The worst thing about protective gear is that you only appreciate it when you crash. And you only know the gear was inadequate after it's already happened. The best approach is to match your protection to the terrain and accept that comfort matters — because if it's uncomfortable you won't wear it, and if you don't wear it, it can't protect you.
What You Need for Your Riding Style
Knee Pads
Knees are the most commonly injured area in mountain biking. Knee pads are the single most important protective item after a helmet. Wear them for every ride on technical terrain — no excuses.
POC Joint VPD Air ~£85
The benchmark for trail knee pads. The VPD Air foam is incredible — hard on impact, soft and flexible in normal use. This means the pads don't restrict movement and don't feel like you're wearing armour until the moment you need them. They stay in place without compression issues and the ventilation channels keep you cool. POC's sizing is accurate and reliable.
Fox Launch Pro D3O ~£110
For more aggressive riding — enduro, bike park, anything where you're genuinely going fast on technical terrain. The D3O material provides better coverage and protection than typical EPS or foam pads. The extended upper coverage protects lower thigh and the shin coverage extends to protect the upper shin as well as the knee. Heavier than the POC but more protective in serious terrain.
Ion K-Pact ~£55
The best value knee pad in 2026. The K-Pact uses a standard foam pad with good coverage, a slip-on design that stays in place, and a price point that makes it accessible. Not as technically advanced as the POC VPD material, but for trail and moderate enduro riding it's genuinely adequate and won't stop you buying them because of the cost.
Back Protectors
POC Spine VPD Air Vest ~£180
The best standalone back protector you can buy. The VPD material covers the full spine with class-leading impact absorption that remains flexible in normal movement. The vest format holds it securely in place. Wear it under or over your riding jersey. For bike park, DH, or any riding where a back injury would be catastrophic, a back protector is not optional — and this is the one worth buying.
Leatt 3DF AirFit Back Protector ~£100
Leatt is the brand that built its reputation on neck braces and their back protector line applies the same engineering rigour. The 3DF AirFit has excellent certification (EN 13158 Level 2) and the ventilated foam stays cool. A good value alternative to the POC for riders who want solid certified back protection without the premium price.
Gloves
Gloves do two things: protect your palms in a crash (where instinct makes you put your hands out first) and maintain grip when your hands are wet or cold. Wear them always.
Fox Ranger Gloves ~£35
The Fox Ranger has been the most popular trail glove in mountain biking for years because it's genuinely excellent: good palm protection, great feel through the bars, excellent durability, and enough ventilation to not roast your hands on hot days. The gel palm padding absorbs vibration. The grip fabric on the fingers works well wet and dry. Buy them, wear them, crash in them, and you'll understand why they're the market leader.
Specialized Trail Shield D30 ~£55
For riders who want the best palm protection available — particularly relevant if you ride with a lot of exposure or know from experience that you land on your hands. The D30 palm padding provides significantly more impact protection than standard glove padding. Slightly bulkier feel but the protection is markedly better in the event of a crash.
Elbow Pads
POC Resistance Pro DH Elbow ~£75
For bike park and DH riding where elbow hits are genuinely likely, proper elbow pads are worth wearing. The POC Resistance Pro provides hard shell + foam protection in a package that is less restrictive than it looks. The slip-on design with silicon grip bands stays in place effectively. Run these for any bike park session where you're pushing into technical or exposed terrain.
Wrist Guards
Wrist fractures are extremely common in mountain biking — the natural instinct to put your hands out means wrists take enormous force in crashes. Wrist guards are particularly valuable for less experienced riders and anyone returning from injury.
Dakine Wrist Guard Glove ~£45
A glove with integrated wrist protection — the best compromise between protection and usability. The hard plastic splint prevents hyperextension without completely restricting wrist movement for bar control. For beginner riders and anyone who knows they're prone to going over the bars, these are a smart addition to your kit.
The goal is wearing enough that you can ride with confidence and push your limits, without wearing so much that it restricts movement or gets too uncomfortable. Start with a helmet, gloves, and knee pads as your baseline. Add back protection and elbow guards as your riding terrain gets more aggressive. The best protection is protection you actually wear — so comfort matters as much as specs. Never cut corners on the helmet.