Mountain bike protective gear: what I wear & recommendations for your rides
Mountain biking isn’t exactly known for being a low-risk sport. No matter how skilled you are or what style of riding you prefer, there’s always a chance of going OTB. I’ve definitely had my fair share of crashes over the years, and I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) just how important the right protective gear can be.
Thankfully, mountain bike safety gear has come a long way. From lightweight full-face helmets to body armor that doesn’t feel like medieval chainmail, there are more options than ever to help keep us in one piece when things go sideways—literally.
So what kind of gear do you actually need? In this post, I’ll break down the different types of mountain bike protective gear, share what I use, and offer a few tips on when to suit up with some extra padding.
Core essentials: what to wear on all (or most) rides
If you’re only going to invest in a few pieces of mountain bike protective gear (at least when you’re just starting out), these are the non-negotiables.
🪖 Helmet
A good helmet is the most important piece of mountain bike gear—period. I don’t care if you’re cruising green trails or dropping into chunky downhill lines. Wear one.
There are three main types/styles:
- Half-shell helmets – These are great for most-rides: trail and cross-country. They’re lightweight, well-ventilated, and comfortable enough to wear all day.
- Full-face helmets – These offer more protection for downhill, enduro, and bike park riding. They’ve gotten better over the years are most are surprisingly breathable and even convertible.
- A breakaway helmet – These can be used as a ‘normal’ helmet or as a full-face helmet by attaching a removable chin bar
What to look for:
⭐️ I use the Giro Manifest (full review) for everyday trail rides. It’s lightweight, breathable, and fits great with sunglasses. For bike park days or rowdier terrain, I’ll switch to my Smith Mainline (full review), which is a lightweight full-face that doesn’t feel bulky or claustrophobic.
Wearing my Giro Manifest half lid 
Wearing my Smith Mainline full face
🧤 Gloves
Gloves might seem like a small thing, but they’re important for grip, control, and protecting your hands during a crash. Even a minor slide can tear up your hands if you’re not wearing them. Full-finger gloves are the go-to for mountain biking.
What to look for:
⭐️ I like gloves with a snug fit and minimal padding. Too much padding actually makes my hands feel less connected to the bars. HANDUP Everyday Gloves have been my go-to’s for years because they’re minimal and fun. Measure your hands before buying because the sizing is unisex.
🦵 Knee Pads
Knee pads used to be bulky and annoying, but modern designs are lightweight, flexible, and totally worth it. Your knees are usually the first thing to hit the ground in a crash, and a little protection goes a long way.
There are two main styles:
- Slip-on soft pads – Comfortable for pedaling and all-day trail rides
- Hard shell or Velcro-on pads – Better for aggressive terrain or bike park laps
What to look for:
⭐️ I wear knee pads on almost every ride these days. My brother has stitched me up one too many times! My favorite knee-pads are the Fox Enduro Sleeves. They’re comfortable, easy to pedal in, and offer just enough protection for ’trail crashes’. If I’m going to the bike park or doing rowdier stuff, I’ll swap to my Fox Launch Pro’s.
🕶️ Sunglasses or clear lens riding glasses
Protecting your eyes might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to mountain bike gear, but it should be. Dirt, dust, bugs, low-hanging branches, and even the sun can seriously mess with your ride if you’re not wearing eye protection.
What to look for:
⭐️ I usually ride with my Smith Shift MAG Split sunglasses that have photochromic lenses. They’re super lightweight, stay put even on rough descents, and the lenses adjust to changing light, which is awesome if you’re in and out of the trees.
Smith Shift photochromatic lenses in dark light 
Smith Shift photochromatic lenses in bright light
Nice to have’s: Protective gear based on riding style
Once you’ve got the basics covered, you might want to add a few extra layers of protection, especially if you’re riding faster, steeper, or rowdier terrain OR you just feel more comfortable with more protection. These aren’t must-haves for everyone, but depending on your riding style, they can definitely be worth it.
💪 Elbow pads
Elbows are often the second body part to hit the ground after your knees, but a lot of riders (myself included) skip elbow pads unless the trail really calls for them. They can feel restrictive on climbs, but they can also offer solid peace of mind on rough or rocky descents.
What to look for:
⭐️ I personally don’t wear elbow pads when I’m riding, but I have a few friends that use the Fox Enduro Elbow Sleeves.
🦴 Chest & back protection
If you’re riding steep lines, downhill tracks, or racing enduro, you might want to consider extra torso protection. Chest and back protectors can help absorb impact if things go sideways.
What to look for:
⭐️ I don’t wear a chest of back protector (because I’m not hucking myself off 30-foot gap jumps…) but if I did, I’d wear the POC VPD Torso System. I love POC because of their commitment to design and safety and I’d wear their helmets, but unfortunately they don’t fit me right.
