6 OF THE BEST PROTECTIVE VESTS

Lightweight body armour for back protection on the trails

LEATT BODY VEST 3DF AIRFIT
£9.99 www.hotlines-uk.com

SO GOOD... Made from highly-perforated mesh material, this vest has good breathability even with its thick padding, and feels comfy against the skin. Leatt use their '3DF AirFit' impact foam at the front and rear. which provides plenty of coverage. It's also removable, so you can wash the vest easily. The zip makes it easy to take on and off.

NO GOOD... It's bulky and heavy, so not the best for trail riding. The fit is looser than others here in the same size, so it moves around more. Also, the padding doesn't conform to your body as well as some, and can stick up out the top of your jersey.

ION TANK AMP PROTECTION VEST 
£134.95 www.ion-products.com

SO GOOD... ION use a back protector from SAS-TEC, made from visco-elastic PU foam. This conforms well to the shape of your body and is barely noticeable under a jersey, but will harden upon impact. A tight fit helps keep the protection in place, aided by silicone gripper. We found the stash pockets useful. This vest works well as a protective baselayer.

NO GOOD... Comfort isn't the best on test, and it's the least breathable here, too, due to its fabric, which has fewer mesh panels than others. The protection is minimal, covering the spine but little else. With no zip, you won't look graceful taking it off after a sweaty ride.