Gear review | POC VPD Air vest

First impression

When I pick up the back protector for the first time, I am immediately struck by its light weight. Admittedly, my previous model, a classic "turtle shell", is getting on in years. The new flexibility surprises me all the more: the protector is easy to move in all directions and adapts to every movement.

When I put it on for the first time, I noticed that the vest wasn’t skin-tight, but thanks to its flexibility, it didn't restrict me in any way. Now I'm curious to see how it really feels under several layers of clothing and whether it stays where it belongs in the event of a fall. (After all, the pre-season is the perfect time to try it out if your edge control is still wobbly and your legs can't yet compensate for the odd hill).

Test report

The season has slowly picked up speed and the first obligatory glacier days have already been ticked off. Admittedly, I was initially too busy with snow, sun and joy to pay much attention to the protector vest - which is basically the best compliment: it doesn't restrict movement or cause heat build-up. It is also barely noticeable from the outside, the classic "turtle back" is definitely a thing of the past.

During my first runs through the park and on the slopes, I had completely different worries than the vest, because the wearing comfort is top. The first small crash was not long in coming: on the piste, my edge took on a life of its own and before I knew it, I was lying on my back. The protector stiffened briefly, absorbed the impact cleanly and neither slipped into my neck nor slipped uncomfortably in any other way. Thumbs up for the piste crash!

A similar scenario later in the park: the protector did exactly what it was there for - and I only realized that I was wearing one at all on impact.

The protector also went through the first sidecountry and shark runs without any problems - of course with a backpack and the complete safety setup: Shovel, probe, beacon. Here too, the vest was hardly noticeable and, in combination with my Mammut airbag backpack, gave me an all-round feeling of safety.

Conclusion

The vest will be my constant companion in the ski area in the future - the VPD construction (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) from POC has convinced me. I haven't tested it on ski tours yet, and to be honest I'm not sure if I will. For me, the ascent is usually a sweaty affair anyway - and every additional layer quickly feels like one too many.

Pros and cons

+ Lightweight

+ Washable

+ Breathable

+ Adapts to the body

- Not the cheapest

- in the end it is still an extra layer