Beginner Dirt Bike Gear Setup on a Budget
Getting into dirt biking can feel expensive fast. New riders often ask the same questions:
“Which gear do I really need first?”
“Can I start on a budget without cutting corners on safety?”
“Where should I spend a bit more, and where can I save?”
This guide walks you through a simple beginner dirt bike gear setup, with one budget-friendly starter kit and one mid-range comfort kit. Both are aimed at real-world trail riders in the US and UK who want to ride safer without wasting money on the wrong things.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
If you’d like deep dives on each piece of gear, you can also read:
- Best Dirt Bike Helmets for Trail Riders (US & UK Guide 2026)
- Essential Dirt Bike Protection Checklist for Trail Riders (US & UK, 2026)
1. What You Must Have Before You Ride
Before we talk about budgets, here’s the bare minimum kit I’d want any beginner to have:
- A properly fitted dirt bike helmet (not a cheap novelty or bicycle helmet)
- Dirt bike boots that protect your shins, ankles and toes
- Goggles that stay clear and sealed
- Some form of chest/back protection
- Gloves with decent grip and knuckle protection
- Basic knee protection (guards or a more supportive design)
If you can’t afford everything at once, we’ll talk about what to buy in what order later in this post.
2. Budget Starter Setup – Safest You Can Be for the Least Money
This setup is designed for new riders who want to get on the trails as safely as possible without going straight to top-tier gear. The idea is:
- Solid safety basics
- Good enough comfort
- Sensible price for each item
You can upgrade individual pieces over time as you ride more.
2.1 Helmet – Budget Starter Choice (Helmet + Goggles + Gloves Bundle)
If you’re just getting started and want to tick a few boxes in one go, a bundle like the Adult Motocross Dirt Bike Helmet with Goggle, Gloves & Mask – DOT/FMVSS-218 Off-Road Motorcycle & ATV Helmet with Adjustable Sun Visor is a very practical option.
You get a full-face off-road helmet that meets DOT/FMVSS-218 standards, plus matching goggles, gloves and a face mask included. That means you can cover your head, eyes, hands and lower face in one purchase, which is ideal when you’re building your gear on a tight budget.
What’s good about this type of bundle:
Full-face off-road helmet with peak/visor for sun and roost
Includes goggles, so you don’t have to buy a separate pair straight away
Comes with gloves and a mask, giving you a basic starter set in one pack
DOT/FMVSS-218 rated, so you’re not buying a novelty or toy helmet
Recommended for:
New riders who want a simple, budget-friendly way to get the main essentials (helmet, goggles, gloves, mask) without trying to piece everything together separately.
- Size - OUMURS Dirt Bike Helmet/Adult ATV helmet include Adult-S (550 - 560 mm / 21-5/8" - 22" ); Adult-M (570 - 580 mm / 22-1/2" - 22-7/8" ); Adult-L (590 - 600 mm / 23-1/4" - 23-5/8"); Adult-XL (610 - 620 mm / 24" - 24-3/8" )
- Safe and Reliable - The OUMURS Dirt Bike Helmet meets DOT FMVSS-218 Safety Standards,made of high quality ABS shell and EPS linings provide security for your driving, it’s a good choice for you as a dirt bike helmet or adult ATV helmet
- With Goggles Gloves and Mask - OUMURS Dirt Bike Helmet include the goggles, gloves and mask which you need to in driving. Put on the accessory equipment, windproof and UV resistant, can resist the interference of the sun and give you a more clear and wide vision in riding
- Multiple Air Vents Design - The adult ATV helmet have multiple air vents, make fresh air keep entering the helmet, You can have a good riding experience even in hot summer. The optimized vent reduces the wind noise and can ride more quietly with this adult ATV helmet
- Double D Ring Design - OUMURS motorcycle helmet with double D ring design, easy to wear and wear firmly. It will not fall off even if it is impacted by external forces, effectively protecting your safety
You can happily start with this bundle and later upgrade individual pieces (like goggles or gloves) as you ride more and figure out what you like.
2.2 Boots – Budget Boots That Still Protect
A good example of a budget-friendly boot is the O’Neal Rider–type boot: full-height, hard shin, and firm ankle support without the high price of race boots. You want a boot that:
- Covers the shin and ankle
- Has a firm sole and good buckle system
- Is clearly designed for off-road/motocross use
This is often one of the best value upgrades you can make after your helmet.
