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Women's Ski Body Armour

Level 2 absorbs more, Level 1 is lighter. A women's cut follows the chest and waist.

Guide

Women's Ski Body Armour

Back protectors for skiing are usually certified to EN 1621-2, a standard from motorcycling. They sit close to the body under your jacket and must not shift when you crouch.

Key points

Check the label for EN 1621-2, Level 1 or Level 2.
Level 2 lets less force through; Level 1 is usually lighter and more flexible.
Size by back length, not by jacket size.
Try it in a skiing crouch: nothing should slip or dig into the tailbone.
Padded shorts cover hips and tailbone, handy for the park and snowboarding.

Which protection for which ski day?

Use	What matters	Your protector
Fast piste skiing	What mattersHard falls onto the back	Your protectorVest or back protector with kidney belt, Level 2
Snow park	What mattersLandings on back, hips and tailbone	Your protectorBack protector plus padded shorts
Snowboarding	What mattersFrequent falls onto your backside	Your protectorPadded shorts with a tailbone pad
Kids and teens	What mattersRight back length, low weight	Your protectorJunior vest sized to the back
Long days	What mattersFreedom of movement, airflow	Your protectorVest with a mesh back and perforated foam

What to look for

Question	In short	Why
Which level?	In shortLevel 2 protects more	WhyIn the EN 1621-2 impact procedure, the force limits for Level 2 are half those for Level 1. The pads are usually thicker in return.
Vest or belt?	In shortA vest stays put	WhyA vest holds the pad in place, and some add chest or shoulder pads. A protector with a hip belt is quicker to put on and take off.
Which length?	In shortMeasure your back	WhyMost charts go from the prominent neck vertebra to the waistband or hip bone. Too long presses on the chairlift; too short leaves the lower back exposed.
Hard or soft?	In shortSoft moulds to you	WhySoft foams follow your shape and stiffen on impact. Hard plates spread a sharp blow over a larger area.
Under or over the jacket?	In shortUnder it	WhyIt works best right over your base layer, with mid layer and jacket on top. Check the jacket still has room.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash body armour?

On many vests the protector comes out and the cover goes in the wash as the care label says. Wipe the protector itself with a damp cloth and let it air-dry, away from radiators.

Do I need a new one after a fall?

Many foams are built for repeated impacts, according to their makers. If a plate is cracked or a dent stays, replace it.

Will it make me too warm?

Vests with a mesh back and perforated foam let heat out. On mild days, swap your fleece for a thinner mid layer.

Does it protect my spine from everything?

No. It cushions blows and spreads the pressure of hard edges. Against compression, such as a hard landing on your backside, it can do little.

Should children wear a back protector?

For the park and fast skiing it makes sense. Choose a junior size that matches their back length: an adult model will slide around.

Last updated: November 2026