Best Adventure Helmets: From Highway to Trail
Evan Rally
left for contents
Picking the right adventure helmet can be the difference between a grin that stretches from ear to ear and a ride that feels like your head’s in a washing machine full of rocks.
You want to know the secret to finding your perfect lid?
It’s not about the price tag, and it’s definitely not just about looks.
- If you just want the adventure helmet look but you’re not actually going off-road much, get a helmet with a removable peak. From experience (in an O’Neal Sierra II) that peak is a huge pain for highway riding. Our first picks below look great with peak on or off.
- What’s your highway vs trails split? Will you ride highways and fire roads in this lid, or tackle some seriously gnarly single track? How much of each? Knowing this will help you massively in your choice of adventure helmet.
By the end of this read, you’ll not only know the top contenders but also understand exactly why they’re the best for your kind of riding.
The Top Adventure Helmet Picks
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of our top picks to get you pointed in the right direction. I’ve broken this down into two sections: Adventure and Dual Sport.
Adventure assumes you’re doing more highway miles and light off-road (think gravel or packed dirt), whereas Dual Sports are more suitable for harder off-road and enduro where you’re working up a serious sweat: single track, mud, harescramble type riding.
Best Adventure Helmets:
- Best: Arai XD-5 – For riders who prioritize top-tier protection, refined comfort, and exceptional build quality for all types of adventure riding.
- Good: Nexx X.WED3 – A feature-rich helmet that offers excellent versatility and performance without the premium price tag, including a convenient integrated sun visor. I personally own this lid.
- Budget: Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips – A solid and safe entry point into adventure riding, offering Mips technology and good overall value for the cost-conscious rider.
Best Dual Sport Helmets:
- Best: 6D ATR-3 – The ultimate choice for serious off-road and dual-sport enthusiasts, featuring innovative ODS technology for superior rotational impact protection.
- Good: Leatt ADV 8.5 V25 Helmet Kit – A dirt-focused helmet from a trusted off-road brand, packed with a whole “kit” including photochromic shield and goggles, offering great value for the price.
- Budget: O’Neal Sierra II – A reliable and affordable option for riders focused on off-road adventures, offering a drop-down sun visor for added convenience.
Think of it this way: an adventure touring helmet is like a Swiss Army knife – it needs to do a bit of everything well. A dual sport helmet will lean a bit more off-road, built to keep you safe and cool when pushing your limits in the dirt and on rocks.
Adventure Helmets: The Jack-of-All-Trades
These helmets aim to be the best of both worlds – offering the looks and some of the off-road chops of a dirt bike helmet, but with more of the comfort and features you expect from a street helmet. Think big visors, decent ventilation while retaining some quiet on the highway, good weight distribution, and the ability to slap on some goggles when the going gets dusty.
Best: Arai XD-5
The sequel to the legendary XD-4 helmet, this lid improves in every way from its round shell design to flexible shield that always fits, goggles or not.
- Quietest ADV helmet
- Removable peak
- Tons of ventilation
- Can use with googles
- DOT and Snell approved
When it comes to premium adventure helmets, the Arai XD series has been a top contender for ages. The latest iteration, the XD-5, builds on that legacy with subtle but significant improvements. This helmet is designed for riders who demand top-notch quality and performance, whether they’re on the tarmac or tackling trails.
One of the standout features of the XD-5 is its incredibly comfortable and plush interior. You can wear this thing for hours on end without feeling any pressure points. Plus, Arai’s attention to detail in the build quality is second to none. It just feels solid and well-made.
The XD-5 comes with a clear visor for street riding, offering excellent visibility. But when you hit the dirt, you can easily remove the visor and rock your favorite pair of goggles thanks to the wide eyeport. The peak provides good sun protection and helps keep mud out of your eyes. Arai struck a difficult balance with ventilation, making this helmet both comfortable as well as one of the quietest adventure helmets on the market.
Speaking of comfort, the liner of this helmet is customizable allowing you to remove 5mm of foam on the left and right side, as well as adjust the top liner for a better fit on your head.
Compared to the previous XD-4, the XD-5 boasts a slightly updated shell shape and improved aerodynamics, which makes a noticeable difference on long highway rides.
