A Guide on What to wear four wheeling or Off-roading!

ATV Trail Riding

An Off-roading adventure is an adrenaline-packed way to explore the outdoors, from navigating mud-covered trails to powering through rocky paths. But if there’s one thing that can quickly turn an epic adventure into a dreadful one, it’s wearing the wrong gear.

Whether you're a beginner and taking an ATV tour or semi-experienced enthusiast, knowing what to wear when four wheeling can make the difference between a day spent conquering trails and a soggy, uncomfortable ride home.  

This guide will help you gear up properly for your next off-roading venture with practical advice, safety recommendations, and a few anecdotes to keep things fun yet informative.  

The Importance of What to Wear Four Wheeling: The Right Gear  

Off-roading is not just a casual walk in the park. It’s rugged, unpredictable, and downright dirty. When you’re navigating the wilderness, sharp debris, weather changes, and mud splatters are all part of the experience. Wearing the right clothing ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind, no matter what the trails throw your way.  

I learned this the hard way one day when I wore regular sneakers to a muddy trail. "How bad could it be?" I thought. Fast forward a couple of hours, I was slipping and sliding, completely soaked, and my toes were beyond wrinkled from being waterlogged. Lesson learned!  

If you want to enjoy your adventure without discomfort or injury, here’s exactly what to wear four wheeling or off-roading.  

ATV riding in water

Layer Up for Comfort Base Layers  

The foundation of any good off-road outfit is a solid base layer. These layers sit closest to your skin, so choosing the right material matters.  

• Go for Moisture-Wicking Fabrics  

  Trails can get hot, sweaty, or downright freezing, depending on the season. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. Think tank tops or fitted long-sleeve shirts under an additional layer.  

• Avoid Cotton  

  Cotton may be cozy for lounging, but it absorbs moisture like a sponge. Once it’s wet, it stays wet. Bad news on cold weather days or when going through rivers and puddles.  I do love a tank top under a long-sleeved shirt in the summer. That way when you stop and rest you can take off the long sleeve shirt and cool off. But when riding starts again I always put it back on to protect my arms. During hot weather this might not be a bad option, but if you are going to sweat remember the cotton can keep you wet.

Pro Tip  

Pack an extra shirt to change into after your ride. You’ll thank us when you’re dry and comfy heading back home.  

ATV riding

Protective Outerwear  

Off-roading means facing the elements head-on, often quite literally. A durable outer layer is essential for staying protected and comfortable.  

• Durable Jackets and Long Pants  

  Opt for water-resistant or waterproof materials if the conditions are muddy, snowy, or rainy. Even sunny days can result in muddy trails. A Lightweight riding jacket with a tough exterior and waterproof pants (especially if they’re slick pants) are lifesavers. I used a waterproof jacket many times when riding in the fall and spring. It was light weight and slick, perfect to wash the mud off of when done, but kept me dry and warm when having a good time on an off-road adventure.

• Versatile Layering  

  Cooler seasons like fall or spring demand warmth and adaptability. Look for jackets that offer ventilation zippers or removable liners.  Obviously casual clothing is the best. It's older and you don't mind being ruined with the splatters of mud or dirt.

Boots for the Trails  

When navigating trails, your choice of footwear will make or break your experience.  

• Sturdy, Waterproof Boots  

  A good pair of off-roading boots is non-negotiable. They should have thick soles, excellent traction for muddy terrains, and provide ankle support to stabilize you on uneven surfaces. Ankle boots are perfect for four wheeling in colder climates, but also great during the summer too.

Here’s a personal fail to note: once, I wore sneakers during a muddy day. Not only did I risk injuries by slipping all over the place, but I also came out soaked and miserable. The right boots not only improve grip but also act as a shield from sharp debris and mud.  Rubber boots might be fine, depending on what you need. Rubber boots may not be the best if doing real rocky terrain, but for watery, muddy adventures they might be good.

• Avoid Open-toe Shoes  

  Flip flops or open toed shoes like sandals may be tempting in the summer, but they spell trouble. Imagine driving over a small tree branch that flips up and cuts your foot. That’s an adventure nobody wants. Protect those toes and wear closed-toe shoes 

Get a Grip Hand Protection  

Never underestimate the power of good riding gloves. Whether you're steering through rocky climbs or handling tough terrain, gloves help in three critical ways:

• Improved grip on handle bars or steering wheel (for those riding in a side beside, even during sweaty or wet conditions).  

