Before you can enjoy a thrilling ATV ride, you need to get the proper gear. The right clothing will offer valuable protection on the trail from bad weather, kicked-up debris, low hanging branches, and in the event of a crash. But knowing you need gear is one thing. Knowing which gear to get is another!

Here at Peak Honda World, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following guide to essential ATV riding gear. Regardless of your skill level and riding lifestyle, you will need the below items. If you have any questions or want to shop ATVs for sale, head over to our dealership in Littleton, Colorado. We also proudly serve those in Denver and Aurora, Colorado.

A Helmet

Everyone knows the importance of a helmet. But it's not enough to simply throw on any old helmet. There are a few key traits it needs to have in order to offer the protection you need.

First, it needs to be less than five years old. Once a helmet reaches this age, the protective padding inside and the binding begins to degrade.

Second, it needs to be crash-test rated. Helmets are often crash-tested by either a government agency or a non-profit. Look for a model that performed well in a mock crash scenario.

Third, it needs to be designed for extreme sports riding. A simple bicycle helmet, for example, is not going to cut it. The helmet needs to stand up to the demands of ATV riding.

Finally, it needs to fit well. Too tight and it'll be uncomfortable to wear. Too loose and it won't offer as good of protection.

Eye Protection

During an ATV ride, your eyes can face a variety of hazards. There are bugs flying around, kicked-up dust, falling rain, and so on. These obstacles hurt when they collide with your eyes and they can impede your visibility and cause a safety issue. Throw on a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Some models even come with UV protection or anti-fogging capabilities.

Sturdy Shoes

Flip-flops, sandals, and tennis shoes are not going to work on an ATV ride. It's important to wear durable shoes with plenty of grip. Riding boots that come up to your ankles are ideal.

If you purchase new shoes, be sure to break them in before your first ride. You don't want to cut an ATV trip short due to aching feet!

Durable Outerwear

There's a popular powersports riding saying: dress for the crash, not for the ride. The idea is to be equipped for a collision. If you get into an accident, you will be better protected and endure less severe injuries. That's why wearing sturdy outerwear is important. It'll protect your skin during the ride, as well as in the event of a crash.

But quality outerwear does not have to mean suffering on a hot day. There are plenty of options designed with breathability in mind and offer features such as ventilation.

It's also wise to choose outerwear that's either a bright neon color or contains reflective strips. It'll help you be more visible to others on the trail.

Riding Gloves

Though often overlooked, proper gloves are a wise investment. They shield your hands from rain, offer extra warmth in the cold, and help you better grip the controls.

We hope you found this guide to essential ATV riding gear helpful. For more advice or to shop ATVs for sale, chat with the experts at Peak Honda World. We can answer questions and make the shopping process easy! Our powersports dealership is based in Littleton, Colorado, near Denver and Aurora.