A helmet that doesn't fit is barely better than no helmet at all. If it shifts on impact, the protection drops dramatically. If it's too tight, you won't wear it. Here's how to get it right.

Head Shape: Round vs. Oval

Before you look at brands or features, you need to know your head shape. Look at your head from above (or ask someone else to):

  • Round: About the same width front-to-back as side-to-side. Smith helmets tend to fit round heads well.
  • Oval: Longer front-to-back than side-to-side. POC and some Giro models are built for oval shapes.

A round helmet on an oval head will have pressure on the sides and gaps at the front and back. An oval helmet on a round head feels loose laterally and tight at the temples. Neither is safe. Get the shape right first.

MIPS: What It Is and Why It Matters

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It's a thin plastic liner inside the helmet that allows the shell to rotate slightly — 10 to 15 millimeters — relative to your head on impact.

Most real-world impacts aren't straight-on. You fall backward and your head hits at an angle. The rotational force from an angled impact is what causes concussions. MIPS redirects that rotational energy so less of it reaches your brain.

Is MIPS worth the extra $20-40? Yes. Every major helmet brand offers MIPS models now. There's no good reason to buy without it.

Visor Helmets

Visor helmets have a built-in lens that flips down over your eyes instead of separate goggles. They solve some real problems:

  • No gap between helmet and goggles (the "gaper gap")
  • Easy to flip up on the lift or when talking
  • Works great for glasses wearers — more room than goggles
  • One less piece of gear to keep track of

The tradeoff: less peripheral protection than goggles, can fog in heavy snow, and replacement lenses are pricier. For Mt. Hood, where weather changes fast, a traditional helmet + goggles combo with quick-change lenses is usually more practical.

Ventilation

Look for helmets with at least 8-10 ventsand a slider mechanism to open and close them with gloves on. Some helmets have fixed vents — they work, but you can't adjust for conditions. Adjustable vents let you open up when hiking and close down when the wind picks up.

How to Check the Fit

  1. Put the helmet on without the chin strap buckled. It should sit level — not tilted back.
  2. Shake your head side to side. The helmet should move with your head, not independently. If it wobbles, it's too big or the wrong shape.
  3. Press down on top. You should feel even pressure around your head — no hot spots.
  4. Look up and down. The front rim should stay about one finger-width above your eyebrows.
  5. Buckle the chin strap. One finger between strap and chin. Not two.

If you're between sizes, go with the smaller one. Helmet liners compress over time, so a snug helmet breaks in. A loose helmet just gets looser.

When to Replace

  • After any significant impact — even if it looks fine. The foam compresses and doesn't recover.
  • Every 3-5 years with no impacts. Foam degrades from sweat, UV, and wear.
  • If the liner is flaking or the fit has noticeably changed.

Try Them On

We carry Smith, POC, and Anon helmets at our Beaverton shop. Bring your goggleswhen you come in — helmet and goggle compatibility matters. We'll make sure the combination fits with no gaper gap and no pressure on your nose.