MTB Body Armour for Safer Trail Riding

MTB Armor: How Much Protection Do You Actually Need?

After my first hard crash – shoulder into a rock at about 15 mph – I started taking protection more seriously. But there’s a balance. Full body armor makes you ride like a robot. Not enough and you’re one fall from a hospital trip.

Here’s what I’ve figured out after too many crashes and too much gear experimentation.

Match Protection to Riding Style

XC/trail riding: Lightweight knee pads are usually enough. Maybe elbow pads if you’re pushing it. You’re moving relatively slow and crashes tend to be slides rather than impacts.

All-mountain/enduro: More serious knee/shin guards, elbow pads, and consider a light back protector. Falls are faster and terrain is more punishing.

Downhill/bike park: Full face helmet, knee/shin, elbow, chest/back protector. Maybe a neck brace if you’re really sending it. Speeds are high and consequences are real.

Wearing downhill armor for a casual trail ride is overkill and will make you miserable. Wearing nothing but a half shell for lift-served runs is asking for trouble.

Knees and Elbows: The Basics

If you only get one piece of armor, get knee pads. Your knees hit first in most crashes and they’re also the most complex joints to repair.

Slip-on style is easy to wear but can slide around during crashes. Works fine for most trail riding.

Strapped pads stay in place better. Worth it if you’re riding aggressively or have had pads shift on you.

For material: D3O and similar smart materials start soft and harden on impact. They’re lighter and cooler than hard plastic but pricier. Hard shell pads offer maximum protection but get hot.

The Back Protector Question

I didn’t bother with back protection for years. Then I watched a buddy land on a rock and crack a vertebra. He’s fine now, but that changed my perspective.

Lightweight back protectors (think spine strips or thin armor) add meaningful protection with minimal bulk. For aggressive riding, they’re worth the minor inconvenience. For mellow trails, probably overkill.

Brands That Work

Fox Racing: Wide range from basic to high-end. Generally comfortable and well-designed. The Titan series is solid.

G-Form: Their RPT pads are thin, flexible, and harden on impact. Great for pedaling comfort. Less protection than hard shell options.

Leatt: Known for neck braces but their full body stuff is excellent. More protection-focused than comfort-focused.

POC: Premium price but very well made. VPD material offers good protection with low profile.

Fit Matters More Than Brand

The best pads are the ones that fit right and stay in place. Too loose and they slide during impacts. Too tight and they cut off circulation or restrict movement.

Try before you buy if possible. Ride around the parking lot of the shop. Bend, pedal, simulate crash positions. If it’s uncomfortable in the store, it’ll be worse after two hours of riding.

Taking Care of Your Gear

Armor gets disgusting. Hand wash with mild soap, air dry. Don’t machine wash – it destroys the padding and straps.

Check your gear after crashes. Foam compresses permanently, plastic cracks, straps weaken. If something took a hard hit, inspect it carefully. Replace anything that’s compromised.

The Bottom Line

Some armor is better than none. Match it to your riding. Make sure it fits well enough that you’ll actually wear it. And remember: protective gear is cheaper than medical bills and lost riding time.