ATV mudding is a popular extreme sport that’s just as much fun to partake in. It’s an attractive dance of skill, speed, and mud. Therefore, you shouldn’t ever consider attempting it without the proper gear. The right clothing is pivotal for your performance but most importantly, for your safety when trail riding. However, riding gear isn’t limited to rain gear or long pants.
Just as off-roading requires more than just mud tires, so does the preparation for the next ride. Luckily, today there’s a wider variety of stuff to wear when riding in the dirt. You need such clothing to offer protection and allow you to complete the ride. So, here’s a rundown of what riding gear to wear ATV mudding:
Head
- Helmet
- Goggles
Hands
- Riding gloves
- Elbow pads
Upper body
- Long-sleeve shirt
Lower body
- Muck boots
- Riding pants
- Knee pads
What You Need to Wear for Your Head
The head is a very vulnerable part of your body. Therefore, it is essential that you protect it at all times. For that, you should cover every inch of the head and avoid landing on it, too. Therefore, you’ll need more than one piece of gear for this task. At the very least, use a full-face helmet as well as goggles for your head.
Full-Face Helmet
A full-face helmet is essential for your safeguard. It not only protects you from harm in the event of a setback, but it also dramatically reduces the shock on your head. In addition, the full-face helmet will also protect your head from brushing against branches, bushes and being hit by pebbles.
Goggles
When speeding in the dirt, a lot of debris will fly straight to your face. Hence, you need excellent eye protection among the accessories. Plus, those clods of dust following after the ATVs might obscure your vision for some precious seconds. The same goes for the sun, on some occasions. Therefore, you’ll need eye protection to shield you from all harsh conditions, both hot and cold.
What You Need to Wear for Your Hands
Gloves
The nature of this vehicle-based sport will result in a lot of side-by-side clashes. Hence, all should be wearing sturdy gear, even for their fingers. Not to mention the dangers to your skin. So, even if it’s not a hassle to find gloves that are a perfect fit, you should look for the right type.
Your hands may also become sore after these all-day ordeals on the dirt trails. However, your grip needs to remain strong without a hiccup. Loss of grip can easily lead to an accident due to poor control.
The gloves should be light and breathable. Furthermore, they should also be waterproof, since they surely get dirty. Mud riding is attractive just because you never know what the next corner brings. Hence, close contact with another of the ATVs will make you thank the clothes you’re wearing.
Soggy hands lose grip and sensitivity much faster. Better gloves also need a reinforced layer of the palm, split knuckles, and finger grippers for enhanced grip.
Elbow Pads
When mud riding in your ATV, your elbow will bear the brunt of any fall. So, a knock on the elbow can be excruciatingly painful. Hence, elbow pads are the proper wear when outrunning the opponents side-by-side. They will save you the agony of nursing an injured elbow.
When choosing a good elbow pad, go for a light one with a minimalistic design. Furthermore, it should also be breathable and comfortable. This will ensure your arm’s mobility even in mud.
3. What You Need to Wear for Your Upper Body
Long Sleeve Shirt
Racing with ATVs in the mud often takes place in cool weather, as in the northern parts of Canada. While the tires can pierce the snow, you should be wearing the right clothes for colder climates. For a smooth ride, consider equipping chest waders and long sleeve shirts. Then, the snow-mud combination will not bother you as much.
4. What You Need to Wear for Your Lower Body
Muck Boots
Besides a rain suit and the right shirt, you should be wearing proper footwear too when mud riding. After all, this sport is at its finest away from the hot and the sun. Hence, remember to carry some warm socks before exploring any new trails.
However, for the ride itself, muck boots are an essential part of your gear. That sort of sturdy wear will allow you better balance and control over the ATV. Also, the waders should be comfortable and waterproof. Plus, they should be easy to buckle and fit the rest of the clothing perfectly.
Some boots offer impact protection. In addition, they incorporate heel counters for extra safety. These boots usually have special linings. Acquiring one of these, although not necessary, will also make your ATV mudding a bit more carefree. At the same time, they will keep you warm.
Riding Pants
When it comes to proper wear for mud racing on various off-road trails, a pair of riding pants is what you need. Long riding pants protect your legs from minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes. Furthermore, they also help keep you dry and safe. Even if you can find a pair of jeans as a discussion starter on some forum community, just give it a “lol” and move on.
Instead of jeans, look for riding pants with rough and tough fabric. With them. you might more easily withstand brushing and clashing against another racer. It is even better if such clothing is also waterproof and breathable. On the same note, ensure the pants are size fitting and comfortable.
Knee Pads
Knee pads reduce any impact felt by the knees. They also protect your knee caps. If you explore some unrotted path, you might end up falling off the vehicle. In those moments, your knees will suffer most of the tremor. Hence, it’s best to be ready for such development.
Therefore, choose knee pads with soft padding for comfort. They should also be light and comfortable. If you value aesthetics, opt for a color that complements the rest of your setup.
Final Thoughts
ATV mudding is an adventurous experience. The revving engines and the mud flying everywhere are a one-of-a-kind thrill. However, to prevent a lot of “lol”-moments, you should come prepared and keep your safety in mind at all times. There’s no room for hasty decisions here – instead, explore your options thoroughly and pick the proper wear.
We got you covered on what to wear ATV mudding in this guide. Therefore, go on and gear up well and have fun ATV mudding.
