Hi
Will be visiting Antur Stiniog later in the year and BPW as well. I always wear a hydration pack and doing more uplifts now was thinking that I should wear some form of back protection
Challenge is trying any of these things on as no shops near me stock any of them.
It's a toss up between something like an Evoc fr lite or something like a bluegrass armor lyte vest.
Appreciate any thoughts on either of the above whether tried or not tried, or even tried both and preferred one over the other.
Key for me is it has to be comfortable and not impact my riding otherwise it just gets left behind. I'm verging towards the hydration pack purely because I ride with one now but don't particularly want to buy yet another pack if a vest is superior and can be worn ok with one of my existing packs
Thoughts
Kwack
I have never when doing an uplift wanted a hydration pack or a drink while i am riding. I guess the benefit is that you don't have to keep going back to the car for a drink. But normally that is good as it gives you a chance to chill out for a few minutes, esp at antur as the uplift takes very little time.
I will always wear some form of upper body armour as it will cover shoulders and chest.
I guess the benefit is that you don’t have to keep going back to the car for a drink. But normally that is good as it gives you a chance to chill out for a few minutes, esp at antur as the uplift takes very little time.
BPW and flyup417 are both really annonying to go back to the carpark.
Antur is quite nice, FoD can be if you get there early enough to get a convenient spot.
For me, I always have a backpack on uplift days (except at Black Mountain) because I can rest and refuel on the van ride. Having a big lunch is never ideal as riding afterwards feels horrible, with a backpack you can constantly refuel a bit at a time. Plus you can keep riding when everyone else is in the queue for a burger
poc have some deals on CRC
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=poc+back&cat=direct
i've got an uswe bag airborne 15 that fits a backprotector, i just read through the description of the 'patriot' model and found the same backsupport included with the bag, on a snowboard site for a tenner,
For me it’s an Evoc protector jacket and a bag with food and drink left at the top or bottom of the uplift depending on location (If the uplift is not close to the car).
dc1988
Free MemberFor me, I always have a backpack on uplift days (except at Black Mountain) because I can rest and refuel on the van ride.
I like it most at BMCC! Good tractor padding
Never found 417 that bad for getting back to the car.
Only been to bpw once and it was a manky day so wasn't worried.
Antur and revs are easy, and if you do any of the Pearce cycles ones they are easy too as the uplift normally goes from near the parking field
Thanks for all the replies. I need a pack to carry essentials like epipens in case of allergy as well as other medicines
Will take a look at some of these suggestions
Cheers
Kwack
For uplift I go all-out with an upper body jacket - the chest, shoulder and elbow protection are good to have too. Sometimes carry a very small hydration pack on top of that, but did carry a big rucsac when I was first-aiding at Ft William (that was awkward on top of the armour).
I wear an EVOC bag with back protector for all other riding also. Tried going without but feels weird now.
@kwack
If you need to carry a bag with stuff like epipen then def go for a back protecting hydration one. I want aware of that requirement. If not then i would go for full armour or maybe you could get some armour with a removable spine protector then wear a bag like the evoc. Best of both worlds then
Yeah as above I think if you have reasons to carry a bag then I would look for a more comfortable solution than separate body armour and a bag. Because I don't have your reasons for a bag I generally just wear body armour at these places and leave bag or bottle somewhere at the bottom.
That said, last time I was at BPW I had a camelbak on and between the group we needed it for tools/flats/spares about 3 times. I find it tough on tyres.
I think a hydration with protector seems to suit what I am after.
Will take a look at the Evoc and uswe and go from there. Some of them look huge and are more like a large rucksack which I am trying to avoid
Thanks
Kwack
Ive got an uswe bag airborne 15 that fits a backprotector, i just read through the description of the ‘patriot’ model and found the same backsupport included with the bag, on a snowboard site for a tenner
That is cheap will see if I can find it
I have upped my protection for uplift days recently, mainly because I seem to be falling off more. Not sure if I’m getting worse or the features are getting bigger to be honest.
I ride with fox pro enduro elbow pads, very slim fitting, tested multiple times and can’t fault them. Excellent for keeping my skin on, I pair those with a fox baseframe pro sleeveless back protector, excellent if not a bit sweaty when stood still. Very slim fitting, true to size and you’d easily wear backpack or hip pack over it. Also prevents you looking like a stormtrooper… again, tested at speed and I’m still standing.
BPW are pretty cool with you leaving a backpack at the uplift pick up as well if your not keen on carrying it, I have also dashed it the trees a few times there with no issues, carry a big bottle of water in there and top up my little 450ml fidlock bottle when needed.