A protection device (1) or protecting a rack system against impact, comprising an outer shell (2) which is configured to be fitted on an upright column of a rack system, and an inner element (3) which is provided in the outer shell (2) and is made of a flexible material and which, in use, is arranged against or adjacent to a part of the column, in which the inner element (3) is hingeably connected to the inner periphery of the outer shell (2) by its longitudinal ends (6), so that the inner element (3) bends in the direction of the outer shell (2) upon impact so that this outer shell (2) is clamped more securely to the column onto which this outer shell (2) is fitted.