7 Best Mountain Bike Helmet For Sweat (2023)

  • By: Luke James
  • Time to read: 10 min.
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Think about the last time you went biking for an extended period of time. Were you sweating? If so, then you are not alone! Many people find that biking, running, or playing sports can make them sweat more than usual. 

Looking for a solution to the problem is difficult, but luckily there are many top-rated helmet brands available to choose from. For those looking for ventilation on top of comfort and protection, our experts have picked the best of the best helmet that might be worth checking out.

If you sweat a little more than most, consider purchasing a helmet that helps with sweating and also protects your head from sudden falls.

The best mountain bike helmet should be lightweight, durable, and wicks sweat away from the body. 

A good helmet should also provide adequate ventilation to allow for your body’s natural cooling system to work correctly and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Are You In Hurry? Then Check Out Below!

Our experts have taken a look at the latest models and compared them to identify the best of the best helmets for you.

Here are our top picks:

Best Budget MTB Helmet

Altec Helmet

  • Budget-Friendly
  • Robust Construction
  • Great Ventilation

Best Overall MTB Helmet

BELL Super DH

  • Extremely Great Ventilation
  • X-static & XT2, Sweat guide padding
  • Flex spherical, MIPS & Removable wraparound chin bar

Best MTB Helmet For Ventilation

BELL Super 3R

  • Great ventilation
  • Adaptable Visor system
  • X-static & XT2 padding
  • MIPS & wraparound Protection

Buyer Guide For Best Mountain Bike Helmet For Hot Weather:

These are the features you should keep in mind while purchasing a Mountain bike helmet  to reduce sweat:

Ventilation:

For sweaty guys, good ventilation should be a high priority. Surprisingly, the more vents on the helmet do not mean more ventilation it will offer.

Nowadays, helmets are more advanced with respect to ventilation. Overbrow ventilation, Dual flow ventilation, internal air channeling are some of the advanced features.

Padding:

A good Padding on a helmet will simply make your life easier. A good quality cushioning typically comes at an expensive price. Helmets that are inexpensive can lead to occasional skin irritation; they don’t feel as nice, and the quality is not good.

Another great benefit of having quality padding is sweat absorption. If your priority is to reduce sweating while riding, consider buying a helmet with quality padding like XT2 and X-static padding, Sweat Guide padding. Padding will not only wick moisture but will also stop odor build-up.

Protection:

Nowadays, every helmet has In-molding, which is a hard plastic layer on top of an EPS structure that provides protection against minor bumps and scratches. Many new technologies have been introduced by helmet manufacturers to avoid potential damage to the head, in case of an accident. 

MIPS and SPIN are some of the advanced technologies that have been introduced to helmets making the impact of a crash much lower.

Helmet Construction:

The primary purpose of any helmet is to protect your head, while ventilation and padding are the additional features. In order to have a robust helmet, the materials of a helmet should have features that can withstand any major impact.

Nowadays, every quality helmet has in-mold technology. One of the ways that they do it is by combining a thin shell which is usually polycarbonate with EPS foam liner. In the event of an impact, expanded polystyrene or EPS foam forms around a core material to provide cushioning.

Head Fitting:

The most important aspect of the helmet is that it fits properly. When you are out for a bike ride and riding up the hill, one does not want to feel tight and give you a headache at the end of the day.

You also want the helmet to be flexible enough that it won’t come off when you’re bumping into things or hitting a rock. Getting a perfect size is a matter of trial and error, there are many different sizes that people try out. 

Helmet Weight:

A lightweight helmet is extremely important because it has more benefits than you might think. It may seem less important, but it is extremely important as it will make your journey more relaxing and a lot better.

Convenience Features:

Have you whittled down your helmet options? That was tough. Now, there’s only one thing left to take under consideration – the icing on the cake.

Removable Chin bar: 

Nowadays, full-face helmets now typically come with features that allow the user to remove what is called a chin guard. Removable chin guards are usually removable with a little bit of effort.

Removable chin guards are a part of full-face helmets. Allowing riders to stay cool makes it easier to breathe when climbing up the long hills. But also adding an extra layer of protection in case you need it for the steep descents.

