Back Protection
New and used back protectors for mountain biking. Spine protection inserts, standalone back protectors and armoured vests. POC, Leatt, Dainese, Fox, IXS, Alpinestars — essential for DH, bike park and aggressive trail riding.
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Back Protector Buying Guide
A spinal injury is the worst-case scenario in a mountain bike crash. Back protectors won't prevent all spinal injuries, but they reduce the severity of impacts to the spine from rocks, stumps, bars and other hard objects you might land on.
Types of Back Protection
Standalone back protectors strap over your jersey like a vest — Leatt, POC and Dainese all make dedicated MTB back protectors that are thinner and more ventilated than motocross equivalents. Insert protectors are thin, flexible pads designed to slot into a pocket in compatible backpacks or jackets — many MTB backpacks (Evoc, Leatt) have a dedicated protector sleeve. Full body armour jackets include integrated spine protection alongside shoulder and chest coverage.
CE Certification
Back protectors are rated to EN 1621-2. Level 1 transmits less than 18kN of force. Level 2 transmits less than 9kN — significantly better protection. For MTB use, Level 2 is worth the small weight and cost increase. Check the CE label — not all protectors labelled "back protection" meet the EN standard.
When to Wear One
DH racing and bike parks — mandatory in most organised events and common sense regardless. Enduro racing on rocky, exposed terrain. Any riding where you regularly leave the ground or ride steep, consequence-heavy lines. For standard trail riding on moderate terrain, a back protector is optional but not overkill if it's comfortable enough to forget you're wearing it.
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