Although available as an ebook, the Lonely Planet Best Ever Travel Tips Book is probably best as a soft cover paperback. You can get travel apps or read websites about travel tips, but there’s nothing better than carrying a pocket-sized, physical book on your travels. Read it when waiting for a train or flight, on a boring part of the trip to refresh you mind and improve your travel game. The book covers a wide range of topics like how to travel light, tricks for booking online accommodation, vegan and gluten-free travel, and it also includes a world tipping chart.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Lonely Planet

With MIPS brain protection system technology to help reduce rotational forces, an EPP (Expanded PolyPropylene) chin bar, and titanium chin strap D-rings, the new Troy Lee Designs Ltd Edition SE4 Carbon Mirage Helmet has your head covered with cutting-edge helmet technology. Additional features include three shell sizes options to ensure an appropriate fit, 3D-contoured cheek pads with an emergency release system, and a removable and washable comfort liner with Cool Max and Dri-lex moisture wicking fabrics.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Troy Lee Designs

A compact, in-line personal water filtration system that’s simple, elegant, and effective. Provides “0.1 micron absolute filtration — removing 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli, removing 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium), and removing 100% of microplastics.” The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System comes with a drinking pouch, or use it with a drinking straw or connect the filter unit into your hydration pack tubing.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Sawyer

A casual, off-bike technical jacket, the Shift R3con Drift Jacket has you covered on cold and wet days. Weatherproof design rated for 10,000mm water-resistance and breathability. Zippers are water-resistant and a drop tail design provides addition weather protection. Available in black or smoke colour designs.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Shift

Here’s an interesting idea: Replicate a first edition Paris Dakar rally bike using a 2018 model Royal Enfield Himalayan. The result is the Fuel Bespoke Motorcycle Royal Rally 400. They've kept the Himalayan basically stock with custom work focusing on “lines and proportions to get a more compact, aggressive and classic look.” Front-on there’s a new vintage enduro look, with an ‘80s era front light aesthetic and the cockpit area has a striped back race look with home-made style custom toggle switch panel and a single Koso speedometer / instrument cluster. Other changes include a PowerTRONIC engine management unit, Suzuki RMZ450 exhaust, solo seat conversion, along with new indicators and fenders, and a new paint scheme.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles

For short trips, a good way to deal with dirty clothes is just ignore them; that is, wash them when you get home. The retaW Travel Pouch includes a set of three lightweight, packable nylon laundry pouches with waterproof zippers. Perfect to store your used clothing. Also good as a regular travel storage bag and the pouch set comes with a belt/shoulder strap, too. Available in black or white.

SOURCE/PHOTO: retaW

The new Garmin GPSMAP 66i makes the popular handheld GPS navigation unit even more useful with the addition of inReach satellite communication technology through two-way messaging and SOS functionality. This provides GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring and messaging via the global Iridium satellite network. Navigation is via a bright three inch color display, TopoActive maps, and wireless BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. Unit battery life is 35 hours when in 10 minute tracking mode and up to 200 hours with 30 minute tracking intervals.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Garmin

Add some addition security for your expensive gadgets and important travel documents with the new Pacsafe Travelsafe 5L Portable Safe. The case has a five litre carry capacity and is enclosed in wire mesh. An included TSA accepted 3-dial combination lock along with a closure and attachment wire is looped through metal grommets to securely lock your gear in the case. A soft inner lining helps to protect your valuables and a top carry-handle provides for easy transport. Available in black or charcoal.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Pacsafe

If you’re a radio loving international traveller, long distance overland adventurer, or just like the idea of a receive-almost-anything radio, then check out the new Sangean ATS-909X. Featuring a World Band Radio FM-Stereo / LW / AM / SW / AUX PLL synthesised portable receiver with 406 memory preset stations, the ATS-909X also has three programmable wake alarms, a large LCD display with clock functionality to show up to 42 world city times, your current radio signal strength, and battery life indicator. Powered by four AA batteries or mains adapter.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Sangean

The James Brand The Ellis LTD Knife "features carbon fiber scales and PVD-coated black blades and bail,” a partially-serrated drop point blade, a lockback design for the knife blade and multi-type screwdriver / scraper / bottle opener, and a bail loop for attaching keys or carabiner. Limited to 100 units.

