Dressing Warm during your Winter Ride

Dressing in warm outdoor gear is pretty much essential when you’re in an area that has a northern climate and want to enjoy riding an ATV, UTV, motorcycle, or snowmobile. Focusing on details like layering your clothing, wearing a helmet with a visor that protects your eyes, and putting on heated garments can make your riding time a lot more comfortable. Dressing for the weather makes it easier to enjoy extended time in elements, so you’re able to enjoy your adventures no matter how much the temperature drops or how long you stay out.

Layering Garments for Winter Rides

You never know exactly what to expect with the weather, so layering is a great way to stay comfortable while you’re out on your ride. Consider using a three-layer system to accommodate a variety of temperatures. A three-layer approach to winter gear includes a base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin, a mid-layer that traps heat where you need it, and an outer layer that keeps rain and snow away from the inner layers so you stay dry and warm.

• Base Layer: If you start to overheat and sweat, a moisture-wicking base layer, such as merino wool or cotton, pulls the moisture away from your skin and helps you stay comfortable.
• Middle Layer: For the middle layer, garments should ideally be crafted from a fiber that traps heat without being bulky enough to weigh you down. Look for insulated, slim-cut sweatshirts, jackets, and thermal leggings that fit under your outer shell.
• Outer Layer: The outer shell serves more than one purpose. It protects the inner layers and it’s where you’re most likely to store your cell phone and other small items. Features to look for when choosing outer layer garments include waterproof coating and pockets that zip shut.

Winter Gear to Protect the Head, Hands, and Feet

The extremities, like your head, hands, and feet, typically need extra attention when you’re getting dressed for a winter excursion. Your hat and neck coverings are the first details to check off your list.

• Head and Neck Protection From the Cold: Choose a balaclava, mask, or beanie that’s made from lightweight, insulating fiber to provide a layer of warmth that fits comfortably under your helmet.
• Hand and Wrist Warmth: When you’re getting your gloves or mitts ready, consider taking a spare pair that are a different weight. Liners are also an option if you like the idea of removing the outer layer rather than packing a spare pair. This gives you coverage for extreme cold and lighter protection in case your hands start to feel a bit too warm and sweaty.
• Keep Your Feet Warm While Riding: Look for insulated, waterproof boots to keep warmth trapped inside while keeping snow and mud from soaking into your socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm is vital when you spend a lot of time outside in cold temperatures.

Helmets and Eye Protection

The helmet you choose does more than protect your head if you have an accident, it also helps you stay warm when temperatures drop. Plus, there are a couple things that can make your helmet even more useful. Fogging over can be a problem when it’s cold and your warm breath hits the visor, so an anti-fog visor helps you maintain visibility. Anti-fog coating may be applied in spray form and it’s easy to use. Riding on a snowy day can leave you snow-blind, but there’s an easy solution for that. Tinted visors provide instant relief from the glare that’s caused by the sun shining on the snow.

Heated Winter Gear

In addition to the other types of winter gear mentioned here, there’s one type that deserves a special mention when it comes to enhancing your winter ride: heated winter gear. These are the type of heated gloves, socks, boot insoles, jackets, and pants liners that are powered by the battery of your ATV, UTV, bike or snowmobile. These are a step above the traditional hands and boot warmers that outdoor enthusiasts have used for decades. Heated winter gear has a controller that lets you set and easily adjust the temperature of your gear, so you stay comfortable for as long as you’re out.  

When you’re dressed for the weather, you get to focus on what you’re doing, and it makes your riding time more enjoyable. Layer up to enjoy your ride, and if you’re in the market for a new or used ATV, SXS, motorcycle or any other powersport vehicle, be sure to check out our current inventory to see the latest models available.