That is really a personal decision. It is up to you. Some people never go out without a helmet on. Then again some people do not use helmets or anything. Helmets, knee/butt pads, wrist guards etc are all optional. Stuff like Goggles and sun block are considered more necessary.Additionally, conditions may dictate the importance of protective gear. For example if you are a total beginner and learning on a very hard-packed / icy hill in Virginia, you may want more protective gear on that if you are an intermediate rider doing slower riding on soft-pack groomers in Utah.Use your head for thinking, not for crash testing!
