ATV trail riding means getting down and dirty, exploring the backcountry and indulging your curiosity about where that one weird trail goes, making any ATV tour an exciting activity for first-time riders and veterans alike.
Trail riding is about taking calculated risks that can give you the adrenaline rush of exploration and pushing yourself to the limit — but it’s also about protecting yourself so that your risks aren’t foolish ones.
Wearing protective gear when riding an ATV is just common sense, and it’s important to have all of the pieces together before you rev up your four-wheeler. We’ll talk about the key gear pieces that will keep you protected while you’re on the trail (including ATV communications systems) and why they’re so important for getting home in one piece.
1. Helmet
Helmets are a powersports must-have, anytime, anywhere — and ATV riding is no different. Riding an ATV without a full face helmet can be nearly as dangerous as riding a motorcycle or dirt bike without one, increasing the risk of a serious head injury. Ensure your helmet meets DOT (Department of Transportation) standards for maximum safety. Riding helmetless is a risk that there’s just no reason to take when so many great helmets are now available.
2. Riding Boots
Keeping your feet protected is another big safety priority, so go for a pair of ATV riding boots with soles that grip and ankle/calf padding to make your legs more comfortable as they’re hugging the quad bike. You’ll likely need to do some walking in muddy conditions when trail riding, so boots with a little bit of cleat on the sole are always a good idea.
When selecting ATV riding boots, avoid regular closed-toe shoes and anything open-toed like sandals or flip flops. These can lead to a host of problems. Regular shoes lack the protective features essential for rough terrain, such as reinforced soles and ankle support, increasing the risk of injuries like blisters and sprains. Anything with an open design exposes riders to environmental hazards, making them wholly unsuitable for ATV trail riding.
For optimal protection and comfort, riders should consider specialized ATV riding boots or sturdy hiking boots as part of their safety gear. Purpose-made riding boots often feature materials that resist abrasion and provide superior grip on slippery or uneven surfaces, which are essential for maintaining control of the ATV. Hiking boots can be a good alternative if they have robust soles and adequate waterproofing, but they should still be evaluated for fit and protection specific to ATV use.
3. Gloves
Protective gloves are another essential for ATV trail riding. Your riding gloves should include grip on the palms so that you can keep your hands in the right place when it matters the most, and gloves with fingers made with separate sections often give better performance on fine hand movements. Vented patches on the backs of gloves help keep your hands cool and comfortable while you’re riding. If you’re planning on riding in cold weather, a pair of insulated gloves can also be a lifesaver — or grab some handlebar muffs to keep your hands extra-toasty.
4. Goggles
From rocks to twigs to dust and beyond, there are a thousand different things that can come flying at your eyes when you’ve got your ATV out on the trail, making eye protection with UV polarized goggles essential. A pair of UV polarized goggles will protect your vision from flying debris, as well as from bright sunlight that can blind you in a critical moment. Make sure you get a pair that is comfortable to wear with your chosen helmet and that is suitable for extended wear, particularly if you’re taking long backcountry rides. Finally, look for goggles that have removable and replaceable lenses since ATV goggles tend to get scratched up easily by dirt and rocks.
5. Layering for Different Climates
Layering your clothing is an essential safety measure that enhances comfort and protection during ATV rides across varying climates. Starting with a moisture-wicking t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt can keep you dry and comfortable. Over this base layer, wearing a durable riding jacket and riding pants designed for ATV use can offer additional protection from abrasions and weather elements. In colder conditions, adding insulated layers under your riding jacket will help maintain body heat, while a waterproof layer can be vital for rain or snow. Each piece of ATV riding gear, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, should be chosen with both the expected weather and riding conditions in mind, ensuring your riding experience remains safe and enjoyable. You keep yourself safe when you plan your layers according to the specific conditions you expect to encounter.
6. Comfort and Safety Accessories
In addition to traditional riding gear, several key accessories can enhance both comfort and safety for ATV and UTV enthusiasts. Sunscreen is essential, especially for riders who spend long hours under the sun, as it protects against sunburn and reduces the risk of skin damage. Another accessory is a durable set of knee and elbow pads, which safeguard against scrapes and bruises during falls, helping to prevent more serious injuries.
For those who love long treks or ride UTVs, which often involve longer expeditions and more exposure to the elements, investing in quality hydration packs is important. These packs ensure that riders stay hydrated without needing to stop, which is great during warm weather or on strenuous trails. Combining these hydration solutions with protective clothing and sunscreen provides a comprehensive safety setup that enhances the overall riding experience.
7. ATV Communications System
Riding ATVs with friends and family is a great way to connect and bond over your love of outdoor adventure, especially if equipped with an ATV communications system like the Packtalk Edge ORV, which enhances communication for both side-by-side and off-road vehicles. Cardo Systems’ groundbreaking Bluetooth communicators are the best ATV helmet communications systems for keeping in touch while you’re on the trail. These off-road headsets are hands-free and voice-operated, so you don’t have to remove your hands from the handlebars, and you can even answer phone calls or stream music from your smartphone with just a few simple voice commands. Cardo Systems also offers cutting-edge ATV communications system models with Dynamic Mesh Communication to give you better performance, larger networks and much longer communication distances.
The fun of powersports like ATV riding depends on protecting yourself so that you can keep enjoying the adventure and pushing further. Packing the essential ATV gear is the first step to off-road dominance, so don’t go halfway. Pick the gear that gives you the comfort and confidence to ride like you mean it.
Stay Connected on the Trail with the Packtalk Edge ORV
