternative, but if you want an even more durable helmet, we recommend the Black Diamond Vision.
—Brooke Maushund
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