Key takeaways
- Measure your hand. Wrap a tape around the palm just below the knuckles and compare it to the maker’s chart, because sizes differ between brands.
- Close your fist. The knuckle armor should rest over your knuckles, and the fabric should not tighten across the back of the hand.
- Test lever reach. Wearing the glove, operate the throttle and brake on your own machine if you can. Loose fingertips reduce feel.
- Allow room for liners. If you plan to add a liner for winter, buy a glove that accommodates it rather than squeezing.
- Dry them properly. Air dry away from direct heat. Leather and membranes can crack when forced dry.
For most ATV and UTV riders, a motocross-style glove with TPR knuckle armor, such as the Fox Dirtpaw or Klim Dakar, covers casual trail riding at a modest budget, while the Alpinestars MegaWatt or Klim Baja S4 suit riders who want sturdier leather-based protection, and waterproof or insulated models like the Klim Inversion GTX, 100% Brisker or Klim Togwotee suit wet and cold seasons. ATV.com notes that very few gloves are designed specifically for ATV and UTV riders, so most people buy gloves made for motocross, adventure riding or work and match them to the weather they ride in.
Our top picks
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ATV Gloves at a Glance
| Glove | Best for | Key stated features | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Racing Dirtpaw | Casual and entry-level riding | Padded single-layer Clarino palm, TPR knuckles, touchscreen-compatible, per WebBikeWorld | Limited protection beyond the knuckles |
| Klim Dakar | Everyday trail riding on a modest budget | TPR knuckle protection, wrapped fingertips, smart device compatibility | Not waterproof or insulated |
| Klim Baja S4 | Casual rides and trail adventures | Ventilated TPU armor, reinforced surfaces, stretch panels between fingers | Mid-priced; warm-weather focus |
| Alpinestars MegaWatt | Hot weather with durability | Perforated leather with stretch polyamide, hard knuckle armor, reinforced thumb and palm | Ventilated rather than waterproof |
| Klim Inversion GTX | Wet, mild-temperature riding | Gore-Tex with Gore Grip technology, no insulation, touchscreen compatible | Uninsulated, so not for deep cold |
| 100% Brisker | Budget winter riding | Neoprene cuff, lightweight insulation, moisture-wicking microfiber | Minimal abrasion and impact protection; not fully waterproof |
| Klim Togwotee | Serious cold-weather riding | Leather exterior, removable Gore-Tex liner, fleece liners included | Premium tier |
What ATV Riders Actually Need From a Glove
An ATV rider faces a different mix of hazards than a motorcyclist. Speeds are lower, but branches, rocks, mud and handlebar vibration are constant, and rollovers can put a hand under a machine. Gloves therefore need three things: a durable palm that grips wet controls, knuckle and back-of-hand armor against debris and trail strikes, and a comfortable fit that does not cramp the hand during long rides.
Because the throttle and brake levers are operated with the fingers, dexterity matters. A glove that is too stiff or too large can make a thumb throttle awkward, and a glove that bunches under the fingers can cause hot spots on long days.
Warm-Weather Picks
WebBikeWorld recommends the Alpinestars MegaWatt for riders prioritising durability and year-round use. It combines perforated leather and stretch polyamide with hard knuckle armor and a reinforced palm and thumb. The same outlet names the Klim Baja S4 as its top recommendation for casual trail riding and adventure use, describing ventilated TPU armor and stretch panels between the fingers. ATV.com also lists the MegaWatt, calling it its most-protection choice, and the Fly Racing Kinetic as best value.
A customer review on the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC site says the Klim Dakar did not cause blisters or hot spots, though a single customer comment is not independent testing. Read it as one data point alongside editorial reviews.
Budget Options
WebBikeWorld lists the Fox Dirtpaw, Troy Lee Designs Air and Klim Dakar as value choices. The Dirtpaw carries TPR knuckles and a touchscreen-compatible palm, the Air uses lightweight Lycra mesh with silicone palm prints, and the Dakar adds wrapped fingertips with smart device compatibility. The Air gets the lightest-weight description, while the Dakar is described as the best balance of protection and comfort in this group. All three offer limited protection compared with leather gloves, so they suit casual riders more than aggressive trail or hill-climb riders.
ATV.com also puts the Mechanix M-Pact on its list as the most versatile choice, which can make sense for riders who use the same gloves for farm work and trail use, although it lacks the airflow and fit of dedicated riding gloves.
Cold-Weather and Waterproof Picks
For winter, WebBikeWorld recommends the 100% Brisker as a budget option with a neoprene cuff and light insulation, but notes that it offers minimal abrasion and impact protection and is not fully waterproof. At the premium end, the Klim Togwotee has a leather exterior and a removable Gore-Tex liner, and ships with fleece liners that can be swapped as temperatures change. ATV.com’s cold-weather guide names the Klim Inversion GTX Winter as its editor’s choice, with the Fly Racing Boundary as runner-up and the 100% Brisker as the lightweight pick.
