Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride
Dress for Cold Weather

As with any outdoor winter recreation, you need clothing that will keep you warm and dry. Bear in mind that the “wind chill factor” can lower your temperature considerably. For example, suppose the thermometer reads 30° Fahrenheit. If you ride at 25 miles an hour, the wind chill temperature drops to 0° Fahrenheit.

• Dress in layers, and wear gloves and a warm head covering under your helmet. Gloves with gauntlets will keep cold air from blowing up your sleeves. Do not wear a:

  • Scarf, which can get caught in the moving parts of your vehicle or in branches and bushes
  • Bubble-style face shield, which may frost over
• A snowmobile suit is a great outfit for ATV riders in cold weather. Clothing should fit snugly and still be comfortable. Clothing that’s too loose can snag on your vehicle, twigs, and branches.