By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
Cold weather changes how an ATV rider has to dress. Wind chill at speed can drop your skin temperature fast, and frozen fingers or an exposed neck can turn a fun loop into a miserable ride. This guide covers atv cold weather riding gear that protects the face, neck and hands while still letting you control the machine. We weighed each pick on wind resistance, layering compatibility, fit under a helmet and how well it keeps out moisture.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallCold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask, Water Resistant and Windproof Fleece Thermal Face MaskView on Amazon - 2
Best for full face coverageTough Headwear Fleece Balaclava Hoodie Ski MaskView on Amazon - 3
Best for breathability on work ridesBalaclava Ski Face Mask for Men Women, Breathable Winter Cold Weather Gear Thermal ShiestyView on Amazon - 4
Best for hand protectionKolpin Geartector Cold Weather Handlebar Mitts, BlackView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask | Overall cold-weather coverage | Water resistant, windproof fleece |
| Tough Headwear Fleece Balaclava Hoodie | Full face and neck coverage | Wind resistant extreme-cold design |
| Balaclava Ski Face Mask Shiesty | Breathability on work rides | Breathable thermal fabric |
| Kolpin Geartector Handlebar Mitts | Hand protection at the bars | Handlebar-mounted cold guard |
Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask, Water Resistant and Windproof Fleece Thermal Face Mask
Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask, Water Resistant and Windproof Fleece Thermal Face Mask, Cycling Motorcycle Neck Warmer Hood Winter Gear for Men Women
For a deeper look, Top 4 Diesel Heaters for Rooftop Tent Options for Cold-Weather Camping covers this in detail.
Best for: Overall cold-weather coverage
This suits riders who want one piece that covers the face and neck and works for motorcycles and outdoor work too.
Pros
- Water resistant outer layer for sleet and wet snow
- Fleece lining holds warmth under a helmet
Cons
- Can feel warm on mild days
Tough Headwear Fleece Balaclava Hoodie Ski Mask
Tough Headwear Fleece Balaclava Hoodie Ski Mask – Wind Resistant Extreme Cold Weather Gear – Thermal Winter Face Mask
Best for: Full face and neck coverage
Best for riders who run in deep cold and want the neck and chin sealed off from wind at speed.
Pros
- Hood section adds coverage over the shoulders
- Wind resistant fabric cuts chill on open trails
Cons
- Bulkier fit may need a larger helmet liner
Balaclava Ski Face Mask for Men Women, Breathable Winter Cold Weather Gear Thermal Shiesty
Balaclava Ski Face Mask for Men Women-Breathable Winter Cold Weather Gear Thermal Shiesty for Skiing Motorcycle Outdoor Work
Best for: Breathability on work rides
A good fit for riders who stop often or work hard and need warmth without the sweat buildup that makes cold worse.
Pros
- Breathable thermal fabric reduces moisture
- Works for skiing, motorcycle and outdoor work
Cons
- Less wind protection than heavier fleece options
Kolpin Geartector Cold Weather Handlebar Mitts, Black
Kolpin Geartector® Cold Weather Handlebar Mitts – Black
Best for: Hand protection at the bars
Suited to riders who want to keep their hands working on the controls during long cold rides.
Pros
- Mounts over the handlebars to block wind
- Leaves room for your gloves underneath
Cons
- Fit depends on handlebar width and control layout
Buying Guide
Wind Resistance
At 30 mph, wind chill can make 20°F feel far colder, so look for a windproof outer layer. Fleece alone breathes but does little to stop wind.
Coverage Around the Face and Neck
Make sure the mask or balaclava covers the neck and seals at the collar. Gaps near the chin and jaw let cold air in at speed.
Fit Under a Helmet
Check that the face mask sits flat under your helmet and does not bunch around the eyes. Your field of view must stay clear.
Moisture Management
Breath moisture freezes on fabric and makes you colder. Breathable thermal layers help you stay dry on longer rides.
Good picks for this: Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask and Kolpin Geartector Cold Weather Handlebar Mitts
FAQ
What temperature needs cold weather ATV gear?
Most riders start needing added face and hand protection once temperatures drop below about 40°F, especially with wind at speed. Check your local conditions and wind forecast before each ride.
Can I wear a balaclava under my helmet?
Yes, as long as it is thin enough to sit flat and does not block your vision. Test the fit with your helmet on before heading out.
Do handlebar mitts work with regular gloves?
Most handlebar mitts are designed to fit over gloves, but confirm the sizing for your specific gloves and handlebar setup before buying.
Conclusion
For most riders, the Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask offers the best all-around coverage. Choose the Tough Headwear hoodie for deep cold and the Shiesty mask for work rides where breathability matters more. Add the Kolpin handlebar mitts if your hands get cold first.
Sources
- Guidance on cold stress, wind chill and frostbite prevention (cdc.gov)
- Winter safety and cold-weather recreation advice for outdoor riders (nps.gov)
Related reading
- Winter Equestrian Riding Gear: 8 Essentials for Cold-Weather Riding
- Warm Weather Riding Gear: 7 Essentials for Hot-Weather ATV and Dirt Bike Rides
- Warm Motorcycle Riding Gear: 7 Essentials for Cold-Weather Rides
- Riding Fixed Gear in Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cold-Weather Safety
- Motorcycle Riding Gear Cold Weather: 4 Best Picks for Winter Rides (2026)
- Heated Riding Gear Harley-Davidson: 6 Essentials for Cold-Weather Rides (2026)
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher 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.
