Testing Evoc’s Protector Jacket Pro – safe and comfortable
22.2.2024
Translation: Eva Francis
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Sports injuries suck, no matter the time of year. That’s why I’ve started wearing protective gear in summer when I’m mountain biking and in winter when I hit the slopes. this year’s skiing holidays in the Bernese Oberland were no exception.
Although I’m spending the winter holidays in a fairly small ski resort this year, it’s still packed with skiers and snowboarders on some days. While some of them carve down the slopes elegantly and fast, others slide down slowly and with shaky legs. And then there are those who have no control over themselves or their equipment. This leads to the occasional accident – some minor, some quite serious. I’m glad I’m wearing the Protector Jacket Pro from Evoc on the ski slopes this year.
Why I’ve started to wear protective gear
The older I get, the more painfully I realise that sports injuries are extremely unpleasant. Sure, even at over 50, a broken bone usually heals in four to six weeks. But there’s more to it. Compensating for the accompanying symptoms of injuries, such as muscle atrophy or the shortening of tendons and ligaments, takes much longer with increasing age than it does in your mid-20s.
Consequently, the importance of protective equipment increases. Be it in winter on ski slopes or in the summer on mountain bike trails. These days, I wear protectors from various brands when I’m skiing or mountain biking. I’m particularly happy with Evoc products.
Evoc’s Protector Jacket Pro
The Protector Jacket Pro by Evoc offers a whole range of protective functions. According to the manufacturer, the back protector, which is produced using high pressure and steam, is made without any adhesives or other solvents. It’s designed to provide the best possible protection for the upper and lower back, including the tailbone, in the event of an impact. The elements of the back protector are movable to increase comfort.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Shoulder, chest and hip pads are designed to provide additional protection. According to Evoc, the fabric of the protective jacket is extremely stable, breathable and flexible. It’s designed to allow maximum ventilation and comfort. The back and shoulder protectors are Level 2 certified.
Features
- Flexible side YKK zipper for good freedom of movement
- Adjustable Airoflex straps with magnetic Fidlock buckle to secure the shoulder protectors (level 2)
- Odour prevention: finish against microbial odour formation based on silver ions or silicic acid
- Machine washable
- Weight: 815 grammes (L)
Safety is important, comfort too
Safety is one thing, comfort another. There’s almost nothing more annoying than spending a day on the slopes with uncomfortable gear. That’s why I’m glad the Protector Jacket Pro’s equipped with a side zipper, making it easy to put on and take off. It’s a much better design than protectors you pull over your head. This is an arduous task, especially when you’re sweaty and the back protector being quite stiff.
When I’m skiing, I forget I’m wearing it and when I stop off at a restaurant for lunch, I can take it off in a jiffy and hang it in the sun to dry.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Source: Patrick Bardelli
In a nutshell
Almost perfect
Evoc’s Protector Jacket Pro protects several parts of the body at once: back, shoulders, chest, hips and tailbone. I’m a fan of multifunctional gear. The side zipper makes the jacket super easy to put on and take off. Thanks to removable back, shoulder and chest protectors, it can be machine washed at 30 degrees.
What I don’t like is that the tailbone protector catches on the belt of my ski pants when I bend over, for example. This slightly reduces the overall comfortable fit.
Pro
- side zipper
- protects several parts of the body
- machine washable
- level 2 back and shoulder protectors
Contra
- tailbone protector gets in the way
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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