2.3 Basic Chest & Back Protection – Simple Hard-Shell Vest
For a budget setup, a hard-shell chest and back protector vest works really well. For example, something like the Webetop chest/spine protector style:
- Hard plates over the chest and spine
- Worn over a base layer or jersey
- Adjustable straps to help fit different body shapes
- Maximum Protection: This youth chest protector is designed to protect your chest, spine, shoulder, and other important body parts with strong wear resistance and high density EVA foam adhesive synthesis. It's anti-bump, anti-fall, and shock-resistant, ensuring maximum protection.
- Breathable & Comfortable: Made with top-quality environmental fabrics, this atv chest protector is breathable and comfortable to wear under all clothes. It's perfect for spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- Versatile Use: This dirt bike chest protector is a great versatile option for various activities such as dirt bike, snowmobile, cross-country mountain bike, motorcycle riding, cycling, skateboarding, skiing, and more. It's general protection for anyone who wants to stay safe while enjoying their favorite sports.
- Personal Fit: The adjustable shoulder strap and wide hook and loop fastener waist strap allow you to customize the fit according to your shoulder and waist size, minimizing any size problems for you. Check your measurement, before you buy it.
- Size for reference: With two size options available,Size M is suitable for Waist 31.50”-43.31”, Height:5.41’-5.74’. Size L is suitable for Waist 35.43”-47.24”, Height:5.74’-6.23’. If you have any questions or concerns, simply contact us by email, and we’ll respond within 24 hours to assist you.
These can also be used for other outdoor activities, which is a bonus for a budget-conscious rider.
2.4 Knee Protection – Better Than Bare Legs
Simple knee/shin guards like the Scoyco Motorcycle Knee Pads can fit nicely into the budget setup. They add a hard shell layer between your knees/shins and the ground or footpegs.
- Security Certification: Our motorcycle knee pads certified by international authoritative institutions with EU CE level 1 certification, passed the EN 1621-1 2012 impact test. Reliable quality makes riding more reassuring
- 3D Impact Absorption: 3mm thickened TPU shell is strong hard and meets professional standards, dual-density foam and reinforced core absorbs 90% shock. it can effectively protect against scrapes and dispersing fall impact forces and protecting important joints
- Unrestricted Knee Movement: The three-stage structure can be bent at 45°-180°, closely fits the knee joint, allows the shell to bend with the knee, and does not restrict riding
- Adjustable Bands: The dirt bike knee guards equipped with extended Velcro adjustment and 3-section elastic bands, it can easily meet the needs of standard and thick leg circumference, and the knee protector buckles is easy to put on and take off
- Widening Design: It is widened to cover the lower leg, increased calf protection area by approximately 25%, providing considerate all-around protection for the knee and lower leg, ensuring cycling safety
3. Mid-Range Comfort & Protection Setup (When You Can Spend More)
Once you’ve ridden a bit and know you’re sticking with the sport, it makes sense to upgrade some items. This mid-range kit focuses on improved comfort, fit and protection.
You don’t have to buy it all at once – think of it as a roadmap.
3.1 Helmet – Upgrade for Comfort and Features
- Better impact technology
- Improved ventilation
- More refined comfort liner
- DOT certified for Safety - meets or exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT safety standards.
- Upgraded lightweight ABS shell with a thick, high density fully vented EPS liner, brings you better protection and comfortable wearing.
- Sleek aerodynamic design made for speed. Front and back air vents for maximum ventilation.
- Detachable and washable inner pads.
- The visor can easily be detached from the helmet for days when not needed. It is excellent for protection against the sun, which can be rotated slightly to account for the sun's direction.
This is a good step up if you’re riding more regularly.
3.2 Boots – A Step Up in Support
For boots, stepping up to a boot like Fox Comp or Alpinestars Tech 3 style gives:
- Better ankle support
- Stronger construction
- Improved comfort once broken in
- Positac: Proprietary grip compound for maximum durability
- Range & Half Sizes: Size range, 8-14. Half sizes 9.5, 10.5, 11.5
- Composite Buckles: New patented 4-buckle system provides a durable, secure closure and perfect fit
- Resoleable Outsole: Resoleable rubber outsole for a longer lasting boot even after wear and tear
- Breathable Liner: Air mesh liner for breathabilitys
These boots are aimed at riders who are on the bike more often and want their gear to last.
