By Owen PalmerOff road riding gear protects you from the things a trail throws at you: rocks, roots, branches, flying mud and the occasional hard tip-over. The goal of this guide is to help you build a sensible kit for your machine, whether you ride an ATV, a UTV side-by-side or a dirt bike. You will learn which pieces are non-negotiable, how to check fit and certification, and where riders most often cut corners that they later regret.
Start With the Non-Negotiables: Helmet and Eye Protection
A helmet is the single most important piece of off road riding gear you will own. Head injuries are the injuries most likely to cause permanent harm in a crash, and a properly fitted helmet is the best defense against them. Most riding helmets sold in the US are rated to the DOT FMVSS 218 standard, and many riders also look for a Snell M2020 or ECE 22.06 label for added assurance.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best All Terrain Tires ATV Picks for Trail and Trail-to-Road Riding.
How to Check Helmet Fit
- Measure the circumference of your head about one inch above your eyebrows and ears. Compare that number to the manufacturer’s sizing chart, because sizes vary between brands.
- Put the helmet on with the chin strap fastened. It should feel snug across the cheeks and forehead with no pressure points.
- Grip the helmet at the brow and try to twist it. If your skin moves with the shell, it is too loose.
- Open your mouth wide, as if yawning. The helmet should press slightly on your cheeks. If it lifts or shifts, go down a size or try a different model.
Eye protection is the next priority. Goggles that seal around the face keep dust, mud and branch tips out of your eyes, and a clear lens plus a tinted or dark lens gives you options as light conditions change. Many riders carry a spare lens or a tear-off stack for muddy rides. Goggles should also fit comfortably over glasses if you wear them, or you should consider prescription inserts.
Body Protection: Jersey, Pants and Chest Gear
Riding jerseys and pants are designed to move with you and resist abrasion. Look for reinforced knees and seat areas on pants, and abrasion-resistant panels on the elbows and shoulders of jerseys. Gear made for motocross or ATV riding usually fits looser through the body and tighter at the wrists and ankles so it stays out of the way on the handlebars and pegs.
Chest and back protection, often called a roost guard or body armor, matters most in aggressive terrain and on higher-speed machines. Riders who race or ride fast single-track tend to value armor that covers the sternum, ribs and spine. Protective gear is rated by impact standards such as CE EN 1621-1 for motorcycle armor, so check labels rather than relying on appearance.
Hands, Feet and Ankles
Gloves protect your hands from impacts, abrasion and the sting of thrown debris. Riders often pick gloves with knuckle armor and a snug wrist closure. Make sure you can still operate throttle, brake and clutch controls with full dexterity.
Boots deserve as much attention as your helmet. Off road boots provide ankle support, a stiff sole for footpeg control and shin protection against the frame and footpegs. A boot that twists easily will not protect an ankle during a awkward landing. Break in new boots on short rides before a long trip, because blisters and rubbing can turn a good day into a miserable one.
Gear by Machine Type
Your machine changes what you need. The table below gives a general starting point, but always check your local rules and the specific guidance from your vehicle manufacturer.
| Machine | Core Gear | Extra Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| ATV | DOT helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, long-sleeve jersey and pants | Chest protection and a neck brace or roll-bar-compatible setup for aggressive riding |
| UTV / side-by-side | DOT helmet with a secure chin strap, eye protection or a windshield, gloves, closed footwear | Four-point harness use and passenger gear for everyone in the cab |
| Dirt bike | Full motocross kit: helmet, goggles, boots, chest and kidney protection, gloves | Heavier armor for jumps, whoops and high-speed trail |
Youth riders need gear sized for their body, and the ATV safety guidance from the manufacturer and state programs usually recommends a helmet and eye protection for all riders, regardless of age. Passengers should also be fully geared, and on a UTV they should be seated in a proper seat with belts fastened.
Building Your Kit Step by Step
- Buy the helmet first and fit it carefully. Do not compromise here.
- Add goggles or a face shield that seals to your helmet and carry a spare lens.
- Choose boots that fit your foot and offer real ankle support.
