Essential UTV Riding Gear
Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), also called side-by-sides, are robust and reliable machines for both work and recreation. Whether you want to explore your favorite trails or boost productivity on your worksite, a side-by-side can help you enjoy the great outdoors. However, you should wear proper gear while you're getting work done. Head-to-toe protection will help keep you comfortable and ensure that you stay injury-free. Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to begin—we’ve got you covered. Here are a few essential accessories for UTV riders, so keep reading to learn more!
Headgear
You’ll want to protect your head when riding an off-road vehicle. Quality, well-fitting headgear will help keep your head safe from injuries in an accident and keep you going. Even if your UTV has seatbelts, you'll still want a helmet with a face shield. This accessory will provide the most protection and help keep you comfortable. If you have an open-face helmet, you should still wear it during your rides.
Ear Protection
If you choose an open-face helmet, you’ll want ear protection to counteract the loud engine volume. Simple foam earplugs work best since they won't get in the way of your helmet and can still reduce the noise level by several decibels. However, remember to replace your earplugs periodically since the foam can break down, reducing its protective capability.
Clothing
Next, you'll want to wear the right clothes to cover any exposed skin while you're on the trail. During winter, proper clothing will help prevent frostbite when you're traveling at high speeds. During other seasons, your clothing will help prevent nicks and cuts on your skin from debris that may fly up into your UTV while you're outdoors.
You'll want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, full pants, and a jacket when riding your UTV. You’ll also want to wear gloves with a firm grip and goggles to protect your eyes from dirt and harmful UV rays of the sun.
Footwear
Finally, you’ll want to wear close-toed shoes to help protect your feet from flying debris, dirt, and anything else that might enter your UTV. This will also ensure you have firm footing if your UTV becomes stuck in mud or debris, leading you to get out and push. Avoiding open-toed shoes can help keep you in control of your UTV on rough terrain.
We hope you find this guide useful when purchasing gear before your next UTV ride. If you need more advice or are still searching for your dream utility vehicle, visit Team Mancuso Southwest. We have an excellent collection of UTVs from various premium brands, and we can help you select a model that fits your budget and unique requirements. We proudly serve Houston, Cinco Ranch, and Fulshear, TX, so stop by today!
