Why a back protector is only part of the solution
6.3.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Hand, knee and hip: that’s the list of skiing-related injuries I’ve had in the last years. So how come I «only» wear a back protector?
It’s kind of like with helmets. Suddenly, everyone on ski slopes is wearing one. Back in the day, you were mocked for hitting the pistes with a pot on your head. «Wannabe pro» was one of the nicer things you’d be called. Going without a helmet in this day and age? Unthinkable! And things are going in the same direction with back protectors. Everyone seems to use one. Me included. Come to think of it, why is that?
Source: Patrick Bardelli
No freestyle, just regular slopes
Just to be clear: I’m old. So old, in fact, that I learned how to ski without a helmet. Skis didn’t have waists and came in only one length: XL. What’s more, the sport exclusively took place on marked slopes. Freeriding and snow parks were introduced later. Much later. And totally passed, or rather carved, me by. To this day, I only do on-piste skiing.
After a break of several years, I started skiing again five years ago and invested in a back protector to go with my helmet and the rest of my gear.
In the five years I’ve been hitting the slopes wearing the protector, I’ve broken my left hand, damaged the cartilage in my left knee and bruised my left hip a few times. It seems I’m always falling on my left side. Although this does weigh on my mind, I’m not about to stop whizzing down mountains because of it. Sure, the back protector protects my back, but not my hands, knees or hips. This means it’s time for a different solution.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
It’s a solution that also works in the summer months when I’m on the bike. After all, the same applies for that activity as to skiing. Whether I’m on my gravel bike or MTB, I always seem to fall on my left side. The exposed body parts? You guessed it. Shoulder, hand, knee and hip. The solution?
By the way, when I’m on the slopes, I protect my hands with this glove by Reusch. It’s equipped with wrist protection panels on the back of the hand and palm.
Feels surprisingly good
During the sports holidays, I tried out this set-up for the first time. Or at least parts of it. I didn’t strap on the knee pads. They’ll be used when it’s bike time in spring. My first impression? Surprisingly comfy! I didn’t notice the shirt or the shorts when I was skiing. Only the protective panels of the gloves take a little getting used to. But matters are different riding the ski lift and having lunch at the mountain restaurant. While the shorts still don’t pose a problem, the shirt bothers me.
Having said that, the ride on the chair lift usually lasts only a few minutes. And come lunchtime, I hang the shirt on the coat hook with the helmet and ski jacket. Problem solved.
My verdict? Works for me. How this outfit fares comfort-wise when I’m on my bike, I’ll be testing this spring. Will the shirt, shorts, gloves and the knee pads actually provide protection in the event of a ski or bike crash? I hope never to find out (again).
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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