🦒 Neck brace (for gravity/downhill riders)
A neck brace isn’t something most riders need, but if you’re doing serious downhill or freeride stuff—especially jumps and drops—it can add a level of spinal protection you won’t get from other gear.
What to look for:
⭐️ Again, I don’t personally wear a neck brace, but I know downhill racers who swear by the Leatt DBX 3.5 Neck Brace. If you’re regularly sending big lines, it’s worth looking into.
🥽 Goggles (alternative to glasses)
Goggles offer better eye protection and dust sealing than glasses, especially when paired with a full-face helmet. They’re a go-to for enduro and downhill riders, and they help keep your vision clear when conditions get nasty.
What to look for:
⭐️ I’ll switch to Smith Squad MTB Goggles on bike park days or super dusty rides. They stay clear, fit perfectly with my full-face helmet, and don’t fog up as easily as others I’ve tried.
What mountain bike protective gear do YOU need?
Not every rider needs to be fully armored every time they hit the trail. The protective gear you choose should match the kind of riding you’re doing, the terrain you’re on, and your own comfort level with risk. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s right for you.
Where to buy mtb protective gear
Once you’ve figured out what kind of protective gear you need, the next step is actually buying it, which can be a little overwhelming with all the options out there. Some gear is worth trying on in person, while other stuff is easy to order online (especially if you already know your size or the brand you like).
Here are a few of my favorite places to shop:
Online retailers
Backcountry – Huge selection of MTB gear and frequent sales. I like that they carry both premium and budget-friendly brands.
backcountry.com
Competitive Cyclist – Owned by Backcountry but geared more toward serious riders. Great for higher-end gear and detailed product specs.
competitivecyclist.com
Jenson USA – A solid go-to for bike-specific gear. They often have great deals on helmets, pads, and accessories.
jensonusa.com
REI – Great return policy and you can try things on in-store if you have one nearby. REI also carries popular brands like Fox, Giro, and POC.
rei.com
Smith – If you’re already a fan of Smith helmets or eyewear, buying directly from their site ensures you get the newest models, full color/size selection, and warranty coverage.
smithoptics.com
Trek & Specialized websites – If you’re loyal to a specific brand, buying directly from them can be the easiest way to find exactly what you’re looking for in the right size/color.
Local bike shops (LBS)
If you’re new to mountain biking or unsure about sizing, it’s definitely worth stopping into your local bike shop. They can help you get fitted properly, answer questions, and let you try on gear, especially helmets and pads.
Buy used (if it’s safe to do so)
For non-crash-critical gear (like gloves, glasses, or even elbow/knee pads), checking places like Facebook Marketplace, GearTrade, or Pinkbike Buy/Sell can save you some cash.
⚠️ I don’t recommend buying used helmets or body armor unless you’re 100% sure it hasn’t been crashed. Impact protection breaks down even if the damage isn’t visible.
Mountain biking is all about pushing your limits, having fun, and soaking up time on the trail, but staying safe while you’re at it makes the ride a whole lot better. Protective gear won’t stop crashes from happening, but it can help you bounce back quicker, avoid serious injury, and ride with more confidence. Start with the essentials, add what makes sense for your riding style, and don’t be afraid to dial things in over time. The most important thing? Wear what helps you feel good on the bike—physically and mentally.
What mountain bike protective gear do you wear? Do you still have questions about how to stay safe? Leave a comment below!
Hi Dale,
I had several crashes and asked Becky for help. She suggested (as detailed above) the Fox Enduro knee pads. They are easy on/off, do the job with adequate ventilation, and offer enough protection for the kind of riding you do. Most importantly for me, they prevent kneecap road rash which can take forever to heal.
Best wishes,
Bill DeForest
I enjoyed reading your informative guide to bicycle safety equipment.
The joy of riding started in at 40 and at 71 years old still enjoy the sport for exercise. A close friend who is an avid rider always told me that I am not a cyclist, I am just a guy who enjoys riding bicycles. I am good with that. I ride mainly bike paths but cannot help but ride on some roadways and try to get in about 20 miles every day. Another friend who was also an avid rider had an accident recently, the accident has benched him from ever riding again. As he was also 71 it started me thinking about getting some safety gear in addition to my helmet. At 6 feet 3 inches and 240 lbs, I am having difficulty finding knee pads, elbow pads and wrist protectors large enough. Any suggestions?
My question to you is am I thinking correctly that this would be a good idea, what protection would you recommend? As long as I can, I want to ride. I think some additional safety equipment is just some insurance to assure that outcome.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Dale, thanks for reading and it sounds like you’re really enjoying your rides! For protection, a good helmet is the most important piece of protective gear. Other gear, like knee pads and elbow pads, will help keep you from getting scratched up in case of an accident, but won’t do much in the event of a big crash or collision.
If you do want to get some extra gear G-Form has sizes up to 2XL and their pads are still pretty easy to pedal in. I hope that helps – stay safe and keep enjoying your rides!