Visor:

The visor is important as it assures the safety of the rider. In case there was a collision, this would protect not only facial but also eye-related aspects from external factors. For mountain biking, it’s crucial to have a visor on one’s bike.

Goggle Compatibility:

Consider whether the bike helmets come with goggle compatibility if you are someone who enjoys wearing goggles or requires glasses.

Camera Mounting: 

When purchasing a bike helmet, it is important to take into account the camera mounting as this will allow you to fit on e.g., a 360º camera to record your Mountain biking adventures.

Safety Certifications:

In the US, bike helmets are tested by a government branch, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In order for a bicycle helmet to be sold in the US, it must pass CPSC’s test and have the accompanying label.

All of our tested helmets have this sticker on them. We’re all proud to offer you helmets that carry the CE EN 1078 label, which is a similar European standard.

List Of 7 Best Mountain Bike Helmets For Sweaty Guys: 

1. Bell Super DH MIPS

BELL Super DH (MIPS)

Pros

  • Extremely great ventilation
  • X-static & XT2, Sweat guide padding
  • Flex spherical, MIPS & Removable wraparound chin bar
  • EPS foam liner
  • Float Fit DH
  • Fidlock buckle
  • Goggle guide adjustable visor system
  • Integrated camera mount

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

Bell Super DH MIPS is absolutely the powerhouse of Ventilation. It has an impressive 19 vents, 2 Brow ports, and 4 Chin bar vents.

Overbrow ventilation consists of intake ports near the brow on a helmet to give cool air access and then push it through an air-channel matrix that covers your head. This Helmet Has an ambidextrous visor system that works with goggles and glasses while attached to the helmet or while detached.

The camera mount is really nice because it doesn’t require any zip ties or tape. It’s also engineered to break away upon impact, which can reduce the risk of injury.

The sweat Guide Pad of this helmet prevents fogging and residue buildup on lenses by removing moisture away from the brow pad and sunglasses.

For your safety, it is equipped with Flex Spherical, MIPS, and wraparound Chin bar. Together, Flex Spherical’s technology allows for increased flexibility in addressing high-speed impacts, low-speed impacts, and rotational impacts.

2. 100% Altec Helmet

100% Altec Helmet

Pros

  • Lightweight helmet
  • Smart shock Rotational Protective System
  • Washable & Moisture-wicking liner
  • Extremely Great ventilation
  • Budget-friendly
  • Robust construction

Cons

  • Inflexible fitting
  • Average coverage 

Altec is a brand that focuses primarily on full-face models, but now they have incorporated some neat features to make their customer’s life a little easier.

Reviewing this helmet, we found out this helmet has excellent ventilation and breathability for a rider. Apart from this, this helmet has everything we found out in top models at a relatively low price.

The Altec features a construction that seems like it will last at least a few seasons if you can avoid any major accident. It also comes with a Smart Shock Rotational protective System, which can rotate and compress during crashes. 

3. Bell Sixer MIPS

BELL Sixer MIPS

Pros

  • Good Ventilation, but not for heavy sweat.
  • Good sweat management
  • MIPS
  • X-static & XT2 padding
  • Camera mount
  • Value for money
  • EPS foam liner
  • Float Fit race

Cons

  • Heavyweight

This bike helmet has 26 vents, including the internal channels, which keep the rider sweat-free by moving air through. Additionally, It has Dual-flow Ventilation, which hosts an Air port for ventilation and aids in defog goggles.

The MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM technology provides REDUCED ROTATIONAL FORCES, which helps in a crash or other major accident.

This helmet has been integrated with a sweat guide pad, which simply pulls moisture away from the Brow pad and away from eyeglasses or goggles.

The Visor comes in four different positions for the rider to adjust the angle of the visor. The Float Fit system allows riders to adjust the fit of their helmet with a simple turn of the dial.

4. Giro Fixture MIPS

Giro Fixture 

Pros

  • Great Ventilation
  • MIPS
  • Great fitting
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Fixed visor

The Roc Loc retention system makes it easy to get a perfect fit on your head. This helmet is also very stylish, and I love the colors of the helmet.

