Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride

Dressing for the 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, as the chart below indicates, the ambient temperature may be 30° Fahrenheit; but if you are riding at 30 miles an hour, the wind chill temperature drops to - 2° 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 moving parts of your vehicle or in branches and bushes
• A bubble-type face guard, which may frost up

Cold Weather Riding

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

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