Latest gadgets come with rub of the green

A host of "green" gadgets have hit the shelves, designed to help people reduce their carbon footprint - and possibly their electricity bills - with solar power and "wind-up" MP3 players, torches and other devices the latest of the breed.

But aside from being greener than your average gadget, these new "eco-chic" products can be more convenient for travellers who may find themselves a long way from civilisation and with no power outlets in sight.

Ipods, mobile phones and global positioning systems can all be charged from a single device, such as the Freeloader, which users solar power.

More practical for those camping trips is the replacement for the humble campfire - a solar oven. Not only does the camper avoid burning firewood, with the resultant pollution, it should also appeal to the lazier campers who don't want to scour the surrounding area for firewood. The oven uses reflective material to direct sunlight on to a dark pot and can reach temperatures of more than 140 degrees.

If following directions and maps isn't your strong point, a new solar-powered GPS receiver from Keomo could help keep you on the straight and narrow. The Keomo Solar Nemerix 16 Bluetooth GPS automatically charges when it detects sunlight and a fully charged battery will last for up to 100 hours.

One of the most off-putting things about camping can be the lack of basic facilities. Maplins have come up with a battery-powered shower that can either run off your car's battery or regular D-sized batteries.

If the idea of relying on solar power doesn't appeal - and dismal Irish summers could contribute to a lack of enthusiasm - the "wind-up" option could be a better route. A new wind-up MP3 player, the Eco-Media player, plays music and video, displays your photos, and functions as an FM radio. Cranking the charger for a minute will give you up 40 minutes of power.

Meanwhile, the One Earth Wind-up lantern is both eco-friendly and energy efficient. An hour of winding gives off eight hours of light.