A few years back, a buddy fell on a techy Red River Gorge face, hooked his heel behind the rope, and took a 20-foot back-smacker. Helmetless homeslice walked away, but it could’ve been otherwise. He’d have done well to wear the slick, versatile WILD COUNTRY 360 ($49.95, wildcountry.co.uk), a super-tough (due to the Extended EPS system, which wraps your head in shock-absorbing foam), light (12.7oz), and comfy (adjustable via Quik-Dial system and Nexus Acetal quick-release chinstrap buckle) helmet. The 360 comes with four headlamp clips and a stash bag, and fits under a hood for winter climbing.

—Justin Roth