Best dirt bike gear 2022

Top dirt gear 2022

That said, there are so many ways to enjoy dirt that a single list of gear couldn’t cover everyone. We’ve assembled three distinct groupings of gear to best serve the wide range of dirt disciplines out there. Our categories cover the track pro, the hardcore woods/enduro/single-track rider, and the dirt rookie.

Selection process

Dirt may be a sprawling side of motorcycling, but our gear testers and staff are experienced in all of them. We put protection and performance first. A day in the dirt always has the potential for a spill, so whatever gear you’re wearing must be up to the task without question. That gear must also be comfortable and flexible enough that you’ll actually wear it, too. A year of evaluation led us to these standout picks. Let’s dive in.

Best MX gear

Our first rider type is an experienced motocross rider with plenty of track time. These riders compete in 20-minute motos regularly, and they are competitive. Their gear needs to be light, top quality, and designed to soak up the impacts that can happen in MX. State-of-the-art gear gives them the best chance of landing on the podium.

The best MX gear of 2022

Gear	Category	Price	Details
Bell Moto 10 helmet	Best MX dirt helmet	$850	Spherical MIPS Carbon shell
Fly Racing Dirt Lite jersey and pants	Best MX dirt kit	$230	Athletic fit Laser perforated
Fly Racing Dirt Lite gloves	Best MX dirt gloves	$25	Highly breathable Spandex backs
Alpinestars Tech 10 Supervented boots	Best MX dirt boots	$660	Frontal Flex Frame Ultra slim
Asterisk Carbon Cell 1 knee braces	Best MX dirt knee braces	$835	Full carbon Tethers included
TLD Rockfight CE Flex chest protector	Best MX dirt armor	$130	D3O/EPP armor Fully adjustable
100% Armega HiPER goggles	Best MX dirt goggles	$120	HiPER lens Ultimate comfort

Best MX helmet: Bell Moto 10 helmet

The Moto 10 is Bell’s premium offering for experienced dirt riders, and it brings two major protective features to your next moto. First is the Spherical MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces on the head during a crash. This is especially important for those who compete or spend long days at the track.

The second key piece is the segmented 3K Carbon Fiber shell construction. It can take a serious beating, it keeps the helmet’s weight as low as possible, and it offers plenty of ducting for the rest of the helmet’s airflow system. (Plus, that carbon just looks fast.) Under the carbon is a system of rubber isolators called NMR (No Missed Races) Bumpers that bounce back into shape after a hit, rather than permanently deforming like other helmets. Bell bestows the Moto 10 with other features to keep you cool and comfy. There’s a removable liner with cooling treatment, a sweat-management system, a wide goggle port, and magnetic-release cheek pads. The Moto 10 is DOT/ECE/SNELL 2020 certified.

Best MX jersey and pants: Fly Racing Dirt Lite jersey and pants

Track pros know that the right jersey and pants combo makes all the difference. A rider’s kit needs to be durable, flexible, and breathable, allowing maximum focus on riding.

Our choice for the seasoned track and MX rider is Fly’s Dirt Lite line. Fly uses an athletic fit that stays put while riding hard. The pants still slip over knee braces, so they aren’t too tight, either. Multi-panel construction, with stretch panels in the pants, put the Dirt Lite kit’s comfort far ahead of simpler designs. 

Both the jersey and pants are laser-perforated for airflow, with large mesh panels on the pants for extra ventilation. The pants also get leather heat shields, a full floating seat, and a Boa closure system to lock everything down before your next moto. Fly’s Dirt Lite line is for riders who demand the best, and they won’t be disappointed.

Best MX gloves: Fly Racing Dirt Lite gloves

Grab the Fly Racing Dirt Lite gloves to match the jersey and pants above if you seek the best. Fly uses sturdy Clarino palms with ventilated spandex backs, providing top control and comfort.

These gloves aren’t irritating or restricting at all while riding, and they last a decently long time compared to others we’ve tried. That’s mostly due to finger gussets and double-layered thumbs to keep the Dirt Lite gloves riding as hard as you do.

Best MX boots: Alpinestars Tech 10 Supervented boots

For 2022, no boots beat the Alpinestars Tech 10 Superventeds. The venerable Tech 10 is available in a few different configurations, but the Supervented gets lighter uppers and breathable poly/foam linings for better breathability.

