Ultimate Guide: Layering, Apparel for Fall and Winter Mountain Biking

Intro: Hero Dirt, Crisp Air, and A Too Short Season

There’s something magical about mountain biking in autumn. The colors pop, the dirt grips, and the air feels just right–crisp, but not cold. 

That glorious window for autumn riding is firmly here in SLC and for much of Utah, but perhaps a little later in your neck of the woods. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. By late fall, the same mountains that deliver awesome flow and hero dirt will soon be buried under snow. In other words, it’s time to make hay while the sun still shines. 

With this golden opportunity in mind, we’re thrilled to present Contender’s 'Ultimate Guide: Layering, Apparel for Fall and Winter Mountain Biking' (Note: more of a roadie or gravel rider? You’re in luck, as we have a layering and apparel guide for you as well, available here). 

Backed by high level layering strategies, along with section by section guidance and product recommendations (top and bottom, hands and feet), this guide has everything you need to keep rolling through fall and into early winter. 

And if you’re truly after endless single track and the most optimal winter riding? 

There’s always Moab, St. George, or northern Arizona. 

Fab Four: Layering Strategies for Fall & Winter Mountain Biking 

1. Stay Dry, Stay Adaptable: trail riding means constant shifts from sun to shade, and from hot climbs to chilly descents. Look for breathable fabrics that wick sweat and dry quickly, and pieces you can stash or unzip on the fly.
   

2. Dress for the Descent: sure, you’ll heat up fast on a grinding climb, but that same sweat can chill you to the bone once the descent starts. Always pack a lightweight shell or outer layer for descents or shaded returns.
   

3. Block the Elements: wind or mud, light rain or the occasional snow flurry…fall outerwear should shield without suffocating. 

4. Mind the Extremities: cold hands or toes can bring a quick end to a quality ride. Make sure to choose gloves, socks, and shoes that balance warmth, dexterity, and pedal feel.

Torso: Regulate Heat, Manage Sweat

Compared to road riding, mountain biking's more frequent changes in terrain and tempo make torso layering all about breathability and flexibility. Most riders can get away with two layers (a wicking base and a breathable mid/outer), especially if flanked by good accessories (cap, gaiter, warm gloves, etc). But for truly cold conditions, three layers is the move. Pro Tip: hate the feeling of adding an outer shell to sweaty forearms? You’re not alone. Instead, opt for a long sleeve base or mid layer for a more comfortable feel. 

• For moderate conditions (45–60°F): prioritize light, long-sleeve jerseys or wind shirts that breathe uphill, shielding wind on the way down.
  

• For colder conditions (30–45°F): add a softshell or windproof pullover with water resistance for chilly starts or late-season descents.
  

Products We Love:

• Giro Men’s Roust Long Sleeve Wind Jersey: wind-blocking front and ventilated back; an ideal all-in-one layer for mixed conditions.
  

• Patagonia Men’s Dirt Craft Long Sleeve Jersey: trail-tough with excellent stretch and moisture management.
  

• Patagonia Men’s Airshed Pro Pullover Wind Shirt: featherlight, packable, and built for big climbs and cold descents.
  

Legs: Flexible Warmth That Moves With You

Your legs generate plenty of heat on their own, so the key is comfort, mobility, and light weather resistance rather than heavy insulation. In our humble opinion, lightweight trail pants are the move, more ideal than cross-country-oriented tights. Pro Tip: prefer to ride in shorts, but still want added warmth plus protection? Aim for pedal friendly knee pads. 

• For moderate conditions (45–60°F): aim for lightweight trail pants that breathe and stretch easily, while also protecting from
  

• For colder conditions (30–45°F): brushed interior fabrics or lightly insulated pants add warmth without bulk.
  

Products We Love:

• Troy Lee Designs Skyline Chill Pant: fleece-backed and DWR-treated; perfect for dawn patrols or high-alpine rides.
  

• Patagonia Men’s Dirt Craft Pant: softshell mobility and ventilation in a durable, trail-tuned package.

• POC VPD Air Leg: breathable and pedal-friendly, these knee and leg protectors from POC also offer warmth, mid-leg compression, and excellent protection from crashes.

Head & Neck: Small Layers, Big Impact

Even a little protection goes a long way. Case in point: a neck gaiter or thin skullcap helps regulate temperature while blocking wind and cold. 

• For moderate conditions (45–60°F): a lightweight gaiter or cap under your helmet keeps the chill out.
  

• For colder conditions (30–45°F): go for fleece-backed, windproof options, and pull your gaiter up over your nose for descents.

Products We Love:

• Contender Script Neck Gaiter: soft, breathable, and versatile; doubles as a headband, face cover, or neck warmer.

Hands: Control Starts at Your Fingertips

Cold hands make for sloppy braking and shifting, and miserable rides. Trail gloves should insulate without dulling your control and feel on the bars. 

• For moderate conditions (45–60°F): shoot for lightweight, full-finger gloves with minimal insulation.
  

• For colder conditions (30–45°F): your best bet is fleece-lined or softshell gloves that fend off wind and moisture.
  

Products We Love:

• Fox Ranger Fire Glove: with a waterproof shell (DWR treated) and brushed interior, these gloves offer warmth and grip on chilly days.
  

Feet: Warm, Dry, and Ready to Dig In

Typically, trail shoes already run warmer than road models, but cold and wet conditions demand a bit more planning. As a general rule, keep your comfort dialed in by aiming for thicker socks with weatherproof shoes. Pro Tip: especially prone to cold feet? Consider attaching Hothands ‘Toe Warmers’ to the topside of your sock, over the toes but inside the shoes. I used this hack on numerous fat bike rides last winter, and it easily extended my comfort zone by 1-2 hours per ride.

For moderate conditions (45–60°F): merino or synthetic socks with standard trail shoes.

For colder (and/or wet) conditions (30–45°F): add waterproof socks or insulated shoes for extended warmth.

Products We Love:

Giro Seasonal Merino Wool Socks: natural warmth and breathability that never feels bulky.

Giro Blaze Winter MTB Shoe: insulated, water-resistant, and clip-in compatible — a true cold-weather trail essential.

Learn More

Anxious to learn more about any of the products featured here? Or have questions about cold weather trail riding, more generally? 

We’d love to help out. Come by the shop Monday to Saturday, drop us a message here, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.