We also considered the Klim Krios Pro and Shoei Hornet X2 for this crown, but ultimately the Arai XD-5 took it for its performance on the street. We’re working on hands-on reviews of all three of these helmets and look forward to having a comparison for you soon.
The Best Adventure Suit: Since we’re talking premium adventure gear, I have to mention the Klim Badlands suit. This is the gold standard in adventure riding apparel, offering the best protection and comfort in all conditions whether you’re speeding on the highway or tackling a hill climb in the forest. It’s built with the best triple-layer Gore-Tex for ultimate waterproofing and breathability, and it’s packed with features designed for the hardest adventures.
Our Senior Editor has a review of the Klim Badlands here.
Good: Nexx X.WED3
A premium helmet at midrange price: advanced composite or full carbon fiber shell, flexible ventilation system, integrated comms, and versatile street + off-road design that doesn't require tools to switch.
- Big eyeport
- Lightweight
- Anti-vibration system
- So popular it's often out of stock
The Nexx X.WED3 has quickly become a favorite among adventure riders for breaking traditional molds in a few ways.
For one, Nexx built an innovative quick release system that makes the pads slide out super easily in an emergency to prevent neck damage. While it takes some getting used to when you’re reinserting the pads after a wash, they’re just as secure as traditional liners.
Speaking of the lining, it’s plush and soft, better than what I’ve felt in other purely street helmets like my Shoei RF-SR. The eyeport is massive, allowing for great peripheral vision on the road and google when you need them (and it has a strap holder in the rear). The peak is adjustable and removable too for long highway rides.
One very interesting aspect of this lid is its weight – while this weighs more than my Shoei RF-SR, it feels considerably lighter, even when riding and taking wind to the face on the peak. Nexx moved much of the weight down on the helmet, so although its sticker weight is high, it doesn’t feel very heavy.
Nexx also added some interesting bells and whistles, like action camera mounts already integrated into the design of the shell. I appreciate this especially because most adventure helmets have so many creases and folds in their design that it’s nearly impossible to get a sticky mount base anywhere. I even had to put my Cardo on this lid way to the back on the left side. You also get an integrated sun shield, which is a rarity in adventure helmets but a nice touch for touring riders.
As for ventilation, it’s plentiful. Even in the rainy season in Thailand, with 100F+ temperatures and 100% humidity, I never have to crack the visor. And it’s worth noting the chin vent has a filter in it so even on dusty roads, you’re breathing clean air. You can remove and wash that filter too.
This helmet offers a fantastic blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort for a fair price, and they offer a much lighter full carbon fiber version as well.
Our Review: I personally own the Nexx X.WED3 and ride in it often. Watch my video review of it here.
Budget: Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips
A helmet that delivers far more than its price suggests, it's a great starter ADV lid that covers all the bases.
- MIPS liner reduces rotational force in crash
- Large visor for great visibility
- Removable peak for comfortable highway miles
If you’re just getting into adventure riding or you’re on a tighter budget, the Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips is a solid option. It offers a lot of the key features you need in an adventure helmet without emptying your wallet.
The MX-9 Adventure Mips features a clear visor for street use and a wide eyeport that can accommodate goggles for off-road riding. The peak is functional for sun protection, although it’s not as adjustable as some of the higher-end options. Ventilation is decent, with vents on the chin, forehead, and top of the helmet.
The inclusion of MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a significant safety feature at this price point. MIPS is designed to help reduce rotational forces in certain angled impacts, providing an extra layer of protection.
While the MX-9 Adventure Mips might not have the same level of plushness or refinement as the Arai or Nexx, it’s a comfortable and capable helmet that will get the job done for many riders. It’s a great entry point into the world of adventure helmets.
Dual Sport Helmets: Leaning Hard Off-Road
These helmets are designed with a strong emphasis on off-road performance. While they might be street-legal, they typically aren’t ideal for long highway rides due to their aggressive styling, minimal soundproofing, and focus on maximum ventilation. Think lightweight construction, large eyeports for goggles, and a strong emphasis on airflow.
Best: 6D ATR-3
The ATR-3 goes way beyond the next best dirt helmets with its ODS impact protection system honed on the motocross track as well as ultra light weight and superb ventilation.
