Travel Gear: Sleeping solo under the stars, the fly-safe multitool and making a pocket blowtorch

5 Owls solo shelter
It does what it says on the tin: Solo Shelter is a one-person tent. There are plenty of these on the market, with largely the same minimalist approach, though the Solo Shelter does perhaps have better material construction than many. With YKK zippers and a 20D Toray ripstop over-cover, it's pretty robust. What it does offer is flexibility of view, where you can sleep under a clear canopy and watch the stars or bunker down under a storm cover if the night is a little more inclement. Comes in at just over 2kg (about 5lb). $379 from 5owls.net

Leatherman Piranha 2
You might wonder which came first here: the macho branding or the design. Either way, Leatherman, has another useful multitool to add to its collection. Its Piranha is a single-piece of heat-treated 420 stainless steel with a practical set of tools cut into it: a hex bit driver with flat and Phillips heads, box and open wrenches, a scraper and a cutter. There's also a bottle opener. Phew. Card-thin and light, it'll slip into any pocket - and it's even TSA-compliant, so you won't have to give it away for "disposal" passing through airports. €39.99 from greatoutdoors.ie

Soto pocket torch
Oh, when Soto say torch, they actually mean blowtorch (as opposed to flashlight). Because this is really a conversion kit for a regular pocket lighter to turn it into a mini blowtorch. Simply pull the cap off the Pocket Torch adapter, slot in a lighter (needs to be a flat-sided one) and clip the top back on. Now you've a powerful little burner capable of generating a 1,260 degree flame. More than enough to light a camping stove or camp fire in most winds. Or perhaps even do some impromptu soldering or crème brûlée browning – whatever floats your boat. $19.95 from rei.com