Why back shields are important on ski vacations
A back shield is designed to protect you from serious back injuries while skiing. By absorbing and dispersing the shock of impact from falls and collisions, it can make the difference between a trip on the ski lift and a stay in hospital. It can help give you peace of mind and confidence when descending steep slopes because you're also protected from behind.
Safety has become cool!
In the past, skiing with a helmet was unheard of and generally looked down upon. Today it's the other way around and skiers/snowboarders without helmets are looked down upon. The development can be compared to smoking in Denmark, where it has gone from being cool to being looked down upon. However, it is important to emphasize that a skiing holiday is not safe because you wear a helmet, it helps immensely, but you can easily do a little more and increase your chances of coming home without injury greatly. The back shield is becoming more and more popular and has been popular among snowboarders for many years. Now we can see that it's fortunately also spreading to skiers, even if you don't often fall directly on your back. The back shield is not only for when you fall, but also to protect you from others on the slopes. If you're taking a break while a new skier with no control rushes into you, it doesn't matter how good you are at skiing, you'll still take a hit and maybe a trip to the hospital. So you should see the back shield as protecting yourself from multiple angles on the slopes.The function of a back shield
How the back shield works
A back shield is designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a fall. Its main function is to protect your spine and internal organs from serious injury.Back shields perform their protective function by being made of materials that can take the impact and distribute its energy over a larger surface.Back shields have a curved shape that follows the natural shape of your back, helping to shield the spine from direct impacts.Some shields have a hollow structure, which contributes to effective shock absorption and airflow to provide good ventilation.shields often have adjustable belts and straps for a secure and comfortable fit.most shields are compatible with other forms of protective equipment.
Types of back shields
Back shields are typically divided into two categories: hard and soft. Whether you choose a hard or soft shield, both are designed to give you riding comfort and protection. Hard shields are stiffer but don't necessarily offer a higher level of protection, while soft shields are more flexible and comfortable. The back shields we sell at One Open Sky are all soft and extremely flexible, until they take a blow, then they harden, allowing them to absorb the impact.
The Soft Carapace
The soft back shield provides optimal comfort and a high level of safety, making it the ideal choice for any new or experienced skier or snowboarder. Its flexibility allows it to follow the body's natural movements while still offering good protection against injury. Some soft backshields are made in a structure that makes them more breathable, so it's easier for your layers of clothing to do the necessary work. 
How to choose the right back shield
Choosing the right back shield is essential for your safety on your ski vacation. Consider your need for protection, comfort and freedom of movement as well as the fit of the back shield.
Fit and comfort
Fit and comfort are important factors when it comes to your back protector. A comfortable and perfectly fitting back protector ensures that you can focus on skiing without unnecessary irritation while providing optimal protection.
Ensuring perfect fit and comfort with your back shield requires careful testing and adjustment. Try different models and sizes, adjust the shoulder and waist straps to your body contours and make sure movement is not restricted.
Level of protection
The protection level of your back shield is crucial for your safety. A higher level of protection means the shield can absorb and dissipate more force during a fall, minimizing the risk of injury. Ski shields are assessed according to the same requirements as motorcycle shields. The protection levels are divided into two categories. Level 1 and Level 2, the difference is the requirement for how much pressure the shield can handle.
Level 1: Five different impact zones are tested, where the average force in Kilonewtons that penetrates to the other side of the shield must not exceed 18 kN on average, and one zone must not exceed 24 kN.
Level 2: Like level 1, five impact zones test how much force passes through the carapace. Here, the average force must not exceed 9kN and a single zone must not exceed 12 kN.
The five impact zones must be in a cross-shaped pattern in the areas with the least protection. It is not a requirement to choose a level 2 back shield, as any back shield is a significant upgrade from standing without any back protection.
Every detail of your back shield is designed to optimize your safety. The materials, shape and design work together to give you the highest level of protection on your ski vacation.
Safety comes first, which is why it's important to choose a back shield with an approved level of protection, just like all the back shields we sell. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, it's important to have the right protection.
Remember, a back shield should never be a substitute for careful and responsible behavior on the mountain. But with the right level of protection, it can provide extra peace of mind and safety.
See our level 1 back shields
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See our level 2 back shield
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Flexibility and freedom of movement
Flexibility and freedom of movement are invaluable elements of your back shield. They not only provide optimal protection, but also the comfort and agility to tackle the slopes with confidence.
- A back protector that restricts your freedom of movement can interfere with your skiing experience. You want to be able to move freely and safely through the snow.
- With a flexible carapace, your body is better able to adapt and absorb shocks during falls, an important consideration when hurtling down a mountainside at high speed.
- Having full freedom of movement with your carapace can enrich your ski vacation as it allows full immersion and freedom on the slopes.
Skiing or snowboarding should be fun, and the right equipment will help you make the most of your time on the mountain.
How to use a back shield correctly
Using your back shield correctly on a ski vacation involves more than just putting it on. The right fit, proper adjustments and interaction with other safety equipment are essential for your protection on the slopes.
Want to be smart and safe on your ski vacation? Use your back shield correctly! Ensure a precise fit and enough flexibility.
Correct fit
The importance of a perfect fit for the effectiveness of your back shield cannot be emphasized enough. An ill-fitting back shield can significantly reduce its ability to absorb and disperse impact, which can result in serious injury.
When choosing a back shield, make sure it sits close to your back. If there are gaps, the shield will not provide optimal protection.
Find the perfect back shield with us
We have a large selection of back shields. All our back protectors are of high quality and we promise to offer you expert guidance so you can find the perfect back protector to suit your skiing or snowboarding needs and skills. Our variety spans different brands, protection levels, sizes and more.
We understand how important it is to have the right equipment on your ski vacation, which is why we are dedicated to helping you find the ideal back protector in our store. You'll find everything you need to be well protected and feel safe on the slopes.
