This is summer: Shopping

There's nothing like a holiday as an excuse to buy some new accessories, and this selection of the useful and glamorous is positively unmissable

iBlaze Backpack for iPod
£69.99
www.iblaze.co.uk

The iBlaze claims to be an 'intelligent' backpack, custom-made for the iPod, that integrates technology and textiles. It has a built-in waterproof silicon control panel, so users can adjust the volume, turn on and off or skip tracks without having to take out or even touch their iPod. And the integrated earplugs cunningly retract into the shoulder straps when not in use, complementing the backpack's clean lines and smart look. Available in black or grey.

Boots Bite & Sting Relief Click It
£5.49
www.boots.com

This pen releases a safe electrical pulse designed to soothe the itch of stings and bites and relieve the urge to scratch. The device works by giving a small piezoelectric charge to bites that temporarily numbs the skin. It can be used on most insect bites, from mosquitoes to horseflies, and also helps reduce stinging from contact with nettles. Apply at least five clicks to ease pain or discomfort. Suitable for adults and children four years.

Nikon Coolpix P80
£299.99
www.nikoncoolpix.tv

This compact camera handles well in a variety of situations, making it ideal for travel. Its portable design includes a 10.1 megapixel, 18x optical zoom, ranging from wide angle to super-telephoto. This is supported by vibration reduction, which reduces the effects of camera shake ensuring sharp pictures. The P80 has a range of manual modes and a high sensitivity rating of up to ISO 6400, for use in low light conditions. Other features include automatic face detection and a large 2.7in colour monitor.

Bose Computer Music Monitor
£279
www.bose.com

Designed to use on your desk as laptop speakers, the Bose Computer MusicMonitor system works equally well when connected to an iPod or any MP3 player, for music on the move. The system comprises two speakers weighing in at just over a kilogram and sizing up at approximately 12cm by 6cm by 12cm. They deliver powerful, high-quality, bass-rich notes; plug them into an AC power source and you can have music wherever you are.

Adult Camping Ready Beds
£29.99 single, £39.99 double
Argos, Woolworths, www.worldsapart.com

Fed up with spending a hard night in a sleeping bag on the ground? Try the Worlds Apart Rest and Relax Ready Bed, which has an inflatable mattress with a built-in sleeping bag and pillow that can easily be removed for washing. The bed, available as single or double, can be swiftly inflated in minutes with a battery pump (included) and has a carry case for easy transport and packing.

Dr Beckmann Travel Wash
£1.45
Asda, Tesco, Boots and www.dr-beckman.co.uk

This concentrated non-biological liquid is packaged in a convenient tube that will fit easily into your toiletries bag, particularly useful if you're backpacking or taking an extended holiday with limited luggage capacity (enough for 20 hand washes).

Victorinox SwissCard Lite
£21.99
www.victorinox.com

The family-owned maker of the iconic Swiss Army Knife has just produced this credit card-sized version of the original. It will slot into your pocket yet offers the same features and useful tools, including tweezers, Phillips screwdrivers, scissors and a letter opener. There is also an LED light, ballpoint pen, additional screwdriver, stainless steel pin, magnifying glass and ruler.

TomTom GO 530 Traffic sat nav
£249.99
Halfords, Comet, Amazon, www.tomtom.com

The latest sat nav from TomTom includes maps of the UK and Ireland along with hundreds of pre-installed points of interest: theme parks, zoos, beaches, camping grounds, golf courses, sports centres, theatres, museums, restaurants and swimming pools. Features include an FM transmitter for iPod, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for mobile phone and speed camera alerts. And it has two new unique features: IQ Routes, which calculate real journey times and speed and Advanced Lane Guidance, which gives you a clearer view at complex junctions.

Brasher walking shoes
£80
www.brasher.co.uk

Brasher has introduced a lightweight walking shoe for men and women that mixes comfort and performance with contemporary styling . The Levanto XCR is designed for diverse activities, from pounding pavements to trail walking, even running and in the hotel gym. The shoe also contains a breathable and waterproof membrane to keep your feet cooler.

Savlon Aftersun Foam Spray
£6.99
www.boots.com

This new no-touch, no-rub spray designed for use by all the family contains dexpanthenol, a moisturising agent that the manufacturers claim helps accelerate cell and skin renewal after exposure to the sun. The water-based foam breaks down and evaporates slowly, drawing heat out of the skin, providing an immediate and lasting cooling effect. The 150ml spray is dermatalogically tested and free from fragrance and colour.

Loc8tor Lite
£49.99
www.loc8tor.co.uk

This is a neat bit of kit that includes two mini homing tags to attach to anything you don't want to lose, such as keys, suitcases etc. It will lead you straight to missing items up to 400 feet away (122m), whether indoors or out, hidden in a drawer or left in the car. The kit uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to locate the homing tags, which are similar in size to a paper clip, and the credit card-sized device fits into a wallet. Two additional tags may be purchased separately.

Leki Trekking Poles
£30
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

When walking this summer try the new Leki Jasper Antishock Trekking Poles. Purchased and priced individually, the poles provide greater balance and stability. The full range of high performance features includes an ergonomic grip, Soft Antishock System (SAS) for varied terrain (can be turned off for greater efficiency when walking uphill) and a locking mechanism. An integrated strap further reduces stress on your wrists and provides additional security and comfort. The Super Lock System (SLS) provides easy and quick length adjustment.

Tempur Travel Pillow
£44.95
www.tempur.co.uk

Soothe aching shoulder and neck muscles when you're away from the comfort of your own bed. This pillow is made from a unique visco-elastic, open-celled material that evenly distributes body weight thus eliminating pressure points that can cause discomfort. It also has a slightly raised ridge at the bottom for extra neck support. Measuring 31cm x 25cm x 10cm, the pillow reduces volume by 70% to fit into a waterproof travel pouch for easy packing.

Thermos 1.8L Stainless Steel Flask with Mug from Argos
£19.99
www.argos.co.uk

Claiming to keep liquids hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours, this flask is easy to use with a twist and pour stopper, retractable handle and detachable strap. The wide mouth allows you to drink directly from the flask and the mug is foam insulated with a stainless steel exterior. It also fits most car cup-holders. There's a manufacturer's 10-year guarantee, on the flask only.