Adam Harveylooks at the latest gadgets
Little-used Victorinox Swiss army knife tools have made way for more practical modern functions, such as a USB memory stick. An airport-security-friendly version comes with a pressurised ballpoint pen and white LED light but no blade. The price for the dangerous version depends on the memory-stick capacity, with one gigabyte for €36.50, two for €44, four for €52 and 16 for €145. Other knives have altimeters, digital alarms and thermometers. Victorinox's Irish stockist is Peterson (www.peterson.ie).
The gas-fired Jetboil is an outdoor cooker for winter surfers, mountaineers and other hardy souls who thrive when the weather is at its worst. A cup of water will boil in about a minute, thanks to a one-litre insulated aluminium cooking cup that minimises lost heat. A drink-through plastic lid prevents spills, and the electric igniter will fire up in conditions that will defeat matches and lighters. At 420g, it punches above its weight. There are accessories (not included) such as utensils, a larger 1.5l pot and a coffee press. It's €90 (€15 extra for the coffee press) from Exposure Sports (Cavendish Lane, Mayo, www.exposuresports.ie) and other outdoor retailers. www.jetboil.com.
The Uco camera wrap is a neoprene waterproof cover that attaches to compact digital cameras via a screw-in plate. The material stretches for a snug fit and will keep thin cameras safe from the rain and anything else rattling around in your bag. An XL version fits larger models. From €16, www.rosker.co.uk.