Riding ATV’s is one of the most popular off-roading sport out there. There’s something about flying down the trail or in the mud at high speeds with your buddies that keeps the adrenaline flowing. There are certain pieces of atv gear that could come in handy when you are riding. This is a list of the types of atv gear that you should have when you are riding, to make the adventure as safe and comfortable for the person operating the machine.
Let’s get right into it.
Types of ATV Gear
Helmet
A helmet is probably the most important piece of atv gear you should be wearing. The bottom line is, that could be the factor that separates you from life or death. Not only is it for safety purposes, now a days that helmets that they are making just look cool. Most of them will come with a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Some of the major brands out there right now are O’Neal, Fox Racing, 509, and Thor. Helmets will cost you a pretty penny though. Average price ranging from $120-$350. There are some helmets out there that you could spend close to $1,000 on. That’s the price you pay to keep your head safe.
Goggles
Next on the list is goggles. Goggles are another important piece of atv gear. Goggles will, obviously, protect your eyes from all of the sand, dirt, and dust that is kicked up on the trail. Not to worry though, goggles style and quality has improved so much in the last 15 years. They are basically as stylish as sunglasses nowadays.
The top brands out there now are Oakley, Fox Racing, 100%, and FMF. I recommend not cheaping-out when buying goggles, because the cheap pair will not last you long at all. The average price range for goggles are between $35-$150. Make sure you protect your eyeballs when you ride.
Padding
There is a lot of riders that wear padding. But on the other hand, I know of a lot of riders that will never wear padding. I mean sure, it protects the parts of your body that are required for proper body functions. But they are so hot and bulky to wear in the summer months. There are many different types of padding that you can wear.
- Chest Protectors
- Elbow Pads
- Knee Pads
- Shin Pads
- Neck Brace
- Wrist Brace
When looking to buy protective atv gear, look for a brand that you trust and are reputable. The price varies on the type of padding you are looking to buy and the brand. Don’t just order one online until you have seen it and touched it in person. Make sure the quality is good and it’s not going to rip right away when you put it on.
Boots
Boots are really nice to have. The design for motocross riding boots has changed drastically over the past couple years. There is so much thought behind the design of riding boots. Now, this all depends on what type of riding you are doing. If you are just going for a light cruise down the trails, then regular work boots with high tops will work just fine. But if you are racing down trails at high speeds, then motocross boots might be the thing for you.
They are designed with toe padding for shifting and breaking, flexible ankles, gripper soles, adjustable buckles for loosing and tightening, and heat protection from the engine and exhaust. We have all gotten onto a four wheeler with shorts and regular shoes, rode around for a while and got burned on the calf from the engine. It hurts.
There are many different brands out there. Go to a dealer, try on the boots and see how they feel. Average price range for motocross riding boots are between $130-$300.
Gloves
Some would say that gloves are not necessary for atv riding gear. Others would disagree. Gloves will protect your hands and keep them comfortable so they are capable of shifting, throttling, and braking at high speeds. They have a high level of grip and protection allowing the rider to move efficiently down the trail.
Some of the major atv glove brands out there are Thor, Alpinestars, Fly Racing, and Fox Racing. The average price you are going to spend on a pair of gloves is between $20-$35.
Backpack/Riding Bag
It is always nice to have some type of storage when you are riding your atv. This allows you to put extra clothes, your phone, water bottles, etc. in your bag just in case you need them. There is always a need for storage, especially if you are going on a long adventure.
Not only do they have backpacks for storage, but they also have hydration backpacks. It’s like those bags that you keep water in the back and it has a tube with a nozzle on the end, allowing you to drink water while you are riding. You see them alot at music festivals and stuff like that.
These may not be necessary, depending on what type of riding you are doing, but always come in handy if you do need them.
If you found this article on atv gear helpful, be sure to check out our other posts on atv’s here.