For rain without deep cold, the uninsulated Klim Inversion GTX uses Gore-Tex and Gore Grip. WebBikeWorld also recommends the REV’IT! Hydra 2 H2O, which has a Hydratex membrane, polar fleece insulation and goatskin construction. Waterproof membranes can trap moisture inside, so riders who sweat heavily may prefer a breathable shell and a spare dry pair.
Fit and Sizing Advice
- Measure your hand. Wrap a tape around the palm just below the knuckles and compare it to the maker’s chart, because sizes differ between brands.
- Close your fist. The knuckle armor should rest over your knuckles, and the fabric should not tighten across the back of the hand.
- Test lever reach. Wearing the glove, operate the throttle and brake on your own machine if you can. Loose fingertips reduce feel.
- Allow room for liners. If you plan to add a liner for winter, buy a glove that accommodates it rather than squeezing.
- Dry them properly. Air dry away from direct heat. Leather and membranes can crack when forced dry.
Safety Notes
Gloves are one part of protective gear. Pair them with a helmet, eye protection, boots and sturdy long sleeves, and follow the machine manual and local law. Replace gloves when seams split, armor cracks or the palm wears through. If you have a hand injury or persistent numbness after riding, see a doctor.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ride casually and want a low-cost glove | Fox Dirtpaw | TPR knuckles and a touchscreen-friendly palm at an entry tier |
| Want balanced protection without paying premium prices | Klim Dakar | TPR knuckles and wrapped fingertips |
| Ride in heat and want durable armor | Alpinestars MegaWatt | Perforated leather and hard knuckle armor |
| Take long trail rides in a mix of conditions | Klim Baja S4 | Ventilated TPU armor and stretch panels |
| Ride in rain at moderate temperatures | Klim Inversion GTX | Gore-Tex waterproofing without insulation |
| Ride in cold weather on a budget | 100% Brisker | Insulated, neoprene cuff, light and flexible |
| Ride in cold, wet weather and want durability | Klim Togwotee | Leather shell, Gore-Tex liner, fleece liners |
Choosing by Terrain and Season
Dusty desert trails, muddy forest tracks and snowy farm lanes ask very different things of a glove. In dry heat, ventilation and a thin palm keep hands comfortable, so a perforated leather or mesh glove makes sense. In mud, a palm that does not soak through and a cuff that closes over the sleeve help keep debris out. In snow, insulation matters most, and many riders carry a lightweight glove and a warmer pair to swap as conditions change.
Riders who also work on the machine, haul firewood or run a farm may prefer a hybrid glove with a sturdy palm. Those who ride aggressively on hills or technical trails should lean toward gloves with hard knuckle armor and reinforced palms rather than the lightest options.
Budget Tiers
Budget: Fox Dirtpaw, Troy Lee Air and Klim Dakar provide basic armor and flexibility for casual use. Mid-range: Klim Baja S4, Alpinestars MegaWatt and Klim Inversion GTX bring leather or membrane construction and better durability. Premium: The Klim Togwotee and REV’IT! Hydra 2 H2O suit riders who face cold rain regularly and want gloves that last several seasons.
Alternatives to Consider
- Mechanix M-Pact as a hybrid work and riding glove, noted by ATV.com as versatile.
- Dedicated motocross gloves from Fly Racing, such as the Kinetic, for lightweight summer riding.
- Heated gloves for riders who endure long cold rides, remembering that heated products rely on batteries and should be used following the maker’s manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special gloves for ATV riding?
Not necessarily ATV-specific ones. ATV.com notes that few gloves are designed for ATV and UTV use, so riders typically wear motocross, adventure or work gloves. What matters is a durable palm, knuckle protection and a fit that lets you operate the controls easily.
Are touchscreen fingertips worth having?
If you use a phone or GPS on the trail, yes. The Dirtpaw, Dakar and Inversion GTX all list touchscreen or smart device compatibility, though real-world performance varies between pairs.
What is the difference between TPR and TPU knuckle armor?
Both are molded plastics that spread impact across the knuckles. TPR is commonly used on budget and mid-range gloves, while the Baja S4 uses ventilated TPU. Neither replaces a certified protective glove if you need a particular standard.
Are waterproof gloves too hot for summer?
They can be. Membranes trap moisture and heat, so most riders use vented gloves in summer and keep a waterproof pair for rainy or cold days.
How should I wash ATV gloves?
Follow the care label. As a general rule, spot clean or hand wash in cool water with mild soap and air dry, because heat can damage leather, glue and membranes.
When should I replace my gloves?
Replace them when seams split, knuckle armor cracks or the palm thins enough to affect grip. Gloves with damaged protection should not be relied on after a crash.
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