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In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some general themes to consider when choosing your gear for any ATV ride or tour you’re planning to participate in. You have both casual and specialty options when it comes to ATV ride clothing, and your selection may depend on a few factors, including the kind of ride you’re taking, whether you’re a driver or passenger, and more.
At Mild to Wild Rhino Tours, you don’t have to worry about any special safety gear or equipment for our Zion National Park ATV tours — we provide it all. What about your basic clothing, however? While part one of our series went over your top options here, today’s part two will dig into some tips on what not to wear on any kind of ATV ride or tour.
Bulky, Baggy Clothing
If possible, we strongly recommend avoiding bulky or baggy clothes when you’re riding an ATV. While it might seem like these items would offer more protection in case of a fall, they can actually do the opposite.
That’s because loose-fitting clothing can easily get caught on something — whether that’s the handlebars, another rider, or anything else. If your clothes are too baggy, they might even get tangled in the wheels and cause you to crash.
So, what’s the best kind of clothing to wear on an ATV ride? We recommend form-fitting or close-to-the-body options that won’t billow out or get caught on anything.
Open-Toed Shoes
While you technically can wear open-toed shoes on an ATV tour or ride, most experienced riders will avoid them. That’s because open-toe footwear is typically more exposed and can be easily stepped on by the vehicle.
Some riders might even choose to wear hiking boots instead of typical athletic shoes for additional protection if they’re concerned about their toes getting stepped on. But, of course, you can wear whatever type of shoes or boots feel the most comfortable to you while still ensuring safety and comfort.
Belts
While belts are often very useful while we stand up, they have much less practical value for those who are seated during an ATV ride — and they can become very uncomfortable if they’re not positioned correctly.
When you’re sitting on an ATV, your belt can rub against your body in all the wrong places and cause chafing, discomfort, and even pain. If you must wear a belt while riding, make sure it’s positioned properly so that it doesn’t rub against your skin.
Heavy Materials
While any sort of heavy clothing might seem like it would be a great choice on an ATV ride, that’s actually not the case. That’s because you’re typically sitting very close to the ground as you drive and could potentially hit pebbles or other objects with your legs if they’re exposed.
We know it might sound counterintuitive, but you actually want to avoid heavier materials like denim when you’re riding. Instead, try to stick with lighter-weight fabrics that won’t cause as much pain if they come into contact with the ground.
For more on what to wear — and what not to wear — for any ATV ride or tour, or for information on our tours of Zion National Park, Sandy Hollow or other nearby areas, speak to the team at Mild to Wild Rhino Tours today.
