If leather is the road racer’s best bet, nylon is the stuff for off-road riders. Light, tough, and easy to clean, it’s also easy to find in just about every shop. The gear worn by most off-road racers will also serve the casual playbike rider or the weekend dual-sport enthusiast.
BOOTS Specialized motocross boots come up high on the leg and use buckles to close up tight. Normal construction-work or hiking boots aren't an adequate substitute—motocross boots offer superior shin and ankle protection, and their smoother soles won't grab if you need to put your foot down for balance in a turn. They also help keep mud and water out during stream crossings.
PANTS Look for a pair of riding pants that offer high-quality stitching and a good fit. Synthetic leather patches on the inside of the knees cut down on wear and enhance grip. You should wear knee braces, so make sure the pants are big enough to fit over them. Do the pants go inside or outside the boots? That's a matter of fashion more than function.
JERSEY Nylon or polyester, pullover, long-sleeved. On a cold day, consider doubling up.
GLOVES Modern off-road gloves are made from synthetic leather and fabric, and feature some form of padding or hard-plastic protection over the backs of the knuckles. You definitely want this.
HELMET The large face port accommodates your goggles, while the long visor is able to deflect brush and shade your eyes.