Anon Prime MIPS Snowboard Helmet 2016-2017

With the help of inbuilt technology from ICEdot, The Anon Prime will actually send your exact location to your emergency contacts in the event of a major head impact, as well as giving crucial medical information to any first responders.

• PRICE: £165
• ANONOPTICS.COM

Couple this with the Multidirectional Impact Protection System (aka MIPS) that protects your head from more than just direct impacts, and Anon’s newest helmet in the line really lives up to its name.

It’s got no less than 23 vents and a goggle-specific airflow channel, putting it well and truly in the high tech category of helmets. The Anon Prime is more than worthy of accompanying you on your next backcountry adventure.

It also comes with the rest of the features that are fairly common across the Anon range: Boa 360 fit, magnetic chin strap, removable expedition ear flaps and compatibility with helmet audio systems. Basically, the dogs baws.

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K2 Diversion Snowboard Helmet 2016-2017

One of the disadvantages of being a head-to-toe brand is that sometimes you can become more well known for some products than others. However, K2 helmets are banger, as this writer can personally attest to.

• PRICE: £110
• K2SNOWBOARDING.COM

The K2 Diversion is their techiest-looking option this year, complete with what they call ‘Dual Active Matrix Venting’. THis allows you to choose between two levels of venting depending on the outside temperature or what exactly you’re doing (riding/touring).

The liner is removable (and, mercifully, fully washable) and features their ‘360 K2Dialed’ Fit System for on-the-go adjustments by way of a dial-controlled band that fits all the way round your temples to keep the lid firmly in position. And, of course, it comes with K2’s Baseline Audio System – removeable, remote-controlled headphones that slot seamlessly in the ear flaps.

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Oakley Mod5 Snowboard Helmet 2016-2017

An unusual design is at work here: the outer shell comes in two parts, providing thicker walls only where you need it most to shave off a few precious grams. The Modular Brim System (MBS) also allows micro adjustment to accommodate “almost any goggle” and still utilise the Brim Ventilation to reduce fogging.

• PRICE: £160
• OAKLEY.COM

The Oakley Mod5 also comes with a removable liner, either to keep fresh or replace with a beanie, and can be fitted as snug as you like with the Boa 270 Fit System. Getting it done up in the cold is as easy as you like courtesy of the magnetic Fidlock Buckle that snaps the straps together, even when you’re in heavy mitts.

It’s one of the techiest helmets on our list, both in terms of looks and function, and is probably more suited to the well-equipped mountain man than a dirty park rat. Either way, on top of all the bells and whistles it’s a high-performing lid that’s likely to serve you well.

The Oakley Guntower backpack will happily carry your snowboard thanks to the side-mounted vertical straps and the shoulder straps, waist- and chest belts are all fully adjustable and padded to achieve the perfect, comfortable fit.

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Smith Vantage MIPS Snowboard Helmet 2016-2017

Almost no-one puts as much thought into their products as Smith – their extremely loyal customers are testament to that – so it follows that their helmets would perform as well as their goggles. The Smith Vantage is top of their line when it comes to protection, fit and integration. It features their Aerocore tech to maximise venting whilst saving weight and maintaining strength, and over half the colourway options also come with MIPS technology.

• PRICE: £200
• SMITHOPTICS.COM

Fit comes in the form of a Boa 360 Fit System with the dial subtly placed at the top of the neck and some of the least obtrusive ear pads we’ve seen (removable, of course). Last but not least is the seamless integration that perfectly compliments their own goggle range, with AirEvac 2 ventilation that channels air from the lenses to the back of the head.

The ear pads are also set up to take Outdoor Tech helmet headphones to add a bit of luxury to what is one of the techiest lids we saw on test. It’s perfect for backcountry adventures – and thanks to that amazing venting, you’ll be just as comfortable on the way up as on the way down.

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