With the Blue Ice Blast, the French brand offers a helmet that clearly focuses on lightweight performance and a low-profile design. Weighing just 145 g in size S/M and 155 g in M/L, it is one of the lightest mountaineering helmets on the market. We used it for climbing, multi-pitch routes and various alpine outings, with the aim of finding out whether this focus on minimal weight really translates into benefits in the field.
From the first uses, weight is obviously the Blue Ice Blast’s main advantage. Once on your head, the helmet quickly becomes easy to forget, particularly on long days when a few dozen grams can really start to matter. Its compact construction also contributes to this feeling of lightness. The helmet barely extends beyond the head and is particularly easy to pack into a backpack. This is a useful feature when the helmet is only worn on certain sections of a climb or route.
Comfort is equally convincing. The adjustment system allows you to achieve a precise and stable fit quickly, without excessive pressure. We particularly appreciated the ability to reposition the internal padding to suit the shape of each individual head. The position of the pads can be changed as needed, and additional pads can also be added to further customise the fit. This modularity makes it easier to find the right position and is a real advantage for users whose head shape does not perfectly match the standard shapes of most helmets. The Blue Ice Blast then remains very stable during repeated head movements and does not need constant readjustment. It is also easy to adapt the fit when wearing a thin beanie as temperatures drop.
The design is another pleasant surprise. The Blue Ice Blast stands out quite clearly from the more traditional shapes offered by other manufacturers. Its low-profile shape, modern lines and large vents integrated into the shell give it a look that is both understated and contemporary. We found its overall appearance particularly successful, with a helmet that looks less bulky when worn and avoids the somewhat massive appearance of some other models. This is obviously subjective, but the Blast is one of the helmets we found to be both technical, modern and relatively stylish.
Ventilation is another strong point. The numerous openings allow air to circulate efficiently and help prevent heat build-up during approaches or on hot summer days. In this respect, the Blue Ice Blast is particularly pleasant to wear. We rarely experienced the heat or moisture build-up that can occur with some more enclosed helmets. This efficient airflow directly contributes to comfort during long days in the mountains.
We also appreciated the details designed specifically for alpine use. The headlamp attachment system, with its clips and elastic straps, is particularly well thought out and streamlined. It holds a headlamp securely while remaining easy to operate, even when wearing gloves. The helmet’s profile also works well with glasses and a beanie. Its compact size is an advantage when the helmet needs to remain in your pack for several hours. The Blue Ice Blast therefore fits naturally into a lightweight mountaineering setup, whether for multi-pitch climbing or alpine routes where every gram counts.
This focus on low weight does, however, involve a few compromises. The side protection is relatively thin and the openings are large. The helmet provides the level of protection required by its certification, but its highly minimalist profile can give a less enveloping feeling of coverage than some competing models. This does not call the design into question, but it is something to consider depending on the type of activity and the level of commitment involved.
We also have some reservations regarding long-term durability, although our testers will need more time to assess this properly. The construction feels solid despite the very low weight, but the Blue Ice Blast is still a relatively recent model. We do not yet have enough feedback after several seasons of intensive use to accurately assess how it ages or how well it withstands repeated handling, being carried in a backpack, or the minor knocks and impacts of everyday use.
The Blue Ice Blast strikes us as a particularly successful helmet for mountaineering, multi-pitch climbing and activities where low weight and comfort are priorities. It is not designed to be the most heavily built or most enveloping helmet, but rather one that you barely notice wearing. For us, that is precisely its main strength: being able to wear a helmet for several hours without hardly thinking about it.
Its modern look, compact profile, customisable pad positioning and optimised headlamp attachment system also add real value to the overall package.
A very compelling choice for climbers and mountaineers who prioritise low weight, comfort and compactness, provided they are comfortable with its deliberately minimalist design.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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