It comes with 18 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling making it perfectly ventilated ensures that you stay relaxed and comfortable while riding. This helmet is equipped with the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which will redirect energy from a crash.

It offers the protection of a hard shell with the comfort of in-mold polycarbonate. The padding is extra plush, and the removable visor is a great addition. 

5. POC, Tectal Race Spin, Helmet

POC Tectal

Pros

  • Well-ventilated
  • Comfortable
  • Integrated RECCO reflector radar
  • Lightweight
  • Great Durability
  • SPIN system

Cons

  • Slightly Expensive
  • The visor is less user friendly

This Helmet features more coverage around your head for protection. Additionally, If you get injured, your location can be quickly identified and helped with integrated RECCO reflector technology.

Further, It is equipped with POC’s patent silicone pad technology system along with SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside), which works by rotating upon impact.

Moreover, It is also ultra-light (weighs under 1 lb) with the addition of EPS liner and aramid bridge that improves the strength considerably. The Helmet boasts about its unique airflow channels that provide you with adequate ventilation even on hot summer days.

6. Fox Racing Speedframe Pro

Fox Racing

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Well-ventilated
  • Dual-density EPS liner
  • MIPS protection system
  • XT2 liner padding
  • High safety ratings
  • Robust Construction
  • Highly adjustable

Cons

  • Fixed strap splitters
  • 3 position visor

The Speedframe Pro Helmet has received five stars from Virginia Tech in its Bicycle Helmet Ratings program. Despite being a cheaper helmet, the Fox Speedframe Pro is one of our top-rated and most highly regarded.

This helmet has the same features we can expect from top-of-the-line helmets. It packs with many great features, including MIPS rotational impact system, 360-degree fit system, goggle compatible, 3-position adjustable visor, Fidlock SNAP helmet buckle.

Fidlock SNAP helmet buckle provides a fast and secure way to put on a helmet, even while wearing gloves. XT2 liner, being removable and washable, is antimicrobial and also prevents the user’s head from smelling by wicking moisture from the head.

7. BELL Super 3R MIPS

BELL Super 3R

Pros

  • Great ventilation
  • Adaptable Visor system
  • X-static & XT2 padding
  • MIPS & wraparound Protection
  • Seamless camera mount
  • Lightweight
  • Great fitting

Cons

  • Expensive

The design of the Super 3R is synced with trail riding and has a unique removable chin bar. The chin bar features the ability to be removable and goes with you during climbs, locking back on when situations are more challenging.

Additionally, it comes with a Float Fit system that is lighter, more comfortable, and with fewer twists during adjustment, thanks to the new rubber around it and easier adjusting.

The other important features of this helmet include a goggle guide adjustable visor, a breakaway camera mount, and overbrow ventilation. This helmet comes with MIPS, which is a must-have feature for modern-day helmets.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Stop My Bike Helmet From Sweating?

Make sure your helmet is protected with a microfiber cycling cap or visor. A brim will collect sweat and allow it to roll off. The Halo, Sweat GUTR, and SweatVac brands offer sweat-wicking headbands or skullcaps. The systems work slightly differently, but most include strips that channel sweat to the temples.

How Do I Reduce The Heat In My Helmet?

It is a good insulator to use polystyrene. In the construction industry, it is used for that purpose. All helmets are fitted with vents – holes that go all the way through the helmet – as well as channels on the inside to prevent your head from overheating.

How Do I Stop My Head From Sweating In My Helmet?

Your helmet padding may need to be changed if you notice sweat dripping from your forehead. You will be able to wick away moisture better with fresh padding, and it will also be much more hygienic. Make sure you hand wash your padding if it is still looking fresh but stinky.

What Is Cooling Material For A Helmet?

PCM pouches are key components of helmet cooling systems. The pouch contains the PCM. By transferring heat between the wearer’s head and the PCM pouch through a flexible copper heat collector, a good thermal path is created.

Conclusion

Listed above are the top mountain bike helmets for sweat, making it difficult to pick one!

You should select a bike helmet based on what is most important to you- ventilation, comfort, or safety.

For sweaty riders, the Altec is the more budget-friendly choice, but the BELL Super DH (MIPS) is worth it if you don’t mind spending a bit more on a better-performing helmet.