Wild Country 360 Review

This is a solid climbing helmet at a great price. In the next round of testing it may well emerge with the Best Buy award. At $55 it is $5 less expensive than the other value helmets and about the same weight. It has a similar design to the Black Diamond Half Dome but feels a little lower profile: either that or it just fits on my head better. It has the same closed cell foam lining as the Half Dome, in contrast to the softer foam lining of the Mammut Skywalker 2 and the CAMP Armour. It comes with a dial in the back for adjusting the size that is now standard on most helmets (so no big differentiation there). The chin strap cannot be adjusted with one hand like that on the Petzl Elios but it does come with closed cell foam around the chin strap. This makes the helmet more comfortable if you like to wear it tight and it can also be removed for hotter temps. Overall we were very impressed with this helmet for the price. The Petzl Elios may edge it out in the ratings…or might not. But either way, because it costs only $55, it is looking like it might be the Best Buy in 2011. Definitely one to check out…if you can find it. Not many shops carry it. — Chris McNamara