Get off the beaten track with MCN's pick of the best adventure bike helmets we've tested lately

Adventure bikes have gone from niche to near-ubiquitous on American roads and trails. Thanks in large part due to BMW’s legendary GS platform, ADV motorcycles have supplanted traditional Sports Touring bikes for many riders. Basically, the “sport” in question changed from “Track Day” to “Trail Riding”. And while some ADV bikes don’t offer much off-road capability, their height, luggage options and rugged looks make them a popular choice. 

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Naturally, motorbike helmet manufacturers took notice. ADV helmets split the difference between off-road, touring and sport-oriented design. This new category also equals tons of adventure bike gear, but for now let’s focus on headwear. In a nutshell, ADV helmets offer healthy air flow, practicality and the sun protection of MX helmets, but with linings and fitment similar to sport or touring helmets. You generally get a removable off-road inspired peak, or bill, for sun protection. Some have removable visors letting you choose goggles for better airflow.  

If you’re skipping the unpaved parts of America and beyond,  a sports-touring helmet checks all the boxes for you. But if you’re planning to explore trails, fire roads or gravel, an adventure bike helmet is the way to go.  

We reviewed countless ADV helmets over thousands of tough miles and rounded up our favorite options. Check out MCN’s picks for best ADV helmets and decide for yourself using our judging and scoring criteria at the bottom. First up, helmets with the most current ECE 22.06 (Economic Commission of Europe) safety rating.

MCN’s recommended adventure helmets:

ECE 22.06 RATED HELMETS 

• Related: Best retro helmets tried and tested by MCN

• Related: Best sportsbike helmets we’ve tested recently

• Related: Best adventure bike jackets for all trips and seasons

Our best rated ECE 22.05 adventure helmets:

Helmets with the previous ECE 22.05 rating are still available for sale in the United States, while supplies last. For budget-conscious riders, healthy discounts on certain models mean great value.  

• Related: Best FIM approved helmets you can buy

Things to consider before you buy an adventure bike helmet

What does the ECE 22.06 safety rating mean in the U.S?

The only legally-mandated safety rating required in America is DOT certification. A DOT rating means a helmet means the minimum requirements. DOT standards emphasize visibility and strength of materials, but not necessarily overall helmet design.

The new ECE 22.06 safety rating is voluntary in the U.S., but is widely considered to be the gold standard. An ECE-rated helmet covers the legal bases all around the world. It uses updated testing methods, including impact with curbstone, as well as flat and sloping anvils. ECE testing requires batch testing before sale, so helmets tested come from the same production run as store-bound helmets. This helps detect any potential manufacturing defect. You will usually find the ECE rating on a tag on the chin strap.

Can I wear goggles with it? 

If you plan on riding off-road, keep this question in mind. Visors can get covered in mud and sometimes mist up. Goggles help with ventilation. Many adventure lids feature removable visors, letting you wear goggles instead.

Does it have a Pinlock insert? 

Many helmets come with a Pinlock (anti-fog inserts) included, while some include mounts and Pinlock is sold separately. In the case of the latter, factor in this extra expense.

How much does it weigh? 

A heavy helmet puts extra strain on your neck, making extended riding difficult. A lightweight helmet can help add enjoyment (and miles) to longer touring.

Is the lining removable? 

All helmets are susceptible to sweat and odor, especially ones used for strenuous off-road or trail riding. A removable, washable inner lining is highly recommended.

Is the visor easy to remove? 

An easily removable visor makes cleaning simple. Look for a visor that can be removed without specialized tools.

Does it have an integrated sun visor? 

An integrated “flip-down” sun visor means never having to stop to put on sunglasses.

Is it well ventilated? 

A hot helmet is an uncomfortable one. Make sure the helmet has vents easily operated by a gloved hand. The more vents, the cooler your head will be. Heads up, some vents do create additional wind noise.

Is it ready for a communications system? 

“Communications ready” means a helmet is designed with extra recesses around the ear to insert headphones for a communications system. Without them, headphones can stick out in irritating and even painful ways.

Is it designed for glasses? 

If you wear prescription glasses, look for helmets designed to allow glasses to sit comfortably between the lining and your face.

What kind of strap fastener does it have?

Helmets come with two types of helmet strap fastener – a D-Ring or a ratchet-style. The D-Ring requires manually threading and tightening of the strap, while the ratchet-style system is a simple push-fit. The choice between them is a matter of rider preference.

Can I move the peak?

Adventure helmets have a peak to help shade your eyes from the sun. Make sure it can be easily  moved or removed altogether, if desired. Look for cut-outs or aerodynamic features to prevent wind-trapping at speed which puts extra strain on your neck.

What’s the best type of strap? 

There are three main types—double D-ring, ratchet clasp or a car seatbelt style clip and catch. All meet the required safety standards, so ultimately it’s personal preference.

A double D-ring is the classic, time-tested strap. With no moving parts, it’s simple and remains the standard at top levels of bike sport.

A ratchet clasp is similar to the double D-ring. You tighten it to suit every time, but some find the clasp simpler to undo.

The seat belt type has to be adjusted to fit once, involving some trial and error. But when figured out, you just “click it” and press a button to release. 

What’s the right strap fit?

Make sure you can slip two fingers between the strap and your jaw. Any more and you’ll restrict breathing or blood flow. Any less and your helmet might not stay on if (and when) you go down. 

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How MCN tests helmets

The MCN team of expert journalists have decades of experience over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t torture test anything. We use it just like you do in the real world and in all conditions to deliver impartial helmet buying advice.

MCN covers countless miles each week and tries lots of options in a short space of time. We quickly discover which helmets feel great, which ones don’t and why.

We only feature helmets we’ve extensively tested. Comparison helmets will be included if deemed important and relevant. Testing is ongoing and we will continually add gear and products to our site.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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Our scores explained

Products are given a score from 1 to 5 stars. Beyond the ratings tab, you’ll find in-depth info on product and gear performance and attributes.  

• 1 Star – Avoid at all costs. 

• 2 Stars – Barely acceptable. 

• 3 Stars – Average or adequate. 

• 4 Stars – Above average.  

• 5 Stars – Excellent performance. 

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products. 

Laws vary from state to state, but only three states have no motorcycle helmet laws: Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire. All reputable research and/or data show that helmets save lives and minimize brain injuries. We love freedom of choice, but we’ll live and ride longer if said choice is between the thousands of fine helmets available to every kind of rider. 

Important note: once a helmet has been in any sort of accident, it’s time for a new one. The shell and liner are designed to work once. Even low-speed incidents can compromise a helmet’s integrity. 

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