What to Wear and Carry on the Trail
Mountain biking throws brush, branches, roots and rocks your way, so the right gear does more than keep you comfortable, it helps you ride safely and stay prepared when something goes wrong. The checklist below covers clothing, protection, on-the-ride repair items, hydration, pedals and lights, drawing on guidance from REI’s mountain biking experts, Park Tool’s repair advice and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Clothing That Moves With You
According to REI’s mountain biking clothing guide, trail shorts are built with stretch fabric and a padded crotch liner to reduce friction and wick moisture. You can buy shorts with an integrated liner or separate padded liner shorts and a baggy shell. For downhill riding, the guide recommends thicker, longer shorts for extra abrasion protection. Most mountain bike shorts have sturdy fabrics and plenty of pockets.
Mountain bike jerseys are close-fitting to wick sweat but often a bit looser than road jerseys, REI notes. Gravity-oriented riders may prefer an even looser cut. If you ride without a pack, rear pockets are handy for stashing keys, food and a phone. A ventilating front zip helps on hard climbs.
REI’s guide says full-fingered gloves are almost always the wiser choice for mountain biking because they protect your knuckles from brush and branches. Padding is optional, mountain bike grips are already padded, but some riders appreciate the extra comfort on rides lasting several hours. Gloves with no padding are lighter, cooler and let you maintain better bar feel on steep descents.
For cold or wet weather, REI suggests a cycling-specific jacket with durable fabric, wind protection on the front and a helmet-compatible hood. A waterproof/breathable jacket is a must for serious rain. Padded bike tights can replace liner shorts on cold days, and waterproof/breathable pants keep you dry. Insulating layers made from wool, polypropylene or nylon work well; avoid cotton. Arm warmers, leg warmers and a cycling cap are easy to add or remove as conditions change.
Protection: Helmets and Pads
REI categorizes mountain bike helmets by riding style. Cross-country helmets offer ventilation similar to a road helmet. Trail helmets extend coverage farther down the sides and back. All-mountain and enduro helmets often include a detachable chin bar that you can snap on before a big descent. Downhill and park riding call for a full-face helmet and possibly goggles instead of sunglasses. For more on choosing the right lid, see our mountain bike helmet guide and how to choose a bike helmet article.
The CPSC’s helmet safety infographic advises that a bicycle helmet should sit low on the forehead, about two finger widths above the eyebrows, and the chin strap must be tightened for a snug fit. Look for a label inside showing the helmet meets the CPSC federal safety standard. Replace the helmet after any impact, even a drop, because helmets are one-time-use products and damage may not be visible. Cracks in the shell, worn straps and missing pads are also reasons to replace a helmet. You can browse our helmets section for more options.
REI’s clothing guide explains that pad coverage increases with riding intensity. Trail and cross-country riders can use lightweight knee pads, and newer riders may want elbow pads as well. All-mountain and enduro riders need thicker, longer pads. Downhill riders often add shin guards to complete their coverage. Some experienced riders carry pads on the climb and put them on only at the top of a long downhill.
On-the-Trail Repair Kit
Park Tool’s on-the-ride repair guide says the most important thing to carry is knowledge of your equipment, but a few tools and spares make a big difference. At a minimum, bring a spare tube, patch kit, pump or CO2 inflator, tire levers and a wheel wrench if your bike doesn’t have quick-release hubs. Park Tool calls a multi-tool a good idea because it combines tools such as hex wrenches and spoke wrenches. Park Tool also suggests double-checking your saddle bag before every ride to make sure you haven’t loaned out a tube or lost a tool.
REI’s bike gear essentials article adds that a frame-mounted pump or CO2 inflator can get you rolling again after a flat, while a floor pump is better for home use. Park Tool notes that patching a tube is best done at home with good light and proper solvents; on the trail, it’s faster to install the spare tube. If the tire casing is torn, Park Tool suggests using a tire boot as a temporary fix to prevent the tube from herniating. A dollar bill is not a reliable substitute. For tubeless tires, Park Tool warns that a lateral impact can cause a “burp” where the bead momentarily unseats and air escapes. If you lose pressure, pick up the front wheel to help the bead seat while inflating. Park Tool also notes a tire boot is not a repair for tubeless tire holes, because the boot needs pressure from an inner tube to stay in place. For a full list of what to pack, see our roadside bike repair kit article and the repair & maintenance section.
Hydration and Carrying Your Gear
REI’s bike gear essentials article says a water bottle cage bolts to your frame and holds a bottle with a sport top that’s easy to open with one hand or your teeth. If your frame lacks threaded fittings, look for a cage that attaches with straps or a clamp. For longer trail rides, REI’s clothing guide notes that most mountain bikers prefer a pack with a hydration reservoir, which also carries the Ten Essentials and bike-repair gear. Browse our bags & storage page for pack options.
Pedals: Flat vs. Clipless
REI’s pedal guide explains that clipless pedals use a cleat on the shoe that snaps into the pedal, giving you more efficiency and control; REI adds that your feet won’t bounce off the pedals as you apply power or ride through bumps. Mountain bike clipless pedals typically use a 2-hole cleat recessed into the sole, which makes walking easier than with road cleats. Flat platform pedals let you use almost any shoe and are the easiest to get off quickly, a reason many downhill riders pair them with grippy-soled shoes. Hybrid pedals offer a clipless mechanism on one side and a flat platform on the other. The table below compares the two main types based on REI’s guidance. For a deeper dive, read our clipless vs flat pedals article and visit the shoes & pedals section.
| Feature | Clipless Pedals | Flat Pedals |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Cleat locks into pedal; foot stays attached | No mechanical connection; foot rests on platform |
| Control | High; foot won’t bounce off on rough terrain | Sufficient with grippy shoes; easiest to remove in a crash |
| Ease of use | Requires practice clipping in and out | Step on and off instantly |
| Walking comfort | Mountain cleats are recessed for easier walking; road cleats protrude | Any shoe can be worn; very comfortable off the bike |
| Best for | Riders who want pedaling efficiency and secure foot placement | Downhill, beginners, commuters and anyone who gets on and off frequently |
Lights and Visibility
REI’s bike gear essentials article states that headlights and taillights are essential for riding at night or in bad weather. Headlights range from basic safety models that help others see you to high-output systems that light up the trail. Taillights are red and usually have flashing and steady modes. Reflectors, mirrors and a bell can add extra safety. Bike light and helmet laws, as well as e-bike class regulations, vary by state and city, so check your local requirements before heading out. Our bike lights section and mountain bike night riding lights guide can help you choose the right setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need full-fingered gloves for mountain biking?
REI’s mountain biking clothing guide says full-fingered gloves are almost always the wiser choice because they protect your knuckles from brush, branches and trailside hazards. Sweaty hands are a minor discomfort compared to bloody knuckles.
How often should I replace my mountain bike helmet?
The CPSC’s helmet safety infographic advises replacing a helmet after any impact, even if you don’t see damage, because helmets are one-time-use products. You should also replace a helmet if you notice cracks in the shell, worn straps or missing pads.
Can I use a road cycling helmet for trail riding?
REI notes that cross-country mountain bike helmets offer coverage similar to a road helmet, but trail riding often involves more technical terrain. A trail helmet extends farther down the sides and back for extra protection. For all-mountain, enduro or downhill riding, a full-face helmet or a helmet with a detachable chin bar is recommended.
For more gear guides, visit our Cycling Gear section.
