Top Motorcycle Touring Essentials

Whether you have an actual puncture or simply need to top up your pressures as you go about your tour and don't happen to be in a service area or garage forecourt, this useful rechargeable compressor can help.

I was bought one of these as a present years ago and I don't go anywhere without it. I get teased mercilessly but there literally isn't a day in the seven or eight years I've owned it when I don't use it.

Looking after your helmet when you're away is key; if it's filthy and you can't see properly, then clearly, things are less than ideal. This kit from Shift-It will keep your lid clean and fresh.

It contains two visor-cleaning wipes along with an insect-removing sponge and a bottle of helmet and visor cleaner. There is also a bottle of anti-fog treatment for visors or glasses, one of helmet refresh to eliminate smells and you also get three polishing cloths and a handy travel pouch.

Arguably, all riders should carry a first aid kit with them though practically, this may not always be possible. But on a tour, one is a touring essential and this is Amazon's Best Seller, for good reason. It's great value and has the essentials for many minor injuries; cold packs, plasters, bandages, dressings, wipes, gloves and scissors.

Many people like cargo nets and they can be useful for securing loose items to the bike, though their strength can be limited. Others like traditional bungee straps with metal hooks on the ends but they can mark bikes and come off.

There is likely nothing more frustrating on a tour than getting packed up and hitting the starter button, to be greeted by the sound of a flat battery. While you could bump-start the bike, it is much easier to have a portable jump pack on board to boost the battery to get the motor running.

Just like it's essential to keep your helmet, and in particular the visor, clean for optimum vision when you're riding, you might also want to take a spare visor or Pinlock insert with you too, in case the ones on your helmet get scratched or marked.

While freezer or sandwich bags may be useful to keep smaller items dry in case of rain, such as phones or wallets, sometimes you need larger items guaranteed to be kept dry and these drybags from Lomo will do the job.

If a lock and chain are essential if you're commuting or popping to the shops, then imagine how important they are when you're away touring. This 14mm link chain from Oxford comes in three lengths, 1.2m, 1.5m and 2.0m, and is paired with the company's Monster lock with a double-locking mechanism and protective cover.