ATV Backrests – How to Find the Right One

ATVs are a lot of fun and have countless professional and recreational uses, but despite how versatile their applications have become, they are and have always been highly specialized vehicles, and because of that, they are flawed. The number one problem a lot of people have with ATVs – even if they love them -, is the lack of comfort and support that a backrest provides. This isn’t much of a problem when it comes to racing, as the rider will be leaning forward or even slightly stood up, but for other applications involving long stints in the driver’s seat, a backrest can be the difference between a pleasant and back-breaking experience. We have the recommendations on these backrests! So, if you’re putting in the hours at the helm of an ATV, constantly having to strain against the pull of the engine, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to be looking at the five best ATV backrests available at the minute, so you can get some respite and recover. After the reviews, we’ve put together an in-depth buyer’s guide and brief FAQ section just in case we didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for with our lists.

ATV Backrests – Top Model Compared

Image	Product	Features	Price
OUR TOP PICK	Black Boar (66010) ATV Rear Storage Box and Lounger	Comes with thick seat Sturdy two-cushion design backrest Comes with sturdy lockable storage	Check Price On Amazon
EDITOR’S CHOICE	Great Day RR605B Ride-N-Rest ((Black))	2 inches of high-density padding Waterproof 400 denier nylon cover Folds back into a second seat for a passenger	Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE	Quadboss ATV Backrest (Black)	Very Affordable 2-inch padding keeps you comfy on a long ride Folds back into another seat	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Coleman ATV Rear Padded-Bottom Bag	Affordable Durable 600d fabric coating Easy access drink holders	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Polaris Lock And Ride Rear Cargo Box Passenger Backrest	Strong steel-frame construction Easy to mount Lasts a very long time	Check Price On Amazon

Top 5 Best ATV Backrests

What Are the Benefits of Having an ATV Backrest while Using Front and Rear Drop ATV Baskets?

Employing popular drop ATV baskets, integrating a backrest to your ATV can significantly increase comfort and support, thus making extended journeys more pleasurable. This backrest addition helps in reducing fatigue and preventing back discomfort, allowing explorers to comfortably enjoy their outdoor pursuits.

Buyers Checklist for Backrests for your ATV

We know you’re probably enjoying this time on your comfy couch, but if you take heed of this little guide, we can have you back out there in no time on your ATV. and thanks to your new backrest, you’ll hardly realize you’ve left your favorite chair.

Legality

Taking on a passenger on an ATV is a bit of a dicey subject and is illegal in some states. If you’re interested in one of the products on our list that doubles as a passenger seat, make sure you do some research about your state’s laws before you buy.

Budget

ATV riding is an expensive pursuit. It’s a good idea to consider other needs in your life and balance them with your need for a backrest, then come up with a realistic budget.

Padding

Getting a rest with the perfect amount and type of padding is really important. You need something with a pretty high density otherwise you’ll feel the metal construction through the padding; however, you need something made with a material that has a little give as comfort and relief is the aim of the game here. For maximum comfort, we recommend padding of at least 2 inches. This keeps things lean and light while offering you just enough support to get through those long rides with a healthy lumbar.

Coating

Material

Perhaps even more important than the padding itself is what surrounds it and keeps it all in place. The best fabrics for covers are extremely weather-resistant and durable. The last thing you need is water soaking underneath into the cushion as it will never dry and start to rot away which will be uncomfortable for your back and indeed your nose.

Stitching

Here’s a hot tip: check the stitch quality. Sometimes you’ll find what appears to be a really great product made of very durable material that looks like it could take a real beating, but it’s no good having all that fancy cover material if it’s going to come apart at the seams and let the weather in. It’s not the easiest thing to check, and we hate to make sweeping generalizations, but there aren’t many ATV enthusiasts out there also know the difference between a piped seam and a double top-stitched seam, not to mention how to rate the quality of the job done. The best thing you can do is read up on as many customer reviews as possible, and keep your finger on the pulse of ATV communities. Brands that make quality, hard-wearing products will make a name for themselves and will be discussed by enthusiasts.

Frame

The frame is really the most important part of the rest to consider as one that doesn’t mount correctly, or made of poor quality materials can be extremely dangerous.

Material

Firstly, you’ll want to consider what material is used for the frame. Steel is incredibly strong but can be quite heavy. Aluminum is lighter but not quite as strong. The best material for both strength and weight is carbon fiber; however, we found it particularly hard to find any, and if you do, it’s likely to cost a pretty penny.

Mounting

Now you need to find out if it will mount properly to your quad and what tools you’re going to need to get the job done. Some simple rests will come with all the hardware required for installation. Other more complex or multi-purpose designs may require more advanced equipment such as power tools. If a rest doesn’t fit on your quad initially, it’s not unheard of – if you’re fairly handy with your tools – to make a few adjustments and make it work, but be sure you know what you’re doing, check to see if it’s been done before, and make sure it’s safe.

Instructions

Most packages will come with instructions, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure of that before purchase. Some products might come with poor instructions like our fourth pick. If you think this will be a problem for you, it’s best you choose something with a more intuitive installation guide.

Internal Frame

Just to be super sure about comfort, try and get a picture of how the frame runs through the rest. You want to have as much support as possible, but you don’t want to really feel the bones of the rest impressing themselves in your back. Read Also: A Close Look at ATV For Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they easy to install?

Most backrests will fit easily to your rear wrack. The process should take less than an hour.

Are they safe?

An aftermarket backrest modification, if properly installed, can make your ATV slightly safer in the event of a crash, as it can create a small arch when overturned that could prevent the vehicle from landing directly on you. That said, driving an ATV is always dangerous and a backrest offers very little to reduce that danger.

Final Thoughts

There we go then. Five of the best ATV backrests around to save you a whole lot of pain and a fortune at the chiropractor. Your spine is a very delicate part of the body, and once it develops issues, the healing process can be long and arduous. You’ll have heard your old man, or his old man before him saying how he could do this or that before their back went. It’s the sad truth that sometimes there’s no way back from a spinal injury. So, we think, although it’s only a small adjustment, a backrest won’t just help you day-to-day but will help to keep you mobile, agile, and independent for longer when you start to get a bit older. Stay comfortable. Stay safe.