Gear Guide: Getting Started in the DIRT!

Getting into off-road riding comes with some learning curves that extend beyond learning to ride: what type of riding to start with, what type of bike to learn on, what gear to get?? If you’re planning on joining us at an event this year as a brand new rider, we recommend you enroll in a beginner-friendly class (which often allows you to learn on a novice-friendly class bike), and snag yourself some gear basics!

Check out this Gear Guide for a simple list of some off-road riding gear from great brands, at affordable prices, and a variety of sizes in stock (at the time of publishing this). Consider this your short-and-sweet go-to guide for getting started in the dirt!

Helmet

Helmets can range from roughly $100 to $800, where pricing reflects the level of development put into the helmet, and the nature of the components (strength, weight, design, street-legal riding vs. dirt only, and so on). If you’re just starting out, an entry-level full-face dirt helmet will work for you and carry you into your next level of riding. You brain is very important so if there’s anywhere to focus your budget, it’s on the helmet.

This Bell MX-9 Mips is a really great option because it’s affordable, and has a ton of features for comfort, like being fairly lightweight. It also has MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), which is a safety technology used in cycling, equestrian, construction and motorbike helmets alike, that dramatically reduces the transfer of rotational impact onto your brain. So go ahead, treat-yo-brain!

Goggles

There are a lot of goggle choices out there, all kinds of brands and colors, and they can range in price from about $30 to hundreds! If you’re just getting started, go with a classic entry-level goggle, and (just my opinion), get CLEARS. Clears means the lens is just that - it’s clear. There’s no tint, no mirroring. Tints and mirrors can look cool and certainly become useful for different riding conditions, but when just starting out clears are versatile and don’t give you any variables to worry about in addition to learning to ride.

100% Strata 2 goggles are known for being a solid go-to goggle brand and model. These come with a clear anti-fog coated Lexan lens, and are available in a ton of colors.

Boots

Ahhh BOOTS! Finding the right boots is a popular issue among female riders: how to find a women’s size, finding something small enough for your feet but not to short (or tall!) in the shaft height… some ladies need to venture into youth boot territory, while others (like me) stick with Men’s varieties.

There’s a lot to learn and figure out when it comes to boots, but if you’re getting started, we feel confident recommending the Fox Racing Comp boot, or the Fox Racing Women’s Comp boot.

As a new rider, getting used to any boot is a learning curve all it’s own! Learning to feel the gear shifter with your left toe, not being able to move your ankles much when the boots are new, struggling to get them on and cinched closed. If you struggle with these things, you are normal, and I can tell you firsthand that the Fox Racing Comp boots have great break-in comfort and streamlined low-profile shaping. They also sit at the affordable end of the boot pricing range!

Whatever boots you choose, know that you should fit a thick comfortable sock inside and that they will break in over some time. If you can, wear them around the house for a while before you go take your first dirt bike lesson.

Knee Guards

When getting started, you’ll definitely need some knee protection, and typically a basic knee and shin guard will suffice. At $25-30 per pair, both the Fox Racing Titan or the BILT Defender are decent options. As you progress in riding, you may want to upgrade to more expensive knee guards or knee braces.

These strap to your lower leg on top of your socks, but under your pants and get tucked into your boot. Often the closures on boots are adjustable so you can loosen them then tighten them again atop your guards as they break in. If you see types that look more like a legging/sleeve and are marked MTB, those are mountain biking guards, not moto guards.

Chest / Back Guards

Like everything else, there are a lot of choices here - from sleeveless/armless roost guards, to full upper body jackets with built-in protection. We’re choosing to highlight the Fox Racing R3 Chest Guard because it features a women’s-specific anatomical fit chest plate, can be worn with or without the shoulder pieces, and is overall affordable.

For event more basic options, check out the Bilt Immortal Roost Guard, or Rib Cage Roost Guard.

For full coverage, one could compliment these with elbow guards, but when just starting out the elbow guards aren’t entirely necessary and can often chafe the skin around the elbow joint. If you’re at the point where you’re heading into rocky woods or other off-road scenarios that require more coverage then I highly recommend investing in a full upper body protector like the Leatt Reaflex Women’s Body Protector. I won’t ride anywhere without mine.

Jersey and Pants

There are so many cool designs out there that don’t break the bank, but our go-to’s are the Fox Women’s moto line because they are always FIRE!

Check out the Fox Racing Women’s 180 Ballast or 180 Flora Jerseys and Pants, or some of their other electric designs.

Looking for an extra deal? Search with a ton of filters at Revzilla.com and surf their closeouts!

Must-Have Accessories

A hydration pack is one last item we have to recommend, because most new riders would never think of this and it obviously comes in handy for trail riders. If you’re taking a beginner lesson or riding on a motocross track, you can easily keep a bottle of water nearby, so no need to stress on this item just yet. But, if it’s due to be very hot out and if you plan on going out on any trails, this pack lets you carry water, and drink your water through the tube without needing to get off your bike or take your helmet off.

The Sedici Acqua Hydration Backpack is a favorite for it’s minimalist style, and ability to also carry snacks and other miscellaneous items.

We hope this succinct list helps you get started on your journey off-road!

There are a lot of gear options out there and these are just our best recommendations for starting out with a budget. If budget isn’t a concern and you have time to try more items, we recommend looking through a lot of options, and asking other ladies for recommendations in our Facebook Group!

Try purchasing a few options to try on and return what doesn’t work for you. That little bit of time investment is worth it to help you feel your best and give you confidence as you get out there in the dirt!