POC VPD Air Back Protector
VPD family · 26/27
Technology
VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough)
A material that stays soft and flexible while you ski, then stiffens on impact to spread and absorb the hit — and returns to soft afterward, so it can take repeated impacts.
3D Mesh Ventilation
The protector sits in a 3D mesh encasement with large vent ports, so it breathes far better than a solid foam slab against your back.
Adjustable Harness
A standalone harness with an adjustable sternum strap and a height-adjustable, removable waistband, so you set the fit once and it moves with you.
Features
- ·Standalone spine protection worn on its own harness
- ·VPD stays soft to ski in, firms up on impact
- ·Multi-impact — designed to take repeated hits
- ·3D mesh encasement breathes better than solid foam
- ·Adjustable sternum strap and removable, height-adjustable waistband
- ·Four sizes (XS/S/M/L) for a close fit; 540g in M
The VPD Air is a standalone back protector — a spine guard you wear on its own adjustable harness rather than a full vest. The core is POC’s VPD, a visco-elastic polymer dough that stays soft and flexible while you ski, then stiffens on impact to spread and absorb the hit, and returns to soft afterward so it can take repeated impacts.
Be honest about the rating: it certifies to EN 1621-2 Level 1. Level 1 is the baseline back-protector standard and allows more transmitted force than Level 2, so this is meaningful protection but not the highest tier available. What POC nails instead is wearability. The protector sits in a 3D mesh encasement with large vent ports so it breathes far better than a solid foam slab, and the harness carries an adjustable sternum strap plus a height-adjustable, removable waistband. It weighs 540g in M and comes in XS/S/M/L, so most riders can dial a close fit rather than settle for one-size-fits-most.
Reach for it if you want soft, breathable spine coverage you’ll actually keep wearing all day — park, freeride, or all-mountain, layered under or over a shell. Skip it if your discipline or your own comfort demands a Level 2 protector; no amount of ventilation changes the fact that this is Level 1.
Strengths
- +VPD is soft and flexible to ski in, firms up on impact, and handles repeated hits
- +3D mesh encasement breathes far better than solid foam
- +Standalone harness with adjustable sternum strap and waistband
- +Four sizes for a genuinely close fit
Best For
Park, freeride, and all-mountain skiers who want soft, breathable spine coverage they’ll keep wearing all day.
Limitations
- −EN 1621-2 Level 1 only — allows more transmitted force than a Level 2 protector
- −Standalone back protector, not a full vest — no chest or shoulder coverage
- −At 540g in M it’s a real layer to carry and wear
Not For
Riders whose discipline or comfort demands a Level 2 back protector — this is Level 1.
Specs
- Certification
- EN 1621-2 Level 1 (not Level 2)
- Material
- VPD — visco-elastic polymer dough (soft, hardens on impact, multi-impact)
- Type
- Standalone back protector with adjustable harness (not a full vest)
- Ventilation
- 3D mesh encasement with large vent ports
- Adjustment
- Adjustable sternum strap · height-adjustable, removable waistband
- Weight
- 540g (M)
- Sizes
- XS/S/M/L
Common Questions
- What protection level is the POC VPD Air back protector?
- It certifies to EN 1621-2 Level 1, the baseline back-protector standard. Level 1 allows more transmitted force than Level 2, so it is meaningful protection but not the highest tier.
- How does VPD work?
- VPD (visco-elastic polymer dough) stays soft and flexible while you ski, then stiffens on impact to spread and absorb the force, and returns to soft afterward so it can take repeated impacts.
- Is the VPD Air a full vest?
- No. It is a standalone back protector worn on an adjustable harness, covering the spine only — there is no chest or shoulder protection.