- Get gloves that protect your knuckles and keep your grip secure.
- Add a jersey and pants that cover your skin and resist abrasion.
- Consider chest and back armor if you ride fast or in rough terrain.
- Test everything on a short ride close to home before heading into remote country.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a helmet by eye. Sizing charts exist for a reason. A helmet that is too big can come off during a crash.
- Ignoring boots. Riders often spend heavily on a helmet and then wear sneakers, which leaves ankles and shins exposed.
- Skipping spare goggle lenses. A mud-caked lens can end a ride early, and you will want a backup on the trail.
- Wearing gear that is worn out. Helmets should be replaced after a significant impact, and most manufacturers recommend replacing them after a set number of years even without a crash. Check the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Forgetting passengers. A passenger in shorts and sandals on a UTV is a serious risk.
Tips for Riding Comfort and Safety
- Layer for temperature. Thin base layers help in cold mornings, and a vented jersey keeps you cooler in summer heat.
- Keep gear clean. Mud and grit wear down seals and fabric, so rinse goggles, gloves and boots after muddy rides.
- Store helmets out of direct sun and away from heaters, since heat can weaken the shell and liner.
- Carry a small kit with you, including a spare goggle lens and a cloth for wiping your visor.
Recommended gear
Several well-known brands make helmets, goggles and riding apparel that fit common trail and motocross needs. Use the links below to compare current options and check sizing before you buy.
- Fox Racing V1 helmet: A widely recognized off-road helmet that many riders choose for its ventilation and fit options. View on Amazon
- Oakley Flight Deck goggles: Goggles with a sealed frame designed for dust and debris protection on the trail. View on Amazon
- Fox Racing Coverage gloves: Off-road gloves with knuckle protection and a secure fit for throttle and brake control. View on Amazon
- Alpinestars Tech 7 boots: Motocross boots offering ankle support and a stiff sole for footpeg control. View on Amazon
FAQ
Is a DOT helmet enough for ATV riding?
A DOT-compliant helmet meets the federal standard for motorcycle and off-road helmets and is the baseline most riders use. Many riders add a Snell or ECE label for extra assurance. Always check your state and local rules.
How often should I replace my riding helmet?
Replace a helmet after a significant impact, even if the damage is not obvious. Many manufacturers also recommend replacing helmets after a set number of years because materials age, so follow the guidance printed in your helmet’s manual.
Do I need chest protection for a UTV?
UTVs have a roll cage and seat belts, so chest armor is less common than on dirt bikes. However, riders in open-sided machines or on aggressive trails sometimes wear it. Seat belts and a proper harness matter more.
Can I use motocross gear for ATV riding?
Yes, many riders do. Motocross jerseys, pants, gloves and boots offer good abrasion and impact protection for ATVs. Make sure the gear fits your riding position and allows full control of the handlebars and pedals.
What is the best way to clean riding gear?
Rinse off mud and grit with clean water, let items air-dry away from direct heat, and use a mild soap on fabric. Clean goggle lenses with a soft cloth and a lens-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh solvents, which can damage helmet shells and foam.
Should children wear the same gear as adults?
Children need gear sized for their body, and a helmet and eye protection are strongly recommended for all youth riders. Follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations for the machine and consult your state ATV safety program for local requirements.
Where can I learn more about trail safety?
Many state ATV and off-road safety programs offer free or low-cost training courses. For vehicle-specific safety questions, consult your machine’s owner’s manual or a qualified dealer or instructor.
Conclusion
Good off road riding gear starts with a properly fitted helmet and eye protection, then extends to boots, gloves and body armor suited to how and where you ride. Match your kit to your machine, check fit and certification, and replace worn items before they fail. A complete, well-maintained setup makes every trail ride safer and more comfortable.
Related reading
- Off-Road Tool Kit: Tools and Spares for Trail Fixes
- Off-Road Tires Explained: Types, Sizes and Load Ratings
- Off-Road Recovery Basics: Self-Recovery and Safe Zones
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About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ATV, UTV/side-by-side & dirt bikes guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
