Air jackets have become an increasingly popular piece of additional safety kit for riders. And new designs on the market mean that they can be used in a variety of disciplines, whether they’re worn discreetly over a show jacket or in bold colours to match your cross-country gear. It’s even possible to buy integrated body protectors and air jackets, reducing the bulk of safety equipment that many riders dislike.

Always ensure your air jacket is CE marked, which means it reaches EU standards. It’s important to note that there’s currently no agreed European safety standard for air jackets and they should not be used in place of a body protector.

Point 2 ProAir
RRP from £420
www.point-two.co.uk

Featuring a pleat neck for better comfort and fit, it extends down to protect the hips and pelvis.
Includes: Lanyard, saddle strap (replacement from £10.42) and two air canisters (replacement from £17.87)
Colours: Black, brown, emerald, navy, racing green, pink, red, purple, burgundy, royal blue or high-vis
Sizes: S–XL (XL available in black only)

Pro Hit-Air vest
RRP from £395
hitairuk.co.uk

Lightweight to give freedom of movement, it inflates outwards to give added protection to your neck, spine, chest and lower back, with an additional air bag for your ribs.
Includes: Lanyard, saddle strap (replacement £10) and one canister (replacement £17.50)
Colours: Black, red, navy or royal blue
Sizes: S–L

Airowear AyrVest
RRP £559.68 (Flexion) and £489.60 (UltraFlex)
airowear.co.uk

This combined air jacket and BETA Level 3 body protector inflates away from your body. It has additional inflation tubes around your jaw to stabilise your head and an airway over the zip to provide added protection to your sternum.
Includes: Lanyard and two air canisters (replacement £11.20). Saddle strap sold separately (RRP £12.96)
Styles: Advanced UltraFlex for a secure fit or Flexion for an elastic fit
Sizes: XXS–M

EquiAirBag VZero
RRP from £450
usg-reitsport.eu

Lightweight and adjustable, it protects the whole of your back, extending up to your neck and down to your tail bone. Connects directly to the D-ring of the saddle.
Includes: Lanyard and one canister (replacements £25), plus tool for changing canisters.
Sizes: One size

Helite AirShell gilet
RRP from £455
treehouseairjackets.co.uk

The air jacket is hidden inside a gilet, which is made of stretchy fabric that allows for outward inflation. Provides full coverage of your back, chest, sides, back of your neck and your sacroiliac.
Includes: Lanyard, saddle strap (replacement £10) and two air canisters (replacement from £17.50)
Colours: Blue, blue/red, black, black/blue or black/grey
Sizes: XS–XL