Gadgets and travel accessories

Recycled pocket knife

Any traveller worth their salt knows that the key to a good adventure is a good pocket knife. And here’s one with a difference: Victorinox has released a limited-edition range of the nifty knives using recycled caramel-coloured ‘Livanto’ Nespresso capsules in the handle designs. With billions of Nespresso’s aluminium and plastic capsules going into landfill around the world each year, it’s nice to know our consumer dollar can see some of them being repurposed, and in a super stylish way, too. About PGK240; victorinox.com.

iPad sound boost

For those journeys when you only have your iPad, this SoundBender is the best non-powered way to squeeze every dollop of sound out of it. A magnet clips the plastic scoop-shaped attachment around the speaker of your iPad, directing the sound up towards you, so you get enhanced sound without wires, a power source or a bulky speaker. Comes in a variety of colours, and fits iPads 2, 3 and 4. About PGK41; amazon.com.

Clever keyboard

Brydge has been creating great iPad keyboards for a while now. But in exciting news for Microsoft users, the company has launched its first keyboard for the Surface Pro. With a slick design and sturdy construction, the Brydge 12.3 clicks on to the Surface, transforming it from handy travel tablet to laptop. About PGK598; brydgekeyboards.com.

Smartphone remote

This nifty smartphone remote can help you avoid those awkward frozen smiles you get when using a self-timer. Just use Bluetooth to pair Satechi’s BT Shutter Button with your smartphone, then press the button when you want to snap a blur-free photo that doesn’t feature the back of your head as you run back into position. About PGK80; satechi.net.

Blue-light glasses

Although we’re aware that the blue light seeping from our mobile phones, laptops and TVs can affect our sleep quality, we still can’t help logging in when we should be winding down – especially when we’re on the road. By helping to absorb 98 per cent of that blue light before you shut your eyes at night, these orange-tinted glasses from UVEX (which also have an adjustable ratchet for a snug fit) can improve your sleep quality, helping you hit the ground running the next day. About PGK53; optimoz.com.au.

Trendy T-shirt

Environmentally friendly, good looking and comfortable, the Voyager Peak T-shirt from UKbrand Berghaus is a triple threat. Made from a sustainable eco fabric called ‘Colourkind’, which uses 89 per cent less water and 63 per cent fewer chemicals in its production, it also includes in-built sun protection that helps shield your skin against UV rays. Available in light grey, blue and red. About PGK163; int.berghaus.com.

Solar charger

When you find yourself off the grid, but you still need power to charge your camera or speakers, the Anker PowerPort solar charger might be your best friend. Just unfold the compact, lightweight panels on the ground – or if you’re on the move attach them to your backpack using the eye-holes on each corner – and start charging your devices using the power of the sun.

About PGK191; anker.com.

Aztec camp rug

If you’re feeling like your next camping adventure could use a bit of a pick-me-up, this limited edition Seek Society camp rug could be just the thing. Hand woven with a geometric Aztec design, it will look as good tossed down as a picnic rug as it will around your shoulders by a crackling fire. It comes with a stylish leather and brass carrier, so you can sling it over your shoulder or chest for hiking adventures. About PGK381; theseeksociety.com.

Portable router

One of the most frustrating travel moments has to be finding yourself in a hotel that has yet to enter the 21st century, where you’re unable to find a secure mobile hot spot. Well, you can avoid it by investing in HooToo’s TripMate Elite, which lets you instantly convert a wired network to a wireless one via its Ethernet port, and also extend or bridge existing Wi-Fi signals. This natty device also works as a dual USB wall charger and power bank, so you can charge two mobile devices at the same time. From about PGK140; hootoo.com.

Fossil smart watch

One of the best-looking smart watches we’ve seen around, the Fossil Q Tailor is a discreet, intelligent timepiece that connects to the Fossil app on your phone via Bluetooth to send you social media, text, email, calendar and app alerts. You can also track your fitness and sleep with it, take a photo with it, control your music or find your phone with it. The best part of all is that it looks like an elegant analogue watch and comes with stylish interchangeable straps.

About PGK605; fossil.com.