Lumbar/Lower back support/belt?
 

Does anyone use that kind of thing while doing large trips/distances? I've heard rumors of people using either hard gym-style belts (looks like a hazard with so much metal) or softer fabric-based supporters.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

Does this actually provide meaningful support for your back? Do you even need that much support for your back actually? Most of the builder belts are just storage for tools.

I think maybe you're confusing tool belts (a.k.a. nailbags) with back braces, some of which are marketed for specific purposes. In my experience they can help, mostly by reminding you to sit upright and not make sudden bending or twisting motions. The kind with built in metal or plastic stays, as pictured, is more effective than the kind without.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

I often wear a MX Kidney belt (lower back protector).

It's not really a back brace. And it doesn't restrict or annoy you as one might.

It does 'Pull everything together' though. So to speak. It stops you slouching so much.

It also saved my lower back when I crashed and landed on my coccyx.

I have the Alpinestars Orion Kidney belt. About £30 It might be the intermediate you require.

It shouldn't get in the way with any armour you have in your jacket as it sits quite low.

https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/bod...xoCeD4QAvD_BwE

I've suffered from lower back pain since I was in my teens (a looong time ago!) and I've tried at 'kidney belts' like the one in the picture to see if they help on long trips. I've still got two of them around somewhere. They don't really help though so I use them now more for warmth in the winter than for back support.

Back problems come in many forms though and it may be that whatever is wrong with mine isn't helped by the belts. It can get painful at times and I usually end up using the luggage for support. I was going through a bad phase when we did a US trip some years ago and it ended up with pillion riding wife having to shove her shoulder bag into my lower back to ease things off. The kidney belt I tried made no difference.

kidney belt?
 

So agree with Ted, a specifically designed kidney belt is very useful, both for supporting the soft and squashy bits inside you, and providing lumbar support.

Ride more than an hour and you will feel the difference.

Living in Norway where even major roads can be frost damaged, and gravel roads are what they are, most riders use a kidney belt.

I tried a recommended combined back protector and belt, but was never happy with it, so I am back to a belt which works for me. Similar to Alpinestar, don't have it here, so don't remember the brand.

Stay Strong

Peter, in Oslo

Thanks guys, that clears it all up!