ATV Basics: Using Protective Clothing and Gear

By definition, off-road riding means “rugged,” so you should always wear clothing that combines protection and comfort.

Never operate an ATV without these essential items:

• ATV helmet
  • Helps prevent serious head injury.
  • Should fit snugly and fasten securely.
  • May be a full-face helmet or an open-face helmet plus eye protection.
  • Add a stripe of reflective tape to make you more visible at night.
  • Must be a U.S. Department of Transportation–approved crash helmet.
• Goggles or other eye protection
  • Be aware that branches, road debris, and insects can hit your eyes and distract or even blind you.
  • Do not use sunglasses, which do not provide adequate protection. Use goggles or a face shield.
  • Choose high-impact eye protection that bears the marking VESC8 (or V-8) or Z87.1 or is made of hard-coated polycarbonate.
  • Carry gray-tinted eye protection for bright days, yellow-tinted for overcast days, and clear for night rides.
  • Make sure your eye protection is scratch-free, securely fastened, and well-ventilated to avoid fogging.
• Gloves
  • Keep your hands warm in cold weather.
  • Prevent soreness and fatigue.
  • Offer protection during a spill or collision with branches.
  • Should be padded over the knuckles for the best protection.
• Boots
  • Heels prevent your feet from slipping off footrests.
  • Off-road boots are best, protecting lower legs, ankles, and feet.
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket
  • Protect your skin from scratches.
  • Provide the best protection with off-road riding gear that includes:
    • Pants with kneepads
    • Chest and shoulder protectors

Cold Weather Riding

In cold weather, clothing that works well for snowmobile riders is also ideal for most ATV enthusiasts.

• Clothing should fit snugly and still be comfortable.
• Clothing that’s too loose can snag on your vehicle, twigs, and branches.