Best UTV Accessories & Gear to Explore the Road Less Traveled

A helmet is the single most important UTV accessory, especially for high-performance side-by-side riders. Protecting a driver and/or passenger's head from hard impacts is always the top priority—no matter the speed. Dusty regions make a closed-visor helmet more appealing—y'know, to keep from eating dirt all day—but anyone buying an open-faced helmet should invest in a good set of goggles as well.

The Can-Am Pyra Fade Helmet is a DOT (Department of Transportation)-approved lid made from a lightweight plastic composite. It's stuffed with a rotational impact-absorbing material that protects your head from bumps and bashes. An adjustable air vent system mitigates overheating and it has a removable, washable liner to keep the inside smelling fresh. Add the Can-Am Flint Fade UV Goggles, which feature an anti-fog, anti-scratch lens with mirrored coating, and you'll be well protected from flying dust and debris. 

[$190; amazon.com]

The only downside to riding with friends is the inevitable plume of dust that gets kicked up behind the lead UTV. It causes visibility issues, coughing, sneezing and, in extreme cases, even sinus or lung issues that can ruin a trip from the get-go. A neck gaiter inside an open helmet is always a good idea. It doubles as protection from dust and debris, as well as sun and wind. Original EcoStretch Neckwear from Buff is a tried-and-true gaiter. The soft fabric tube comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns and each one is made from a 95-percent recycled microfiber that has UPF 50 protection and four-way stretch. 

[$20; amazon.com]

We can tell you from literal first-hand experience that gloves don’t just keep fingers warm on cold days. They prevent sunburn while protecting hands from flying rocks and errant branches. Plus, if anything goes awry, it’s always a good bet to wear gloves while working to clear a trail or fix broken parts on the UTV itself. Step up from formless, stiff leather work gloves and invest in Hestra's supple yet tough Ergo Grip Active Gloves. They're made from durable goatskin leather that's lined with a thin layer of fleece to help wick sweat. All seams are sewn strategically to maximize hand movement and the back is made with a windproof stretch fabric for enhanced breathability.  

[$114; amazon.com]

Always assume anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Every side-by-side should have a first-aid kit in the glove box with bandages for scrapes and cuts, antiseptic ointments to prevent infection, painkillers and other NSAIDS, and basic antihistamines in case of allergic reactions. Don’t forget tweezers and scissors, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, iodine tablets to purify drinking water, and even electrolyte packets to help fight dehydration.

Instead of scrounging through your medicine cabinet for a grab bag of supplies to stuff in a sack, pick up Uncharted Supply Co.'s First Aid Pro kit. It includes clear labels to help you find items quickly, including an emergency blanket, CPR kit, and a wide range of bandages and dressings. A first-aid booklet gives quick advice on how to deal with a variety of emergency situations. Bonus: It comes in a coated, water-resistant polyester case. 

[$65; cabelas.com]

Most side-by-sides are light enough that two or three people can push them up and over small obstacles by hand, which is one reason to always ride with friends. But it’s still a good idea to bring straps and soft shackles just in case a wheel gets stuck, or in the event of a rollover. Soft shackles protect the side-by-side from damage better than a metal D-ring. They also make failures less likely while using the winches that come standard or as an option on many vehicles. If you think a winch might be necessary, make sure to bring a snatchblock and tree saver, too. And, remember, you might not use this gear to rescue yourself, but while helping other adventurers stuck in the middle of nowhere. 

Smittybilt Recovery kit is a good starter pack. It comprises an 8,000-pound-rated snatchblock; two 1-inch-by-8-foot tow straps rated to 10,000 pounds; and two metal D-rings rated to two tons, which are good to have for static pulling situations. Consider adding some soft shackles. We like Rhino USA. They come with a handy sack so you can keep everything you need close at hand.

[$54; amazon.com]

Maintenance at home is key for preventing breakdowns, but always bring a toolkit out on the trail with the right wrenches and sockets to replace flat tires, axles, ball joints, and drive belts. And don’t forget the drive belt itself, plus a tire pressure gauge. For ease of mind, add the compact BoxoUSA UTV Roll to your side-by-side's storage spot: It's got 66 high-quality tools to address almost any problem you'd encounter on and off the trail. Highlights include the tough cordura roll to protect and keep the tools from clanking around, plus separate tool pouches—one for sockets and another that's removable for a smaller set to take on the go. Tool slots are also labeled to quickly ID the right tool for the situation.

[$385; amazon.com]

We’re spoiled by smartphones and GPS apps these days. But paper maps and a compass are always a good idea to slip into a side-by-side, since exploring the edges of civilization means there might not be cell reception or nowhere to plug in and charge a phone battery. Make sure to practice the proper technique for triangulating your position with a compass, so using the paper map doesn’t lead to getting even more lost than before.

One of the most trusted, highest-quality compasses around are those made by Suunto. We like the A-10, which is used around the globe by adventurers, orienteers, and backpackers alike. The baseplate compass is easy to use: Lay it on your map and orient it to the compass, then hold it on top of the map while you navigate. The compass is robust with a steel needle and jewel bearing inside a liquid-filled capsule. It's balanced for the Northern Hemisphere and comes with a detachable lanyard. Pick up topographical maps at your local camping store or order from the U.S. Geological Survey before heading out into unfamiliar terrain. 

[$22; amazon.com]