Abstract: A back support vest including a lower back supporting section formed of elastic material that encircles the body in the lumbar and lumbosacral region, an upper back supporting section formed of non-elastic material that encircles the body in the thoracolumbar and thoracic region, and shoulder straps that join the front and rear lateral portions of the upper section. The vest also includes a reinforced section that spans the lower and upper sections centering on the dorsolumbar region. The elastic material of the lower section keeps the reinforced section in tension to provide effective support. Additional support is provided by pockets that releasably attach to the rear of the vest and are adapted to hold additional back support devices such as pillows, inflatables and molded spinal orthoses.