Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride
What to Wear
By definition, off-road means “rugged,” so
you should always wear clothing that combines both protection
and comfort.
Essential Clothing Items
Never operate an ATV unless you protect yourself from head
to toe by wearing these items.
 Motorcycle
helmet
- Helps prevent head injuries. In an accident, you are
five times more likely to have a serious head injury if
you are not wearing a helmet.
- Full-face helmets offer the greatest protection and
the most comfort.
- All helmets should meet U.S. Department of Transportation
standards at a minimum—even better, they should be “Snell–certified.”
Goggles or other eye protection
- Prevent branches, road debris, and insects from hitting
your eyes, which can distract or even blind you.
- For proper protection, use goggles or a face shield—do
not use sunglasses alone.
- Choose high-impact eye protection made of hard-coated
polycarbonate or stamped with the safety-approved markings
VESC-8 (or V-8) or Z87.1.
- Wear tinted lenses appropriate for your lighting conditions—gray
for sunny days, yellow for cloudy days, and clear for evenings
and nights.
Gloves
- Keep your hands warm in cold weather.
- Prevent soreness and fatigue.
- Protect your hands during a fall or if they scrape against
a branch.
- Should have padding over the knuckles for the best protection.
Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket
- Protect against scratching from branches.
- For best protection, your gear should include:
- Pants with kneepads
- Chest and shoulder protectors
Boots
- Heels help keep your feet firmly on the footrests.
- ATV boots are best because they protect lower legs also.
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