What to Wear for Mountain Biking (Plus a Free Beginner’s Guide!)
Getting into mountain biking is exciting, but figuring out what to wear on your first few rides can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need a closet full of expensive gear to get started. You just need a few essentials to ride comfortably and stay safe.
Whether you’re totally new to the sport or just want to double-check your setup, here’s a simple breakdown of what to wear on a mountain bike ride, plus a free beginner’s guide to help you feel ready and confident on the trail.
1. Comfortable Riding Clothes
Start with clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Avoid cotton if you can it traps sweat and gets uncomfortable fast. Opt for athletic wear or MTB-specific apparel that moves with you and keeps you cool.
2. Full-Finger Gloves
These are key for both grip and protection. Mountain biking involves a lot of braking, shifting, and steering, and gloves help reduce hand fatigue. Full-finger gloves also protect your skin in case you brush against branches or take a tumble (yep, it happens!).
3. Padded Shorts (aka a Chamois)
You don’t need bike shorts, but we’ll be honest they make a big difference, especially on longer rides. A good padded short adds comfort in the saddle and helps prevent chafing.
4. Footwear
Sturdy, comfortable shoes that provide good traction. We recommend bike shoes or skate shoes: these will help your grip on the pedals if you have flat pedals with little spikes for grip!
5. Protective Eyewear
Even on mellow trails, your eyes are vulnerable to dust, wind, bugs, and rogue branches. A simple pair of clear or tinted riding glasses can save you from a lot of discomfort (and a few surprises).
6. Weather Appropriate Gear
A lightweight jacket or windbreaker is great to have on hand, especially if your ride takes you into changing elevations or unpredictable weather. Some jackets pack small enough to tuck in your hip pack or jersey pocket.
7. Knee and Elbow Pads (for technical trails)
If you’re heading out on more technical or rocky terrain, pads can give you both physical protection and mental confidence. Not every ride needs them, but they’re a great option when you’re pushing your limits or learning new features.
Want More Tips Like This?
We’ve put together a FREE guide for beginners that covers everything from what to bring, how to fuel for your ride, how to gain confidence, and more.
Whether you’re just starting out or returning to the bike after a break, this guide will help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the fun.
We were all beginners once and we want to make mountain biking welcoming to everyone! Download our beginner’s guide to learn from us about
Bike purchasing tips
3 Mistakes to Avoid
Building your MTB Community
Bike Maintenance Checklist
MTB Safety tips
3 Common Nutrition Mistakes
How to stay consistent to improve your riding ... and more!
If you enjoy this free guide, grab the complete paid version with 70+ pages of in-depth resources, including advanced techniques, expert insights, and everything you need to take your mountain biking to the next level!