• Protection from blisters or sharp objects.  Imagine grabbing a muddy winch line while trying to pull your ATV out of the mud it stuck in. You need gloves for this.

• Added warmth in colder weather.  

Invest in gloves that meet ASTM standards to ensure durability and safety. Skipping gloves one winter ride left my hands freezing and blistered after just a few hours. That’s a mistake you only make once.  

Personally, I never wore gloves in the summer. This might be the wrong advice for you, but for me on a dry day, gloves were not a must for me, but I do see the benefit when taking ATV rides.

Head and Eye Protection  

Safety should always be a priority, and protecting your head and eyes is non-negotiable when off-roading.  

• Helmets with CE Certification  

  Four wheeling can toss you around, especially if it is rugged terrain, or your companion loves showing off by being a speed demon. A helmet meeting CE standards ensures your noggin stays protected in case of falls or accidents.  DOT-approved helmet is a must, and if you are riding away from your own property it will be required. I know many people do not use helmets, especially if they are riding in their "home area" but technically it is required by the department of transportation in many states. Always know the laws, but even in a state where it is not required, be safe and wear a helmet.

• Goggles or ANSI-Rated Sunglasses  

  Sunglasses not only shield against blinding sun glare but also block out flying debris and dust. On one sunny day in West Virginia, the trail’s sandy glare and trail dust particles turned my ride into a miserable squint-filled struggle. Since then, ANSI-rated sunglasses are always in my kit.  

Four Wheeling in the snow

Dressing for Different Seasons  

Off-roading is a year-round activity, but proper attire needs to change with the seasons.  

• Summer  

  As an ATV rider, stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are must-haves to protect you from harsh sun and hot steering grips.  

• Fall and Spring  

  Waterproof outer layers are essential. Muddy trails are par for the course these seasons, so focus on gear that keeps you dry and warm.  

• Winter  

  In the colder months layer up with fleece-lined jackets, thermal base layers, extra layers, and insulated waterproof boots. Don’t forget gloves, a beanie, and suitable goggles for frostier conditions.  

One thing you should remember is dress for the ride too. If you are going on long rides, you might want to pack accordingly especially if it is cold and raining. Imagine leaving at 7 AM at 40 degrees outside, but by noon it's 70 degrees. This can happen often in the fall and spring. Wearing layers is needed to keep you warm. I love wearing a long-sleeved top under a jacket during these seasons. Trail riding is also very different from riding on dirt roads. Be prepared for what you need.

Quick Reminder Always Pay Attention  

A piece of advice from personal experience to wrap this up. One time, I wasn’t paying attention while riding as a passenger. My partner thought I was secured and decided to show off his new ride with a sudden zoom forward. I fell back, landing on asphalt. Safe to say, it was a lesson learned the hard way. Always stay alert and secure yourself properly, whether driving or riding.  I swear from this point forward I hated riding on the back of four wheelers. I preferred driving my own.

On this note, when trail riding you might want to bring a first aid kit. Things happen and it is always best to be prepared. When going on a ride with many people, it is a good idea if someone in the group has a first aid kit, and maybe someone else will have a winch to pull your four wheeler out of the large mud puddle.

Almost every time I was out riding in a large group near the Hatfield McCoy trail in West Virginia, we would hear of accidents, meeting people and talking to them on the trails, they would tell us of the potential hazards that some people did not avoid. Or we would hear about people riding their ATV's while impaired due to drinking alcohol. The trail itself is actually really safe, but some people who ride to the trail system are not. There are many times people risk their own lives due to competition or just plain old bad behavior. I remember this one time, after we had finished riding for the day because it was getting dark outside, we heard there was a head-on collision a couple miles behind us where the four-wheeler lights were not working and they crashed. Someone was severely injured and had to be helicoptered out due to faulty headlights and not wearing a helmet. Proper gear and properly working equipment is a must when taking a ride on an off-road vehicle.

Four Wheeler in the woods

Gear Up and Hit the Trails  

Four wheeling is an incredible way to explore, but it demands the right attire for maximum comfort and safety. From moisture-wicking shirts to the perfect pair of boots, every item on your gear list has a purpose.  If you’re a beginner, start with the essentials mentioned above and build your outfit based on weather and conditions. Your gear doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to perform.  

Ready to rev up your next adventure? Now that you know exactly what to wear when four wheeling, your off-roading adventures are about to get a whole lot more comfortable. Gear up, stay safe, and enjoy every twist and turn of the trail!  

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