Tune Yourself: What To Wear For Extreme UTV Riding

Story and Photos Provided By: Daria Newell

Off-road riders are understandably passionate about their vehicles and how they perform. Yet another issue to consider is their own outfit. It may seem unimportant but you’ll be surprised what a massive positive impact it has on the rider’s comfort and performance.

So, what to wear when riding your ATV or SxS in extreme conditions? Which riding gear should you choose? If you are a newbie in off-roading, our guide will be very helpful.

Over the past decades, technology has made advances in ATV & UTV waders design. Every year we’ve got more breathable, reinforced, durable, and flexible pieces of gear. In a word, offroad-proof. Yet, beginners still often don’t pay much attention to the clothes they wear. In the meantime, waders have become not a “luxury” but a “necessity.”

You probably don’t mind getting dirty, right? But you still need proper protection against water, flung debris, and other elements while riding. What could be worse than getting wet and cold in clothes rubbing your skin?

Properly chosen waders not only help keep you safer and cleaner while out off-roading. They also make hours spent on your vehicle a lot more comfortable.

What waders do you actually need to give your machine serious gas?

For decades, rubber and neoprene waders were the only choice for ATV & UTV riders. Thankfully, technology has come along and rescued us from the torture of having to wear rubber and other heavy non-breathable waders.

At the apex of powersports gear progress are waders made of membrane fabrics. Their best features, apart from being weatherproof, are breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and lightweight.

See the comparison below.

Bootfoot waders have a rubber boot permanently attached to the waders. With this type, you don’t need to buy separate wading boots. But the drawback is that bootfoot waders are much heavier in overall weight and bulkier. They certainly decrease your ability to quickly maneuver when necessary and make you exhausted toward the end of a day.

Stockingfoot waders, by comparison, have a built-in neoprene sock. They require purchasing wading boots that are put on over the sock. Slipping into stockingfoot waders and boots is generally no more uncomfortable than slipping into your favorite pair of jeans and sketchers. With separate construction, they are lighter and easier to clean.

See the comparison below.

It’s not just the design and cut, but also the special features. Off-road waders are tailored for tough, truly tough environments. Durability is a core priority in their design and manufacturing. They have everything you need and strip away everything you don’t need to eliminate weight and bulk.

First, the off-road waders have reinforcement in the most high-stress areas. Second, they are made with seamless technologies in mind and have a minimum number of seams in the inner thigh areas. Third, they have a mud-repellent coating which is great when it comes to cleaning.

In short, you’ll probably pay a little more for high-performance ATV & UTV waders, but in the end, it’s you who benefit from sustainable products, better materials, and advanced technologies.

Waders are the key but not the only piece of ATV & UTV gear. What else should you get before heading out to the unknown paths?

WADING BOOTS – when riding, you need proper footwear to support your feet on uneven, wet surfaces as well as protect them against any kind of impacts. Rubber boots are a traditionally good all-rounder for wading but specifically designed wading boots are taking over in harsh environments. They offer a better fit and support which is crucial for off-road riders.

JACKET – this is your upper body protection. Like ATV & UTV riding waders, it should be 100% waterproof, breathable, and well-designed to keep you dry and flexible.

GLOVES – a good pair of riding gloves will make your day much more enjoyable and safer since it offers a better grip and protection against water, wind, and cold. Typically ATV & UTV gloves are made of neoprene and reinforced in high-stress areas.

LAYERING – this is the whole tried-and-true art of gearing up that keeps you comfortable both by insulating and moisture-wicking. Traditionally the layering system includes three layers – base, middle and outer. By putting layers on and off, you regulate your comfort based on changes in the weather or your activity level.

SOCKS – socks are usually worn under waders. They have two main functions – to keep your feet warm and move moisture away.

LUGGAGE – your documents, gadgets, and other essentials may get damaged by water and mud. To keep them safe, don’t forget to take a waterproof bag or backpack onboard.

So to wrap it all up, here is a list of recommendations on waders features for every off-road rider:

1. Choose breathable waders as well as other pieces of riding gear. They should be made of membrane materials that allow both waterproofness and moisture-wicking properties. In summer, you will appreciate this feature most of all.
2. Stockingfoot waders should be your personal priority, since they are more versatile, comfortable, and advanced than bootfoot waders.
3. Make sure that your waders are as lightweight as possible. The lighter the gear, the less fatigue you feel by the end of the day. When it comes to dynamic riding, light breathable waders are the best option.
4. Unless you ride in freezing and near-freezing temperatures, there is no reason for extra insulated gear. In winter, you may use the same waders with proper thermal underwear.

In short – waders are the gear that is worth investing in. Get the lightest, most breathable stockingfoot waders. Combine them with other proper garments made by a reputable manufacturer. And your riding outfit will last for many seasons in any weather and adventures you encounter.

Gear up, open up the throttle and let the mud fly!