What to Bring on an ATV Tour in New Brunswick
Planning an ATV tour in New Brunswick and wondering what you should bring?
The good news is that you don’t need a garage full of specialized off-road equipment to enjoy a guided ATV adventure. The most important things to bring are comfortable outdoor clothing, long pants, sturdy closed-toe footwear, gloves, weather-appropriate layers, and clothing you don’t mind getting muddy.
At Mud to Moose Trail Adventures in Ripples, New Brunswick, we provide the ATV or side-by-side and safety equipment for our listed guided adventures. Before heading onto the trails, guests receive safety information and vehicle orientation.
What you should pack beyond that depends on the season, weather and type of adventure you’re taking.
And remember the name:
Mud to Moose.
There is a reason “mud” comes first.
Quick ATV Tour Packing List
If you’re looking for the short answer, here’s what we recommend bringing on an ATV tour in New Brunswick:
- Long pants
- Sturdy closed-toe footwear or boots
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Gloves
- Weather-appropriate jacket
- Rain gear when conditions call for it
- Extra socks
- Sunglasses or eye protection
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent during warmer months
- Smartphone or camera
- Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
- An extra change of clothes if rain or muddy conditions are expected
Mud to Moose provides the ATV or side-by-side and required safety equipment for our listed guided tours.
For current tour inclusions, always check the individual experience before booking.
What Should I Wear on an ATV Tour?
The most important rule is simple:
Dress for the weather and dress for the trail.
New Brunswick weather can change quickly, particularly during spring and fall. Even a warm day can feel considerably cooler when you’re moving through the forest.
Wear long pants
Long pants are strongly recommended.
They provide protection from:
- Branches
- Brush
- Mud
- Dirt
- Insects
- Changing temperatures
Jeans, hiking pants or other durable outdoor pants can work well.
Avoid clothing that is extremely loose or likely to catch on equipment.
Wear sturdy footwear
Your footwear is one of the most important things you bring.
Choose:
- Hiking boots
- Work boots
- Waterproof outdoor boots
- Other sturdy closed-toe footwear
Avoid sandals, flip-flops and lightweight running shoes.
The trails can be uneven, wet, muddy and rocky. Good footwear provides protection and helps you stay comfortable throughout the ride.
Bring gloves
Gloves aren’t mandatory for every rider, but we strongly recommend them.
They can help provide:
- Better grip
- Protection from branches
- Protection from mud
- Warmth on cool days
- Greater comfort during longer rides
For fall and nighttime adventures, gloves become even more useful.
Do I Need Rain Gear for an ATV Tour?
If there is a chance of rain, bring rain gear.
New Brunswick is famous for beautiful forests and changing weather. A forecast that starts with sunshine can sometimes end with a completely different story.
A lightweight waterproof jacket is an excellent addition to your ATV tour packing list.
For wetter conditions, consider:
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof boots
- Extra socks
- A dry change of clothes
Rain doesn’t necessarily mean your ATV adventure has to be cancelled.
In fact, depending on trail conditions, rain can make the trails even more exciting.
But you should be prepared to get wet.
Should I Bring Extra Clothes?
Yes—especially if you’re riding in spring, fall or wet conditions.
An extra set of clothes can make a huge difference after your adventure.
Consider bringing:
- Extra shirt
- Extra pants
- Extra socks
- Extra underwear
- Dry shoes or boots
Keep the spare clothes in your vehicle or another dry location.
If you finish the ride muddy and wet, you’ll appreciate having something clean and dry to change into.
What Should I Bring for a Summer ATV Tour?
Summer is generally the easiest season to pack for.
For a summer ATV adventure, consider bringing:
- Lightweight long pants
- T-shirt or moisture-wicking shirt
- Light jacket
- Gloves
- Sturdy footwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Camera or smartphone
Even during summer, however, a lightweight jacket can be useful.
The forest can feel considerably cooler than an open parking area or town.
What Should I Bring for a Fall ATV Tour?
Fall is one of the best times to experience New Brunswick’s forests.
The temperatures are cooler, the mosquitoes are generally less of a concern, and the changing leaves create incredible scenery.
However, fall also means you should prepare for changing temperatures.
We recommend:
- Long pants
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Gloves
- Sturdy boots
- Extra socks
- Hat or toque if temperatures are cool
- Camera or smartphone
- Extra clothing
Layering is the key.
You can remove a layer if you’re warm and add one when the temperature drops.
What Should I Bring on a Night ATV Tour?
A nighttime ATV adventure requires a little more preparation.
The temperature can drop after sunset, even during summer.
For a Night Moose Safari, we recommend:
- Long pants
- Closed-toe footwear
- Light jacket or hoodie
- Gloves
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Smartphone or camera
- Extra layer for cooler temperatures
Our Night Moose Safari is a two-hour guided nighttime adventure through the New Brunswick wilderness.
The forest changes dramatically after dark.
Your headlights illuminate the trail while the surrounding forest disappears into darkness.
