Safety Gear
The right gear isn't just about safety — it's about comfort over long days in the saddle. Here's exactly what we require, and what we recommend.
We provide helmets and gloves on all tours.
All riders are welcome to use our tour-supplied helmets (Airoh Commander) and gloves at no extra charge. However, if you have your own certified gear, we strongly encourage you to bring it — a helmet you've fitted and worn before is always preferable to a new one.
Head Protection
Full-Face Helmet
RequiredWe strongly recommend a full-face adventure helmet (e.g. Arai Tour-X, Shoei Hornet) over an open-face. The Karoo and Cederberg throw up loose gravel and dust. A chin isn't something you want to test.
ECE 22.06 or DOT certified
Balaclava / Neck Tube
RecommendedHighly recommended for dusty gravel stages. Keeps fine Karoo dust out of your helmet, and provides crucial warmth on cold highveld mornings.
Any
Upper Body
Adventure Jacket
RequiredMust have shoulder and elbow armour at minimum. A textile adventure jacket with ventilation panels is ideal for South Africa's temperature extremes — we go from Cape Town's 18°C to 38°C Karoo heat in a single day.
CE Level 1 or 2 armour
Back Protector
RequiredA CE Level 2 back protector is non-negotiable on our gravel tours. If your jacket's built-in protector is only Level 1, a standalone back protector insert is a worthwhile upgrade for any Karoo or Cederberg trip.
CE Level 2 (EN 1621-2)
Base Layer
RecommendedA merino wool or technical base layer regulates temperature far better than cotton. In the Tankwa you will sweat; at Sutherland you will freeze. A good base layer handles both.
Moisture-wicking
Hands
Adventure Gloves
RequiredFull gauntlet-style gloves with knuckle protection. Hands are the first thing you put out in a fall. We recommend gloves with a good palm slider and touchscreen-compatible fingertips for navigation.
CE Level 1 or 2
Lower Body
Riding Trousers
RequiredTextile adventure trousers with hip and knee armour. Look for trousers with ventilation zips for the Karoo heat and a thermal liner for Sutherland nights. Jeans are not acceptable for gravel tours.
CE Level 1 hip & knee armour
Knee & Shin Guards
RecommendedRecommended for the more technical off-road tours (Cederberg Escape, Karoo Dust). Standalone knee guards worn under your trousers significantly upgrade your protection on rocky descents.
CE Level 2 (EN 1621-1)
Footwear
Motorcycle Boots
RequiredAnkle support is critical on gravel. We require boots that cover and protect the ankle — dedicated adventure moto boots (e.g. Sidi Adventure 2, Gaerne G-Midland) are ideal. Casual shoes, trainers, and low-cut boots are not permitted.
CE Level 1 or 2 (EN 13634)
Visibility & Safety
Hi-Vis Vest
RecommendedSouth African law requires a hi-vis vest to be carried at all times — if you stop at the side of any public road, you must put it on. We carry spares, but bringing your own is good practice.
EN ISO 20471
Hydration Pack
RecommendedIn the Karoo heat, staying hydrated while riding is essential. A backpack-style hydration pack means you're drinking constantly without stopping. Minimum 2 litres for full-day gravel stages.
2L minimum capacity
The Golden Rule: Layer Up
South Africa's riding conditions change dramatically within a single day and a single ride. You might start a morning in Cape Town at 14°C, climb into the Cederberg mountains at 8°C, and arrive at your campsite in the Karoo at 35°C. Your gear needs to handle all three.
A moisture-wicking base layer + vented armoured jacket + packable thermal mid-layer that stuffs into your tank bag covers the full range. We've seen riders suffer badly in the Karoo heat in non-vented gear — it's genuinely dangerous.
Not sure if your gear qualifies?
Drop us a message with what you have and we'll let you know if it's suitable, and what to look for if you need to upgrade.
Ask Us Anything