Choosing the right attire for an ATV tour can ultimately set the standard for how the day will go. The last thing that you want to do is be stuck on a 2-hour tour with an outfit that isn’t suitable for the day. Understandably, many people struggle with what to wear ATV riding.
Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes, pants, and a breathable long sleeve when ATV riding. You must also wear a helmet and face covering to protect yourself from dust and debris. Never wear flip flops and avoid shorts or you may burn your legs on the ATV while riding as they can get quite hot.
Wear thick riding pants or something that you don’t mind getting dirty when riding in the mud. Pro gear is only necessary for extreme courses and people that ride frequently. Follow along as we explore what to wear for ATV riding so that you get the most out of your experience.
Are there Different Types of ATV Tours?
Each different location offers a different type of ATV tour. For example, an ATV tour through the desert is much different from one in a southern, swampy location. An ATV tour through the mud is unique when compared to one that takes you through desert vistas in terms of scenery and movement.
Temperatures also completely alter the experience of an ATV tour. You will need to prepare accordingly based on the temperature. For example, you need to wear breathable clothes when it’s hot and thicker, more durable clothes when it’s cold.
What to Wear on an ATV Tour
It’s important to protect your skin while on an ATV tour. Debris can easily kick up and hit your limbs while riding. Because of that, it’s recommended that men and women wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Men typically wear sweatpants while on an ATV tour because they are comfortable and offer protection.
It’s common for women to wear leggings or sweatpants as well. ATV tours often take place in locations such as Nevada, Mexico, and Jamaica where it can get quite hot. Because of that, it’s ideal to wear breathable clothes so that you don’t overheat. You must wear closed-toe shoes on an ATV tour to avoid injury. Other necessary protection includes glasses or goggles, a dust mask, and a helmet.
Here is a quick list of what to wear on an ATV tour:
- long sleeve shirts and pants
- wear breathable clothes in warm locations
- wear wind protecting clothes in colder locations
- gloves (especially in colder locations)
- closed-toe shoes
- helmet
- eye protection
- dust mask, face shield, etc.
If you are wondering if you can wear a t-shirt and shorts, you can but it is not the most recommended apparel. Shorts can cause problems, sometimes ATVs heat up a lot and the engine parts get hot. Shorts mean your legs are exposed and if you touch your legs on the hot engine it can quickly cause severe burns.
Wearing shorts and a t-shirt would be worse if you happen to have a small accident, you are more likely to cut yourself easier and scrape up your body wearing them. A long sleeve and a pair of pants do help protect you from accidents, branches, and dirt flicking up from other riders. It’s not a requirement, but it is a recommendation when riding an ATV.
How Should Women Wear Hair When ATV Riding?
Women should either braid their hair or put it in a ponytail before ATV riding. That way, their hair will be compact within the helmet so that it fits well. This can also stop your hair from being messy when you remove your helmet after the ride.
Should You Wear a Dust Face Covering on an ATV Tour?
It’s necessary to wear a dust face covering on an ATV tour, especially in dry areas such as Las Vegas. Dust and debris can easily get in your nose, eyes, and mouth on a ride. The Terra Kuda neck gaiter is the perfect type of face covering if you plan to ride in a dusty area.
Otherwise, bandanas and even traditional n95 face masks work well. You can even use a bandana to cover your face, just make sure that it is tight and secure.
Do You Need to Wear Goggles on an ATV Tour?
No, you don’t need to wear goggles on the average ATV tour. Instead, they will offer or recommend glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris. Some frequent riders wear goggles for extra eye protection.
When I was on a tour in Dominican Republic they told us to bring glasses and they provided us with these orange bandanas (see above) to protect us from all the dust that rises when driving in groups.
What’s the Difference Between Casual Riding Clothes vs ATV Pro Gear?
The main difference between ATV pro gear and casual riding clothes is that pro gear is optimized for frequent riding. For example, professional riding pants are made of durable 600-900 polyester that can withstand countless rides, sun exposure, and debris. Pro gear often entails gloves, a riding jacket, a goggle, and a helmet.
Casual ATV riders typically use the helmet and glasses or goggles that the tour provides. Professional gear, such as a chest protector is catered toward regular riders who frequent extreme courses. That isn’t necessary if you don’t ride regularly, so casual clothes are perfect for the average person.
Can You Wear ATV Pro Gear on a Casual Tour?
You can wear ATV pro gear on a casual tour, but it may not be necessary. Professional gear such as chest protectors and riding jackets may be overkill for a casual tour. It’s easier to overheat when you wear pro gear on a hot day. It’s worthwhile to leave your chest protector at home and wear casual clothes on a casual tour.
Can You Wear a Half Helmet on an ATV Tour?
