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The Best Ski Helmets for 2022

By Austin Parker Published January 19, 2022

best ski helmets — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When it comes to safety on the slopes, there is no substitute for a good ski helmet. It seems like every season we hear a few cautionary tales of crashes in the terrain park and run-ins with trees. This year though, we’ve done all the testing and legwork for you. After a few months of trying on every ski helmet we could get our hands on, we’ve selected our favorites. Whether you’re just getting on skis for your first time or are a seasoned terrain park phenom, we’ve got a ski helmet for you.

Editor’s Pick: Smith Quantum

Smith Quantum — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Using Smith’s Koroyd material, the Quantum is incredibly light. Don’t let that fool you though. It will stand up to serious damage, and the included MIPS liner, BOA fit system, and Wayfinder straps keep it locked down perfectly. Due to the extra shock absorption of Smith’s Aerocore design, the Quantum can take bumps in side impact zones, outperforming most other helmets.

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For The Ladies: Pret Lyric X

The Lyric X’s plush liner will keep your lady warm and comfortable no matter how hard it’s snowing. The shell boasts a MIPS liner, and RECCO reflector (the only helmet on our list with RECCO technology). Developed specifically with Pret’s athlete team, it is as stylish as it is protective.

Topics

Snowsports

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

Outdoors

Camping essentials for beginners: How to tackle the wild with comfort

How to repel the top 5 camping complaints

Learning all the features of your tent can help make sleeping in it more comfortable.

If you're looking to disconnect from your digital life and dip your toes into the world of starlit skies and crackling campfires, camping is a great pastime to get started with. As a camping novice, I thought that the "right way" to camp is to rough it, but there's no shame in trying to make your camping experience more comfortable. Here are some struggles you may encounter while out in the wild, as well as some camping essentials for beginners to help mitigate those challenges.
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On my first camping trip, the only thing that kept me from the ground was the bottom of my tent and my sleeping bag. Needless to say, I didn't sleep very well, and in the morning, I complained like the princess and the pea. Most experienced campers prefer to sleep with a bit more cushion, whether that's from a sleeping pad or even an inflatable mattress.

Outdoors

Try these lunch ideas the next time you go backpacking

Got a rumbling tummy on the hiking trail? Try one of these backpacking lunch ideas

Hiker with a backpack in front of a mountain lake background

Trail mix has to be one of my personal favorite snacks while backpacking. That said, you can't live on it, especially when you're hiking for miles every day. I'll be honest — dinner is my favorite meal while out on the trail, mostly because there's a higher chance that I can start a safe fire and simmer something delicious. Lunch, however, has been a challenge. Not only do backpacking lunches have to be delicious and satisfying, but they also need to be easy to prepare. Hopefully these backpacking lunch ideas will help.
Things to consider for backpacking lunch ideas

When planning backpacking lunch ideas, it's more important than ever to choose foods that are nutritious, lightweight, nonperishable, high in energy, and most importantly, easy to prepare. You might not have access to a campfire while you're out backpacking, so here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Easy preparation
I love preparing a hearty meal while backpacking or camping, but not during prime daylight hours when I could be making better time. That's why I always reach for easy-to-prepare meals. Sometimes, I even do a lot of the prep work while I'm still at home. That way, all I need to do is find a nice view.
Weight and packability
I've made the mistake of packing a huge cooler with sandwiches. Not only do you have to lug the entire thing up the mountain, but you've got to bring it down, too. Plus, on a multiday backpacking trip, no ice pack is going to last that long. Be careful that the food you take is lightweight, and avoid foods that require excess packaging or bulk.
Caloric density
Since backpacking is a high-energy sport, you'll want to select foods based on nutrients. High calories are one thing, but to get the most energy from your food, aim for a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Make sure you're incorporating proteins so your muscles can repair after a long day of hiking.
Shelf stability
A lot of backpackers plan their trips for the summer, which means having to deal with the heat. This can definitely play a part in what kinds of foods you bring. Backpackers aim to bring as light as possible, so foods that don't spoil and don't need excessive cooking are going to be your best friend.
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Health & Fitness

How to calculate hiking time and plan for being away

Calculating your hiking speed isn't as hard as you think

Two people hiking together

To most people, planning a hike can be tedious, but for me, packing my bag gets me even more excited for the adventure ahead. One of the most important aspects of preparing for my hike is determining how long it will take to complete it. This is important for several reasons. First, you'll be able to determine what kind of equipment you'll need during that timeframe, and second, you'll be able to tell someone when to expect you back in case you go missing. About 600,000 hikers get lost every year in the U.S., so if you're one of them, calculating this could mean your survival. Here's how to calculate hiking time.
How to calculate hiking time accurately

If you’re an experienced hiker, you might have noticed that sometimes there is an estimated time listed for a hike in a guidebook or app, which is termed "book time." Almost across the board, these hike time estimations are calculated using Naismith’s (Time Estimation) Rule, which essentially says that it takes about 1 hour to hike 3 miles plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet of elevation gained.