Compiled by
TOM KELLY
Flashbk Expandable Hi-Viz
Here's a great idea from small Irish start-up Motionfox. The Flashbk Expandable Hi-Viz bike bib can extend to go over a cyclist's backpack instead of having the bag cover the vital reflective panels. Cycling is at its most popular for decades, but low-light safety is a real issue, with so many cyclists donning a cloak of invisibility. At least that's the view of both the pedalling and motoring communities, so anything that helps strike a light is a boon. The Flashbk doesn't just expand, it has elastic hooks on the back to attach lights, hi-reflective strips, a showerproof coating and an elasticated rear hem to cut down flappage. It expands or contracts easily by way of a couple of press fasteners on either side, which also allow flexibility in terms of bag size, from backpacks to courier messenger bags to handbags or even manbags, as co-founder Rob Quigley quips on Motionfox's demo video. Available in a couple of vibrant colours. Flashbk Expandable Hi-Viz, €20, from motionfox.comand bike shops
Box Caravan
The classic VW camper van holds an unassailable, iconic corner of our mental campsite, representing perhaps the promise of some idyllic freedom, an escape from the rat race. It seems to appeal to the inner hippie of all generations. We’ve had the tent version in this column previously, now here’s the flower-power caravan.
Unashamedly retro and derivative, Dub Box is the towable way to get the camper van vibe. The body is lightweight, but rust-free fibre glass and will be painted in whatever two-tone combo you want. Inside, it’s pretty basic, not unlike the original, with standard fixtures such as a two-ring gas stove, fridge and pump-action tap.
As well as the exterior paint-job, you can customise the Dub Box's interior to suit your campish fantasies for the cara-campervan. There's a choice of fabric and laminate finishes for the furniture and fittings, with aluminium Venetian blinds for that period flourish. Dub Box Caravan, from £14,000 (€16,700) approx, dub-box.com
Ray Mobile Charger
The Ray Mobile Charger hasn't quite hit the market yet, but it's a neat solution to mobile solar charging. It has a charging panel inside a powerful suction cup, which means any window offers a juice-up opportunity, including planes, trains and automobiles. There's a tilting stand that lets you angle it on a surface when the Ray's sucker can't be used, and a small integrated battery means it can store a charge that should be enough to get your phone or MP3 player going again for a couple of hours, even out of sunlight. Of course, there are plenty of other solar chargers from brands such as PowerMonkey, but this seems particularly apt for quick, easy use. Works for USB-powered personal electronics, with a single slot. Ray Mobile Charger, price to be fixed, but about $40 (€30), quirky.com