Helmet design has long wanted for versatility: offerings typically divvied into the light — Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) — and heavier, mountain categories. For multi-discipline aficionados, this meant owning multiple brain buckets.

For 2009, the venerable UK manufacturer Wild Country (wildcountry.co.uk) brings multi-functionality to the cranium-care department with its new Alpine Shield. Only 9.2oz in pared-down rock mode, this vented, EPS-shell/EVA-foam helmet wears light and cool while cragging or multi-pitch climbing. But snap on the polycarbonate shield and you have an alpine player that screens out debris and ice shards, as well as imparts durability and impact resistance beyond that typical of the “one-strike-then-retire” comolded helmets. UIAA and CE certified, the Alpine Shield is one size fits all (21-24”), with four headlamp clips and three color choices.

1. QUIK-CLIK SIZING
   Handily adjust front-to-back volume using the two thumb-shaped, ergonomic buttons at the back of the helmet, which refine head-cradle fit.
2. A CLEAR DIFFERENCE
   Snapping easily over the EPS shell, this ultralight (5.7oz) protector is your head-saving friendo on snow, ice, or highstonefall rock climbs. It secures via three attachment points, which lock and unlock with a coin or the provided tool.
3. BUCKLE UP
   The quick-release Nexus Acetal chinstrap buckle is your adjustment hub for the smooth, easy-riding 16mm nylon chinstrap, itself padded with an EPP sleeve to prevent abrasion.