11 Best Back Protectors For Skiing [Personal Experience!] 2023

Is it necessary for you to wear a back protector for skiing?

Skiing is a wonderful sport and activity but it can be very risky too. As a fellow skier, I take precautions while skiing by wearing helmets, ski boots, ski goggles, and chest protectors.

I had a BAD ski accident in New Zealand and landed on my back during a ski jump- I couldn’t walk for ages. Thank goodness I was wearing a helmet, because I doubt I would be here if I wasn’t wearing one

However, many skiers forget to protect their backs.

This can be very dangerous in case they fall on their backs while skiing. The surface is hard and cold and can cause great damage to your spine.

To avoid such untoward accidents, it is imperative that you wear a good back protector. It will protect your back from serious injury and also from minor bruises. 

With this in mind, I have written this article to help you choose the best back protectors for you.

You can pick the ideal back protector for skiing on your upcoming ski trip by keeping these suggestions in mind.

The Top 3 Back Protectors For Skiing

Given below are my top 3 recommendations for back protectors:

Back protector skiing
Back protector skiing
Back protector skiing

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The Best Back Protectors On The Market

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a back protector for skiing.

The first is the level of protection that you need.

If you are an aggressive skier who spends a lot of time in the park, you will need a higher level of protection than someone who only skis on groomed trails.

The second thing to consider is the fit.

Ski racing back protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to find one that fits well with your ski jacket and pants.

Finally, consider the cost.

Back protectors can range from $50 to $200, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.

The following are the 11 best back protectors on the market:

Back protector skiing

1. Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1I Motorcycle Protector

What I Like

  • This back protector is a great option for beginner skiers who are looking for maximum protection. This piece of equipment comes with a  lightweight but hard shell that offers good protection.
  • The design of this piece of equipment makes it easy to put on and take off. It is also breathable, which makes it great for warmer days on the slopes. 
  • This Protector has a contoured multi-panel design that provides maximum comfort and protection.
  • The Nucleon KR-1i Hybrid Back Protector Insert is CE certified to level 2 (EN1621-2:2014)
  • It is lightweight and has a perforated hard shell and energy-absorbing foam.
  • An innovative cooling airflow channel system offers optimized levels of protection and comfort for sports and street riding.

What I Don’t Like

  • The foam lining inside is good but heavy.
  • The plastic material quality should be a bit much higher.
  • It seems a little short and could have covered more of the neck.
Back protector skiing

2. Alpinestars Men’s Nucleon KR-Celli Motorcycle Back Protector

What I Like

  • This back protector has a new head layer made in a one-time injected grid structure with an ergonomic design. It absorbs impacts and allows for maximum breathability and airflow.
  • A quilted chassis in soft fluted bio-foam for maximum comfort and ventilation.
  • An ergonomic protection plate follows the natural curve of the back ensuring optimum adjustment while riding.
  • Channel horizontal adapters offer an adaptable fit in different pilot positions.
  • Adjustable and removable elastic straps with a quick-fit system allow more comfortable use of the protector.

What I Don’t Like

  • The shoulder straps don’t stay in place.
  • The protector is light but thin.
  • The covering of the upper back is minimal.
Back protector skiing

3. POC Spine VPD Air Vest

A ski spine protector is a necessity for any skier or snowboarder, and the POC Spine  VPD Air Vest is one of the best on the market. 

What I Like

  • This vest is designed to protect your spine in the event of a fall, and it does so by absorbing impact and distributing it evenly across the body. 
  • The vest is also lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it a great choice for any skier or snowboarder. If you are looking for a ski back brace that offers very high levels of protection, the POC Spine VPD Air Vest is a great choice. 
  • This vest has been designed with special technology that helps it to protect your spine from hard impacts.
  • MOUNTAIN BIKING: A flexible, breathable 3-layer back protector; Perfect for days when you need the freedom to move but still want reliable protection; Certified to EN1621-2, Level 1 standards
  • VPD AIR PROTECTION: Lightweight and highly ventilated, VPD Air is designed for those who find body armor too bulky, warm or restrictive; Provides flexible protection for every rid
  • VENTILATED DESIGN: Highly ventilated panels keep you cool, loose, and protected, while the low profile design further supports practicality and comfort, enhancing the barely-there feel
  • IDEAL FIT: The vest fits true to size and is available in a slim and regular fit.

What I Don’t Like

  • It does not seem very breathable.
  • The shoulder pads are not removable which can be annoying.
  • The padding may be a bit bulky for thinner frames.
Back protector skiing

4. POC VPD System Back Protector

It is important to have proper safety gear when skiing, including a POC VPD system back protector.

