Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets for the Great Outdoors

Meet adventure head on

Back in January 2015, when Shoei first unveiled the Hornet X2, our Tom Roderick took notice of its potential for adventure riding. Following Roderick's review, site editor-in-chief, Evans Brasfield decided to conduct extensive testing in 2018, especially considering the importance of using up-to-date helmets for safety.

During our extensive testing, we found that the Shoei Hornet X2 lives up to Shoei's reputation for producing top-quality helmets. The fit of the helmet was near-perfect, consistent with the high standards we've come to expect from Shoei. The 3D Max-Dry Interior stood out for its excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, a vital feature for rides in hot and arid conditions. We also appreciated the safety provided by the Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS), offering added peace of mind.

A significant aspect of our findings was the Hornet X2's impressive performance in noise reduction at high speeds, despite its sizeable sun visor. This feature exceeded our expectations, maintaining low levels of wind noise. The helmet's design effectively minimized lift at higher speeds, addressing a common issue with other adventure helmets. Although there was some additional neck torque when checking blind spots at speed, it was considerably less than what we've experienced with other models.

We were impressed with the Hornet X2's ventilation, facilitated by its 11 vents. This design effectively maintained airflow, keeping the rider comfortable. The versatility of the helmet was another high point, with a wide eye port and a high-flipping face shield accommodating goggles for off-road use. Removing the sun visor, however, required some effort, despite the presence of quarter-turn fasteners.

One challenge we encountered with the Hornet X2 was in swapping face shields. Contrary to Shoei's claims, we found that adjusting the sun visor was a necessary step in this process, and aligning the various components was more challenging than with other Shoei models.

Still, our experience with the Shoei Hornet X2 was overwhelmingly positive. Its standout features include quietness, effective wind management, comfort, and versatility, making it a strong recommendation for adventure riders. The only minor issue we noted was with the shield swapping process.

The Arai XD-5 is the latest ADV lid from the Japanese firm, succeeding the popular XD-4 after its decade-long run on the market. Still handcrafted in Japan, the XD-5 touts several updates to its fiberglass and resin shell, utilizing the latest Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate (PB cLc 2) construction techniques also seen in Arai's top-level roadracing helmet, the Corsair-X. In fact, we're also seeing the inclusion of the brand's "Super Fiber" reinforcement in the forehead region, providing extra strength in that critical zone.

Quite a few changes are afoot for the XD-5, though it's still visually comparable to its predecessor and builds on the egg-like philosophy seen across the brand's complete helmet range. To that end, the new exterior shell features a rounder shape, while an overall smoother profile is achieved with the help of the new faceshield and peak design, which are both lowered by 20mm to improve impact deflection performance or as Arai calls it: "glancing off." Four unique shell sizes accommodate a size range of XS to XXL, and as is the case with most Arai helmets, we are seeing an intermediate oval fitment. The helmet is both Snell M2020D and DOT-certified.

Arai injects versatility into the XD-5 by promoting it as a do-it-all lid: ADV, dual-sport, and street riding are all fair play. That narrative takes hold thanks to the new peak, which is refined to reduce lift at higher speeds — though you're still going to feel it at freeway speeds — and can be removed with a single screw for a street-oriented configuration. At the opposite end of the spectrum, off-road riders will be pleased to know that goggles can once again be used with Arai's ADV helmet, though the brand recommends removing the faceshield when doing so, which is easy thanks to the toolless locking system. As far as visibility is concerned, we're enjoying the massive field of vision, and the new MaxVision faceshield is optically correct, which is a major improvement over what is offered with the XD-4. An anti-fogging PinLock insert is also provided.

The helmet's interior features a one-piece, multi-density EPS liner designed to absorb impact energy effectively. Arai uses softer densities of EPS foam wherever possible, aiming to provide initial contact comfort without compromising safety. The liner is tailored specifically for each helmet size, ensuring a more accurate fit.

Comfort is further enhanced by a roomier helmet entry, with a wider bottom chin area and an additional 5mm of width at the cheek pads. The interior liner is adjustable, featuring peel-away comfort pads at the cheeks, temples, and crown. To customize the fit, riders can also choose from seven different thicknesses of cheek pads, ranging from 15mm to 40mm.

Ventilation has been improved by adding a rear spoiler that houses new exhaust vents, enhancing airflow and reducing interior heat. The helmet also features multiple adjustable intake vents, including brow vents and a chin vent, encouraging better airflow than the prior helmet.

While the XD-5 offers numerous advancements, some riders may find the helmet's weight slightly higher than its competition's. Additionally, the premium materials and handcrafted construction contribute to a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.