Protection is handled by a variety of technologies, including Alpinestars’ Frontal Flex Frame design that distributes impacts across the entire boot to defend your feet, ankles, and shins. The Tech 10 Superventeds also have reinforcements and TPU protectors at key points throughout. There is no finer boot for riders demanding agility and protection for a winner’s edge. 

Best MX knee braces: Asterisk Carbon Cell 1 knee braces

Knee braces are not negotiable for hardcore MX riders. Asterisk’s Carbon Cell 1s are the best we’ve tested for a variety of reasons. First is weight. The carbon fiber that gives these braces their name cuts the weight to just one pound per knee.

The Carbon Cell 1s resist rotational impacts with special tethers, and the braces have knee sleeves to keep them locked in place. These braces carry a three-year warranty and are made in the United States. Don’t settle for less when it comes to protecting your knees.

Best MX armor: Troy Lee Designs Rockfight CE Flex chest protector

Whether they’re going over the handlebar or taking roost to the chest, pros wear serious torso protection to race safely. The Troy Lee Designs Rockfight CE Flex chest protector is the one to buy for 2022. TLD uses flexible D3O armor and expanded polypropylene (EPP) to absorb strikes in different zones.

The Rockfight CE Flex also gets side flex plates, adjustable shoulder straps, and shoulder pads. This chest protector is compatible with most neck braces out there if you choose to use one. For a final touch, the Rockfight CE Flex is optimized for airflow and sweat management to keep riders feeling their best in the heat of a moto.

Best MX goggles: 100% Armega HiPER goggles

Once again, the Armega goggles from 100% are the top choice for MX riding. For as much as we like the standard Armega goggles in their base form, the optional HiPER lenses are well worth the upgrade for competitive riders.

HiPER lens technology boosts contrast for incredible clarity and protection. The Armega’s frame has an ergonomic design with plush foam around the perimeter, and the strap grips helmets well to keep the goggles planted all day. A quick-change lens system makes lens swaps a snap between motos.

Best enduro gear

Our second rider type prefers trail riding, especially single-track, in challenging terrain. Enduros, hare scrambles, and other off-road competition are fair game. These riders need gear that can protect against all kinds of potential tumbles in the dirt, but they also need gear that won’t fray apart from rocks, thorns, and other obstacles. Our selections are built to survive the ride.

The best enduro gear of 2022

Gear	Category	Price	Details
Fly Racing Dirt Formula helmet	Best enduro helmet	$690	Advanced shell RHEON impact cells
TLD Scout SE jersey and pants	Best enduro kit	$285	Rugged for trail use Elasticated and ventilated
TLD Gambit Scout gloves	Best enduro gloves	$52	TPR knuckles Compression cuff
Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro boots	Best enduro boots	$410	Hinged ankles Enduro sole
Leatt C-Frame Pro Carbon knee braces	Best enduro knee braces	$550	Mono hinges Low profile
Alpinestars Bionic Tech v2 jacket	Best enduro armor	$290	Full armor Max airflow
100% Accuri 2 goggles	Best enduro goggles	$45	Triple foam seal Anti-fog
USWE hydration pack	Best enduro hydration pack	$100-$250	Built for trail riding Variety of capacities

Our third rider type is just getting started in the world of dirt. These riders might want to try their first season of MX, enter their first hare scramble, or just ride casually with some friends. As these riders are new to dirt, they probably don’t have any gear, so we selected a head-to-toe kit on a budget. It’s always better to cover all the essentials than it is to buy one really nice piece of gear and skip the rest. Our choices should get riders through the initial learning curve, and most of this kit will be applicable to many styles of dirt riding.

The best budget/beginner dirt gear of 2022

Gear	Category	Price	Details
Fox Racing V1 helmet	Best budget/beginner dirt helmet	$160-190	MIPS liner Street-legal
BILT Amped Evo jersey and Velocity Air pants	Best budget/beginner dirt kit	$90	Premium touches Plenty of mesh
BILT Amped Evo gloves	Best budget/beginner dirt gloves	$12	Breathable mesh Neoprene cuffs
Alpinestars Tech 3 boots	Best budget/beginner dirt boots	$155	Gold standard TPU protectors
Leatt Dual Axis knee guards	Best budget/beginner dirt knee guards	$100	Affordable and effective Moves with knee
Alpinestars Bionic Action jacket	Best budget/beginner dirt armor	$160	Full coverage Vented armor
FMF goggles	Best budget/beginner dirt goggles	$20-$50	Variety of sizes/styles Wide helmet straps

Best budget/beginner helmet: Fox Racing V1 helmet

The V1 is Fox’s entry-level dirt helmet, and for 2022, it’s our top choice for the dirt rookie. This helmet can be used in a variety of riding styles as you learn your way around the dirt, including motocross, enduro, trail riding, or dual-sport events.

