Working with an ATV, whether on farmland, estates, or general outdoor tasks, demands a lot from both you and your machine. Honda ATVs are engineered with stability and safety built in, but what you wear (and how you prepare) can make a big difference in how safely and confidently you ride.*

The right clothing and protective gear doesn’t just tick a box; it helps you handle uneven terrain, unpredictable weather and flying debris with better comfort, control and awareness. And whilst most riders focus on helmets, boots and gloves, there’s another essential safety factor worth paying attention to, namely the correct tyre pressure. It’s not something you “wear”, but it plays a huge role in how safely your ATV behaves beneath you, especially across changing terrain.

This guide walks you through the protective gear every ATV rider should wear, what to avoid, and why tyre pressure matters just as much as what’s in your wardrobe.

ATVs are incredibly capable machines, but they can also expose riders to hazards if used without the right protection. Wearing appropriate gear helps you:

Should your machine tip, slide or take a sudden impact, protective gear helps reduce the risk of serious injury. Helmets, boots and gloves are your first line of defence.

Shield yourself from the elements

Farm work doesn’t wait for ideal weather. Proper layers, gloves, and eyewear help you stay comfortable and focused on everything from bright sunshine to biting cold.

Improve comfort & control

Boots help anchor your feet, gloves improve your grip, and protective eyewear sharpens your vision. Better control = safer manoeuvring over rough terrain.

Protect yourself from debris

ATVs kick up dirt, stones and branches, making protective eyewear and gloves essential for preventing cuts, scrapes and eye injuries.

The “Forgotten” Piece of Safety Gear: Your Tyre Pressure

Before we dive into clothing, there’s something equally important that riders often overlook, namely tyre pressure.

• Correct tyre pressure significantly reduces the risk of incidents, especially on challenging or unpredictable terrain. Under‑inflated or over‑inflated tyres can affect:

•  
  • Stability – impacting how the ATV grips the ground
  • Steering control – making handling looser or unexpectedly sharp
  • Braking performance – especially on slopes or wet ground
  • Ride comfort – causing extra fatigue over long work periods

EASI (European ATV Safety Institute) guidelines and Honda owner’s manuals both strongly recommend maintaining tyre pressures appropriate to the specific vehicle, terrain and workload.  Whilst protective clothing helps safeguard your body, ensuring your ATV has the correct tyre pressure helps prevent many incidents from happening in the first place.

Think of it this way: what you wear protects you. Your tyre pressure protects you and your machine.

What Protective Gear Should You Always Wear on an ATV?

Protective gear should be part of your normal ATV routine, no exceptions. Here’s what every rider should have on

Helmet

A high-quality, properly fitted helmet is essential. Look for certification such as the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standard or other recognised safety approvals, and ensure the fastening is secure before riding.

        Open‑face helmets: More airflow and visibility.

        Full‑face helmets: Better protection from debris, branches and weather.

Eye Protection

Goggles or a full‑face visor shields your eyes from dust, insects, branches and harsh sunlight.
Tip: Consider UV‑protective or tinted lenses for bright days.

Gloves

Durable gloves reduce vibration fatigue, improve grip, and protect your hands from debris and weather. Choose gloves that offer padding without limiting dexterity.

What Clothing Is Suitable for Riding an ATV?

Your clothing should help you move freely while shielding you from hazards. This is particularly important when operating in agricultural, estate or land management settings where terrain conditions can change quickly.

Upper Body Clothing

Long sleeves or lightweight jackets protect your arms and torso from scratches, branches and sun exposure.
Choose:

• Breathable, hard‑wearing fabrics
• Layers for colder conditions
  Avoid bulky clothing that limits your movement or makes it harder to steer.

Trousers

Opt for full‑length, durable trousers designed for riding or outdoor work.
Avoid:

• Loose clothing that can snag on branches or ATV components
• Jeans, which restrict movement and offer little protection

Over‑the‑boot or in‑the‑boot designs can help keep out mud and stones.

Footwear

Foot positioning and grip are crucial for safe riding.
Choose:

• ATV Riding boots
• Ankle‑high outdoor boots
• Rubber boots with firm soles and traction

Avoid trainers or open footwear, they offer no stability or protection.

Common Clothing Mistakes to Avoid

Loose clothing

Baggy or dangling items can get caught in controls, branches or moving parts.

Inadequate footwear

Trainers, sandals or loose shoes compromise grip and stability.

Clothing with minimal protection

Thin layers may feel cooler but offer little defence against debris and impact.

Learn More

Honda ATVs are designed with your safety and comfort in mind, and we want every rider to feel confident and prepared. Whether you’re maintaining land, managing livestock or tackling demanding outdoor work.

EASI (European ATV Safety Institute):

Should you require further information on rider safety, EASI’s website offers advice for all riders and ATV specific rider active training, targeted on delivering a range of online information and practical courses to meet your needs, promoting the safe and responsible use of ATV’s for all. www.quadsafety.org

Remember, Honda offers a FREE Rider Course for every new ATV purchase, please contact your local Honda Authorised ATV Dealership to discuss your options.

*For model-specific safety and operating guidance, always consult your Honda ATV Owner’s Manual before use.