ATV Protective Gear – The Essentials

Other

As fun and addictive as ATV riding can be, there’s no excuse to not take safety precautions by equipping yourself with the necessary ATV protective gear. Like riding a motorcycle, ATV riding can be a very dangerous activity without the right equipment. This is a universal truth for experts and inexperienced riders alike. 

To protect yourself sufficiently, it’s necessary to be educated on all the right safety equipment to take with you on every ATV ride. Our ATV safety gear list below will help you fully understand all the ins and outs, including ATV protective gear for youth and for adults.

ATV Protective Gear Essentials

Helmet

Arguably the most important and obvious safety gear for ATV riding, everyone needs a helmet. Head injuries are one of the worst things that can happen in an accident, which makes a proper helmet some of the best ATV safety gear you can own.

It is highly recommended not to cut corners here, as not all helmets are the same. Some have better quality protective visors, others have straps so you can snuggly attach the helmet to your head.

Additionally, it is very important to get one that fits your head size properly. A helmet that’s too tight can impair your ability to see or angle your neck. Conversely, a too-loose helmet risks falling off, defeating the entire purpose of owning one in the first place.

Keep in mind that it’s important not to get a helmet that obstructs your vision too much. This is another key reason why helmets need to be properly sized. A helmet fails to do its job of protecting you if it prevents you from seeing the road as clearly as possible.

atv safety gear

Boots

Feet protection is an understated aspect of safety gear for ATV riding and should not be ignored. Proper boots are highly recommended so your toes are protected in the event of a mishap.

Like any footwear, your ATV boots should be comfortable for both leisure and safety reasons. If walking around feels unnatural, it will only increase your chances of tripping and falling.

When purchasing safety footwear for kids, one helpful tip is to purchase a pair that is a size larger than the shoes they normally wear. Kids are still growing, so you can save some money by buying a pair that they will grow into. Otherwise, they will just need replacing within a year or even a few months, depending on their age.

Boots with proper treading designed for mountain trails are a great choice. While they would cost more money, you could also opt for steel-toed boots for extra protection, though this kind of ATV safety gear is best meant for adults, not youth.

Gloves

Riding gloves are an essential part of ATV riding protective gear. Just like with ATV footwear, riding gloves should add to both the safety and the comfort of your overall ATV riding experience.

Riding gloves have padding that adds extra grip to your fingers so your hands will have slip-resistance when holding onto the handlebars. Additionally, they also help soften any falls you break with your hands. Even though they are lightweight, the padding acts as a shield to protect your skin from skidding across the ground, protecting it from dirt or ground debris.

atv protective gear

Knee and Elbow Pads

While they are generally considered child ATV safety gear, there is nothing to stop adults from owning some for themselves. Knee and elbow pads aren’t always considered mandatory safety equipment, but they are a nice precaution depending on what kind of jersey or pants you have.

It may also be useful to look into your local ATV riding laws, as some places require riders to wear these at all times when riding ATVs or other similar vehicles.

The great thing about pads is that, like gloves, they’re usually very cheap, so they can fit easily into just about any ATV riding protective gear budget.

Goggles

Goggles are easily some of the essential safety gear for ATV riding. Just like head injuries, eye damage is no laughing matter. All riders of all ages need a properly fitting pair of eye protection or goggles for all ATV excursions.

It’s important to get a pair of goggles that fits your helmet of choice. There needs to be adequate comfort but proper visibility as well. Feel free to get a pair of goggles that is slightly larger or smaller than your ideal size, so it best matches your helmet.

atv related death statistics

Pants and Jersey

If you go riding on ATVs very often, you will want the right kind of clothes so your normal attire won’t get worn or too dirty. 

Many companies sell ATV pants and jerseys together. This is not only a good way to save money but makes it easier on you to find clothes that match size-wise.

Like ATV riding gloves, ATV pants have extra padding that protects your legs from the heat of your ride’s engine. But more importantly, proper pants protect your legs from stray sticks that might flick up and hit your leg.

Face Mask

Many ATV riders use face masks depending on where they ride and at what time of the year they do their riding. Face masks can help shield your face from cold weather, but they also protect your skin from any flying dirt or mud. This can be very useful if you do your ATV riding in an area with muddier ground.

