Depends
I also do not like wearing pads while riding, but if i am goint to roll a rock garden on the downhill bike then i definitely will. Last christmas my buddy as riding down a ridge and busted his elbow on a rock. 10 stitches inside and 13 out later he was short some money and couldnt ride for weeks. The moral is dress appropriate for what you are going to ride. Dont use a full suit for xc and dont use a lycra suit for shore riding.
I also do not like wearing pads while riding, but if i am goint to roll a rock garden on the downhill bike then i definitely will. Last christmas my buddy as riding down a ridge and busted his elbow on a rock. 10 stitches inside and 13 out later he was short some money and couldnt ride for weeks. The moral is dress appropriate for what you are going to ride. Dont use a full suit for xc and dont use a lycra suit for shore riding.