ATV Riding Gloves
ATV Riding Gloves: What They Protect and How to Choose
ATV gloves guard against rocks, branches and falls. See what CPSC advises, which features matter on a thumb throttle, and where standards fall short.
ATV gloves protect your hands from rocks, branches and debris on the trail, and they protect you in a fall. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists gloves with the helmet, eye protection, boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as gear ATV riders should always wear. Pick a pair with padding or armor over the knuckles and a thumb that still moves freely on the throttle.
For glove basics beyond ATVs, see how to choose the right motorcycle gloves.
Key takeaways- The CPSC advises gloves as standard ATV gear, plus hands-on training from a qualified instructor.- A safety course for off-road riders says gloves should be padded over the knuckles.- On a thumb-throttle ATV you press the throttle lever with your thumb, so check how the glove's thumb bends before you buy.- EN 13594 is a motorcycle glove standard; there is no ATV-specific glove rating in the sources we read.
Why ATV riders wear gloves
ATVs are not low-risk machines. From 2018 to 2020, 2,448 deaths in the US were linked to off-highway vehicles, and ATVs accounted for more than two-thirds of them.
Gloves cover the part of you that is closest to the trail. They guard against flying rocks and branches, cushion a fall, keep hands warm in cold weather, and cut soreness and fatigue. Read more on the protection side in our motorcycle glove safety and standards hub.
What to look for in an ATV glove
If you are curious why armor sits on the knuckles at all, read why gloves have hard knuckles.
| Feature | What to check | Why it matters on an ATV |
|---|---|---|
| Knuckle protection | Padding or a hard guard over the knuckles | Recommended by an off-road safety course |
| Thumb | Flex the thumb as if pressing a lever | On thumb-throttle ATVs you press the lever with your thumb |
| Palm | A durable, grippy palm with no thick seams under the bar | Grip it on a bar in the shop; bunching shows up fast |
| Cuff | A strap that closes snugly at the wrist | Motorcycle glove tests check that a glove resists being pulled off in a crash |
| Weather | Vented for heat, lined for cold | Gloves also keep hands warm |
Compare glove types for ATV riding
Motocross-style gloves, leather riding gloves and insulated winter gloves each fit a different kind of riding. We compare them side by side, with picks by rider type, in best gloves for ATV riding.
Do safety standards cover ATV gloves?
Not directly. EN 13594 is the European test standard for motorcyclists' gloves, and the SATRA summary of it does not mention ATVs or off-road use.
A glove tested to it has passed lab tests set for motorcycle riding, which can still help you judge build quality, but no source we read applies those results to ATVs. Our guide to EN 13594:2015 explains the levels.
Size and season
A glove that is too loose shifts on the grip, and one that is too tight tires your hand. Use the motocross glove size chart on our sister site to measure before you order.
For cold-weather rides, see our guide to warm and heated gloves.
Leather gloves from our store partner
Leather Collection leather motorcycle gloves are hand-stitched cowhide, 0.8-0.9 mm (0.03-0.04 in) thick. The range is built for road riding: it lists vintage, race, summer and classic styles, with no ATV or motocross line. Choose one with a knuckle guard if you ride trails.
FAQ
Why is it important for ATV riders to wear protective gloves?
Gloves shield your hands from rocks, branches and debris and protect them in a fall. The CPSC includes gloves in the protective gear it tells every ATV rider to wear.
Motorcycle Leather Gloves Editorial Team
Motorcycle Leather Gloves articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.