With the end of winter in sight, thoughts of riding on dirt are creeping back into my mind... but my back is still quite tender (it hasn't quite been 6 months since breaking it and getting my hardware installed). Lying down on the ground on my back is still enough to make me wince in pain.
So I've been thinking of back protection. At first I figured I'd ride with my back pack again (an Osprey 6l something or other). It will probably be fine for my first few outings, as I take things easy on mellow trails. But as I return to "normal" riding, I'm thinking I'll probably want something with proper spine protection. I was thinking of something like the RaceFace flank shirt, but without the chest and shoulder protection. There's also the ski protection, which is essentially a back plate with a belt and two shoulder straps - can't get much more ventilated than that. But in looking at those, they seem to be very large. At least from what I can see on-line.
It'll be for "normal" trail riding, nothing super crazy, but some of our trails here can get rowdy (if you know where to look). I tend to like gnarly trails more than flow trails and I probably won't be doing any jumping this year. In the end, I'm looking for something that will cover my spine and protect it in case I go OTB, or hit a tree sideways... Something light and as airy as possible that I can wear for 2-3 hour trail rides would be preferred. even when it's gross and sticky out.
Anyone have any suggestions?
So I've been thinking of back protection. At first I figured I'd ride with my back pack again (an Osprey 6l something or other). It will probably be fine for my first few outings, as I take things easy on mellow trails. But as I return to "normal" riding, I'm thinking I'll probably want something with proper spine protection. I was thinking of something like the RaceFace flank shirt, but without the chest and shoulder protection. There's also the ski protection, which is essentially a back plate with a belt and two shoulder straps - can't get much more ventilated than that. But in looking at those, they seem to be very large. At least from what I can see on-line.
It'll be for "normal" trail riding, nothing super crazy, but some of our trails here can get rowdy (if you know where to look). I tend to like gnarly trails more than flow trails and I probably won't be doing any jumping this year. In the end, I'm looking for something that will cover my spine and protect it in case I go OTB, or hit a tree sideways... Something light and as airy as possible that I can wear for 2-3 hour trail rides would be preferred. even when it's gross and sticky out.
Anyone have any suggestions?
