The 7 Best Snowboard Wrist Guards & Protective Gear of 2024
By: Jen Streby: Senior Buyer | October 30, 2023
Snowboarding and skiing are exhilarating, but they also come with their fair share of risks. Injuries can happen in a split second, and protecting yourself is essential to minimize the risk of serious injury. No one wants to miss days on the mountain as they recover from an injury. That's why we've compiled a list of the best snowboard wrist guards and protective gear. From impact shorts and wrist guards to knee pads and spine protector vests, we've got you covered with the latest and greatest snowboard and ski protection.
New This Year:
Advancements have been made in recent years, making protection lighter weight and less restrictive while maintaining a high level of protection. In addition, breathability and flexibility have improved, so you don’t notice you’re wearing them. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, it's important to invest in quality protective gear. Not only will it keep you safe on the slopes and give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on shredding the mountain. No matter your skill level, these products will keep you safe and comfortable while wearing them on the mountain.
This Year's Best Snowboard Wrist Guards & Protective Gear:
Burton Total Impact Shorts
Huck your meat from the terrain park to the backcountry with the peace of mind that comes from rocking the Burton Total Impact Shorts. Constructed from Burton's DRYRIDE Ultrawick™ Lightweight 100 fabric, you can shred hard without getting swampy or chaffed. With the Burton Total Impact Shorts, getting up after a big-time wreck has never been so easy thanks to the G-Form™ impact protection padding at the hips, leg, and tailbone.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Impact Shorts | $139.95 |
Burton Impact Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries while snowboarding can ruin more than your day; they can ruin your season. Kick injuries to the curb with the Burton Impact Wrist Guards. These low profile guards easily and comfortably fit under your gloves giving you an extra level of stealth protection. You sneaky devil you.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Impact Wrist Guards | $25.95 |
Burton Total Impact Short - Women's
Whether it's the repeated butt slides or sending it too big off the waterfall in the terrain park, snowboarding has a knack for leaving its mark for the following few days. With the Burton Total Impact Shorts, however, you don't have to deal with the common bumps and bruises because the D3O® impact protection padding in the hip, leg and tailbone take the force of impacts for you. Quick-drying and breathable, the Total Impact Shorts have a women's specific fit and low-profile that can be easily worn underneath your usual layers.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Impact Shorts | $139.95 |
Burton Basic Knee Pads
Keep your knees in tip-top shape with the Burton Basic Knee Pads. These lifesavers are made to comfortably slip on over your baselayer but under your snow pants so nobody will ever know. A few knee pads cost a lot less than multiple knee surgeries, ponder that fun fact.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Thin EVA Knee Pads | $27.95 |
POC VPD System Back Protector
Spine protection you'll hardly notice under all your gear. The POC VPD System Back Protector has a pre-shaped fit and super easy adjustment straps for that extra bit of protection you'll be happy to have in the event of a yard sale.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Spine Protector | $180.00 |
POC VPD Air Junior Vest - Kids'
You want to saddle junior up with some impact and spine protection, but don't want to hear about how uncomfortable it is all day... Enter the POC VPD Air Junior Vest. The combination of its low profile build and VPD Air foam makes wearing this vest underneath outerwear an after thought!
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Spine Protector | $120.00 |
POC Spine VPD Air Vest
The POC Spine VPD Air Vest is made from lightweight, breathable mesh with a removable elastic waistband for optimal comfort and fit. It also utilizes POC's VPD compound for superior protection, and conforms to Level 1 Safety Standards. With a low profile it takes the hassle out of keeping your most valuable asset -- your spine -- protected.
| Protection Type | Original Price |
| Spine Protector | $150.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Accessories Guides:
- Sunglasses - How to Choose
- Sunglasses - Style & Face Shape
- Goggles - How to Choose
- Goggles - How to Wear Goggles with Glasses
- Goggles - How to Prevent Fogging
- Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
- Helmets - MIPS Technology
- Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
- Hats - Types, Styles, & Materials
- Socks - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Socks
Discover Our Favorite Accessories:
- The Warmest Mittens
- The Best Face Masks, Neck Tubes & Balaclavas
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Mittens
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Socks
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Value Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Ski Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Boot Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks
- The Best Snowboard Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Wax
- The Best Snowboard Stomp Pads
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Glove Liners
- The Best Snowboard Wrist Guards & Protective Gear
- The Best Heated Ski Socks & Ski Boot Heaters
- The Best Beanies
The Selection Process:
Our snow accessories buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things snow accessory related stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what accessories will keep you comfortable and really up your experience outside. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jen Streby
Hi! My name is Jen and while growing up in the very cold Midwest, I didn’t have much experience in the snow apart from sledding and building your classic snowman. Eventually, after college, I migrated my way out to Utah. There I stepped on the snow on skis for the first time at the young age of 27. The first experience being at Alta, doing a complete yard sale under the Collins lift on my first run. Stubborn me didn’t give up. I soon after got a job at Snowbird where I grew to love the sport and learned to love the mountains in the wintertime as much as I do in the summer.
My winter passion didn’t change upon moving to the PNW where I call Seattle my home. I started with evo 6 years ago and have been a buyer for several categories, one of which currently includes the snow accessories category. Come to me if you want to talk about helmets, goggles, gloves, and more.