And while you may encounter wildlife, moose sightings are never guaranteed. Moose are wild animals and their movements depend on weather, food, season and natural behaviour.
The goal is to search responsibly for wildlife while enjoying the wilderness.
What Should I Bring If I Want to Take Pictures?
Absolutely bring your camera or smartphone.
New Brunswick’s forests provide plenty of opportunities for photographs.
You may want to photograph:
- Muddy trails
- Forest scenery
- Rivers and streams
- Fall colours
- Wildlife
- Your ATV or side-by-side
- Your group
- The trail itself
However, remember that the trail can be wet and muddy.
Protect your phone or camera with a waterproof case or protective pouch.
A simple waterproof phone pouch can be a very useful addition to your packing list.
And when wildlife appears, remember:
Experience the moment first. Photograph it second.
Wildlife can disappear in seconds.
Should I Bring Water?
Yes.
Even when temperatures aren’t particularly hot, riding an ATV is an active outdoor experience.
Bring water and stay hydrated.
A reusable water bottle works well.
For longer private or customized adventures, you may also want additional drinks and snacks.
For our standard listed experiences, check the current tour description for included refreshments.
Should I Bring Sunscreen?
Yes.
It’s easy to underestimate sun exposure when you’re spending most of your time around trees.
Sunscreen is particularly useful during:
- Summer tours
- Sunny spring days
- Long outdoor adventures
- Tours with extended stops
Apply sunscreen before the tour and bring additional sunscreen if needed.
Should I Bring Insect Repellent?
During the warmer months, insect repellent can be useful.
New Brunswick’s forests are home to mosquitoes, black flies and other insects.
Depending on the season and conditions, insect repellent can make your adventure considerably more comfortable.
What Safety Equipment Does Mud to Moose Provide?
One of the advantages of taking a guided ATV adventure is that you don’t need to own or transport your own ATV.
Mud to Moose provides the vehicle for the guided experience, and safety equipment is included on listed tours.
Before heading out, guests receive safety information and vehicle orientation.
New Brunswick also requires ATV operators and passengers to wear helmets. The Government of New Brunswick states that ATVs operating on managed trails must have a trail pass, and ATVs must be registered and insured as required by provincial law.
For the most current provincial requirements, see the Government of New Brunswick’s off-road vehicle regulations.
What You Don’t Need to Bring
One of the best things about a guided ATV tour is that you don’t need to arrive with a trailer full of equipment.
For a typical Mud to Moose guided experience, you don’t need to bring:
- Your own ATV
- Your own side-by-side
- An ATV trailer
- Specialized navigation equipment
- A trail map
- Your own helmet
We provide the vehicle and safety equipment required for our listed guided experiences.
Your job is to show up ready for an adventure.
What Should Beginners Bring?
If you’ve never ridden an ATV before, don’t overthink the equipment.
The most important things are:
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Long pants
- Sturdy footwear
- Gloves
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water
- A positive attitude
You don’t need years of ATV experience to enjoy a guided tour.
In fact, a guided adventure can be an excellent introduction to off-road riding because you have a local guide leading the experience.
If you’re a first-time rider, let your guide know.
That allows the experience to be adjusted to your comfort level and experience.
Read our guide on Can Beginners Ride an ATV in New Brunswick?
What Should Families Bring?
Families should follow the same basic packing list.
However, children may need additional clothing and comfort items.
Consider bringing:
- Extra clothing
- Extra socks
- Water
- Snacks if appropriate
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Gloves
- Weather-appropriate layers
If you’re travelling with children or younger riders, check the applicable New Brunswick age and safety requirements before booking.
The Government of New Brunswick has specific requirements for ATV operators under 16, including approved safety training and supervision requirements.
What Should I Wear If I Want to Stay Clean?
Here’s the honest answer:
You probably can’t guarantee that.
If you don’t want mud on your clothing, ATV riding may not be the right outdoor activity for you.
Our trails can be wet and muddy depending on recent weather and trail conditions.
That’s part of the experience.
Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
You can worry about looking good after the ride.
What Should I Bring for a Private ATV Tour?
A private tour gives your group more flexibility, but the same basic packing list applies.
Depending on the season and duration, consider:
- Extra water
- Extra clothing
- Extra socks
- Rain gear
- Warm layers
- Camera
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
If you’re interested in a customized or private adventure, visit our Private ATV Tours in New Brunswick page.
ATV Tour Packing Checklist
Before leaving for your adventure, run through this checklist.
Clothing
☐ Long pants
☐ Comfortable shirt
☐ Warm layer
☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Waterproof pants if rain is expected
☐ Gloves
☐ Sturdy boots
☐ Extra socks
Personal Items
☐ Water bottle
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Smartphone or camera
☐ Waterproof phone/camera protection
Smart Extras
☐ Change of clothes
☐ Extra footwear
☐ Hat or toque for cool weather
☐ Small towel
☐ Plastic or waterproof bag for muddy clothing
What Should I Bring on a Side-by-Side Tour?
