Back protectors
What is the best back protector for skiing for women, men, and children?
The back protector is the ultimate piece protective gear to prevent spinal injuries. Essential in terrain parks, it has long been used by pro riders who are well aware of the dangers of a fall or a bad landing. To ensure you're equipped in the best possible way, Glisshop has selected a range of models. You’ll find all types of back protectors: minimalist, budget-friendly models, short or long, premium back protectors, as well as full protective vests with built-in back protection. While most of these are designed for adults (men, women, or unisex), you can also explore our range of children's back protectors, which are specifically tailored to younger riders' anatomy.
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Sale
-
Recommended price
£104.31
-60%
£41.73
The Evoc kids Protector Vest the Carbon Grey enables you to ski beyond your limits while maintaining a natural ease of movement.
- S (122-130cm)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£86.91
-30%
£60.84
The Poc Pocito VPD Air Vest Fluorescent Orange children’s back protector offers the best fit possible to kids and teenagers.
- S (100-120)
- M (120-140)
- L (140-160)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£99.96
-40%
£59.98
Designed with a smilar Airflex D3O plate to adult models, the Scott Airflex Junior Back Protector offers great protection for the ski or snowboard sessions of you kid.
- XS (7-9)
- S (9-11)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£86.91
-30%
£60.84
The Poc Pocito VPD Air Vest Fluorescent Pink children’s back protector offers safety and comfort to kids and teenagers.
- S (100-120)
- M (120-140)
- L (140-160)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£69.51
-40%
£41.66
The Cairn Proride D3O Junior Night Sky Camo is a durable, comfortable, and breathable back protector for kids, offering optimal safety during sports activities.
- S (6-8)
- M (8-10)
- L (10-12)
- XL (12-14)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£86.91
-30%
£60.84
- S (150-160)
- M (160-170)
- L (170-180)
- XXL (190-200)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£134.67
-30%
£94.21
-
- S (150-160)
- M (160-170)
- XXL (190-200)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£95.61
-30%
£66.87
-
- S (150-160)
- M (160-170)
- XXL (190-200)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£130.41
-30%
£91.29
The Poc Women's Spine Vpd Air Vest Uranium Black back protector is designed to provide comfort and protection for women during outdoor sporting activities.
- S (150-165)
- M (165-180)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£147.81
-40%
£88.64
The Scott Airflex Pro Back Protector Black is light, flexible and resistant and will accompany you during intense physical exertion or during competitions.
- S-M (< 170)
- XL-XXL (> 185)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£95.61
-50%
£47.76
- S (100-120)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£156.51
-30%
£109.56
-
- S (38)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£113.01
-40%
£67.81
- M (85-91)
- L (91-97)
- XL (97-103)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£130.41
-30%
£91.29
The L'Armure Française Ilem W Leopard Brown back protector for women is ideal for skiing, cycling or skateboarding, offering a high level of comfort and safety.
- XS (1.50-1.65)
-
Recommended price
£121.71
-40%
£72.99
-
- S (<125)
- M (120-140)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£130.41
-30%
£91.29
- XS (1.50-1.65)
- S (1.65-1.85)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£139.11
-30%
£97.38
The Evoc Protector Vest Men Carbon Grey, featuring LiteShield Flex technology and Polygiene anti-odour treatment, offers robust protection, optimal freedom of movement, and enduring freshness.
- M (44-47)
- L (47-50)
- XL (51-56)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£130.41
-30%
£91.29
Poc's Spine Vpd Air Vest Uranium Black is a back protector for men, offering comfort and safety thanks to its vest design and Vpd Air technology.
- S (150-165)
- M (165-180)
- L (>180)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£95.61
-50%
£47.76
- S (100-120)
- L (135-150)
Sale
-
Recommended price
£86.91
-30%
£60.84
- L (91-97)
- XL (97-103)
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Why wear a back protector for skiing or snowboarding?
Along with head injuries, spinal injuries are undoubtedly the most severe. The consequences of a bad fall on the back in the terrain park, or even in freeriding after jumping off a rock, are often irreversible. It's therefore crucial to wear a back protector before hitting the slopes or heading into the backcountry. Although not a foolproof solution, a back protector will give you that extra level of essential safety.
Back protector or protection vest?
The most affordable option is a basic back protector attached with two shoulder straps and a hip belt. While it effectively protects your spine, it may not be the most comfortable solution. On the premium end, there are protective vests with integrated back protection and foam padding. These models are so comfortable that you won’t even feel like you are wearing a back protector. Generally, the higher up the range, the lighter and more comfortable the back protectors become. So, it all depends on how you're going to use it. If you spend your days doing freestyle in the park, don’t skimp on protection – invest in a quality back protector, and you'll benefit from it all winter long. However, if you only plan to hit the occasional kicker in the park, a basic model should do just fine.
How does a back protector work for skiing?
A back protector is essentially a kind of shield that covers the rider’s spine. In the event of a fall onto a rock or the coping of a half-pipe, the back protector acts like a solid shield, preventing numerous injuries. It's also well-padded with special foam that helps dissipate the impact's energy as much as possible. For optimal effectiveness, it's crucial to choose a model that fits your size and adjust it properly to avoid any unwanted movement.
Of course, being protected is great, but no one wants to feel like they’re in a medieval suit of armour. A good back protector should also offer great freedom of movement so you can still land your tricks with ease. That’s why all the models available at Glisshop have been carefully selected from the leading brands. With back protectors from Rossignol, Scott, Arva, Icetools, Dainese, Cairn, Poc, Atomic, Evoc and more, you can be sure to benefit from the latest innovations in safety.
What are the differences between back protectors?
Apart from comfort and weight, which generally improve with the price, there are small details that can make one model stand out from another. For example, Arva’s Action Vest, developed with Xavier De Le Rue, includes a RECCO reflector. You know, the system that helps rescuers find you in case of an avalanche. Other brands have opted for D3O technology, a revolutionary material that hardens on impact but remains flexible otherwise. Then there’s the question of certification for this type of protection, which must meet the CE EN 1621/2 standard. While all models tick this box, some go further with CE EN 1621/2 level 2 certification. What’s the difference? Simply put, the residual energy – and therefore the impact on your spine – is halved. So, if the price difference is small, don’t hesitate to buy a level 2 protector. Your spine will thank you in the long run.
Don't take unnecessary risks – choose one of our many back protectors today.