Hi everyone,
Im new to trails, but I was riding a lot of XC before. It was nothing crazy, mainly some flowy singletracks etc. This year I bought trail HT, and want to try some little bit more advanced stuff. There are lot of trails near the place I live, and I was thinking about getting some torso armor vest.
There are small chances for this scenario, but the thing that still bugging me is slipping and falling on some pointy rock/root with my spine or thorax, which can lead to pretty severe injuries. Im not pushing it hard, so far only hitting green trails and trying to focus on technique. At first I was thinking about getting backpack with spine protector, but now Im thinking if also some chest protection wouldnt be better option. Also during learning bunny hop, I almost fall on my back few times. Im not looking for something crazy bulky, but rather something like this.
My rides also including a lot of uphills and peddaling. Would you say its too much overkill ? Any tips,experiences and inputs are much appreciated 🙂
by SolidFin
4 Comments
90% of the time I’m on the bike, I’m wearing [Leatt Body Protector ReaFlex Stealth](https://leatt.com/us/product/body-protector-reaflex-stealth-v24?selected-color=stealth). It’s not the burliest protection, but having chest, back, elbows, and shoulders covered is nice. I got mine on crazy sale, so keep an eye on prices.
I’d just get one if i was you. Your confidence will improve and you’ll have a smaller chance of injury.
There is no such thing as overkill.
You can get a motorcycle jacket armor panel and put it in any hydration pack for a solid back protector that’s comfortable and has storage space. I don’t feel like I need the pad, I used to just wear the backpack and it adds some protection on it’s own but you can literally put the pad in there and forget about it. I’ve never felt the need for a chest protector or neck brace but since I use the bag all the time anyway I figured it wouldn’t hurt.Â
On all my crashes I either land on my back or side, the chest only makes sense to me if you’re doing really steep trailsÂ
It’s probably overkill but get one anyway — anything that gives you more confidence is gonna help you progress faster, and it will protect you a bit if you DO have a bad crash.
(That said, while it’s possible to fall in just the wrong way onto some pointy stick or rock, that’s fairly rare. I’d be most worried/concerned with spine protection.)