Gravel Tested: Riding the Rudy Project Egos Helmet on the Borderlands Roads

Out on the Geronimo Trail, you quickly realize that gravel riding in the Arizona borderlands is a game of extremes. Crisp mornings give way to blazing sun. Smooth stretches of hardpack flip to rutted washboards in seconds. Out here, gear matters.

That’s why I’ve been grateful to have the Rudy Project Egos helmet as part of my setup. It’s a huge upgrade from my previous lid, and honestly, the comfort was the first thing I noticed. On long rides, where every bump and jolt seems to magnify, a helmet that disappears on your head is a necessity.

Rudy Project, one of our proud sponsors at BorderLands Gravel, built the Egos with gravel in mind. It combines a lightweight double in-mold construction with their Hexocrush technology, a honeycomb structure that helps dissipate impact forces. Safety always matters, but when you’re railing down a washboard descent miles from town, it matters even more.

Then there’s the airflow. Douglas sits at 4,000 feet, where November days can start brisk but heat up quickly. The Egos’ massive ventilation channels kept air moving when I needed it most. I’ve ridden helmets that felt like ovens on hot days. This isn’t one of them. Add in Rudy’s bug stop net padding, and you’re not battling bees or gnats mid-ride, which is the kind of small detail that becomes a big deal on the road.

Fit is another standout. With the RSR11+ retention system, adjusting on the fly is easy, even with gloves. Once dialed, it stays locked in. That means no sliding and no pressure points. On gravel, where every vibration shakes loose what isn’t secure, that kind of stability builds confidence.

But maybe the part that stands out most is the craftsmanship. The Egos feels solid, refined, and built for real miles.

This November, riders will line up in Douglas for BorderLands Gravel. If you’re coming, you’ll want a helmet that matches the rugged beauty and challenges of this place. Rudy Project has built one worthy of the miles ahead.

When you register for BorderLands Gravel, you can sign up for 40% off Rudy Project apparel and gear.