Back Protectors

Back Protector for Action Sports and Everyday Safety

A back protector safeguards your spine and tailbone from impacts caused by falls, bumps, and sudden shocks. It’s an essential part of protective clothing for everything from downhill, mountain biking, and roller sports to skiing, snowboarding, and motorised disciplines. In this category, you’ll find carefully selected models that balance strong impact absorption with good freedom of movement. When selecting your protection, it’s about finding certified back protection that suits your body and your riding style.

The right back protector should be both secure and comfortable to wear for extended periods. That’s why fit, ventilation, and flexibility are just as important as the level of protection itself. Also, think about whether you’ll mainly use it with a backpack, under a jacket, or over your clothing, as this influences both the size and type you’ll need.

How to Choose the Right Back Protector

When choosing a back protector, it’s best to start from your height, activity, and how intensely you ride. Here are a few key factors to consider:

• Certification (EN 1621-2) Make sure the back protector is CE approved, ideally certified to the motorcycle standard EN 1621-2, Level 1 or 2. Level 2 offers higher protection and is recommended for harder riding and higher speeds.
• Fit and Length The protector should cover from the shoulder and neck area down to just above the tailbone without interfering with your helmet or waistband. Pick the size according to the manufacturer’s guide based on your height and, if needed, your chest or waist measurements.
• Type: Vest or Plate with Straps Vests often provide better comfort and stability under jackets and jumpers, while plates with straps and a waist belt can be lighter and offer better ventilation.
• Material and Flexibility Back protectors are usually made from soft viscoelastic foam zones, hard plates, or a combination of both. Soft materials mould to your body and harden on impact, while hard plates ensure effective protection against penetration.
• Comfort and Ventilation Go for breathable mesh panels, perforated foam padding, and adjustable straps. These help prevent heat build-up and make it easier to achieve a secure and comfortable fit.
• Usage Scenario For downhill and motorised sports, higher protection and a firmer construction can be beneficial, whereas for freeride, park, and everyday use, you might prefer lightweight options with maximum flexibility.

A back protector only provides full protection when it fits properly. Take time to adjust the shoulder straps and the waist or chest belt so the protector won’t move up or down as you ride. Try bending forward and rotating your upper body while wearing it to ensure it doesn’t restrict your movement in practice.

Explore the selection in this category, check the specifications and certifications, and find the back protector that best fits your body and style of riding.