Essential Protection for Riders

If you're new to motorcycling, getting the right gear should be your top priority. Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks, and investing in proper protective gear can make the difference between a minor fall and a life-changing injury.

In this guide, we'll go over the most important motorcycle gear to buy first, why you need it, and the best brands to consider.

1. Helmet – Your #1 Priority (Legally Required in Canada & Most US States)

A helmet is the most critical piece of motorcycle gear. It’s legally required in all provinces of Canada and in most states in the USA. Riding without a helmet isn't just illegal—it’s a risk that can lead to severe or fatal head injuries.

What to Look for in a Helmet:

• Safety Certifications – Look for ECE (Europe), or Snell ratings for the highest protection standards. Forget DOT. 
• Full-Face Protection – Offers the most coverage, protecting your jaw, face, and head.
• Fit & Comfort – A properly fitted helmet is snug but not painful.

Best Brands to Consider:

• Shoei – High-end helmets with premium comfort and protection.
• Arai – Excellent build quality with a focus on safety.
• HJC – Affordable and widely available with good protection.
• Bell - Affordable, stylish and protective.

https://motohut.ca/collections/motorcycle-helmets

2. Gloves – Protect Your Hands with Scaphoid Protection

Your hands are the first thing you’ll instinctively put out in a crash, which is why a good pair of motorcycle gloves is crucial. Without them, even a minor slide can leave you with severe road rash or broken bones.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Gloves:

• Scaphoid Protection – The scaphoid is a small bone in your wrist that's commonly injured in falls. Gloves with built-in sliders help reduce impact and prevent fractures.
• Knuckle Armor – Provides added protection against impact.
• Abrasion Resistance – Reinforced leather or advanced materials like Superfabric or Kevlar offer extra durability.

Motohut Recommends: 

• Knox Handroid or Urbane Pro Gloves – Advanced scaphoid protection & premium materials.
  

https://motohut.ca/collections/knox

3. Boots – Protect Your Feet & Ankles from Long Recovery Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common in motorcycle crashes, often requiring long recovery times. Regular sneakers or casual boots won’t cut it—you need motorcycle-specific boots that offer impact protection, ankle support, and abrasion resistance.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Boots:

• Ankle Protection – Reinforced ankle cups prevent twists and fractures.
• Shin Protection – High-top boots cover more of your leg to absorb impacts.
• Oil & Slip-Resistant Soles – Prevents slipping at stops.

Best Boots to Buy:

• Forma Adventure boots or Rev'it's – Durable, waterproof, and protective.
  

https://motohut.ca/collections/mens-boots

4. Jackets – Impact & Abrasion Protection with a Back Protector

A motorcycle jacket does more than just look cool—it provides essential abrasion resistance in a slide and impact protection in a crash.

Most high-quality jackets come with built-in shoulder and elbow armor, but many do NOT include a back protector by default—you must buy one separately. Protecting your spine is crucial!

What to Look for in a Motorcycle Jacket:

• CE-Rated Armor – Ensures impact protection at the shoulders, elbows, and (optionally) the chest and back.
• Abrasion-Resistant Materials – Leather, Cordura, or Kevlar-reinforced textiles.
• Ventilation & Weather Protection – Important for all-season riding.

Best Jackets to Buy:

• Rev'It! Eclipse or Sand 5 H2O – Excellent protection & ventilation.
• Pando Moto & Knox Armoured Hoodies – Stylish & protective.
• Knox Urbane Pro MK3 – Lightweight with built-in armor.

💡 Don’t forget a CE-Level 2 back protector to protect your spine!

https://motohut.ca/collections/mens-jackets

5. Pants – Protection Beyond Just Regular Jeans

Regular denim offers zero protection in a crash. Motorcycle pants are built with abrasion-resistant fabrics and impact armor to protect your hips and knees.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Pants:

•  Aramid Reinforcement – Provides durability in slides.
• Impact Armor at Knees & Hips – Essential for shock absorption.
• Stretch Panels for Comfort – Allows mobility while riding.

Best Pants to Buy:

• Rev’It! Moto 2 Jeans – Stylish with built-in protection.
• Any Pando Moto Jean
• Knox Jean or Urbane Pro Pants – Great for city & touring riders.

https://motohut.ca/collections/mens-pants

Final Thoughts: Get Your Essential Motorcycle Gear First!

When you're starting out, it's tempting to focus on the bike—but your safety gear is just as important. Investing in high-quality gear will keep you protected and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy riding for years to come.

Your Must-Have Gear List:

✅ Helmet – Required by law, protects your head.
✅ Gloves – Protects your hands from injury in a fall.
✅ Boots – Shields feet & ankles from long recovery injuries.
✅ Jacket – Offers abrasion & impact protection.
✅ Pants – Prevents road rash & includes armor.

Gear up before you ride, and enjoy the road with confidence!