If you’re raring to rev your engine and dive into the adventure of trail riding, you’ll need to be prepared with essential dirt bike equipment. The right gear isn’t just about safety. It’s crucial for an experience that lets you push yourself to your limits—and beyond.

The exhilarating world of dirt biking calls for the right gear to match your adventurous attitude. This blog uncovers the essential equipment for an out-of-this-world trail bike experience. Dirt bike helmets, gloves and boots are just the beginning. Body armour and goggles are other must-haves for protecting your soft spots.

Ready to roll? We’ll start from the top, head protection. Because, if there’s one thing you should prioritise in this adrenaline-fueled journey, it’s that noggin of yours. Let’s explore the world of dirt bike equipment.

Gearing up for greatness: Do I need special equipment for trail bike riding?

Dirt bike helmets, and other equipment, are different from street-riding gear. Trying to use your road gear for trail riding is going to leave you hot and bothered. The design of dirt bike helmets, gloves, and other gear keeps you protected and comfortable in difficult riding conditions. You’ll get mucky and sweaty when you’re riding on trails. That makes trail riding more fun. But, it’s the kind of fun that calls for specialised dirt bike equipment. When you’re protected where it matters most, it boosts your trail bike experience.

No matter where you ride off-road or what the weather is, make sure you have these items for an amazing trail riding experience:

Trail-riding helmet

The most noticeable thing about dirt bike helmets is the shape. The extended chin bar and angular design give added protection and aerodynamics to riders. The materials tend to be lighter weight than road-riding lids and you’ll find more ventilation in a dirt bike helmet than its street brother.

Some trail riding helmets also come with quick-release visors, washable liners and bold graphics. Check out our five favourite trail-riding helmets in our previous blog. Most dirt bike helmets have an open face, making the next bit of gear just as important.

Dirt bike goggles

If you can’t see where you’re going, you can’t ride! Dirt bike goggles are an essential piece of equipment, no matter what the weather’s doing! It’s best to choose your helmet before you decide on goggles. This is so you can be 100% sure they fit comfortably and securely together.

Look for a wide strap to hold your goggles in place, and a soft yet sturdy foam edge. That ensures comfort and makes a good seal against the dust or mud that you’ll kick up on a trail. Additional features like outriggers, roll-offs and dual pane lenses that minimise fogging are worth considering if you do a lot of trail riding in wet and muddy conditions.

Gloves

You need to balance protection with comfort and functionality when choosing gloves. Most trail-riding gloves are made of warm breathable materials or come with extra ventilation to keep your hands steady on your handlebars when the heat is on. Knuckle armour and palm protection keep you safe from impacts and add durability.

Just like your other dirt bike riding equipment, a good fit is crucial. Look for adjustable wrist ties with velcro or elastic closures and make sure you’ve got full finger mobility. Restrictive gloves will hold you back on the trail. If you rely on GPS or a touchscreen when riding, features like touchscreen compatibility are nice to have.

Body armour

Body armour can improve your longevity, so more years of off-road riding can be yours! There’s a huge range of body armour kits to choose from; trail riding backpacks with integrated back protection, body armour jackets and integrated armour systems for jackets and trousers with removable/replaceable elements are just the start.

Look for armour that provides good coverage and protects vital areas—that’s your back, chest, shoulders and elbows. Knees and ankles are important to protect too, 43% of enduro-rider injuries involve lower limbs and 36% of fractures and dislocations involve feet and ankles. This leads us to the final piece of specialised dirt bike equipment for a thrilling and secure ride.

Trail-riding boots

The extra length in boots for dirt bike riding protects you against flying debris, but it also gives crucial support against ankle twists, impacts and jolts. Look for boots with reinforced soles, toes and heels. Most dirt bike boots have an adjustable buckle closure system that makes them easier and faster to get on and off, as well as allowing you to adjust them to fit snuggly on your legs.

Boots made from durable materials and with additional shin protection help them meet the challenges of off-road riding. They’ll last longer too. Just as you would look for a good fit with everyday shoes, you’re dirt bike boots need to be comfortable, snug-fitting and allow the blood to flow freely to your toes!

Finding the perfect fit: sizing up your dirt bike helmet

Choosing the right size for dirt bike equipment is not just about how you look – it’s a crucial element for safety and comfort on the trail. Read on for practical tips to make sure your helmet is snug and secure.

Selecting the right helmet size is critical for protecting your head and keeping you cool on challenging trails.

• Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows using a flexible tape measure. 
• Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart for the specific helmet brand you’re considering.
• It’s better to choose a helmet you can try on. That lets you know you have a snug fit without excessive pressure. The helmet should sit level on your head, covering the forehead without tilting backwards or forward.
• Fasten the chinstrap securely. No more than one or two fingers should fit between the strap and your chin.

Choosing the right goggles and gloves

Ensuring the proper fit of your goggles and gloves contributes to overall riding comfort and safety. Try goggles on together with your helmet to guarantee they work seamlessly as a unit.

Goggles

Clear vision is non-negotiable when navigating challenging trails. Protecting your eyes is just as crucial, a lot of mud and debris is kicked up when you’re off-road riding and you don’t want any landing in your peepers.

• Choose goggles after choosing your helmet. That allows you to make sure they seamlessly fit together.
• Goggles with a wide strap will hold more securely in place and snuggly in the face-hole of your helmet.
• A comfortable seal is important too. Look for goggles with a soft yet sturdy foam edge to create a good seal against dust or mud.
• Depending on your riding conditions, additional features like outriggers, roll-offs, and dual-pane lenses that minimize fogging can improve your riding experience.

Gloves

The perfect pair of gloves helps you maintain control and comfort while navigating tricky trails.

• Choose gloves based on the type of riding you’ll be doing. Trail riders get the best protection from gloves with knuckle armour and reinforced palms.
• Use a tape measure to determine the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles. Don’t pull the tape measure tight, just let it rest close against your skin.
• Look for gloves made from breathable materials or those with extra ventilation if you anticipate riding in warm conditions.
• Gloves should have adjustable wrist ties with velcro or elastic closures for a secure fit.
• Check that the gloves allow full finger mobility, before you take them out, especially if you rely on GPS or touchscreen devices while riding. Making sure you have a good fit before you ride means you can easily send them back if they’re not right and you won’t interrupt your trail ride with uncomfortable gloves.

Remember, a snug fit is crucial for control, and features like touchscreen compatibility can also enhance functionality during your off-road adventures.

Sizing up the final elements of your essential dirt bike equipment

Now that your head, hands and eyes are covered, it’s time to move on to the rest of your body.

Comfortable riding gear enhances your overall trail experience, so getting the right size is essential.

Body armour

It may feel excessive, but body armour is essential for when the inevitable happens. Coming off your dirt bike is no fun. When that’s coupled with a lack of protection, it can hold you back from more off-road adventures for months, or even a lifetime. Finding a good fit for body armour is a little like finding a well-fitting jacket or pair of trousers.

• Check your chest, waist, hips, and inner leg measurements with a flexible measuring tape.
• Compare them to the sizing chart provided by the body armour or clothing brand you’re considering. 
• Consider your riding position – your gear should allow flexibility without excessive looseness. 
• Pay attention to ventilation features on armour and clothing. Look for gear that offers breathability without being too loose, tight or sacrificing protection.

Boots

Your dirt bike boots play a crucial role in supporting your ankles and providing protection against impacts.  Finding well-fitting boots is pretty much the same as choosing shoes for any other occasion but with more attention to the details.

• Measure your feet and if they aren’t the same size, buy boots for the larger foot.
• Consider the type of socks you’ll wear while riding and wear them or ones with a similar thickness when you try boots on. Your socks can affect the fit of the boots.
• Check the sizing chart provided by the boot manufacturer — sizes can vary between brands.
• Ensure a snug fit around the ankle and heel without causing discomfort or restricting movement. Your toes should lightly touch the boot’s front when standing.

By prioritizing the right fit for your dirt bike gear, you’re not only enhancing safety but also setting the stage for a seamless and enjoyable riding experience. 

Gear Up and Ride with Confidence

Now that you’re well-versed in the world of essential dirt bike equipment, it’s time to take your off-road adventures to the next level. The key to a thrilling and secure trail bike experience lies in the gear you choose. We’ve explored the crucial components, from trail-riding helmets that protect your noggin to gloves that balance protection with functionality.

Whether you’re navigating mud-soaked trails or conquering rocky landscapes, having the right equipment ensures you’re prepared for every twist and turn. Prioritizing the correct fit for your dirt bike equipment enhances safety and sets the stage for a seamless and enjoyable riding experience. Your head, hands, eyes, and body are covered—now, it’s time to hit the trails with confidence.

And if you’re still unsure if the investment in all that dirt bike equipment is right for you, booking an awesome day on the trails with Phoenix will help you decide. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, our expert instructors will take you on an unforgettable adventure.

Book your experience now and elevate your off-road escapades to new heights. The trails are calling—answer with the right gear and the thrill of the ride awaits!