Clothing Basics: Why Covering Up Makes Sense
The instinct in warm weather is to wear as little as possible, but quad biking in Agafay actually calls for the opposite approach. The Agafay terrain is dry and stony, and even at moderate speed the quad kicks up a fine reddish dust that covers everything in its path — including exposed skin. Long trousers are strongly recommended over shorts, not because it's required but because you'll arrive at the end of the ride significantly less coated in dust.
The same logic applies to your upper body. A long-sleeved, lightweight shirt provides sun protection and acts as a barrier against the dust. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics work well and are comfortable even in warm temperatures once you factor in the breeze created by the quad's movement. Tight-fitting garments that stay close to the skin are more practical than loose, flowing ones that inflate and flap while you're riding.
Dark or mid-tone colours are more practical than white or very light tones — not essential, but dust on pale clothing is more visible and harder to clean. Comfortable, well-fitting clothing that doesn't restrict your movement is the real priority. You'll be twisting, leaning and occasionally standing slightly on the pegs as you navigate uneven sections, so anything that binds or chafes is best avoided.
Footwear: Closed Shoes Are Non-Negotiable
Closed-toe shoes are a firm requirement for quad biking at Agafay. Sandals, flip-flops and open-toed shoes of any kind are not permitted — this is a safety matter rather than an aesthetic preference. Your feet are close to the ground and the footpegs, and closed shoes protect them in the event of any contact with the terrain or vehicle.
Trainers or sports shoes are ideal. They provide grip, protect the ankle to some degree and are comfortable for extended rides. Hiking boots work well too, especially for autumn and winter tours when terrain can be slightly more challenging underfoot. Shoes with thick, non-slip soles give the best grip on the footpegs.
Avoid shoes that are genuinely precious or that you'd be upset about getting dusty and reddened — Agafay's characteristic ochre dust is fine-grained and pervasive. Most footwear comes clean with a brush and rinse, but it's worth being mentally prepared for that before you step onto the quad.
Dust and Sun Protection: The Essentials
Sun protection is critical on any Agafay ride, and the combination of altitude (the plateau sits at around 700 metres) and reflected light from the rocky terrain means UV exposure is higher than you might expect. Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed skin before you leave your accommodation — your face, neck, backs of hands and any exposed forearms. Reapplication mid-tour is worth doing if you're out for more than two hours.
A scarf or buff (tube-style neckwear) worn around the lower face is one of the most useful items you can bring. It keeps dust out of your nose and mouth during dusty sections, protects your face from the sun and the wind, and takes up almost no space in a bag. Goggles or wrap-around sunglasses serve the same function for your eyes — a standard pair of sunglasses provides some protection, but those with a wraparound or close-fitting frame do better at keeping dust out on windy days.
See our complete what-to-bring guide for a full checklist of items beyond clothing. A cap or hat worn under the helmet adds another layer of sun protection for the transfer to and from the desert, even if you don't wear it while riding. Reusable water bottles are encouraged — staying hydrated is arguably as important as any item of clothing.
What to Avoid Wearing
Loose, flowing scarves or shawls that aren't secured should be left at the hotel. Fabric that trails can catch on the quad or become an issue at speed — tuck anything loose into your clothing before you ride. The same applies to open jackets with flapping lapels. If you're wearing a jacket, zip it up or secure it before mounting the quad.
Very valuable or delicate clothing is another thing to think about carefully. This isn't because the tour is reckless — it isn't — but because dust is genuinely unavoidable, and even careful riding will leave you dustier than when you started. High-end white linen, silk scarves and similar items are better suited to a medina lunch than an afternoon on a quad.
Jewellery and accessories are largely a personal choice, but items that might catch or snag — long necklaces, dangling earrings, loose bracelets — are better removed before the ride. Our safety page provides additional guidance on what to expect during the briefing and what the guide will cover before departure.
Seasonal Adjustments
In summer (June–August), the priority is keeping cool while still being covered. Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts in natural or moisture-wicking fabrics are the best solution — they protect from sun and dust without trapping heat. Loose-but-tucked is the ideal: a little more air circulation than skin-tight, but nothing that flaps. Keep the head covered whenever you're not in the vehicle.
Spring and autumn allow more flexibility. Temperatures are comfortable for most of the day, and standard sportswear or casual long-sleeved clothing works well without any modifications. Bring a light layer — a thin fleece or windproof — for morning departures in March or November, when temperatures can be noticeably cooler at the start of the ride.
Winter tours (December–February) require genuine layering. The air is cool and sometimes cold at altitude, and the wind-chill on a moving quad can make it significantly colder than standing still. A good base layer, a mid-layer fleece and a wind-proof outer jacket are all worth packing for winter rides. Gloves matter in December and January — bare hands on metal handlebars at speed in 10°C can be genuinely uncomfortable after twenty minutes.
