Body Armor

[Rob]

Does anyone bring protective pads or body armor with them?  Have you ever wished you had them on a trip? I want to do some bikepacking on really technical trails where I'd usually wear armor anyways. 

I wouldn't think it would be feasible with bikepacking due to the size of the pads, but I was checking out the 661 Evo Lite elbow pads and knee pads and they seem fairly packable and could maybe also double as knee warmers.  The d3o material works pretty well, I tried some of their stuff at Interbike and it works like it says.  Totally pliable and soft, then upon impact it stiffens up immediately.  I'm thinking of getting the elbow and knee pads and maybe the undershorts with d3o as well.










 

[ScottM]

Interesting idea.  I've thought about it before, but never taken a close look.

Those could double well as knee warmers.  I'd probably want something that covers the shin, too.  Overgrowth and sharp nasties are part of the game for us in AZ.  I'll have to look at some more options.

[Slim]

I'd say, if you wear armor on a trail normally then definately wear it 'packing. You will have less control and are further from home when bikepacking, so protection becomes more of an issue. Volume of pads should not be an issue as you can strap them to the outside of something but of course they do add weight.

[Slim]

I just bought a pair of 661 Evo XC kneepads. They are a thinner version of the Evbo pads using D3O as well. They are very thin(about 7mm D3o) and flexible. They are precurved and did not feel like they would inhibit movement at all. They are perforated though out the entire D3O pad so they should breathe quite well. If they do bother you, they can be taken off with removing shoes etc. because the sides open up completely.

They are very thin. They offer minimal protection, think of this as a rash and bruise prevention, not full on kneepads in the usual bike/skate sense. I think they will be a great option for XC style riding(as they name says ;-) whith shorts, giving you a bit more protection than long pants with better venting.

The weight is 316 g (11oz) of my size S/M pair.

They would do well as kneewarmers because they are so comfortable and breathable, much better than others. Also because you can take them on and off easy. I think the elbow version of these would be great, as you tend not to land so hard on your elbows.

[Rob]

Thanks for the review Slim.  Let us know how they feel when riding.  Maybe smack your knee against the wall and let us know how they work

[Slim]

I slammed into the kitchen floor with my knee and hit my palm with a hammer and they do not offer a ton of protection, I'd say about the same as my 15 mm neoprene Fox underpads (yes, that's underpants with a stuffy nose  ), but way more comfy.

[Rob]

Hmm, now I'm thinking I should use the regular Evo pads.  Did you happen to have a chance to try out the regular Evo pads?

[Slim]

No, I didn't try the regular Evo's yet. But I was thinking the same thing, that's why I posted this, so you (and others) could make the right choice. Why don't you get the regular ones and let us know, then we'll have a complete picture.

I just did a few rides with the Evo Xc's and they are grewat to pedal in, they just disappear on your legs. They would make a nice kneewarmer option because they can be put on or taken off from the side, no need to remove or wrestle shoes.