Face masks are cheap and easy to find for people of all ages. They tend to have enough elasticity to stretch over faces of various sizes, so don’t worry too much about finding the perfect fit.

The Top 20 Best ATV Safety Gear Items

1. O’Neal Boys Rider Boot

O'Neal - 0325-106 Boys New Logo Rider Boot (Black, Size 6)

High-quality ATV riding boots with metal straps and buckles, thick padding, and metal toe protection. Available in many sizes and is a great choice for ages 4 to 10.

2. O’Neal 0332-311 Element Men’s Boots RED 11

O'Neal mens Element Boot, Red, 11

Adult-sized ATV riding boots that prioritize safety and style. Several buckle straps and great grip treading make these a fantastic choice of ATV protective gear for adults.

3. FOX RACING Youth Peewee Titan Motocross Roost Deflector

FOX RACING Youth Peewee Titan Motocross Roost Deflector, Black/Pink, M/L

A flexible and durable chest protector for young ATV riders. Resembling a sports or hockey outfit, the padded foam and waist straps will have your kid feeling snug and comfortable.

4. GOHINSSTAR Motorcycle Protective Jacket Full Body Armor Protection

Motorcycle Protective Jacket Full Body Armor Protection Dirt Bike Gear ATV Protective Safety Gear Riding Racing Armor Motocross Protector Jacket Men Women For Off-Road Motorbike Cycling Skiing Skating

The style of this protective jacket is reminiscent of both motorcycle jackets and samurai armor. This is a fantastic choice thanks to its high-density padding and high versatility. Suitable for ATV riding and many other vehicles, including dirt bikes and electric skateboarding.

5. KEMIMOTO ATV Storage Bags with Cushion

KEMIMOTO ATV Bag, 59L Large ATV Cargo Bag With Insulated Bags, Waterproof 4 Wheeler Storage Rear Rack Seat Bag Universal Compatible With Polaris Sportman Fourtrax Can Am Kawasaki Yamaha Artic Cat

When going on longer ATV rides, it can be important to pack a snack. This fantastic, heavy-duty, and water-resistant storage bag set is perfect for bringing along water bottles and packed lunches. A great addition when going out riding with several people. Straps allow you to attach it to the back of your ATV for extra convenience.

6. Rage Powersports Camouflage ATV Gear Bag

Rage Powersports Camouflage ATV Gear Bag (Front or Rear)

When you own a lot of ATV protective gear, it can be useful to own a gear bag to lug around all of your gloves, goggles, helmets, and knee pads. This camouflaged gear bag attaches to the front or the rear of your ATV. At 4 pounds it’s very lightweight, and water-resistant as well.

7. Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex Riding Gloves

Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex MX ATV MTB Racing Gloves - Full Finger Touchscreen Glove for Mountain Biking and Motocross Black L

Fantastic riding gloves that perfect the combination of comfort and grip thanks to the silicone and spandex materials. Available in multiple colors and sizes, suitable for both youth and adult users.

8. Youth Kids Motocross Gloves

1STORM Youth Motocross Gloves Motorcycle BMX MX ATV Dirt Bike Bicycle Skeleton Cycling Kids Gloves Green

Mesh ATV safety riding gloves that are a perfect fit for kid riders aged 10 and under. The skeletal design on the back makes a nice touch for fans of Halloween, but there is a more traditional motocross design as well.

9. 4-FQ Motorcycle Goggles Dirt Bike Goggles

4-FQ Motorcycle Goggles Dirt Bike Goggles Windproof ATV Dustproof Racing GogglesScratch Resistant Ski Goggles Protective Safety Glasses PU Resin (Black frame+Color lens)

Behold some of the best ATV protective gear goggles that money can buy. Their spongy foam is highly comfortable, and the goggles themselves are much more versatile and bendable than they look. This is an excellent choice for adults and teenagers.

10. Motocross Motorcycle Goggles Dirt Bike ATV Racing Mx Goggles

JAMIEWIN Motocross Goggles ATV Dirt Bike Motorcycle UTV MX OTG Offroad Riding Goggles Anti UV Dustproof Anti Fog Racing Skiing Goggles for Men Women Youth Kids

These are great safety goggles for ATV riders of all ages. They’re lightweight, which makes them very comfortable, yet they also have anti-fog capabilities, which means they have great visibility, making them a great piece of ATV safety gear.

