Off-road riding in your UTV can be an absolute blast no matter what time of year it is. But riding a powerful machine can be dangerous, so it’s important to have the proper riding gear to keep you safe every time you hop in your side-by-side. If you’re new to the powersports world, you may not know what gear is essential for your safety. That’s where we come in. 

At Sky Powersports Lakeland, we want you to be protected whenever you ride. We’ve created the following guide breaking down all of the UTV riding gear you need for a fun and safe experience. If you have any questions or you want to check out some vehicles for sale, contact us at our Lakeland, Florida location. We are also proud to serve Tampa and Orlando!

Helmet

The most important piece of safety gear you need is a helmet. After all, this is what is going to protect your head while you hit the trails. But you don’t need just any helmet. You need a comfortable, fitted helmet that has a high crash-test rating and is specially designed for extreme sports. You can check out a motorcycle or motocross helmet.

Make sure you try on helmets before buying one. You’ll need to pick one that is snug but not too tight. Remember to replace your helmet after any impact event, or every five years. Your helmet is an essential part or your UTV riding gear, so make sure you invest in a good one!

Goggles

Next, you want to buy a good pair of goggles to wear when riding your side-by-side. Some helmets may come with some sort of protective shield or eyewear, so you won’t need goggles. But if your helmet leaves your face bare, you should get something to protect your eyes from flying debris, dirt, rain, and bugs. You definitely don’t want some dust getting into your eyes and leaving you temporarily blind, causing you to crash into something! Make sure you find a pair of goggles that fits well with your helmet. You can even opt for a pair that offers UV protection or has anti-fogging capabilities.

Boots

The next piece of riding gear you need before hitting the trails in your UTV is a durable pair of boots. After all, you can’t ride in flip-flops or tennis shoes! Boots will keep your feet protected and allow you to grip the ground and remain sturdy when you come to a stop. Look for a pair that has good tread and comes up to your ankles. Of course, make sure they fit well and break them in before you wear them for the first time. Tuck in the laces to ensure they won’t catch on you side-by-side.

Jacket or Riding Suit

A padded jacket or a one-piece riding suit is the most practical choice for riding your vehicle. You can even op for a neon color or reflective vest to add visibility. As with the rest of your UTV riding gear, make sure your jacket or suit fits well. You should wear these items over your street clothes. Your jacket should be breathable and flexible so it doesn’t restrict your motion and it doesn’t make you too hot.

If you go with a jacket instead of a riding suit, you’ll need to invest in some riding pants to complete the gear. They should be made from a durable and stiff material since this will serve as a layer of protection for your skin.

Gloves

Finally, you need to protect your hands too! Buy a good pair of high-quality riding gloves. This will ensure that you have a good grip on the throttle at all times. In colder weather, insulated gloves will keep your hands warm and protect them from frostbite. In warmer weather, a thinner pair will give you nice ventilation. 

We hope this guide helps you stay safe every time you ride your machine. If you have any questions or you’re looking to buy a new UTV, call Sky Powersports Lakeland in Lakeland, Florida. We’ll get you set up with the best model for your lifestyle and all the gear you need!