What I Like

  • The POC VPD system back protector is designed to protect the wearer’s back in the event of a fall or collision. 
  • The protector is made from high-density foam and features an adjustable strap system that allows it to be worn over any type of ski clothing.
  • The protector is also lightweight and breathable, so it will not impede the skier’s

movements or cause them to overheat.

  • It has a zipper closure.
  • It offers back, chest, shoulder, and elbow protection with great freedom of movement.
  • It offers the highest level of protection; VPD 2.0 adapts to your body shape when moving but stiffens and absorbs shock upon impact.
  • The vest provides great ventilation, and the protective padding is easily removable.
  • It has a height-adjustable and removable waistband, making it ideal for a wide variety of body shapes.
  • The protector fits true to size and is available in a slim and regular fit.

What I Don’t Like

  • It is a little bit heavy.
  • It works well but is loose without the rubber band.
  • It could be uncomfortable at times.
Back protector skiing

5. PELLOR Motorcycle Armor Vest

What I Like

  • Excellent Protective Material – The PE plastic shell on this motorcycle vest makes it very durable. It achieves a powerful protective function and high levels of impact resistance and toughness. 
  • This vest is more useful in high-intensity sports thanks to the interior padding and high-foaming fabric.
  • Widely elasticized shoulder straps and an adjustable, fastener-fastened nylon belt provide great comfort and durability.
  • Sporting Activities Versatile – The Vest can be used for dirt bikes and bicycles, skiing and ice skating, skateboarding, cycling, outdoor sports, or any other activity that requires extra protection.

What I Don’t Like

  • The shoulder straps come loose easily as it is made from velcro.
  • The side fasteners need effort to untighten.
  • The quality of the fabric padding could have been better.
Back protector skiing

6. BenKen Professional Anti-Collision Protective Jacket 

What I Like

  • Effective Protection Against Crash: The high-density foam pad is great protection,  it has an elastic force and is resistant to bumps and falls.
  • Adjustable Velcro Strap: The gear is lightweight, durable, and breathable. The adjustable velcro strap on the waist can be adjusted according to your body size.
  • This protector is suitable for roller skating, skateboarding, inline skating, snowboarding, skiing, motorbiking, mountain biking, hockey, and other extreme sports.

What I Don’t Like

  • The fishnet material attached to it is a bit flimsy.
  • The zipper can split unawares causing problems during skiing.
  • It can get hot inside the protector.
Back protector skiing

7. POC, VPD System Back, Mountain Biking, and Skiing Armor

What I Like

  • It offers the ultimate protection for any sport or season with this back module or combine with VPD System Chest (sold separately) to create the VPD System Torso.
  • Flexible Protection: The minimal design of the protector facilitates full body movement and yet gives great protection too.
  • Adjustable Fit: The attachments can be changed to fit properly and securely.
  • Maximum Ventilation: The perforations in the protector maintain a cool interior always.

What I Don’t Like

  • It is difficult to adapt to the front and shoulder straps.
  • The velcro fasteners may not close properly always.
  • The back protector material does not seem very sturdy.
Back protector skiing

8. Fox Racing Men’s R3 Motocross Roost Deflector

What I Like

  • It is lightweight as well as strong.
  • It protects your chest, back, and shoulders too.
  • It is breathable and has perforations.

What I Don’t Like

  • There is no elbow protection.
  • The shoulder could be more adjustable.
  • Some users find it too big.
Back protector skiing

9. Motorcycle Bicycle Back & Spine Protector

What I Like

  • The protector has an adjustable nylon waistband for durability and strong attachment to ensure the back protector fits.
  • The three-layer protected spine protector for skiing has high impact resistance and toughness, providing strong back and tail protection for off-road bikes/riding/skiing.

What I Don’t Like

  • It is comfortable but the panels are not held together properly.
  • The front straps wear out quickly.
  • The overall quality is not that good.
Back protector skiing

10. Webetop Body Chest Spine Protector

What I Like

  • With strong wear resistance and high-density EVA foam adhesive synthesis, It is anti-bump, anti-fall, and shock-resistant. The Webetop protector protects the chest, spine, shoulder, and other important body parts.
  • The top-quality environmental fabrics are breathable and comfortable. It is easy to wear under all clothes and is good for spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
  • You can freely adjust your waist with a wide hook and loop fastener waist strap, and a small button waist strap at the same time. 
  • It is a safe protector for riding dirt bikes, mountain bikes, motorcycle riding, cycling, skateboarding, skiing, and other sports activity.