3.3 Armour – All-in-One Upper Body Protection
Instead of just a chest vest, a full armoured jacket / pressure suit gives chest, back, shoulder and elbow protection in one piece.
- EVA Mesh
- Imported
- 【Strong Material and Anti-Collision Function】: OHMOTOR Motorcross Protective Jacket is made of high-quality hard plastic, high-impact PE plastic and EVA protective pad can provide additional protection, chest, back, shoulders, elbows and forearms are hard in vulnerable areas Shell cushions are used to protect important parts of the body and better protect the whole body.
- 【Refreshing and Breathable】: Protective Body Armor is made of lightweight but durable stretch Lycra, sweat-absorbent and breathable mesh fabric and high-impact injection-molded PVC. The skin-friendly and breathable design can keep cool even in hot weather.
- 【Comfortable and Easy to Wear】: Exquisite Motorbike Full Body Protector can protect the back, shoulders, elbows, forearms and chest. The above protective equipment is attached to the mesh shirt. It can provide multi-faceted protection during your riding or entertainment to prevent you from getting abrasions, scratches or damage to your body caused by falling.
This works well for riders who want a single upper-body solution under a jersey.
3.4 Smart Extras – Hydration Pack
In the mid-range kit, it’s also worth adding:
- A hydration pack
AAWP boxes (extras):
- nylon
- Imported
- Tactical Outdoor Hydration Backpack- Our hiking hydration pack has comprehensive features for hiking adventures and outdoor sports. The 900D abrasion-resistant nylon material, multi pockets (9 pockets including 4 zippered pockets and 5 multi compartments), BPA and odor free TPU hydration bladder, 3L large capacity hydration reservoir, double fastened shoulder and waist straps, tactical molle compatible system integrate into unique hiking water backpack.
- Well Organized Ample Space - Keep all of your essentials organized and secure inside 9 functional and separated pockets, including 4 zippered pockets and 5 multi compartments for conveniently storing bladder, clothes, towel, snacks, phone, sunglasses, keys etc.
- NO BPA or Odor TPU Hydration Bladder: Our hiking water backpack packs with a 3L large capacity TPU hydration bladder, which is BPA and odor free. And 3L large capacity ensures enough water supply for a long day’s exhausted hiking, trekking, or you can also flexibly accommodate your water supply according to your needs.
4. If Money Is Tight – What to Buy First (Order of Priority)
If you can’t buy everything at once, here’s how I’d prioritise your money:
- Helmet – non-negotiable. Buy the best helmet you can comfortably afford.
- Boots – protect your feet, ankles and shins.
- Knee protection – simple guards are far better than nothing.
- Chest/back protection – vest or jacket.
- Goggles – so you can actually see and protect your eyes.
- Gloves – grip, comfort and skin protection.
- Extras – hydration pack, padded shorts, neck brace once the basics are covered.
You can start with the budget setup, then slowly swap pieces to the mid-range setup as your riding and budget grow.
5. US vs UK – Any Differences in Budget Gear?
The actual gear types are almost identical between US and UK riders. The main differences are:
- Availability and sizes: Some brands or colours may be easier to get in one country than the other.
- Event/club rules: Racing clubs or organised events may have specific gear requirements, particularly for helmets. Always check if you’re entering competitions.
The good news is that most of the recommended types of helmets, boots, armour and goggles are available in both regions, so you can use this setup as a guide wherever you ride.
6. What to Read Next
If you’d like more detail before choosing individual pieces:
- For helmets:
Read Best Dirt Bike Helmets for Trail Riders (US & UK Guide ) - For all protection pieces:
Read Essential Dirt Bike Protection Checklist for Trail Riders (US & UK)
Use this budget setup as your shortcut, then dive into those guides if you want to understand why each piece of gear matters before you buy.
Free Printable: Beginner Dirt Bike Gear Checklist (2 Pages)
Want this gear list in a simple, tick-and-go format?
I’ve put everything into a 2-page printable Beginner Dirt Bike Gear Checklist you can keep in your garage or kit bag.
👉 Download the 2-Page Beginner Dirt Bike Gear Checklist (PDF)
Print it, tick things off as you buy them, and run through the quick pre-ride check before you head out.
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API