BODY PROTECTION
Body Protection for Mountain Biking: Fox Armour & Guards
Body protection covers the upper-body armour mountain bikers wear under or over a jersey to shield the chest, back, ribs, shoulders and spine from impacts, roost and crashes. At Foxracing.si this category brings together protection jackets, chest and back protectors and padded base layers from Fox, for trail riders, enduro racers and downhill riders who want more coverage than knee and elbow guards alone.
What you will find in this category
- Protection jackets and body armour - full upper-body coverage combining chest, back, shoulder and elbow protection in one garment, most often chosen for downhill and bike park riding.
- Chest protectors and roost deflectors - hard-shell or semi-rigid fronts and backs that deflect impacts and debris, designed to be worn over or under a jersey.
- Back protectors - spine-focused protectors in vest, harness or insert form for riders who mainly want spinal coverage with maximum freedom of movement.
- Padded base layers and protection vests - close-fitting shirts with soft, flexible pads at the chest, back and shoulders that stay discreet under a jersey on long trail and enduro rides.
- Protector inserts and accessories - replacement pads and add-on parts that let you adapt the level of coverage to the trail.
How to choose body protection for mountain biking
- Match the protection to the discipline. Trail and all-mountain riders usually prefer light padded vests; enduro riders often add a back protector; downhill and bike park riding calls for a full protection jacket with chest, back and arm coverage.
- Check the certification. Impact protectors for limbs are tested to EN 1621-1 and back protectors to EN 1621-2, each with Level 1 and Level 2 ratings - Level 2 absorbs more impact energy, Level 1 is usually thinner and more flexible.
- Fit is what makes armour work. Protectors must sit tight enough not to shift in a crash. Measure your chest circumference and height, follow the brand's size chart, and check that adjustable straps and side panels close firmly without restricting breathing.
- Hard shell or soft foam. Hard shells deflect roost and sharp impacts and slide well; soft, articulated foam pads are cooler, quieter and pack down, and many harden on impact.
- Ventilation and layering. Perforated pads, mesh panels and moisture-wicking fabrics matter on long climbs; decide early whether you will wear the armour under or over your jersey, as the cut differs.
- Compatibility. If you ride with a neck brace, choose a chest protector or jacket designed to work with one, and check that the back protector does not clash with your hydration pack.
Brands
This category features protection from Fox, a brand with a long history in mountain bike and off-road racing, known for its chest protectors, protection jackets and padded base layers built around CE-certified impact pads.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a chest protector for mountain biking?
It depends on your riding: for downhill, bike park laps and fast enduro stages a chest or full-body protector meaningfully reduces impact injuries, while mellow trail riding is often covered by a light padded vest or back protector.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 protectors?
Both are CE-certified, but Level 2 transmits less force in standardised impact tests, so it offers higher protection, usually with slightly more bulk than a Level 1 pad.
Should body armour be worn under or over the jersey?
Soft, low-profile vests and base layers are designed to go under a jersey, while hard-shell roost deflectors and full protection jackets are normally worn over it.
How should body protection fit?
Snug and centred: the chest plate covers the sternum, the back protector runs along the spine without pressing on the neck or hips, and nothing slides when you move on the bike.
How do I care for my protectors?
Remove the pads where possible, hand wash the fabric parts in cool water, wipe hard shells clean and let everything air dry away from direct heat so the foam keeps its shape.
Browse the full body protection range at Foxracing.si and find the level of coverage that matches your trails.