Looking for women’s MTB clothing? Not sure what mountain bike cycling kit you need? These are the essential items of women’s cycling kit that will make your ride more comfortable, enjoyable and fun. There’s lots available online and in shops, in pretty much every colour and style, so you should find plenty you like the look of! Ultimately of course you should wear what you feel most comfortable in.

Helmet

Any safety-certified helmet is fine, but mountain bike helmets have a few extra adaptations. They’ll usually have lots of venting to keep your head cool, a peak at the front to help protect your face from branches and bushes,and more coverage at the back and sides of the head in case you crash. Many new helmets will also have attachments so you can pop on a camera or head light.

Review: Giro Xara Women’s MTB Helmet

Glasses

Not just for looking cool and keeping the sun out of your eyes (though they are good for this too!) glasses will stop dust, mud and rocks that get flung up by your wheels getting into your eyes. They’ll also keep out flying insects and passing branches and trees.

Gloves

Full finger gloves are best as they’ll help keep your fingers protected from bumps and grazes. In hot weather, go for gloves that have mesh on the back as they’ll keep your hands cooler.

Review: Dakine Sentinel Women’s MTB Glove

Shoes

Opt for either flat pedal shoes that have a grippy sole, or clipless shoes that have a tread so you don’t slip or slide when you’re walking or pushing the bike.

8 of the Best MTB Shoes for Women

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Padded liner Shorts

Protect your derriere when you ride over lumps and bumps by popping on a pair of padded liners under your favourite MTB shorts. The cushioning chamois will help keep you comfy, and the lightweight mesh lining will help prevent you overheating. Some riders like to wear bib shorts, other find they get a bit hot.

Zimtstern Missa Women’s MTB Liner Shorts

Knee pads

If you’re worried about protecting your knees, but don’t want to wear bulky pads, there are now lots of lightweight pull-on knee pads to choose from. These use shock-absorbing foam to absorb the impact, but are flexible, light and will fit under most shorts.

Shorts

Shorts made from a stretchy fabric are ideal for trail riding, as they move with you as you cycle. Look out for built in vents to keep you cool in the warm, and pockets for those essential trail treats. They quite often don’t come with a chamois, so it’s worth getting a padded liner to go with them.

8 of the Best MTB Shorts for Women

Jersey

A lightweight breathable jersey that’s designed for cycling is a good idea. The material will wick away sweat, and they are often made to be worn with rucksacks so there’ll be features like flatlock stitched sleeves or raglan styling to prevent chaffing. Some jerseys come with pockets too.

8 of the Best Short Sleeved Women’s MTB Jerseys

Rucksack

One of the most essential pieces of kit; you’ll need this for carrying your water and puncture repair items. If you are going for a short ride, you can also use a bottle cage and saddle bag to carry these items, but make sure you have them with you!

Check out The 10 Most Important Items You Should Bring on an MTB Ride.

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