ATV riding is an adrenaline-packed adventure that blends speed, skill, and the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're cruising on a casual weekend ride or tackling rugged backcountry trails, what you wear matters — and not just for looks. The right ATV riding gear is essential for safety, comfort, and peak performance.
From helmets to boots, proper gear protects you from potential injuries, keeps you comfortable across changing weather and terrain, and helps you ride with confidence. In this guide, we explain what you need to wear when ATV riding, so you're ready for any trail, any conditions, and any level of thrill!
Why Proper ATV Riding Gear Matters
Wearing proper gear while ATV riding isn’t optional — it’s essential. Without the right protective gear, riders increase their chances of injury, and even long-term damage from poor sun protection.
Although riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) offers thrilling adventures across challenging terrain, wearing the right gear is essential for safe riding, protecting both you and your vehicle on every trail. Here are key reasons to wear the proper gear:
- Keeps You Safe While Operating the Vehicle: The right gear is critical for safe riding, helping prevent serious injuries if your ATV vehicle tips, crashes, or encounters unpredictable terrain.
- Shields You from Weather and Elements: From blazing sun to cold rain, the right ATV accessories keep you protected and comfortable no matter where your vehicle takes you.
- Improves Control and Riding Performance: Gloves, boots, and goggles boost your grip, balance, and vision — giving you more control over your all-terrain vehicle for a safer, smoother ride.
- Reduces Fatigue During Long Rides: Breathable, padded clothing reduces discomfort and muscle strain, helping you stay energized and focused on the adventure ahead.
- Protects You from Flying Debris and Hazards: When riding off-road, your ATV vehicle kicks up dirt, rocks, and branches — proper gear shields your body from cuts, stings, and scrapes.
- Meets Legal and Trail Requirements: In many regions, wearing certified ATV gear is required by law, making it essential for both safe riding and trail access.
Top-to-Bottom ATV Riding Outfit: What to Wear on Your ATV
A safe ATV riding outfit covers every part of your body, protecting you from head to toe. From helmets to boots, each piece of gear plays a role in minimizing the chance of injury. Here’s a full breakdown of what to wear for a secure and comfortable riding adventure.
1. Helmet and Eye Protection
The most important article of clothing you can wear while ATV riding is a helmet. A good-quality helmet can prevent or reduce the severity of a head injury during a crash. Look for a DOT-approved helmet that fits snugly and covers the entire head.
Protective eye gear is equally crucial. Trail dust, bugs, and flying gravel can seriously hurt your eyes. Goggles or full-face visors offer the best eye protection and shield your hands from gravel if you're adjusting your face shield mid-ride.
2. Long-Sleeved Shirts and Riding Jackets
A long-sleeved shirt is non-negotiable. Whether you're riding in hot weather or facing inclement weather, a sleeve shirt helps protect your arms from sunburn, abrasions, and flying debris.
Opt for shirts made with anti-microbial fabric and breathable membrane fabrics, especially in warmer weather, to wick sweat and reduce odours. For extra layers, add a lightweight jacket to protect against the chill at speed will inevitably bring on trail.
3. Chest Protection and Base Layers
For more aggressive riding, it’s wise to wear an aftershock chest protector or chest guard pads. These reduce the impact on your upper body and torso, particularly useful on rocky terrain or if you tip your ATV. Layering also matters. Use base layers to regulate your body weight temperature in colder climates, and stick with moisture-wicking material.
4. Riding Pants and Shorts
Actual riding pants are far better than casual clothing like jeans or joggers. They’re designed for abrasion resistance and comfort during long rides. If you're riding in hot climates, padded bike shorts under your pants offer additional protection and cushioning. Avoid anything too loose that can catch on the ATV or nearby branches. Make sure your clothing fits snugly, allowing full range of motion without excess fabric.
5. ATV Gloves
A solid pair of gloves is critical. They not only protect against hand injuries, but also improve grip, reduce vibration fatigue, and shield your skin during falls. Choose gloves designed for off-road use that provide knuckle and palm padding without sacrificing flexibility.
