A matching set of gear looks amazing, but it does a whole lot more than that. It’s not only possible to take a spill once in a while, it’s expected. Having the right gear can make what might have been a major injury something you can walk away from. Whether you’re just riding for fun or getting ready for a race, make sure you have all of the following essential gear.

Helmet

The helmet is the most important piece of gear to purchase. Always make sure the helmet fits properly and has the proper testing for safety. A variety of brands and styles are available, though a full-face helmet will provide the most protection. Any name brand will be fine, as they all go through rigorous safety tests before the helmet is ready for sale. Make sure to do research and watch videos to decide which would work best for you.

Boots

Boots help absorb impacts when landing, protect the feet and legs from dirt and rocks, protect the feet from the foot pegs, and help prevent twisting or breaking your ankles. Many people prefer steel-toed boots, but they’re not required. Just make sure the boots fit properly and are supportive so they’re comfortable to wear every time you ride. You can find boots for sale in local dealerships as well as online.

Goggles

If the helmet doesn’t cover your eyes, invest in a pair of quality goggles. The main types are roll-off or tear off goggles, all available to protect your eyes yet be easy to take off when it’s needed. Try on goggles if possible before purchasing to make sure they’re comfortable and will stay in place well while you’re riding.

Pants, Jersey and Gloves

The main clothes you’ll wear include pants, a jersey, and gloves. Often, these are sold in matching sets, though you can purchase them individually. Always pay a little bit more for higher-quality items. Pants should be designed to help prevent injuries when you fall and protect against rocks and dirt on the trail. The gloves should add protection, as well, keeping your hands safe in case they end up under the bike during a fall. Check out our article on riding gear for help matching your graphics. 

Chest Protector

To be safer while riding, purchase a chest protector. Not only does this help protect you from dirt and rocks, but it can help provide added protection if you crash. There are plenty of options today, as this has become far more popular in recent years, so check the fit before buying. This allows you to purchase the most comfortable option.

Neck Brace

Neck braces have also become far more common in recent years, as they can help you prevent an injury to your spinal cord in a crash. Since spinal cord injuries can be severe or life-threatening, this is one piece of gear that will make a big difference if you crash. Choose the right size to make sure it fits and protects without limiting how you move your head. This way, you are still able to see everything, but you are protected from falls. Neck braces are especially important for youth riders.

Knee and Elbow Pads

Knees are commonly injured in crashes when riding a dirt bike, so make sure they’re protected. Minor injuries can add up over time, causing more wear and tear on your knees, and end up impacting your mobility. Knee pads or braces should be lightweight and strong, helping protect your knees in a crash. Elbow pads add more protection, as well. When you do fall, you’ll likely put down your arm to help brace against the fall. Elbow pads give you something to put down, helping prevent injuries to your arms or elbows if you fall or crash. These do come in soft or hard shell options, so there are ones that will be comfortable and add protection. Check out more information about knee braces in this video.

Gear Bag

It is important to clean and store all gear when not riding. As soon as the ride is over, go ahead and clean the gear to make sure it is still in great condition and get it ready for the next time you want to ride. Once it’s clean and dry, place everything in a gear bag. This way, everything is protected while stored and kept together. You won’t have to run around looking for parts of your gear since it’ll all be in one place.

Communication System

If you’re riding with others, check out the in-helmet communication systems available. This makes it easy to keep in touch with anyone else you’re riding with, so if one of you ends up stopping, it’s easy to let everyone else know. This can be used for listening to music while riding, but it can also be a way of getting help fast if you are injured, as you can quickly contact those you’re riding with for help. Make sure to check with your race series about their rules before using communication systems during a race as some have banned the use of them.

Hydration

Do not forget to stop and drink. Dehydration can happen faster than you might realize, especially when you have a lot of gear on and it’s a hot summer day. If you’re riding around on trails, opt for a hydration backpack. This allows you to carry quite a bit of water on your back and easily sip when needed.

Small Tools

It’s a good idea to have some sort of storage for small tools if you’re not riding on proven trails. Use ziplock baggies to keep your phone and wallet safe and dry, plus keep any small tools you might need in a bag you can carry with you on the trails. Small tools might include anything necessary to fix the bike if something happens on the trail, tools to get out of situations where you’re stuck or the bike has broken down, or anything else that might be needed for survival in an emergency.

You’re not ready to ride a dirt bike without the right gear. Appropriate gear can help keep you safe, allowing you to enjoy the dirt bike for many more years. Whether you’re just starting out or you want to make sure you have everything possible to keep safe, use this to get the right gear, keep it safe, and make sure you have it all on-hand and ready to go when you’re ready to ride. When choosing your gear, remember you can choose safety while also choosing style. You can customize your graphics on our site to match your gear with custom logos, colors, names and numbers.