The packing list for a side-by-side tour is very similar to an ATV tour.
Bring:
- Long pants
- Sturdy footwear
- Gloves
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Rain gear if necessary
- Water
- Camera or smartphone
- Extra clothing if conditions are wet
Our New Brunswick Side-by-Side Tours provide another way to experience the backcountry.
A side-by-side can be a particularly good option for couples, friends and guests who prefer sitting beside their passenger rather than riding two-up on an ATV.
What Should I Bring for a Moose-Watching ATV Adventure?
If wildlife is one of your main reasons for visiting New Brunswick, keep your camera accessible.
However, don’t pack as though a moose sighting is guaranteed.
It isn’t.
Moose are wild animals.
Weather, season, food availability, time of day and natural behavior all affect where they are located.
Our Moose & Wildlife Tours in New Brunswick are designed to give guests an opportunity to experience the wilderness and search for wildlife responsibly.
If we encounter wildlife, we maintain a respectful distance and never chase, feed or interfere with animals.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know Before My ATV Tour?
Yes.
The most important thing is to arrive prepared for the conditions.
Before leaving home, check:
- Weather forecast
- Temperature
- Rain probability
- Wind
- Trail conditions if available
- Your footwear
- Your clothing
- Your phone battery
If the forecast looks questionable, bring rain gear.
temperatures are dropping, bring another layer.
If the trails are expected to be muddy, wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
A little preparation can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATV Tour Packing
What should I wear on an ATV tour in New Brunswick?
Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe footwear, comfortable outdoor clothing and weather-appropriate layers. Gloves and rain gear are recommended when conditions call for them.
Do I need special clothing for an ATV tour?
No specialized clothing is required for most guided tours, but durable outdoor clothing is recommended. Wear clothing that can handle mud, dirt and changing weather.
What shoes should I wear for ATV riding?
Sturdy closed-toe footwear such as hiking boots, work boots or waterproof outdoor boots is recommended. Avoid sandals and flip-flops.
Should I bring rain gear on an ATV tour?
Yes, particularly during spring and fall or whenever rain is in the forecast. A waterproof jacket and extra socks are especially useful.
Should I bring extra clothes?
Yes. Extra clothes are highly recommended when conditions are wet or muddy. At minimum, consider bringing an extra shirt, pants and socks.
Do ATV tours provide helmets?
Mud to Moose provides safety equipment on listed guided tours. New Brunswick law requires ATV operators and passengers to wear helmets.
Do I need to bring my own ATV?
No. Mud to Moose provides the ATV or side-by-side for its listed guided experiences.
Can I bring my phone on an ATV tour?
Yes. A smartphone can be useful for photographs, but protect it from water and mud with a waterproof case or pouch.
Should I bring water?
Yes. Staying hydrated is important during outdoor activities, especially in warm weather.
What should I wear for a Night Moose Safari?
Wear long pants, closed-toe footwear, a light jacket or hoodie and gloves. Bring additional warm layers if temperatures are expected to drop.
What should I bring on a fall ATV tour?
Bring long pants, layers, sturdy footwear, gloves, rain gear and extra socks. Fall temperatures can change quickly.
What should beginners bring to an ATV tour?
Beginners should bring comfortable outdoor clothing, long pants, sturdy footwear, gloves, weather-appropriate layers, water and clothing they don’t mind getting dirty.
What should I bring on a side-by-side tour?
The same basic ATV packing list applies: long pants, sturdy footwear, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, water, rain gear when needed and a camera or smartphone.
Will my clothes get muddy?
They might.
Trail conditions vary with weather, but Mud to Moose adventures can involve mud, water and wet trails. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
Ready to Ride?
Now that you know what to bring, all that’s left is choosing your adventure.
Mud to Moose Trail Adventures takes guests beyond the pavement and into the New Brunswick backcountry around Ripples.
Whether you’re looking for:
- A daytime ATV adventure
- A side-by-side experience
- A private ATV tour
- A wildlife adventure
- A Night Moose Safari
- A muddy New Brunswick backcountry experience
we’re ready to take you there.
You bring the right clothes.
We’ll provide the machine, safety equipment and the trail adventure.
And if you get a little muddy along the way?
That’s part of the story.
Ride Wild. Explore More.
Book your Mud to Moose adventure today.
Official New Brunswick ATV Resources
For the most current rules and requirements, always refer to official provincial sources.
Government of New Brunswick — Off-Road Vehicle Regulations, Registration and Insurance
https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/driving-transportation/off-road-vehicles-boating/regulations-registration-insurance.html
Government of New Brunswick — Approved Places to Drive Off-Road Vehicles
https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/driving-transportation/off-road-vehicles-boating/approved-places-off-road-vehicles.html
These sources cover requirements including helmets, registration, insurance, trail passes, safety training and approved riding areas.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Provincial regulations, tour inclusions, prices, availability and trail conditions can change. Always confirm current requirements before riding.