Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Side by side riding gear is the protective equipment you wear while driving a UTV or side-by-side, and choosing the right pieces comes down to four things: head protection, eye protection, hand and foot coverage, and fit. This guide walks you through the essentials in the order most riders should set them up, so you finish with a kit that protects you on the trail and stays comfortable through a full day of riding.

Start With a DOT-Approved Helmet

A helmet is the single most important piece of side by side riding gear. Look for a label showing DOT compliance, and choose a full-face or off-road style helmet, since side-by-sides roll over and riders can strike brush, rocks and roll cages with their heads. Many manufacturers specify that a helmet should fit snug without pressure points, and that the cheek pads should compress slightly when you press them.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Riding Gear Motorcycles: Top Picks for Safer Rides (2026).

  • Check fit by buckling the chin strap and trying to pull the helmet off forward and up. It should not move.
  • Replace any helmet that has taken a hard impact, even if the damage is not visible.
  • Make sure the helmet works with your goggles or face shield without gaps.

Protect Your Eyes and Face

Dust, sticks and debris move fast at trail speeds, and a helmet alone will not stop them from reaching your eyes. Goggles with a sealed frame and an anti-fog treated lens are a practical choice for dusty trails. If you ride with a windshield or doors, a clear face shield still needs regular cleaning, and riders often find that a tinted lens helps in bright sun while a clear lens works better under tree cover.

Choose Gloves, Boots and Long Sleeves

Hands and feet take the most abuse when a machine tips or a branch whips back. Off-road gloves with reinforced knuckles and a secure wrist closure give you grip on the wheel and protect your skin. Over-the-ankle boots with a firm sole support your feet on the floorboards and protect your shins from the footwell. Pair them with long sleeves and long pants made from abrasion-resistant fabric, since bare skin can be scraped badly in a short slide or a brush-through.

Use Your Restraints the Right Way

Your harness or seat belt is part of your gear, and it only protects you when it is worn correctly. Manufacturers generally recommend a four-point or five-point harness that holds your torso against the seat, with the lap belt low across the hips. Check the belt for fraying and make sure the buckle releases quickly before every ride. Side-by-side owners should also confirm that doors, nets or roof components are properly latched.

Quick Pre-Ride Checklist

  1. Helmet: DOT label visible, chin strap snug, no cracks.
  2. Eye protection: lens clean and unscratched, goggles sealed.
  3. Gloves: no torn seams, wrist closure secure.
  4. Boots: laces or buckles tight, soles intact.
  5. Clothing: long sleeves and pants, no loose straps or drawstrings near moving parts.
  6. Harness: buckled, adjusted, and releasing smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing a helmet that is too loose because it feels comfortable at first.
  • Skipping eye protection on overcast days, when debris is still moving at speed.
  • Wearing sandals, short sleeves or shorts when the trail includes brush or rocks.
  • Letting a harness sit loose on the shoulders, which reduces its protection in a rollover.
  • Ignoring gear damage after a crash or drop.

A DOT-rated full-face helmet is the core purchase for most side-by-side riders, and a dedicated off-road model is easier to fit with goggles. View on Amazon

Goggles with a dual-lens or anti-fog treatment keep your vision clear through dust and humidity. View on Amazon

Reinforced off-road gloves with knuckle protection and a secure wrist closure handle both steering and the occasional impact. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need a helmet for side-by-side riding?

Many states and trail systems require helmets for UTV riders, and most safety guidance recommends one regardless of local rules. A DOT-approved helmet is the standard to look for.

Can I wear motocross gear in a side-by-side?

Yes, motocross jerseys and pants offer good abrasion protection, though you still need a helmet, eye protection and boots that fit the floorboards. Check that the pants do not catch on door or seat hardware.

How often should I replace side-by-side riding gear?

Replace a helmet after any significant impact or when the manufacturer’s recommended service life has passed. Gloves and boots should be retired once seams split, soles separate or protective padding is compressed.

Conclusion

Good side by side riding gear starts with a properly fitted helmet, then adds eye protection, gloves, boots and covering clothes. Run through the pre-ride checklist every time, and check your harness before you roll. A few minutes of setup each ride is the easiest way to protect yourself on the trail.

Ready to choose one?

Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland 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.