6. Footwear: Never Wear Flip Flops
Riding an ATV in flip flops or casual sneakers is asking for trouble. One wrong move and you could face severe injuries to your feet or ankles. The best options are riding boots or ankle-high shoes that offer proper ankle protection. Some riders opt for hiking boots or rubber boots — as long as they are closed-toe shoes with a durable pair of soles. Stay away from beat-up sneakers or anything that lacks firm grip and structure.
7. Bright and Breathable Clothing for Visibility and Comfort
Wearing bright, high-visibility clothing on the trail enhances your visibility to other riders, which is especially important in wooded areas or low-light conditions to help prevent collisions. Choose breathable riding gear with built-in ventilation to promote airflow and keep you cool, while still offering protection from the sun.
For hot weather rides, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-dry fabrics are ideal. In colder conditions, layering with insulated, wind-resistant gear helps maintain warmth without sacrificing mobility.
ATV riding 101: Learn how to drive an ATV like a pro
What Not to Wear When ATV Riding
Certain clothing choices can increase your risk of injury or discomfort on the trail. Avoid wearing:
- Flip-flops or open-toed shoes: They offer no protection and can easily slip off or cause injury.
- Casual clothing like shorts or tank tops: These leave your skin exposed to sun, debris, and potential burns from the engine or exhaust.
- Worn-out or unsupportive sneakers: Old, beat-up sneakers don’t provide the grip, ankle support, or durability needed for off-road conditions.
- Baggy pants or oversized jackets: Loose-fitting clothes can get caught on controls or branches, creating a safety hazard.
- Clothing with dangling straps, strings, or hoods: These can snag on equipment or the ATV itself, leading to accidents.
If something could get caught, slide around, or leave you vulnerable to the elements or terrain — it’s not the right gear for ATV riding.
ATV Clothing Tips for Different Weather Conditions
Your riding gear should be adjusted to match the weather and trail conditions.
Hot Weather Riding
Riding in hot weather demands gear that helps regulate body temperature without compromising protection. Heat exhaustion, sunburn, and sweat buildup are real risks, so choosing the right gear is crucial for both comfort and safety. The goal is to stay cool, covered, and well-ventilated.
Here are key hot weather ATV gear essentials:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt made of breathable, UV-protective fabric
- Moisture-wicking base layers to manage sweat and reduce chafing
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Vented protective gear or a light mesh jacket for added airflow
Mesh riding pants with integrated padding for ventilation and protection
Cold air feels much colder at speed — especially on exposed trails. Riding in chilly conditions requires layering for insulation while maintaining mobility and comfort. Avoid bulky casual clothing and opt for gear specifically designed for cold-weather riding.
Here are cold weather ATV gear essentials:
- Thermal or fleece mid layer for added warmth
- Moisture-wicking base layers to keep skin dry and prevent chills
- Insulated, waterproof riding boots to keep feet warm and dry
- Windproof outer jacket and pants to block cold air and trap heat
- Waterproof or insulated gloves for grip and warmth
ATV Riding with Kids: Gear Considerations
Riding with kids can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors together, but it demands extra attention to safety. Children should wear the same level of protective gear as adults, properly sized for their smaller frames. This includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy closed-toe footwear like boots.
Avoid anything that leaves skin exposed or could get caught in the ATV — like flip-flops, shorts, tank tops, or baggy clothing with loose strings. Gear that fits well and stays secure is essential to protect young riders and prevent distractions on the trail.
Customize Your ATV Vehicle
At Perfex Industries, we offer high-quality ATV accessories built for performance and durability. From heavy-duty skid plates and reliable lift kits to powerful LED lights and precision-engineered wheel spacers, every product we sell is designed to enhance your ride. We know what riders need because we're riders too. Whether you're tackling tough trails or upgrading for style and safety, our accessories deliver real results!
