My Winter Riding Gear List

There’s so much dual sport gear out there that sometimes it’s hard to know what’s best for you. Indeed, maybe you’ve bought gear on somebody’s recommendation, only to find that the conditions they’re using it in are quite different than yours. To help solve that problem, here’s a list of what I’ve found is working best for me in New England this winter. And if you’re looking to ride in conditions like these–essentially brisk days with the temps ranging from 39-55–this gear is worth checking out. Hopefully you’ll even find that it will work for you too.

Upper Body

1. Klim Krios ADV Helmet. As I explained in a recent review, it’s awesome.

2. Buff neck warmer.

3. A mid-weight compression top. I really like the tops Skins makes. Whatever top you get, the key is to ensure that it fits snuggly under body armor.

4. Alpinestar Bionic Body Armor. My favorite protection out there. It’s very low profile, especially when wearing winter-weight layers.

5. Kidney belt. I learned this one the hard way.

6. EMS power stretch 1/4 zip. I wear this insulating layer over my body armor. The semi-tight fit ensures that the layers under my riding jacket aren’t too bulky.

7. Leatt Enduro Riding Jacket. What’s great about this jacket is the six vents. They’re perfect for when things on the trail heat up, but you don’t want to stop and shed a layer.

8. Klim Dakar Pro Gloves. These gloves are built like tanks and keep your hands at the perfect temp while riding.

Lower Body

1. Any type of tight running insulated pants. They’ll keep you warm under your riding pants.

2. Leatt Enduro Riding Pants. These pants have two very long vents that help cool things down if needed and also have two large pockets that are great for keys, a wallet, and snacks.

3. Smartwool ski socks with extra cushion. I prefer ski socks over dirt bike socks for the extra warmth.

Accessories

1. Face mask

2. Hand warmers

3. Extra base layer if you end up in the drink.

4. Back up gloves

5. Puffy jacket for emergency insulation. My old TNF Zephyrus is perfect for this.

6. Cliff bars. A man’s gotta eat.

7. Battery power pack for your phone or GPS, with cables for both.

8. First aid kit and splint.

9. Goggles or sunglasses in case it gets warm.

10. 2L hydration bladder.

11. Full tool kit.

12. Tubes.

Pack

1. Mosko Moto Reckless 10. As I talked about in a recent review, this thing holds everything I need for my winter day trips.

2. Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag.

3. Mosko Moto Pinner Tool Roll. I have some thoughts about the Pinner. And they’re all good. This thing hold all my tools comfortably.

Footwear

Sidi Adventure GTX Boots. These are hands down my favorite boots. Stay tuned for a review!

Bike

Honda 250L Rally

Miscellaneous Gear

1. A GPS like a Garmin Inreach. If GPS is something you don’t have around, the Gaia app for your phone is awesome and something I run alongside my standard GPS

2. Heated grips & heated gloves. They make the winter temps more bearable.

3. Extra fuel for the longer days out.

So there you have it–my winter riding list. See you on the trails!

Words and Photo from Mickey Spades