What protective gear should a motorcyclist wear?

The MSF and every motorcycle safety organization recommends full protective gear on every ride: (1) DOT-certified full-face or modular helmet — protects against the most common injuries (head trauma, facial injuries, eye damage); (2) eye protection — face shield or goggles, since wind, bugs, and debris at speed can blind you; (3) jacket with armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back — protects against road rash and impact; (4) gloves — protect hands during a fall and improve grip; (5) long pants, ideally motorcycle-specific with armor at the knees and hips; (6) over-the-ankle boots — protect feet and ankles, which are vulnerable in even minor crashes. 'All the gear all the time' (ATGATT) is the slogan for a reason: most crashes are at low speeds in town, where gear makes the biggest difference between minor injuries and major ones.