What I Don’t Like

  • It is somewhat flimsy.
  • It is pretty large for kids.
  • It can cause the users to sweat.
Back protector skiing

11. Motoker Back Protector

What I Like

  • It is made of strong plastic material and is anti-bump, anti-fall, and shock resistant.
  • It is padded with soft fabric from the inside and so protects the back effectively.
  • The size is adjustable and so kids, as well as adults, can use it.

What I Don’t Like

  • The Velcro shoulder straps should be more secure as they come off sometimes.
  • The side fasteners take more effort to untighten.
  • The protector is not as thick as it should be.

The Different Types Of Back Protectors

The foam makes up the majority of the back protectors on the market today. Airbags are used in some of them. Hardshell back protectors are another option. Those that combine foam and airbags are the final category.

Usually, foam back protectors are the most inexpensive choice. They can be large and difficult to wear, but they provide significant impact protection. 

Although airbag back protectors are more expensive, they offer additional cushioning and safety by inflating in the case of a fall. 

Hard shell back protectors are lightweight and provide adequate impact protection, but they are not padded in the event of a fall.

Your budget and personal preferences will determine your best spine protector for skiing.

Back protector skiing

Why Do You Need A Back Protector When Skiing?

Most skiers are aware of the significance of wearing a helmet when hitting the slopes.

What about safeguarding your back, though? For anyone who wants to ski worry-free, a back protector is an absolute necessity.

In the event of a fall, a back protector can aid in preventing severe injuries.

Even if you are an experienced skier, accidents can still happen. A back protector can help soften the blow and prevent damage to your spine.

A back protector can also aid in avoiding less serious wounds like scrapes and bruises.

You will be happy to have something to protect your back from the icy ground if you do happen to fall.

Therefore, before hitting the slopes, whether you are a beginner or an expert, be sure to invest in a good back protector. Your life might just be saved by it! 

The winter months are a great time to enjoy the outdoors by skiing. It is also a great way to work off all the extra calories from your holiday feasts by exercising.

But you must keep in mind that skiing can be risky if you are not careful. Thousands of injuries related to skiing are reported each year. Wearing the right gear can prevent many of these injuries.

There are many popular back protectors available in the market like the Salomon flexcell back protector,  ski back protector junior, and others. Dainese ski back protector is another popular brand selling back protectors.

What To Look For In A Back Protector

It’s important to consider the various features that are offered when looking for a back protector. Certain activities may suit some protectors more than others. When selecting a back protector, consider the following:

  • The protector’s material. This is extremely important because you want something that can withstand repeated impact and be durable.
  • How well the protector fits. Snug but not too tight is ideal. Throughout the activity, you want it to stay in position.
  • The protector’s coverage area. In the event of an accident, you want something that will cover as much of your back as possible.
  • The protector’s thickness. Because you want something that will offer adequate protection without being overly bulky, this is crucial.
  • Special characteristics of the protector, such as a layer that wicks away moisture or a pocket for an insert
  • How much does the protector cost? You want something that is inexpensive but still offers you a good return on your investment.

To choose the back protector vest that is the best fit for you, make sure to read the product reviews as well.

Back protector skiing

How To Properly Wear A Back Protector

Even if you have a back protector with you, it is important to know how to wear it for maximum protection. So here are some suggestions to ensure full back protection.

The protector should go all the way down from your neck to your waistline. In other words, it should cover your entire back.

When you wear the back protector, it should allow you to breathe and move freely. This can be done by properly adjusting the straps so that the protector fits comfortably.

You will do well to wear a jacket or another outer garment over your back protector. This will keep the protector in place during skiing adventures. The chances of its slipping will be minimal.

Following these simple tips will help you to get the best out of your back protector and stay safe in your skiing expeditions on slopes.

FAQs On Best Back Protectors For Skiing

Do I Need A Back Protector?

You may ask the question” Do I need a back protector?” Well, the most important thing in any sport is to protect yourself fully. A back protector is an important safety element for avoiding injuries. These are not very expensive and one can’t even see whether you are wearing one or not.

What Does A Back Protector Do

Back or spine protectors were initially designed for racing sports to reduce abrasion injuries caused by sliding on the road. Nowadays, however, they have been developed in design and materials to be used in all sports activities. 

What Do Downhill Skiers Wear On Their Backs?

Do you wonder “what do downhill skiers wear on their backs?” Downhill skiers wear back and spine protectors that are specially designed to distribute pressure all along the back in the event of a collision or fall. This will protect the skier from broken vertebrae.

Back protector skiing

Skiing is really fun but you must take proper precautions to make it a safe adventure. Having a back protector gear while skiing is non-negotiable for this reason. 

I have suggested several back protectors in this article. I hope that you will choose the back protector that is best suited to you and enjoy a fun-filled skiing experience.

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