Trail riding covers a massive range — from flowy singletrack to chunky root networks, loose corners, and the occasional feature that's bigger than it looked on the map. The right protective gear for trail riding strikes a balance: enough coverage to keep you riding confidently through technical sections, light and breathable enough that you don't notice it on the long climbs in between.
Helmet
Trail riding is where the half-shell helmet lives, and Kali makes some of the best in the business. For most trail riders, the sweet spot is the Cascade Astra ($160) — core Cascade protection and fit in a more accessible package, well-ventilated for big days out. Riders who want Kali's most innovative trail lid and don't want to compromise on anything should look at the Cascade ($285). If you're pushing into deeper, more committing terrain and want extra rear-head coverage without going full-face, the Lunati 2.0 ($110) is a deep-coverage enduro-style option that fits particularly well on smaller heads.
How to fit your helmet correctly →
Eyewear
Trail riding means varied conditions — sun, shade, dust, and the occasional low-hanging branch. The Solaris Sunglasses ($90) are built for exactly this: UV protection, scratch resistance, and a clip that locks them directly onto your helmet when you don't need them. For dustier trails or bike park laps mixed into your day, the Metcalf Goggle ($120) gives you full-coverage eye protection with seamless helmet integration.
Goggles or glasses? Here's how to choose →
Gloves
On trail, gloves earn their keep on long descents and technical sections where grip and hand protection matter. The Cascade Glove ($44) is the go-to for most trail riders — lightweight, medium-duty construction with excellent articulation for all-day riding. If you prefer a more minimalist feel with maximum bar feedback, the Mission Glove ($15) is an ultralight slip-on that stays out of your way. The Venture Gloves ($20) sit in the middle: all-purpose durability with TPR knuckle protection and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
Knee Pads
For trail riding, the question isn't whether to wear knee pads — it's which level of protection matches your terrain. The Mission 2.0 Knee Guards ($77) are built for all-day trail use: enough protection to matter, light enough to forget you're wearing them on the climbs. If your trails lean technical and the consequences of a knee meet-the-rock moment feel real, the Strike Knee/Shin Guard ($50) adds shin coverage for a more complete lower leg solution.
Elbows
Elbow pads are underrated on trail. A fall on a rooty section or a missed line through a rock garden can put your elbows down hard, and the Mission 2.0 Elbow Guard ($70) is lightweight enough that there's no good reason to leave them at home on technical days. Built for all-day trail riding, they move with you and stay comfortable through full days out.
How Much Armor Do You Actually Need?
Trail riding is where protective gear decisions get personal. Some riders run full pads on every ride; others run gloves and a helmet and nothing else. The honest answer depends on your terrain, your riding style, and how quickly you want to get back on the bike after a mistake.