SOURCE/PHOTO: The James Brand

One for the hardcore Ricky and Morty music fan, a limited edition Teenage Engineering Rick and Morty: The PO-137 Pocket Operator. The tiny vocal synthesiser and sequencer has a built-in microphone with 8 different voice character samplings, provided by Ricky and Morty (an adult animated science fiction sitcom) co-creator Justin Roiland along with new custom Rick and Morty visuals. Other key features include the quirky animated LCD display, built-in folding stand, and an alarm clock.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Teenage Engineering

Small in size but large in stature. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack is the ideal small backpack. Available in a rainbow of different colours and suitable for kids and adults alike, the mini pack is made from Vinyl F fabric, has a single main compartment with a large zipped opening, two side pockets and a small pocket on the front. A PE foam seat cushion, stored in the interior back pocket, provides a comfort seat option while resting or at camp and also gives the pack back padding.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Fjallraven

Designed for the adventuring individualist, the new Alpkit Soloist Backpacking Tent is good for multi-day three season, back-country trips. Large enough for one person and all their gear and with enough head room to sit upright in comfort, in a liveable space. Features a freestanding structure with an easy to pitch design.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Alpkit

If you want pro level audio recording in a small, tough outdoors-ready package, then check out the new 6-channel/14-track Zoom F6 Field Recorder. Designed for pros but attractive to anyone with an interest in recording high quality sound, thanks to its 32-bit float recording being able to capture a wide dynamic range of loud and subtle sounds at high audio quality. Other features include dual AD converters with 6 inputs, multiple power options, and wireless control.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Zoom

KTM’s range of new enduros, recently announced, includes their new 'International Six Days Enduro' (ISDE) 2020 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days. The ISDE competition ready model is based on their latest enduro design along with a premium parts package and top-of-the-line components. For 2020, the new model enduros all have “new and more efficient yet high-performing engines, a re-developed chassis with improved WP XPLOR suspension, improved handling, new bodywork, new air filter box, new cooling system, and new exhaust systems.”

SOURCE/PHOTO: KTM

There’s relatively few casual design motorcycle specific jackets. In fact, most motorcycle jackets look, well, like motorcycle jackets, functional and technical, often bulky, rather like a uniform. The Blauer Hi.Tech MAVERICK BLUE Jacket looks different thanks to its classic  military style bomber jacket design. Crash protection comes from elbow protections with pockets for shoulder and back protectors. And there’s zips for venting on the front and back.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Blauer Hi.Tech

Designed to treat life threatening traumatic injuries, the Tactical Medical Solutions TacMed Pocket Medical Kit could be a useful addition to a standard first aid kit for the adventurous expedition style, overland traveller. It’s a small size kit that includes a SOF Tourniquet, Esmark bandage, compressed gauze, Beacon chest seal, and gloves.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Tactical Medical Solutions

A relatively small sized, smart looking, general ‘out-and-about’ travel bag. The bag’s key feature is RFID blocking technology to protect your electronic embedded items, like credit cards and your passport, form of electronic scanning. The Caribee Jetset RFID Shoulder Bag.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Caribee

Kit Contents: Survival Frog pocket stove and fuel tablets. Waterproof matches in a container. Stainless steel pot/cup. Spork survival tool and p-38 can opener. The Survival Frog Mess Kit for one. Also comes with a bright green ripstop fabric carry storage bag.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Survival Frog

Everyone knows the future of motorcycles involves some form of electric power, except, maybe, the current big name Japanese and European factory bike makers. While we wait for these companies to make electric motorcycles, smaller firms are bringing innovative machines to the market like the 2019 Sur-Ron Light Bee Electric Bike. Part MTB and part MX bike, the Light Bee packs a 3500W electric motor and a removable 60V/32AH battery into a lightweight dirt bike style aluminium alloy frame, with a full mono shock suspension setup and a multistage coaxial transmission system running a chain drive to the rear wheel. Curb weight is 50kg with a range up to 100km.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Sur-Ron

The Dakar Rally is moving from South America to the Middle East. It was recently announced the 2020 Rally will be held in Saudi Arabia, starting in Jeddah on January 2nd to finish at Al Qiddiya on January 17th 2020. The Dakar Rally started in Africa in 1978 then it moved to South America in 2009.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Dakar Rally

Light and portable. A canvas seat. Folds down flat. Comes with a carry bag. Designed to support one person. The KUARTO Collapsable Camp Stool is available with a green or brown coloured canvas stool seat.

SOURCE/PHOTO: KUARTO

Urban or street gloves are generally short cuff in design with a feature balance pushed towards rider control, in the form of dexterity and feel plus comfort, and the necessary and sufficient level of crash and environmental protection; there’s really no need for MotoGP type glove features. Also features like touchscreen friendly pointer fingers are important. The ICON 1000 Nightbreed Glove fits within this urban or street criteria, is constructed from an AxSuede Laredo chassis with AxSuede Quattro “fourchettes and neoprene flex zones”, and has D3O knuckle protection inserts.