The Arai XD-5 represents a significant evolution in the Japanese ADV helmet offering, one that enhances aerodynamics, safety features, vision, and comfort across the board. Yet, the XD-5 expands on versatility by genuinely making it a dual-sport helmet that can be quickly configured for nearly any on- or off-road riding environment. Nobody likes weight gain, and we'll aim our few complaints in that direction. But, taken together, the XD-5 brings a lot to the table.  

Klim is a household name in the ADV space for good reason: they manufacturer some of the most technically advanced and functional ADV equipment on the market. The Klim Krios Pro builds on the success of the brand's Krios helmet with an ultra-lightweight full carbon fiber shell reinforced by an internal Koroyd energy-absorbing core that enhances impact protection. It meets both DOT and ECE 22.06 standards and is produced in two shell sizes to balance weight and fit across sizes. Medium examples tip the scales at a paltry 2 pounds 15 ounces, making it among the lightest helmets in its class and well suited for long-distance riding.

Airflow is directed through adjustable chin and forehead vents with multiple rear exhaust outlets that move air through the Koroyd structure. The face shield system includes an anti-scratch clear visor, a photochromic Transitions lens, and a Pinlock insert for fog prevention. The shield can be removed for goggle use, and the helmet can be configured into four ride modes: street, adventure, dirt, and trail. The peak adjusts for different riding conditions or can be removed for highway use.

The interior uses moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric and fully removable pads for washing. A Fid-Lock magnetic strap closure makes fastening easier with gloves on. The helmet is also ready for Sena 10U communication systems with built-in speaker and microphone compatibility.

The Krios has a lot going for it, but above all, its lightweight feel and comfort will help during extended rides. Sure, we've noted that it is louder and always recommend riders to use earplugs regardless of the helmet. Still, it's a heck of an addition to anyone's gear stash.

The Schuberth E2 is the German helmet maker's modular adventure helmet that combines full-face safety with the flexibility of a flip-front design. That means snacks, drinks, and ease of communication without taking off your helmet. Its shell is built using Schuberth’s Direct Fiber Processing method, layering fiberglass with carbon reinforcement for high strength while keeping weight manageable. Certified for both full-face and open-face use under P/J homologation, the chin bar locks firmly in either position. Inside, a multi-density EPS liner with integrated channels directs air from the chin and top vents through to a rear exhaust, improving cooling and reducing visor fogging. The redesigned ventilation system features a washable filter in the chin vent for dusty riding conditions.

Vision is quite good in the E2 and it uses a clear anti-scratch visor that includes Pinlock 120 insert. In addition, it includes an internal drop-down sun visor. A “memory” function ensures the visor returns to its last setting after raising the chin bar. The peak adjusts to three positions or can be removed for highway use, and its aerodynamic shaping reduces lift at speed. Noise reduction is aided by a wind tunnel-tested shell profile and Schuberth’s updated neck roll system.

The E2 is pre-wired for the SC2 communication system, with built-in speakers, microphone, and antenna for Bluetooth and Mesh connectivity. The interior lining is fully removable, washable, and available in different thicknesses to fine-tune fit. A micro-ratchet chin strap ensures secure fastening with easy adjustment. Meeting ECE 22.06 standards and in DOT compliance in North America, the Schuberth E2 balances touring comfort, off-road versatility, and advanced safety in a refined modular package.

A lot of the helmets on this list cost a pretty penny. The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS stands as a commendable option that won't hit your wallet as hard. Offering plenty of features found in the ritzier helmets mentioned here, the Bell MX-9 combines its polycarbonate shell provides built-in rotational impact mitigation via the MIPS system, it also meets both DOT and ECE safety standard, and comes in three shell sizes to improve overall fit and protection. A double-D clasp secures it firmly under the chin. There’s a large chin vent labeled as a high-flow ventilation system, plus two fixed forehead vents and four exhaust outlets that channel air through internal liners—excellent for warm-weather riding. Only the central chin vent closes, which may limit cold-weather or rain use.

The helmet includes a wide, ratcheting clear shield treated with anti-scratch, UV-blocking, and anti-fogging coating so a separate insert isn’t needed. The shield offers a broad field of view and even the option to ride with goggles when needed. The sun peak can be set in two positions or removed entirely, though at highway speeds it can catch wind and cause buffeting. Internally, the padded liner is removable, washable, and reasonably comfortable, though initial tightness generally eases with use. It is also ready for communications systems via internal speaker pockets.

The Bell MX-9 lid isn't the lightest around, though it isn't the heaviest with medium examples weighing roughly 3.7 pounds, it is noticeably heavier than some adventure helmets, and wind noise is average for its class. Overall, this helmet offers solid value for crossover on- and off-road use, emphasizing airflow, field of vision, and helpful impact mitigation features.

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Additional Resources

• Shoei Hornet X2 Review
• MO Tested: Shoei Hornet X2 Review - Revisited
• MO Tested: Arai XD4 Helmet Review