HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SKI BACK PROTECTOR?
Snowboarding, freestyle, freeride, or piste: a back protector can save you a lot of trouble. To ski comfortably and safely, here are our tips for choosing your ski back protector.
Choosing your ski back protector: vest or straps?
For a back protector to be effective, you need to wear it every time you go out, and there’s no secret: only a comfortable accessory will convince you to adopt this safety habit. There are two types of back protectors for skiing:
The back protector with straps
The protective plates are held against your back with a system of straps similar to a backpack. A belt around the abdomen and a chest strap help secure and adjust its position. You can also find models with thigh straps.
The ski jacket with an integrated back protector
This is a vest reinforced in strategic places. Choosing a jacket-type back protector for skiing allows you to put it on easily, offers optimized support, and often provides better comfort. Long-sleeve models also incorporate elbow and shoulder protection.
GOOD TO KNOW: PROTECTIVE JACKETS AND BACKPACKS – ARE THEY EFFECTIVE?
For skiers with a larger budget, it is possible to find ski jackets that incorporate highly effective back protection. Some backpacks are also equipped with this feature, but they are only recommended for use in powder snow, as packed snow on the slopes requires better reinforcements.
Consider the weather to make the right choice
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t just for the heart of winter. When choosing your ski back protector, you need to think about what season you'll be using it in. If you ski year-round, a strap-based back protector will allow you to wear it in both low temperatures and warmer weather.
If you only ski in winter, a jacket-type back protector can provide extra warmth. However, make sure to choose a breathable material, as this will allow moisture to escape, maintain optimal body heat, and limit skin irritation due to perspiration. Regardless of the weather, to comply with the 3-layer system, you should wear your back protector directly over your base layer.
What length should your back protector be?
Back protectors come in various lengths. Your choice will depend on your body type: a back protector that is too high can cause neck injuries, while one that is too small becomes uncomfortable.
Back protectors with straps or braces allow you to find models with reinforcement just at the lumbar level. The range from manufacturers is constantly evolving, and you can now find back protectors with specific features for freeride, freestyle, or snowboarding.
Back protectors: once you try one, you won’t go without!
To choose your back protector for skiing, a proper fitting is essential. Once you've put on your preferred model, don't hesitate to simulate small jumps, move your arms, bend down, and twist. The back protector should move with you while staying in place and never restrict your movements. You should also be able to adjust it easily, as you might want to remove it during the day, for example, during a lunch break.
If you find it too stiff, try a back protector made of Visco-Elastic-Polymer, a soft material that only hardens upon impact.
GOOD TO KNOW: DON’T FORGET YOUR JACKET!
Choosing your ski back protector is one thing, but don’t forget to try it on under your ski jacket. If your jacket seemed spacious without the protector, it might feel snug when you add this extra layer.
With increasingly technical and fast equipment, it’s important to boost your safety on the slopes by choosing your ski back protector with care. Fitting it will be a crucial step in your choice: let comfort be your guide.
THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR CHOOSING A SKI BACK PROTECTOR:
- There are 2 types of back protectors: with straps or as part of a jacket.
- To choose your ski back protector, it’s essential to try it on to ensure it fits your body well.
- A back protector adds bulk, so remember to factor this in and try it on with your jacket.