Mountain Biker's Body Armor | Our Favorite MTB Torso Protection

Chest protectors, spine guards, body armor, no matter what you call it, mountain biker’s have long searched for ways to stay safe and reduce the chances of serious injury without being too hot or uncomfortable. Over the years protective gear has improved greatly, from being thick and bulky plastic pieces, to the Dainese Pressure suit era in the early 2000’s to today’s minimalist mindset, mountain bike protection has evolved and styles have changed. Technological advances in impact absorbing materials like D3O, VPD, and other non-Newtonian “foam” that stiffens upon impact has changed the face of protection from shoe insoles and knee pads up to these torso and chest protectors.

Not all riders feel the need to wear upper body armor when mountain biking, and understandably so. Not everyone is pushing the envelope day in and day out, and the heat and discomfort may not be worth it for your 15 mile XC pedal. If you’re anything like us though, you know sometimes a little extra sweat and discomfort is worth it. We’re sure there have been more than a few riders who have said those same words after a crash, “I should’ve worn my pads today.” Here’s a few options we’ve been testing out over the last couple of years that we think are worthy of your consideration. From long sleeve to sleeveless and minimalist spine protection, brands have just about anything you could want to keep you safe and offer some peace of mind.

OUR ADVICE
Our two biggest tips are to really consider what you want out of your body armor. Meaning, what do you land on most, or what are you most afraid of injuring?

Second, we’d suggest you really evaluate how much protection you really think you’re going to wear. Buying the thickest, safest most heavy-duty protector is just a waste of money if you just keep it in your gear bag because you hate how hot or uncomfortable it is. Sometimes a thinner layer of protection that you always wear is better than the burly one sitting in your car.

Here are a few of our favorite bits of mountain bike body protection we’ve been wearing over the last couple years.

CONTENTS
0:00 | Intro
1:03 | Protection Levels
3:55 | POC VPD System Torso | https://alnk.to/dAgFbNp
6:15 | Leatt Airflex Stealth Body Protectors | https://leatt.com
9:23 | Fox Baseframe Pro SL & SS | https://alnk.to/bEck7dV
11:51 | 7 Protection Flex Suit | https://alnk.to/fHfKGcl
12:27 | Critiques
13:36 | Which to Choose

Be sure to use LOAMWOLF15 for 15% off any qualifying items, body armor and more, at Competitive Cyclist's link above.

Head to the site for the full write up:
https://theloamwolf.com/2021/08/28/mountain-bikers-body-armor-chest-protectors/

Get your Loam Wolf gear here:
https://store.theloamwolf.com
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