SOURCE/PHOTO: ICON

One of the secrets to lowering stress while travelling is organising your gear, and packing cubes can play a part. The Eagle Creek Pack-it Spector Compression Cube Set will help you organise you clothes in your travel bag. Simple and effective. Made from a lightweight water repellent silnylon ripstop fabric, the cubes have a quick grab handle and come in a variety of sizes and designs.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Eagle Creek

Why not add some art to your camping gear with the Zippo Spazuk Lighter. Featuring a fumage technique (created by holding flame to paper and etching into the resulting soot) bird cover art by Steven Spazuk. The lighter has Zippo’s windproof lighter technology within an all metal construction, and is refillable for a lifetime of camp use.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Zippo

One aspect of your enduro or dual sport bike is limited luggage space. Panniers, tail or tank bags can be fitted with the dis-benefit of adding bulk. However if you want a clean, minimalist small tool bag carry solution then check out the Acerbis Front Fender Tool Bag. The 2 litre capacity bag has various internal tool pockets and is securely attached to the front fender with a locking system.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Acerbis

If you’re off-grid and have gadgets to charge then check out the RAVPower Solar Charger 24W Solar Panel. Its solar panel is waterproof, durable, and foldable so suitable of camping or hiking trips. Featuring iSmart Technology where its three USB ports automatically detect and deliver the optimal charging current for your different gadgets.

SOURCE/PHOTO: RAVPower

Campfire safe and beautifully made, the Best Made Company The Limited Edition Polaris Bowls are a notch above your standard camping dish. Enamelware bowls evoke a connection with the past, and the illustrations on these bowls celebrate the night sky. A two bowl kit that’s lightweight and stackable, durable and aesthetically pleasing, just what you need for your next camping trip.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Best Made Company

The updated Hit-Air EU6 Ultimate Airbag Jacket looks like a good fit for the touring motorcyclists looking for cutting edge safety features in their riding gear. Outside of the S-System Key Box activated integrated airbag, this jacket also features CE rated shoulder, elbow, and back padding, a moisture permeable and waterproof removable quilted fleece lining for cold weather riding, and Lumidex reflective material for night or poor light rider illumination.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Hit-Air

Some form of water purification is essential for off-the-grid, adventure travel. A lightweight option is the GRAYL Ultralight Purifer, designed for all forms of outdoor travel, especially hiking where carry weight is an issue. The Purifer “[p]rovides full-spectrum protection against pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and protozoa), particulates, chemicals and heavy metals”.

SOURCE/PHOTO: GRAYL

Short boot touring style. CE approved. Micro synthetic construction with Air-Tech ventilated upper. D3O armour ankle cup protection. Rear calf stretch accordion design. Side Velcro strap zipper closure. Vulcanised rubber sole. The Falco Land 2 Boots.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Falco

The Vargo Triad Multi-Fuel Stove is a little camp cooker made from lightweight, yet durable titanium. Integrated folding legs support the stove and pot. One side provides a long burning alcohol stove. Then turn it over and the opposite side burns fuel tabs or fuel gels. Weight is 30 grams (1.0 ounces). Burn time is approximately 20 minutes for alcohol and 12 minutes for fuel tabs or gels.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Vargo

For the optically challenged, the ThinOptics Glasses and Metal Finish Pod is a good backup, or even travel option, providing you with easily packed armless, portable reading glasses. The pod case is designed to fit on the back of your phone or tablet, or nicely slip into a pocket or small bag. Available in four colour designs.

SOURCE/PHOTO: ThinOptics

With its aggressive styling and carbon aramidic fibreglass shell, the new AGV AX9 Multi E2205 Helmet looks like a good dual sport option. This lightweight helmet features internal pads made from fabric with antibacterical protection, moisture wicking, and skin comfort treatments, that are also removable and washable.  Available in three shell sizes and various colour designs.

SOURCE/PHOTO: AGV

Better than a landscape photo hanging on your wall, this original fine art print is “[a]n imagined expedition to explore mysterious ancient ruins in a dense, remote jungle somewhere in South East Asia, featured on an extra fine, archival grade print.” The Prometheus Design Werx Art Print is by Florent Llamas and has a game or movie concept illustration feel. The print area is 40cm X 50cm (16” x 20”), printed on 100% cotton fibre, acid-free 260 g/m paper with a velvet finish.

SOURCE/PHOTO: PDW