Leatherman Style PS multi-tool

It goes without saying that a repair kit and mini-tool belong in my luggage on every extended tour. There have been several times when I've also needed a pair of pliers to fix a stuck chain or other defect. But these things are bulky and you rarely need them. When I discovered the Leatherman "Style PS" multi-tool one day in a design newsletter as a product presentation, I knew I had found the solution: a fully-fledged pair of pliers that not only looks good, but also packs a punch, is only 75 millimetres long and weighs 45 grams. The lower part also conceals a side cutter for cutting cables. The practical snap hook is not only useful for fastening, but also works as a bottle opener. The tool also features a nail file (never used), tweezers (useful for removing wood splinters) and cuticle scissors. The latter proved to be useful for cutting away dead tissue after a fall with severe skin abrasions. A different kind of multi-tool and extremely practical.

RRP: USD 29.95
www.leatherman.com

Roeckl Malvas gloves

This overglove weighs just 26 grams and takes up virtually no space. There is no accessory I take with me more often on day trips, even though I rarely use it. But when it does get chilly, I'm glad to have them with me. Thanks to its thin material and high elasticity, the Malvas can be pulled over the bike glove for a comfortable fit. The windproof and water-repellent material provides reliable protection in light rain or on descents in cool temperatures. In spring and fall, as well as when the weather forecast is dubious, I have this little bit of nothing in my backpack and, thanks to it, dry and warm fingers even when it gets damp and cool.

RRP: CHF 29.90
www.roeckl.de

Serfas MPD-1 Digital Shock & Tire Pump

A tire pump is essential for a longer tour. But often you also need one for the air pressure of the shock or suspension fork. You often only notice on the descent that a little more pressure in the shock would be appropriate. But lugging around two pumps is not something many people want to do. Serfas has a clever solution with the MPD-1, which combines a tire and shock pump in one product. The shaft can be extended with a twist, making it suitable for inflating the tires. The digital pressure gauge switches on automatically after a few pumping strokes and enables the desired pressure to be generated with pinpoint accuracy. An adapter for Presta valves is included. At 280 grams, the MPD-1 is no lightweight, but it is still more comfortable to carry than two pumps. Only the length of 30 centimetres makes the product a little bulky and it does not fit in the tool compartment of all backpacks.

TSG Joint knee protectors

"To pack protectors or not?" Many bikers ask themselves this question when packing for a tour. If you have the Joint knee protectors from TSG, you don't need to. The slip-on protectors require hardly any storage space and weigh just under 260 grams. The lightweight protectors can withstand even the hardest crashes and thanks to the Lycra material they fit so well that you can pedal with them for long periods of time. I have often worn them for over seven hours without them bothering me.

They are so light that they don't feel excessively hot, even if you sweat a lot. They also dry quickly. The knee pads can be easily cleaned in the washing machine at 30 degrees. However, it is advisable to do this as rarely as possible. After around a year and regular washing, the padding material shows fine cracks in the areas where it has to withstand the most movement. However, the protective function has been retained.

Vaude Moab UL Hybrid Jacket

Who hasn't been there: you're on a day tour and can't decide whether to take a long-sleeved jersey, a windbreaker or something warmer. But you don't want to carry a lot of weight and bulk. But if you want to go high up, it can get chilly on the summit. And who wants to freeze while enjoying the view? Vaude has created an ideal solution for 2018: The Moba UL Hybrid Jacket is a cross between a wind. Insulation and rain jacket. This all-rounder weighs just under 160 grams and boasts a minimal pack size. The chest area is insulated with PrimaLoft filling up to the upper arms and around the shoulders, keeping you warm in the most important areas. The thin outer material on the forearms and back is breathable and provides pleasant protection from the wind. Thanks to the not-too-tight cut and very elastic cuffs, the sleeves can be easily pushed up into the elbows while riding. Especially in the transitional period or in windy weather, you only need the additional protection during the first few meters of a descent.

With the Moab UL, Vaude has achieved the perfect mix of weight saving and protection. I often dragged it with me on tour in vain, but was happy to be able to pull it out of my rucksack in the evening when the après-biking session dragged on and I had to make my way home without warm sunlight.

It is not made for cold days, nor for prolonged rain. Apart from that, the Moab UL has a very wide range of uses.

RRP: CHF 180.00
www.vaude.com