Light back protector VS backpack

[unclezz]

Hello!

I would like to add a bit of body protections to my riding kit and I am searching for your opinion or experience.
My use case is: mainly all-mountain rides, a few times a year (2-3) bike parks.

What would you buy: a good backpack with back protector (like Evoc Neo to have some ventilation) or a dedicated back protector like this POC VPD or this?

My main concern for the back protector is that it is probably uncomfortable to wear it and have on top of it a backpack, especially during long rides on mountains. What do you think? Any Experience to share?

 

[steve_sordy]

I have never worn a specialist back protector, like the ones you link to, but I'm confident that they are meant to be worn UNDER the backpack not over the top of it.

One benefit of a protector alone instead of a backpack with or without a back protector is that when you fall flat on your back, you do not risk whiplash!

 

[unclezz]

Of course with a backpack on top and not viceversa :

back protector is that it is probably uncomfortable to wear it and have ON TOP OF IT A backpack

I used to ride a motorbike a while back and I was using always a back protector. But it's pretty different. Any way I am convingin myself that for my use case a backpack with integrated protector is more than enough and maybe better for all-mountain tours.

 

[irie]

Hello!

I would like to add a bit of body protections to my riding kit and I am searching for your opinion or experience.
My use case is: mainly all-mountain rides, a few times a year (2-3) bike parks.

What would you buy: a good backpack with back protector (like Evoc Neo to have some ventilation) or a dedicated back protector like this POC VPD or this?

My main concern for the back protector is that it is probably uncomfortable to wear it and have on top of it a backpack, especially during long rides on mountains. What do you think? Any Experience to share?

Used to race motorcycles so have dedicated back and and chest protectors, but they're too rigid for mtb. So after a lucky escape in a bike park now have Leatt Airflex Stealth Body T. After another luck escape after a face plant bought a Dainese Linea 01 MIPS full face helmet. Also have POC Joint VPD Air knee and elbow pads. Once going don't notice any of this stuff.

Edit: don't wear that^^^ all the time, wear to suit terrain etc. Minimum on mellow trails is Giro Manifest MIPS helmet.

 

[Mikerb]

You have a choice of either a standalone back protector or a soft armour jacket that includes a back protector. I have the POC you mention and use it add to a roost vest (Leatt) if I want additional protection since the roost vest only has sternum and shoulder protection. I hardly notice it when I wear it because it is so well ventilated. Alternatively for overall protection et a soft armour jacket that includes a back protector.............I have a few, each with varing degrees of protection.
ps I dont wear a backpac, I use a waist bag which includes hydration and enough storage for spares etc.

 

[Hobo Mikey]

I wear my camelback which also carry’s my basic tools plus plenty of water which I need while out. A back protecter under that would be to much for me.

 

[RsGaz]

I have an EVOC e ride, fell flat on my back on some peak district rocks, never felt a thing, the back protection in it worked great, and it’s very comfortable too.

 

[Mikerb]

I have an EVOC e ride, fell flat on my back on some peak district rocks, never felt a thing, the back protection in it worked great, and it’s very comfortable too.

I have the Evoc Protector as well. I have 3 different jackets which I chose from depending on the terrain. My Leatt is probably the most protective with the Evoc a close second but both have no rib protection so after breaking ribs first on my right side, then a few months later on my left side I got the Troy Lee 7855. Both were freak accidents ( arent they all!!) and I have no fully recovered from both so I will probably wear the Evoc a lot more now.

 

[A06]

I ride more with a neck brace than with a back protector. Only wear the full armor at the bike parks but my brace is ever present.

 

[madsen203]

USWE patriot backpack has back protector built in. Water pack helps provide cushion as well.

 

[discdigger]

Camelback makes a hydration pack with a built in back protector. Its basically a thick dense foam pad. It gets the job done. I always wear a pack mtb'ing