YELM is a Swedish brand of riding helmets and back protectors that combines a high level of safety with comfort, smart features and Scandinavian design.
Whether you ride in the indoor arena, train jumping or head out on the trails as the days get darker, you want protection you actually enjoy wearing. YELM makes lightweight, well-ventilated riding helmets and back protectors that move with your body and can be extended with smart accessories for sun, darkness and filming. At Equinest, you will find YELM riding helmets and back protectors together with accessories and liners that make your equipment your own.
Who is behind YELM?
YELM was founded in Stockholm in 2021 by Alexandra Berhe and Erik Lidén. The idea was born when Alexandra, who has ridden all her life, returned to the stable after ten years in North America and saw that sports such as skiing, climbing and cycling had taken major steps forward in safety technology – while equestrian sport had largely stood still. Erik brought many years of experience in product development and protection from the Swedish snow sports and cycling brand POC, and together they began developing protection for everyday riding with the same technical ambition.
The philosophy – the safest protection is the one you actually wear
YELM believes that safety should give you confidence, not get in your way. That is why just as much work goes into fit, ventilation and discreet design as into the protection itself – equipment that feels good is equipment you wear every time you get in the saddle.
The work has been recognised in independent testing. In the Folksam riding helmet test 2026, carried out by the independent Swedish insurance company Folksam, 15 riding helmets were tested. YELM Hybrid Helmet 2.0 received the highest rating and was one of only four helmets to reach it.
Riding helmets and back protectors from YELM – which protection suits you?
YELM has developed both MIPS riding helmets and back protectors for riders who want modern protection for everyday riding. Here are some of the best-known models.
YELM Hybrid Helmet – the smart riding helmet
Hybrid Helmet features MIPS, which provides added protection in angled impacts, a shock-absorbing core and a durable ABS shell that spreads the force of an impact. The magnetic buckle can be fastened with one hand, even with gloves on, and the dial at the back and the adjustable ventilation give you a comfortable fit all year round. The helmet is certified to both the European standard (EN 1384) and the American standard (ASTM F1163) and is built for YELM's modular system, which lets you attach accessories directly to the helmet.
YELM Helium Vest – the back protector that moves with you
Helium Vest is a lightweight, ventilated back protector designed to provide a high level of protection without restricting freedom of movement. The protector is made from a flexible polymer blend that shapes itself to your body, while stretch fabric and soft padding at the front give a close and stable fit. The vest has a unisex fit and is certified to EN 1621-2, Level 2 – a great choice if you want a back protector comfortable enough for everyday riding.
How to find the right riding helmet size
Measure the circumference of your head with a soft tape measure just above your eyebrows and ears, and compare with the size guide on the product page. Then fine-tune the fit with the dial at the back, for example if you wear your hair up one day and want a hat under your helmet another. Also remember that a riding helmet that has taken an impact should always be replaced, even if you cannot see any damage. If you are unsure which size or model suits you, you are always welcome to contact our customer service.
Accessories that adapt the helmet to your riding
With YELM's modular system, you can build on your helmet to suit the ride of the day. Magnetic lenses protect your eyes from sun and glare and are designed to release from the helmet in an accident. A head torch with a helmet mount makes it easier to see and be seen when riding in the dark, and with a camera mount you can film your rides from the saddle. Extra liners in breathable material make it easy to wash the inner lining more often.
Also take a look at our range of riding helmet accessories, liners and riding helmets to find the right protection for you and your riding.