Tyre pressure gauge

Compressor

Tyre deflators

Some basic stuff.

Slow, but versatile.  This and a shovel will get you out of many situations.

Being used

I just use this mat and some quality plastic clips.

40 litres per minute, 23 Amp.  A bit slow but does the job.  Connects to battery terminals.

150 litres per minute, 45 Amp.  This is about twice as quick, takes roughly 2.5 minutes to inflate each tyre from 18 - 40 psi.

Tyres are 33", 16" rim, 305mm wide.

My first one of these was faulty, returned and got a different chinese built brand which looks identical, not sure if it is or not, but it's working well so far.

If you're planning to get stuck a bit more often, an electric bull bar mounted winch makes recovery easy as long as you're going forward.  It's also good for pulling others out.  To compliment this get a winch extension strap as well. 

Many people use high lift jacks which are handy for some situations, but if you're choosing between them I think a hand winch is probably useful in more situations.  For sand you could get a ground anchor, or some grippy boards, I could name some popular ones, but I'd rather not advertise stuff I haven't used.

Before using this equipment, make sure your vehicle has decent recovery points, rather than factory tie down or tow hooks which aren't made for the job, or something is likely to break with nasty consequences. 

When using winches and snatch straps, always put a blanket or similar over the cable to dampen it in case of breakage, it could save a life.  I use a bathroom style floor mat that doubles as a passenger floor mat.  I have a couple of plastic clamps to hold it on, which double as pegs.  I see no point carrying specially made damping blankets that can't be used for anything else.

Never ever use a tow ball as a recovery point unless you are trying to kill Goliath.  It will snap off under load and sling shot into you or your vehicle.

If you 4WD a lot you'll want a faster compressor but the most important thing is to have something rather than nothing.  Neglecting to inflate tyres for the bitumen and driving at highway speeds on 20psi is dangerous and will destroy your tyres from the inside.  Eventually the tyre will give up and 'explode' from tread separation or a similar condition.  This is expensive as well as dangerous.

I used to use a screwdriver, but have now upgraded to the staun tyre deflators.  They're good but out of adjustment, so end up deflating  a bit too low.  I'm told locktite should avoid unintended adjustments, so I'll get around to that eventually.