- ODS Impact absorption system
- Lightweight (under 3 lbs)
- Air-Gap ventilation system
- Drink tube compatible
- Rebuildable after crashes
- FIM safety rating (for off-road)
When it comes to pushing the limits off-road, safety and ventilation are paramount. That’s where 6D helmets excels. Their ATR (Advanced Technology Racing) series is renowned for its innovative Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system, which is designed to help reduce the risk of rotational brain injuries. No other manufacturermakes anything like this.
The latest in this lineup, the 6D ATR-3, is a top-tier choice for serious dual-sport and enduro riders.
The ATR-3 is incredibly lightweight and features massive ventilation ports to keep you cool even during the most intense enduro rides. It’s designed to be used with goggles, so it doesn’t have an integrated visor. The peak is effective at blocking the sun and deflecting roost.
The real magic of the ATR-3 lies in its ODS system. This unique design uses two separate EPS liners connected by a series of elastomeric dampers. These dampers allow the inner liner to move independently of the outer liner during an impact, which helps to dissipate rotational energy. This is a significant advantage over traditional helmet designs.
While the ATR-3 excels off-road, its aggressive design and focus on ventilation mean it’s not the most comfortable or quiet helmet for long stretches of pavement. But if your priority is safety and performance when tackling challenging terrain, the 6D ATR-3 is hard to beat.
Good: Leatt ADV 8.5 V25 Helmet Kit
A premium adventure helmet designed for ultimate protection, comfort, and versatility.
- Lightweight composite shell for enhanced durability
- 360° Turbine Technology reduces impact forces
- Includes photochromic shield, goggles, and anti-fog Pinloc
- Higher price compared to similar models
Leatt has made a significant entry into the ADV market, bringing their expertise from the dirt bike world to create the ADV 8.5 V25 Helmet Kit. This helmet offers a compelling package of features and safety technology at a competitive price point.
The ADV 8.5 features a fiberglass composite matrix construction, providing a balance of strength and weight. One of the standout features is the inclusion of a photochromic shield in the box, which automatically adjusts to changing light conditions. A clear shield is also included for maximum versatility.
Ventilation is a key consideration for dual-sport riding, and the ADV 8.5 doesn’t disappoint. It features a direct vent at the chin with a 3D mesh debris guard, along with other intake and exhaust vents to promote airflow. The helmet is designed to be comfortable for both street and dirt use, and it can be configured in four different ways: with the shield and peak, shield only, goggles and peak, or goggles only (peak removed). It’s DOT and ECE 22.06 certified, making it legal for road use in the US and Europe.
A fantastic addition to this kit is the inclusion of Leatt 4.5 goggles, offering even greater value. The helmet also incorporates Leatt’s 360° Turbine Technology, designed to mitigate rotational acceleration and low-velocity linear acceleration during impacts. 6D might have a run for their money with this one! Speaker pockets are integrated into the EPS liner for intercom system compatibility.
Coming from a brand deeply rooted in off-road riding, the Leatt ADV 8.5 V25 Helmet Kit is a strong contender for riders looking for a feature-rich and safety-conscious dual-sport helmet without breaking the bank.
Budget: O’Neal Sierra II
A versatile adventure helmet built for durability and all-terrain performance.
- Polycarbonate/ABS shell for impact resistance
- Integrated face shield with adjustable peak visor
- Removable, moisture-wicking comfort liner
- Ventilation could be improved for extreme heat
For a budget-friendly dual-sport helmet that still offers good performance, the O’Neal Sierra II is a solid pick. I owned this lid for many years, riding it until the orange paint faded essentially to white. I even crashed in it off-road, and it held up well.
This helmet features an integrated sun visor, which is a nice touch for those sunny off-road days. It also has a clear outer visor for street use, giving it street versatility. Ventilation is adequate for most off-road riding, though I did find it fogging up in the really challenging bits. But it was easy enough to pop goggles in and go.