The V1 channels the aggressive DNA of its bigger brothers with Fox’s signature style. Inside, it has a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) liner. MIPS is one of the most important features we look for when recommending a dirt helmet, and at less than $200, the V1 is a fantastic way to get started.

Best budget/beginner jersey and pants: BILT Amped Evo jersey and Velocity Air pants

You’ll have a much better riding experience if you’re wearing proper dirt apparel, like a jersey and riding pants.

BILT makes our top picks for 2022’s rookie riders, the Amped Evo jersey and the Velocity Air pants. Both use breathable fabrics to keep you cool while you ride. They use an athletic cut with precurve in the pants to ensure a close fit. But don’t worry, these pieces will slip over your chest protection and knee guards without an issue.

Both pieces are affordable and easy to replace if you manage to rip them while learning to ride.

Best budget/beginner gloves: BILT Amped Evo gloves

The Amped Evo gloves complete your BILT kit. The Amped Evo gloves bring reinforced synthetic palms with four-way stretch at the back of the hand. Silicone grippers on index and middle fingers ensure confident control at the levers.

Wrist cuffs are cushy neoprene, and they stay put with adjustable hook-and-loop closures. The Amped Evo gloves are all you need to get started in the dirt.

Best budget/beginner boots: Alpinestars Tech 3 boots

Just as the Tech 7 Enduro boots rule the world of woods riding, the Tech 3 boots are the best choice for beginner or budget dirt riders. There are actually two different versions of the Tech 3, and it’s easy to decide between them.

Motocross riders should grab the standard Tech 3s, while trail riders will want the Tech 3 Enduros. Both models offer durable microfiber uppers, biomechanical ankle protection, TPU reinforcements in key areas, replaceable buckles, and metal shanks. They’ll take all the abuse that your learning curve can throw at them, and they’ll protect your feet as you develop skills.

Best budget/beginner knee protection: Leatt Dual Axis knee/shin guards

Knee protection is not optional when riding off-road. However, full knee braces would be a huge investment for beginner riders. Leatt offers a way to protect your knees without blowing your entire budget on one safety item.

The Dual Axis guards cover the front and sides of the knee with two points of rotation for the best mobility on the market. The Dual Axis guards weigh just one pound each, yet they’re CE-certified against impacts and abrasion. With the Dual Axis guards, there’s no need for beginners to compromise knee protection just because full braces are prohibitively expensive.

Best budget/beginner armor: Alpinestars Bionic Action jacket

Also our top pick last year, the Alpinestars Bionic Action jacket delivers full torso protection in one convenient garment.

This proven option protects your chest, back, shoulders, and elbows using Alpinestars’ polymeric armor. Multiple adjusters allow you to quickly and easily correct the fit. The Bionic Jacket punches well above its weight as an affordable, protective jacket. 

Best budget/beginner goggles: FMF goggles

FMF offers a line of affordable dirt goggles at a variety of price points.

The basic PowerCores with clear lenses are only 20 bucks, with the nicest offerings with mirrored lenses coming in around 50 dollars. Goggles are absolutely essential for any dirt riding, and FMF’s offerings will protect your peepers without destroying your budget.

Best budget/beginner hydration pack: Sedici Acqua hydration backpack

For long days on the trail, you’ll want a hydration pack with plenty of storage for water, tools, snacks, and your phone, among other things.

Sedici knocked it out of the park with their Acqua hydration pack. It uses durable 420D/600D poly construction with comfortable shoulder straps and silicone grip to help keep it in place. The slide-lock bladder holds up to three liters of water with an insulated hose and a swivel bite tube. Trust us: A hydration pack is key to keeping up stamina on the trail.

That’s all for this year’s dirt gear guide. Don’t miss our other gear guides from our comprehensive review of 2022’s best.