Off-roading is a sport that brings many people joy. Whether you are an experienced rider or this is your first time hitting the trails, you must have quality gear with you to support you during your adventure. Today we’re highlighting the must-have items you’ll need before going on an off-road adventure.
1. Off-Road Helmet
A helmet is essential for off-road riding. Even if you plan to be cautious during the ride, protecting your head should always be a top priority and you should always wear a helmet. While it can be tempting to choose a helmet based on its look or low price, these are not the most important factors.
Always try a helmet on to make sure that it has the right fit. You should also be looking for any labeling that indicates the helmet was made to comply with Australian or European standards. Look for a sticker or stitched label that displays AS1698 for Australian standards or the European standards symbol represented by an E and a number enclosed in a circle.
In order to find a helmet with the perfect fit, measure the crown of your head so that you know what size to look for. Additionally, you’ll want to try the helmet on. The helmet you choose should sit firmly on your head. Once the helmet is on, it should be pretty tight.
In fact, it may feel almost uncomfortable if it is the right size! Remember that you want the helmet to stay on your head if you were to crash your off-road vehicle. Also, keep in mind that your helmet will loosen up with time.
2. Jersey & Pants
In addition to protecting your head, it is also important to protect the rest of your body. When picking out a jersey and pants, be sure to try them on before purchasing. Make sure both items are the right size for you. You don’t want your ankles to be sticking out of your pants or the sleeves on your jersey to be too short!
Don’t forget you’ll be wearing your jersey and pants in addition to body armour, guards, and protectors. Most types of jersey and pants are made of stretch material that should accommodate any body protection you’re wearing underneath.
Also, don’t forget you can use these clothing items as an opportunity to express your own personal style. Choose a colour that speaks to you or choose your favourite racing brand to show your brand loyalty.
3. Goggles
If you are new to the world of off-roading, goggles may seem like an optional piece of equipment. However, experienced riders know that goggles are definitely worth the investment simply for the added eye protection.
You might feel a little silly when you wear them for the first time, but you won’t be worried about how you look when you are blasting past tree branches.
Aside from tree branches, goggles also help protect your eyes from loose dirt and debris that tends to kick up when you’re going off-road. When you’re shopping for goggles, you’ll notice some models come with interchangeable lenses.
Tinted lenses are suitable for sunny conditions while clearer lenses are fine for use in darker conditions. You can usually find goggles to match the colour scheme of your jersey, pants, and helmet to create a coordinated look.
4. Boots and Gloves
Boots and gloves are another necessity for protection. It will be much easier to shift gears when you are wearing boots than a simple sneaker shoe. Additionally, your feet will be protected from anything that may be along the trail during the ride. Boots are also preferred because a lot of times you will be riding through mud or puddles and you will want to keep your feet dry!
A thick pair of gloves is also a critical accessory for protection. When you’re driving off-road, you will likely be scraping up against various objects if you are riding in any sort of wooded area.
Thick gloves will also make riding a more comfortable experience by preventing blisters forming on your hands while you are gripping the handlebars.
5. Body Armour & Knee Guards
In addition to having a thick jersey and pants set, you should also be prepared with body armour and knee guards. While these aren’t necessary for the ride itself, they are essential for any crashes that you may experience while riding.
Unfortunately, crashes aren’t predictable so you should always wear your armour and knee guards no matter the duration of the trip. This is especially the case if you are new to the sport of off-roading and have not had much practice yet.
Even experienced riders can make mistakes or find themselves in circumstances that cause an accidental crash. For the highest level of protection, consider knee pads that have built-in braces.
Knee braces can help prevent your knees from bending backwards or twisting awkwardly during an impact. With the right armour and knee guards, you will have peace of mind knowing that you took the extra step to protect your body from injury.
Find a massive range of off-road riding gear at Peterstevens.com.au.
