The ATV and UTV Safety Gear You Should Buy

Do you want to enjoy your cross-country trips on an ATV or a quad and avoid injuries and other emergencies? Invest in high-quality safety gear! You will need quite a few things starting with a spacious UTV cargo box, which you can fill with other necessary items, including a map, emergency rations, tools, and a first-aid kit. Let’s take a look at the equipment that experienced riders recommend buying before starting your off-road adventures behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle.

Never Leave Without a First Aid Kit

You may have a lot of additional cargo space. You may be limited only to what the stock ATV model provides. In any case, start preparing for a ride by placing a first aid kit in your storage. There are common injuries that even experienced riders can get, including scratches, bruises, and even broken bones. Your household first aid kit is not the best option. Get a special one for riders. The famous “Stop the Bleed” Kit is a great affordable option if you want just the bare minimum.

The first aid kit must include:

• Dressings to control bleeding,
• Sterile bandages,
• Antiseptics,
• Prescription medicines that you need to take regularly.

Learning some basic first-aid techniques is recommended. On the trail, you may come across another rider who got in trouble. You should also have a radio or a smartphone with you to call for professional medical help if needed.

Have a Tool Kit for Emergency Repairs

A tool kit or a gear bag is another necessity for most ATV and UTV owners. If you ride the vehicle only in your backyard, there’s no need for a portable set of tools. However, if you prefer cross-country marathons behind the wheel of your reliable little offroader, make sure that you have the means to perform urgent repairs if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the woods.

Put these items in your gear bag:

• A small metal can with fuel,
• Spare parts that tend to wear down the most,
• A shovel,
• A hand saw,
• A basic ATV/UTV toolkit that includes wrenches, a pressure gauge, pliers, screwdrivers, spare nuts and bolts, a tow strap and tire repair materials,
• Your repair/service manual.

Buy a lightweight, scratch-resistant UTV storage box that can fit all your gear. You also should be able to remove the box from your vehicle for easy repairs or take it with you when making a stop at a motel. Ergonomic handles and advanced locking options are a must if you plan to travel a lot.

Use Additional Means of Communication

You can get lost. Your UTV can break down in the woods. Your smartphone will be out of coverage or out of juice. Things happen. However, if you use an old-school two-way radio as an additional means of communication, you will not run out of options. Radios are more trustworthy than smartphones. You can use them to chat with other riders in your area or call for help.

Make sure that your device has the General Mobile Radio Service enabled. You should be able to use it for short-distance communications with a range of around 200 miles for a typical 8-watt handheld model. If you want to triple your broadcasting range, opt for a 15-watt mobile radio.

Navigate With GPS

While your smartphone probably has a GPS, relying on it might not be the best idea. Smartphones get lost or break easily. Also, if you are out of the coverage zone, the GPS on your phone simply won’t work.

There are hundreds of affordable GPS devices designed for ATVs and UTVs. Upload the trail map before you hit the road. Every time you stop, the device will mark your location on the map, and you won’t get lost. Always choose a GPS model with special mounts, so it can be installed in your vehicle or attached to the handlebars.

Wear Proper Clothes

Having a comfortable pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt that is resistant to tearing is a must. If you prefer to ride during the hottest months of the year make sure that your clothes provide enough protection from heat and ultraviolet rays. The material should be breathable and have a UPF label. Sunburns and scratches are the two most common problems that riders face.

Sturdy Boots Are Great

You will be making sharp turns on your vehicle, so choose footwear that supports your lower extremities. Hiking or hunting boots are reasonable choices if you prefer not to purchase more expensive professional riding gear. The boots should be ankle-length and made from sturdy materials with soles that provide enough traction.

Get a Grip With the Right Pair of Gloves

If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you might already have gloves for skiing or hunting. But they are not the best option for driving an ATV. You need specialized riding gloves that keep your hands warm and provide additional comfort by negating vibrations. They also come with padded knuckles to protect your hands from low-hanging branches or flying gravel.

Cover Your Eyes With Goggles

You can buy specialized eye protection if you dislike full-face helmets. Riding goggles will protect your eyes from dust, dirt, sweat, and insects. Goggles can be plain or tinted. Tinted models offer additional protection from the UV rays. Regular sunglasses are not an option.

Before buying goggles, try them on. Make sure that they fit comfortably together with the helmet. They should be made from scratch-resistant material and have V-8, z87.1, or VESC8 markings.

Keep Your Head Safe

Never ride without a helmet. Head injuries are very common among reckless drivers. If you hit the trail on an ATV without sufficient head protection, you will be breaking federal and local laws. You need a helmet that has been approved by the authorities. These models bear “DOT” or “Snell” logos.

Open-face models are preferable during the hot months of the year. Remember to put your goggles on as well. Wear the helmet until you reach your destination and stop the vehicle. Make sure that it fits well and is tightly secured by a strap.

Conclusion

While you can’t eliminate all the threats you might come across during your adventures on the trail, your safety gear will help you overcome the obstacles and get out of difficult situations. Choose better-known brands that have a good track record. Safety gear is an investment. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more. Quality items will last you a long time.