Petzl SIROCCO: The Evolution

The new Petzl SIROCCO, an ultra-lightweight helmet for climbing and mountaineering, sets a new standard with its exceptional weight-to-protection ratio at just 170 g (size M/L). Designed for ambitious athletes, the updated SIROCCO offers a low-profile front brim, ensuring an unobstructed field of view.

Newly integrated air channels inside the helmet and strategically placed ventilation holes provide superior airflow and minimize the chance of rocks falling inside your helmet. Constructed primarily with EPP foam—which rebounds after minor impacts—and an EPS foam “puck” over the crown of the head, the SIROCCO continues to improve industry standards by delivering protection against impacts to the top, side, front, and rear of the head. The SIROCCO has been around for over a decade but in a few different forms and with each evolution came industry leading advances.

The first Petzl SIROCCO helmet, launched in 2012, aimed to be the lightest climbing helmet on the market and revolutionized design norms by being the first climbing helmet to be made entirely of EPP foam. Petzl wanted to “break the codes” of existing head protection by focusing on weight reduction, with a target under 200 grams, even if it meant sacrificing some aesthetics. The helmet’s shape was minimalistic but somewhat bulky, leading some to compare it to a mushroom. Despite this, it raised the bar for how a helmet is made and what it can do. For example, incorporating a magnetic buckle that allowed easy fastening with one hand, enhancing usability even while wearing gloves. The initial SIROCCO embodied Petzl's pioneering spirit, standing out for both its featherlight construction and innovative design.

In 2017, Petzl refined the SIROCCO to be more aesthetically pleasing and ultra-ventilated, while reducing the bulk. The new design introduced a slimmer profile on the sides and top, and incorporated a hybrid structure made from expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and an outer polycarbonate (PC) cap. This combination of materials kept the helmet light while meeting stringent impact standards, appealing to climbers who sought both style and performance. The 2017 SIROCCO was also part of a brand-wide effort for a unified look across Petzl helmets from performance helmets to children’s models. This distinctive profile ensured it remained instantly recognizable on the wall. 

With the 2017 release of the SIROCCO, Petzl introduced TOP AND SIDE PROTECTION (TASP). For the longest time, the industry standard has mandated a specific level of impact resistance to just the top of the head, Petzl’s TASP extended this protection across the entire helmet—covering the top, sides, rear, and front. Introducing this method of constructing helmets has led other climbing gear manufacturers to follow suit, raising the bar on their own products, and has inspired many conversations about updating the EN standard to mandate this level of protection on all helmets.

Now in a crowded market of look-a-like helmets, the 2024 SIROCCO evolved again. Petzl focused on improving aspects climbers had voiced concerns over, especially visibility, while emphasizing that they were the original innovators in ultralight climbing helmets. Petzl took climbers' feedback to heart and removed the magnetic chin strap, responded to other concerns, and refined the design for an even better user experience. The goal was to make the SIROCCO more functional and visually appealing without sacrificing its identity. Internally, Petzl focused on producing a helmet instantly identifiable from any angle. The 2024 redesign reinforced Petzl's commitment to setting trends and pushing boundaries in climbing helmet design, keeping the SIROCCO at the forefront of safety and innovation. 

The SIROCCO climbing helmet is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and lightweight protection. As Anna Pfaff—a high altitude athlete—puts it, “The helmet sits low on the head, allowing easy use of a hood, while the secure headlamp attachments ensure your light stays in place.” Karsten Delap, IFMGA Rock Guide, calls it “the standard for lightweight protection in the mountains—ideal for all types of climbing, from ice to rock. Whether you're scaling peaks or guiding others, the SIROCCO delivers effortless comfort, excellent fit, and reliable performance, day after day. Plus, it looks great!”

The 2024 Petzl SIROCCO continues to build on its legacy of innovation, providing climbers with a helmet that combines exceptional lightweight protection, comfort, and cutting-edge design. With improved coverage and ventilation, it meets the needs of athletes seeking both performance and style. Petzl’s commitment to pushing boundaries and responding to feedback ensures that the SIROCCO remains a top choice for climbers, whether they are navigating challenging rock faces or icy peaks. As both Anna Pfaff and Karsten Delap highlight, the SIROCCO is not just a helmet, but a symbol of Petzl’s dedication to safety, quality, and adventure in the mountains.