Protective gear is all optional. I almost always wear a helmet and goggles. (I have a Giro Nine helmet and I love it!) They are nearly essential. Not many people use butt and wrist guards; although I can tell you that they are much more common for:1) East coast / Icey mountains (the harder the snow the harder the fall)2) Beginners (more falls = more chance of injury)3) Those who have had prior injuries or who are more likely to become injuredAlso, if you are riding rails you might want to consider shin guards. I bashed the hell out of mine on a rail-slide 50/50 that went bad a couple years back and was lucky to get away with just a bad scar. Could have broken my leg!