I took this helmet north to south through Thailand, even doing Bangkok to Chiang Mai in one day. This is how I learned the lesson that you want a removable peak if you’re doing any amount of long days on the road…
While it might not have the advanced safety features or lightweight construction of the premium options, the O’Neal Sierra II is a reliable and affordable choice for riders who are just starting out or who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Comparison Table
| Helmet | Arai XD-5 | Nexx XWed3 | Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips | 6D ATR-3 | Leatt ADV 8.5 V25 Helmet Kit | O’Neal Sierra II |
| Category | Adventure | Adventure | Adventure | Dual Sport | Dual Sport | Dual Sport |
| Price Point | Premium | Good | Budget | Best | Good | Budget |
| Key Feature | Updated VAS shield mechanism, Arai quality | Versatile, integrated sun visor | Mips for rotational impact protection | ODS rotational impact protection system | Photochromic shield, included goggles, 360° Turbine Technology | Drop-down sun visor, good value |
| Highway Use | Excellent | Good | Decent | Acceptable for short distances | Good | Acceptable for short distances |
| Off-Road Use | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Ventilation | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Decent |
| Sun Protection | Removable + adjustable peak | Removable + adjustable peak, integrated sun visor | Removable + adjustable peak | Adjustable peak | Adjustable peak, photochromic shield | Adjustable peak, integrated sun visor |
| Pick One Up | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Adventure Helmet Buying Guide
You might choose an exceptional adventure helmet, only to find it’s not the right helmet for your riding. So let’s go through a few common questions we get here at It’s Better On The Road.
Which features do I need to consider when choosing adventure motorcycle helmets?
The answer to this really depends on how you plan to ride. If you’re mostly on the street with occasional gravel roads, you’ll want a helmet with a good visor, decent noise levels, and removable peak for long highway rides. Ventilation is still important, but maybe not as critical as for hardcore off-road riding.
If you’re planning on hitting more challenging off-road terrain, then lightweight construction, maximum ventilation, and a wide eyeport for goggles become crucial. A good peak for sun and mud protection is also a must.
And if you’re doing a mix of both, you’ll need to find a helmet that balances these features. Look for things like adjustable ventilation, a comfortable interior, and the ability to easily switch between a visor and goggles.
What’s the difference between adventure motorcycle helmets, dual sport helmets, and regular helmets?
The line can definitely be blurry! Regular street helmets are optimized for comfort and aerodynamics at higher speeds on paved roads. They typically have good soundproofing and integrated visors.
Pure dirt bike or motocross helmets prioritize lightweight construction, maximum ventilation, and a large eyeport for goggles. They usually don’t have a visor and aren’t designed for high-speed street riding.
Adventure helmets sit somewhere in the middle. They take design cues from dirt bike helmets, like the peak and the ability to wear goggles, but they’re also built with more street-oriented features like an integrated visor and more comfortable padding. They tend to be a bit heavier and sturdier than pure off-road helmets, designed to handle higher-speed impacts and offer better comfort on the road without sacrificing off-road functionality.
Dual-sport helmets generally lean more towards the off-road end of the spectrum compared to adventure helmets. They often have more aggressive styling, prioritize ventilation over noise reduction, and might not be as comfortable for long highway rides.
What are the advantages of a modular adventure helmet?
Modular helmets can be appealing for their convenience, especially for street riding. The ability to flip up the chin bar can be handy when you stop for gas or want to chat without taking your helmet off.
When it comes to modular adventure helmets, brands like Schuberth and Scorpion offer options that combine the modular functionality with adventure styling. The Schuberth E2 is a premium modular adventure helmet known for its quietness and high-quality construction. The Scorpion EXO-AT960 is another option that offers modularity with an adventure look. Both come in multiple colorways as well, but on separate product pages within Revzilla – just search for them.
However, there’s a bit of a trade-off with modular helmets. The mechanism that allows the chin bar to flip up adds weight and complexity (and places for dirt to hide and mess things up!). Also, adventure helmets deliver a lot of airflow anyway, so you may not need a break from the inside of your helmet in the same way you do with a street helmet.
If your riding is primarily on the street and you like the adventure helmet aesthetic with the added convenience of a modular design, then a Schuberth or Scorpion option might be a good fit. But for serious off-road riding, a non-modular helmet is generally preferred for its simplicity and better structural integrity.