Kids Club
What to bring and what to wear
Simple kit guidance to help riders stay prepared in all conditions
What to bring and what to wear
Getting kit right makes a big difference to how much your child enjoys the session – and how much of the session they actually spend riding rather than shivering or wrestling with a broken bike. This page covers everything you need to know before session one.
The golden rule for Scotland: dress in layers you can remove. A child who arrives in a heavy winter coat will be sweating within ten minutes and miserable for the rest. A child in a thin base layer, a mid-layer, and a waterproof they can stuff in a bag will be comfortable all morning. Denim gets wet and stays wet – leave it at home.
Clothing – what to wear
- Base layer – thin, long-sleeved, moisture-wicking. Not cotton.
- Mid-layer – a light fleece or zip-up they can easily remove and carry
- Waterproof jacket – non-negotiable in Scotland. Taped seams if possible.
- Trousers or MTB shorts with knee pads underneath – no loose joggers that can snag in the drivetrain
- Flat-sole shoes with grip – trainers with a flat rubber sole are ideal. No sandals, Crocs, wellies, or anything without ankle support.
- Gloves – highly recommended. Warmer hands and protection for palms in a fall.
- Glasses, goggles and protective eyewear – these can be useful, protecting eyes from muck and trail debris, but be aware goggles can steam up and mean less visibility rather than more.
Protective Gear – Required at every session
- Helmet – MTB-rated (EN 1078 or equivalent). Must be undamaged and correctly fitted. Road helmets are not accepted. Full-face helmets are welcome but not compulsory.
- Knee pads – hard-shell or foam. Not compulsory but definitely worth considering for the enjoyment of your child.
- Elbow pads – strongly recommended, especially for youth riders.
If your child’s helmet has taken a significant impact at any point, replace it before the session – even if it looks fine. Foam that has compressed once won’t protect properly a second time. We check helmets on arrival and will ask you to replace one that isn’t safe.
What to pack in a bag
All kids should bring the following essentials in their bag to every session, please make sure the bag is large enough to carry all their kit and layers please.
- Water bottle – at least 500ml, ideally more. Hydration packs are great for youth riders.
- A snack – something with energy: banana, flapjack, cereal bar. Youth riders especially need this.
- Spare dry layer – something warm and dry for the journey home.
- Any required medication – clearly labelled with your child’s name, dosage, and instructions. Inhalers must be in your child’s bag at all times.
- Basic tools and spares – youth riders should carry their own multi-tool, inner tube, tyre levers, and pump. See the bikes page for full details.
- Sunscreen – on the rare occasions Scotland requires it.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Road or commuter helmets, these don’t provide sufficient protection for the rigours of mountain biking
- Sandals, Crocs, wellies, or open footwear of any kind
- Loose or baggy trousers, these could get caught in the chain or gears of a bike
- Earphones or headphones, being able to listen to your bike as you develop your skills is essential
- Valuables or personal screens for younger riders
Find out more
Everything you need to know about D!NK Scotland Kids Club can be found below. From session information and equipment guidance to safety, FAQs, and what to bring, these pages are designed to help riders and parents feel prepared, informed, and ready for the trails.