Goggles

Warm humid breath (or sweat) hits a cooler lens surface and condenses. Best defences: triple-layer face foam (so heat escapes around the eyes instead of pooling inside), an anti-fog coated lens, and constant air movement — even slow trail riding keeps things clear. A loose-fitting goggle that does not seal will fog less, but lets dust in.

Tear-offs are 6-12 stacked disposable plastic sheets on the lens; you grab a tab and pull one off when vision drops. Roll-offs use a single film on rollers that you wind across with a thumb pull. Tear-offs are faster but leave plastic on the track. Roll-offs are better for sustained muddy conditions and produce no litter.

No. Standard eyewear does not seal against dust, will fall off in a fast section, and the lenses are not impact-rated for roost. For prescription correction, look for OTG (Over The Glasses) goggle frames sized to fit over thin frames, or get prescription inserts that clip into the goggle.

Rinse with clean water first to flush off grit (never wipe a dusty lens dry — the dust scratches the coating). Then dab with a soft microfibre cloth or the inside of the goggle bag. Do not use paper towels, t-shirts, or anything containing alcohol — they strip the anti-fog coating off.

Bright sun: smoke, mirrored or polarised. Overcast: rose, amber or yellow (boosts contrast on flat-light days). Dawn, dusk or indoor/arena: clear or low-light blue. Many riders carry two lenses and swap depending on the day. Photochromic lenses adapt automatically and are a great single-lens solution.