Ultimate ATV Mudding Gear Guide: Stay Safe & Comfortable!


I previously wrote a guide that shows what to wear when ATV riding. However, the guide doesn’t apply to all off-road situations. ATV mudding can quickly turn messy and this is why you need to prepare a set of mudding clothes. Wearing the proper mudding clothing will not only keep you safe and comfortable but also make the experience more fun.

ATV mudding gear needs to include the following:

  • Helmet;
  • Goggles (or a face shield);
  • Gloves;
  • Waterproof jacket (or long-sleeve shirt);
  • Waterproof boots;
  • Long pants.

Wearing the right type of clothing is essential to have a fun time when ATV mudding. Otherwise, you will have a bad time washing dry mud off your skin. Now, let’s go ahead and see why each piece of gear I listed is necessary when ATV mudding.

infographic showing the ultimate ATV mudding gear

What to Wear When ATV Mudding: A Comprehensive Guide

ATV riders with proper mudding gear

ATV mudding is fun and there is no doubt about that. However, the experience can go bad if you are not wearing the best mud riding clothes and gear. Below, I will break down everything that you need to wear when ATV mudding so that you have a good time.

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  • Helmet

No matter where you might be headed with your four-wheeler, you have to wear a helmet. In fact, you can’t even get on public roads without having a helmet because you will be stopped by police. Nonetheless, the reason why a DOT-approved helmet is crucial for ATV mudding is to keep you safe in case you fall off the four-wheeler or mud debris hits your head. In my opinion, the best type of ATV helmets are those with adjustable chin straps so that you get the perfect fit.

  • Goggles

If you have never been ATV mudding before, I guarantee you will be surprised by how far mud is thrown in the air when you hit the gas. Goggles (or a face shield if your helmet supports one) is essential for mud riding. If goggles are not available, you should consider, at the very least, wearing a pair of sunglasses so that mud doesn’t get in your eyes.

  • Gloves

Riding four-wheelers through mud is difficult. You will be pulling on the handlebars with all your force. Therefore, bringing a pair of gloves is always a good idea when going mudding. You will have a better grip on the handlebars and it will be easier to keep your hands warm and dry.

  • Waterproof Jacket or Long-Sleeve Shirt

Investing in a waterproof jacket is one of the best things you can do if you love ATV riding. You never know when it might start raining on the trail. When it comes to mudding, you should never do it while wearing a simple t-shirt. You need to have a waterproof jacket over or a long-sleeve shirt if you can’t get a jacket at the moment. Trust me. Getting dry mud off your skin is an experience you want to skip!

  • Waterproof Boots

Your boots will get dirt when mudding and there is no other way around it. This is why getting a waterproof pair is a great choice. I highly recommend buying a pair that comes with angle protection and slip-resistant soles so that you can ride the ATV in all environments. I wrote a full beginner’s guide on why you should wear ATV boots, in case you are interested in reading more.

  • Long Pants

The final clothing item that needs to be on your “must have” list for ATV mudding is a pair of long pants. You can always wear a regular pair of jeans that you don’t mind getting dirty, but the best choice for ATV riding are pants with reinforced knees. They are more expensive though. If you are not comfortable in jeans, I recommend wearing pants that are made from a breathable material like nylon, for example.

Why It’s Important to Wear Mudding Clothes (and not regular clothing)

The main reason why you want to wear mudding clothes instead of regular clothing is because of safety. Being equipped with proper gear when ATV mudding will make the difference between having fun or getting hurt. Here is why it’s important to wear ATV mudding clothes:

  • Safety

As fun ATV mudding can be, you can’t overlook that it’s dangerous as well. Since the four-wheeler is sliding everywhere in mud, there are more chances than ever to fall off and get hurt. This is why you need to wear a helmet!

  • Comfort

Mudding gear is more comfortable than regular clothing. I guarantee that you will have a better time on your ATV if you decide to wear breathable clothes that you don’t care about getting dirty. In addition, wearing a pair of goggles will ensure that you can focus on the fun without being distracted by mud getting into your eyes.

  • You Will Do Better

Besides safety and comfort, wearing mudding gear such as a helmet, gear, and goggles can also make it easier to control the four-wheeler, even though you might be going through mud. For example, the protection gloves will give you a better grip while the goggles will help with your vision.

Final Thoughts

ATV mudding is an exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity that will get the hearts of all off-road enthusiasts going. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety and comfort by wearing the appropriate mudding clothing. If you follow the guide I presented today and wear all the items I showcased, you will be ready to tackle muddy trails and have a fun experience. So gear up, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!

Bob Kelly

Hey there, my name is Bob and I've been riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs for most of my life. Going on outdoor adventures has always been my passion. I love sharing tips and tricks with beginners who are getting ready to join the world of outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach me at bobtheatvguy@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

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