A decade ago chances were you’d be more concerned with keeping your head warm while hitting the ski slope than with actually protecting it. But as helmets have come to be standard gear for biking, so too have the brain buckets have become part of the outfit for skiing. Getting a helmet to fit properly has never been easy – so when Saloman decided to introduce a new ski helmet they turned to Whistler-based pro skier Mike Douglas to help with the design.
To truly make a “one-size-fits-all” helmet, Salomon utilized a built-in inflatable pump. The same technology has been used in previous models, but the Mike Douglas pro-model features lightweight and breathable design that will be good for all sorts of weather conditions – because the last thing you want is a helmet that is hot or uncomfortable. If the helmet doesn’t fit right people simply won’t wear it.
And because the helmet has the built-in pump it can be adjusted to various head sizes, plus be used with a hat in the morning and sans hat in the afternoon. The Salomon Mike Douglas model also includes a washable liner, three adjustable vents to let you regulate the airflow and temperature, plus there is even a removable brim. The company further tweaked the design so you can make adjustments without needing to expose your hands, so those with gloves can still open the vents with ease. The ear pads, which are designed for extended warmth and comfort for cold days, are removable for warmer weather conditions too.
The helmet’s basic black polycarbonate shell with an EPS cap provides both shock resistance and lightness. It also has plenty of style as it is also highlighted with a bit of Native American art – based on the mythological thunderbird that was inspired by folklore from Douglas’s own Whistler surroundings. The helmet comes with a stylish helmet bag to boot. The Salomon Patrol C.Air Mike Douglas ski helmet will arrive in stores this fall, so you’ll have plenty of time to pick up one before you hit the slopes (Pricing to be announced).