You can wear a half-helmet on an ATV tour, and that is the standard. All ATV tours I have been on provided me a half-helmet! Most tours only provide a half-helmet, but you can always ask if they have full helmets if you want extra protection. Otherwise, you can bring a full-face helmet on an ATV tour if you already have one. Professional-grade helmets include eye protection which can help eliminate an extra piece of safety gear.
What Are the Best Shoes for an ATV Tour?
You should always wear closed-toe shoes on an ATV tour. Waterproof boots and sneakers are perfect because some tours take you through puddles. Try to wear sneakers or boots that are as comfortable as they are durable.
When on vacation you are not likely to have boots with you, whenever I am doing an ATV tour when travelling I wear sneakers that I can tie up tight. You want a shoe that will stay on your feet during a potential bumpy ride, keep in mind they may get wet!
What to Wear ATV Riding in the Mud and Water?
Ideally, you should wear boots and ATV pants or splash pants when riding in the mud and water. Your pants will likely get wet and muddy, so you should wear thick pants that you don’t mind getting dirty. Wear an old and breathable long-sleeve shirt or motocross jersey that can handle getting wet.
If your tour is all about going through mud and water, you can prepare differently. Water-resistant pants are a good idea, along with a pair of waterproof boots, hikers do the trick. ATV (dirt bike) pants are great if you have them, but it’s unlikely unless you ride yourself.
What to Wear ATV Riding in the Desert?
Wear a breathable long-sleeve shirt and pants when ATV riding in the desert. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as well because it can be nearly impossible to escape the sun. A face mask and glasses or goggles are also essential to keep debris out of your eyes and protect your face.
Protecting your head from the sun is important, wear something that is UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) such as a lightweight hat, head wrap, bandana, or anything similar. Also, protect your face from dust entering you eyes and mouth, its extremely important on desert ATV tours.
Stay hydrated too, make sure you bring enough water, its crucial when riding in the desert.
What NOT To Wear ATV Riding?
Never wear open-toe shoes, such as flip-flops when ATV riding. Avoid wearing nice clothes because there is a good chance that they will get dusty, dirty, muddy, and even wet. Don’t wear shorts when ATV riding because you may burn your legs on the vehicle itself. Engines heat up and it can be extremely uncomfortable.
When riding on a tour in Mexico, my girlfriend was sitting on back of the ATV and her legs would just hang down on each side. The machines were so hot it was burning the inside of her leg, she had to hold her leg off as much as possible. Not fun… pants or a high boot would have helped on this specific tour.
When ATV riding you should never wear:
- Open-toe shoes (flip flops, sandals, crocs)
- High end clothing (it may get damaged)
- High end glasses (may scratch up)
- Shorts are not recommended
- Bikini
Can You Take a Backpack on an ATV Tour?
You can take a backpack on an ATV tour if there is room on the floorboards or in the back. However, it isn’t ideal to take a backpack on an ATV tour because there is a good chance it will get dirty. Backpacks can also potentially fall off the ATV which can disrupt your ride and is dangerous if someone is riding behind you.
Can You Wear Sunglasses on an ATV Tour?
It is inadvisable to wear sunglasses on an ATV tour because they don’t protect your eyes well enough. Safety goggles are more durable and can help protect your eyes from rocks, pebbles, and dust. There is also no guarantee that standard sunglasses will stay on your face during the tour.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses on an ATV Tour?
You can wear contact lenses on an ATV tour as long as you wear goggles as well. Otherwise, use the eye shield on your helmet if you have a full helmet with eye protection. It can be dangerous to ride an ATV without contact lenses if you need them to safely operate a vehicle.
Should You Wear Sunscreen on an ATV Tour?
You should always wear sunscreen on an ATV tour, especially if you are in the south or an area with extreme heat and clear sunlight. It’s all too easy to get a sunburn on an ATV tour, and that can negatively taint the experience. Simply apply sunscreen 10-15 minutes before you start your ATV tour.
You can get a sunburn in only 10-12 minutes in many cases. Some ATV tours last up to 2 hours, so it’s not worth the chance that you will get a sunburn and be stuck without sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
Wear a long sleeve and comfortable pants when ATV riding. Men typically wear sweatpants and women often wear sweatpants or leggings for a ride. Make sure to wear a breathable shirt and pair of pants because you will likely get hot while riding. People with long hair need to braid it or put it in a ponytail so that it will fit in their helmets before beginning the tour.
Never wear flip-flops or open-toe shoes while on an ATV or you risk injury. You must wear a helmet and eye protection when riding. Some helmets include a protective eye shield, but you’ll need to wear goggles or safety glasses if your helmet doesn’t have one. It can be dangerous to wear shorts for long ATV rides because you can easily burn your legs.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
