If you jump in your way-back machine and pop in some early 90’s mountain bike videos you will more than likely spot some Dainese protection. After introducing mountain bike protection in 1993, Dainese would eventually pull out of mountain biking to focus more on the moto side of the business.
Now Dainese is back and focusing again on rider protection for the self propelled world of mountain biking. In addition to providing aggressive protection for downhill and freeriders, Dainese is also looking to equip Enduro racers with new products like the Pro Pack. Designed to adhere to the back protection requirements of the sport while offering a versatile solution for gear management, the Pro Pack is part back protector, part pack, all Dainese.
Shown above in Race mode and Touring mode, the Pro Pack is built for days where you just need to run the back protection with a few tools, or all day epics where you need to carry more gear. The entire storage section of the bag simply zips off when not in use leaving the back protector, a space for hydration, and essential tools.
The back protector uses the same two layer soft Flex back protector they offer as a stand alone piece, but integrated into the Race portion of the bag. The two layers slide independently over one another and also articulate to perfectly match the curvature of your back. This flexible design in addition to the shape of the spinal protector itself provides unbeatable protection to the back .
In both modes the pack provides straps to carry armor and a full face or Enduro helmet.
The Pro Pack features all of the straps you would expect to find on packs these days, but uses a low slung waist belt that is designed to not interfere with your breathing. It’s also designed so that it typically rides below your jersey so you don’t get that lashed-down look. The sternum strap is highly adjustable and includes an emergency whistle.
The Touring mode bag includes a ton of storage for various tools and gear, a sunglass pocket, and a built in waterproof cell phone pouch with a leash. The Pro Pack is compatible with up to 3 liter hydration packs and will retail for $199.
Dainese was also showing off their new Hybrid pads which offer the comfort of a soft pad with the impact protection of a hard shell.
In testing the Honeycomb Pro-Shape structure exclusive to Dainese was great for impact absorption, but the hard shell was better for impact dispersion and taking sharp edged hits, so the Hybrid combines the two for a pad that adapts to the body’s movement but still offers a rigid knee and elbow cap for increased protection.
All of the hard plates are covered with a coating to allow them to slide, and the knee pads offer additional side protection in the form of the Pro-Shape padding. Equipped with silicone grippers to keep them in place, the hybrid pads are the thinnest on the market to conform to the ce2 certification at 7mm thick. That ce2 protection is found across the line in everything Dainese makes. Hybrid Knee Protectors will sell for $99.95 while the Eblows are a bit less at $89.95.
