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Hello all,
Starting to get some kit together but I don't know what type of boots to get.  Is any off road boot OK for trail riding, or do they have to be specific for trail or track? All I can find is trail boots have an aggressive tread pattern and thats about it. I'm guessing pants and tops are all the same (after buying some from Torpedo7 I hope so!).
Any thoughts on body armour would be great, again I'm guessing a top with full panels is the go.  Heaps of brands and a little "inside" info would help.
There is a heap of gear to get I'm sure, winter jackets, gloves, summer gear and so on. Any input would be appreciated.
Cheers, Pete

Boots for enduro or trail riding generally have a better tread on the sole for walking up hills etc. Moto-cross boots generally have a smooth sole so your foot does not catch when you are using your feet to support the bike in turns, something a trail rider should never do. Spiral fractures are not good.

Hi Pete,

Ians given a good summary of boots so i'll leave that alone..

As for armor, you've pretty much got 2 options, a pressure suit or roost protector. Personally i like pressure suits as the one item incorporates chest, shoulder and forearm protection along with a kidney belt and (in my opinion) the most important bit being spine protection. Alot of people complain that pressure suits get too hot in summer but i reckon for the protection they provide its worth the heat allthough having said that i've ridden in one for as long as i can remember and dont have an issue with them being too hot - when your moving you dont notice it and if your stuck on a hill etc your usually more pissed at your situation than being too hot!!

as for other gear you'll obviously need gloves, goggles, a helmet and i'd recommend at least a set of knee gaurds (if getting knee gaurds try and get a set that velcros both below and above the knee which are available for under $50 - some are availble with two velcros under the knee - i found these to be crap!) and also get your self a backpack with a bladder..

Good luck and welcome to riding!!

Pete,

Invest in the best boots and hemet you can afford.  The rest of the stuff doesn't really matter.

Go for pants and jerseys that are a couple of seasons old, they'll cost heaps less.  A Summer jacket will work in the Winter, but you'll get a bit wet.  Small price to pay if you need to save a buck or two.

Like Dusty, I wear a pressure suit, but I wore a roost guard for years prior to that.  Build your kit up slowly, and replace the more expensive bits over time, that way, the pain at the check-out isn't too bad!

I'm with 99?RMX/Dustin..A pressure suit is my pick as they have protection in all the right spots. Roost protectors might be good,but they won't save your elbows and shoulders when you do a superman impersonation.
A pressure suit may be a bit warmer in summer,but I just ride without a jersey when its hot. Just don't get a hot pink one like Dustin!
As for hydration,I prefer a 3 litre as I'd rather have too much than not enough fluids. Being the unfit bastard that I am,I've gone through the 3 litres before too.

Nice work mate!!!

youve just reminded me, i really need to change my user name on here - thanks for that!!

and its no longer hot pink - i took to it with a black texta!!!! took ages!!

Jee you must have gone through a whole heap of textas  ;D

4.... by the time the 1st one ran out it would have looked worse to stop there!!!!!!