OUTDOOR GEAR | Simply Hike Ladies Smith Arrival & Mens Anon Raider Helmet Review

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On a recent trip to the Snowdome in Tamworth we got the chance to test out two new helmets from Smith and Anon. Read on for our full review.

What we tested

Smith Optics Ladies Arrival Helmet in Matt Grape

Features

Lightweight in-mould construction
Regulator adjustable climate control
14 vents
Adjustable dial fit system (DFS2)
Snapfit SL ear pads,
Fleece tricot lining
Sizing: small 51-55 cm/medium 55-59 cm/large 59-63 cm
Weight: 14oz/400 grams
AirEvac 2 ventilation

Anon Mens Raider Helmet in Blue

Features

Sizing: Medium = 57cm-59cm, Large = 59cm-61cm
Endura Shell construction
Classic fleece liner and ear pads
Comfortable chin strap
Removable goggle clip
Passive ventilation
Audio accessory compatible – ear pads allow compatibility with a separate audio system
Simple fit
Multi-season certified in North America and Europe
ASTM 2040 / CE1077B / CE1078:2012 +A1:2012 / CPSC Certified
Weight: 595g

The verdict

I’ve been snowboarding for more than 15 years now, and I never board without a helmet. The way I see it, I wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt, so why would I hurl myself down a slope without at least protecting my head? Thankfully the days of flaling around and continually falling over are long behind me, but every now and again I do still wipe out in spectacular style, and when I’m boarding down a gnarly black run, I like knowing that If I do fall, my head is protected.

Having previously broken ribs and even broken my back when snowboarding I’ve learned the hard way that when it comes to protection, a decent helmet is essential, though I always wear a back protector too these days!

My old helmet has seen me through many years of snowboarding, but it has taken a fair few impacts meaning a new helmet made perfect sense. This year we won’t be hitting the slopes until later in the season, but I always try to get a bit of slope time in here in UK whenever I can, so a recent visit to the Snowdome in Tamworth gave us the ideal opportunity to test out our new helmets.

Smith Optics Ladies Arrival Helmet in Matt Grape

The Smith Optics arrival helmet is ultra light and features a super cosy grey fleece lining which helps to make the helmet very comfortable and the ear pads kept my ears really warm. There is a mechanism on the back of the helmet that allows you to tighten or loosen the fit. I chose the ladies size small and it fits me snugly, so I used the mechanism on the back to loosen it off a little.

I found it was a good fit and so comfortable that I almost forgot I was wearing it. I love the grape colour and matt finish of the helmet and was delighted that it went perfectly with my Salomon snowboard boots and Volcom boarding pants. It’s comfortable, cosy and looks great, so the Smith Arrival gets a big thumbs up from me and it’s a helmet I’d definitely recommend.

Anon Mens Raider Helmet in Blue

My friend Peter tested out the mens Anon helmet, and whilst he said he could have probably have done with the large instead of the medium, he still found it comfortable to wear during our 3 hour session. The Raider helmet comes with a removable fleece liner and ear pads, which Peter took off as the extra warmth wasn’t needed for a session at the Snowdome.

He said that the helmet felt comfortable and thanks to the padded chin strap it felt comfortable under the chin too, and again, it was big thumbs up from him for the Anon helmet.

See the full range of ski helmets from Simply Hike here.

Thank you to Simply Hike who supplied the featured products. We were not paid to write this review.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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