11. TCT-MT DOT Youth Kids Helmet+Goggles

TCT-MOTORPARTS DOT Youth Kids Motocross ATV Helmets Offroad Street Dirt Bike Go-Kart BMX MX Full Face Helmet Pink Butterfly Medium Size

This is a great set that allows you to get a helmet, gloves, and goggles for your boy or girl all at once. Available in 4 different sizes, each set is color coded.

12. Westt Cross X Motocross Helmet with Dual Visor

Westt ATV Full Face Helmet - Motorcycle Helmets for Women Men - Dirt Bike Snowmobile Helmets with Dual Visor DOT Approved(M/White Cross X)

A highly durable ATV safety helmet for men and women thanks to its dual visor. It’s a heavier helmet making it unsuitable for kids. Still, for adults it offers an incredible level of durability, making it a great choice for longer or more intense ATV riding sessions.

13. O’Neal Mayhem Crank Men’s Jersey

O'Neal mens V-neck Shirt, Black/Multi, Medium US

A pure polyester jersey that is a good fit if you’re looking for a little extra warmth on cold ATV trips. It’s easy to put on, easy to wash and makes a nice, stylish companion.

14. Fox Racing Kids’ Youth 180 Motocross Jersey

Fox Racing Kids' Youth 180 Motocross Jersey, Fluorescent Yellow, Large

This is another pure polyester jersey but for kids. Available in multiple colors, it provides great airflow and isn’t too moisture-absorbent. 

15. BOSONER Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads

BOSONER Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads Guards Protective Gear Set for Roller Skates Cycling BMX Bike Skateboard Inline Skatings Scooter Riding Sports

If you’re looking for knee and elbow pads for your kids, look no further. These are the perfect sets for young ages and thanks to their versatility, they can act as guards for scooters, skateboards, and bikes as well.

16. GES Knee Pads Motorcycle

GES Knee Pads Motorcycle - 4Pcs Adults Alloy Steel Motorcycle ATV Motocross Elbow Knee Shin Guards Protector Motocross Racing/Adult Knee (Long)

For adult-sized knee pads that really get the job done, this GES set is the way to go. Reinforced with steel pads and a highly ergonomic feel, these are some of the best ATV safety gear pads you can find.

17. HWK Motorcycle Pants for Men with Weatherproof Cordura Textile Fabric

HWK Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women with Water Resistant Cordura Textile Fabric for Enduro Motocross Motorbike Riding & Impact Armor, Dual Sport Motorcycle Pants with 42'-44' Waist, 34' Inseam

These are heavy-duty riding pants that will keep your legs warm and protected on any ATV ride. They’re very durable, meaning they are hard to tear and will provide you with years of proper use.

18. O’Neal 010E-926 unisex-child Element Youth Villian Pant

O'Neal 010E-926 unisex-child Element Youth Villian Pant (Yellow, 12/14)

A great pair of ATV safety pants for kids that adds style. They’re versatile, elastic, and offer a lot of breathing room so that your kids’ legs will always feel fine even after multiple hours of ATV use. Available in multiple sizes to fit both young kids and teenagers.

19. AstroAI Balaclava Ski Mask Winter Fleece Thermal Face Mask Cover

AstroAI Balaclava Ski Mask Winter Fleece Thermal Face Mask Cover for Men Women Warmer Windproof Breathable, Cold Weather Gear for Skiing, Outdoor Work, Riding Motorcycle & Snowboarding, Black

This is perhaps the ultimate face mask for any adult ATV rider. It is snug, made of high-quality materials, and can be used even on the coldest of winter days. It pairs well with any kind of helmet or goggles, and its versatility makes it a great choice for skiing or snowboarding as well.

20. Sireck Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask

Sireck Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask, Water Resistant and Windproof Fleece Thermal Face Mask, Hunting Cycling Motorcycle Neck Warmer Hood Winter Gear for Men Women

Lastly, here’s an affordable cold-weather face mask that will be a great addition to your ATV safety protective gear. It protects your face from harsh winds and offers more breathability than your usual face mask.

Last update on 2023-11-18 at 02:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.