Compiled by
TOM KELLY
Cloak Camera Bag
Sure, compact digital cameras are a compromise in terms of image quality, but they can offer more than simply point and press convenience, not the least of which is discretion. Cloak is a shoot-through camera bag for DSLRs that protects and offers covert, easy access for situations where you might feel waving a bigger camera around is a mug-me commercial. The Cloak's tah-dah? To start, it doesn't look much like a conventional camera bag. Then the bottom is detachable, with a fold over flap on top, so you shoot with the camera hidden inside the bag. You can customise the Cloak to fit the camera and lens. And the fabric is pretty tough and water-resistant, so there's also bag practicality, with a front pocket for spare memory cards etc. Cloak Camera Bag $69 (€55.5) from cloakbags.com
Sony SmartWatch
The first thing to say about the Sony SmartWatch is that although it's pretty smart, it's not actually a watch. It's a way to look at a watch, the one on your mobile phone. The SmartWatch is actually a watch-styled, wrist-mounted remote for your smartphone, using the wireless connectivity of Bluetooth to access your mobile, without having to get at the actual handset. So you can see who's calling and reject, though not answer the call; that still needs to be done on the phone itself. FB and Twitter are the same, with preset messages possible. You can view email and calendar alerts and of course, tell the time. But only when you're Bluetooth linked. It's made to pair up with a range of Android big bots, with Sony's own Xperia top of the list, as well as models from Samsung, Motorola and HTC. Sony SmartWatch £110 (€135.8) from sonymobile.com
Burton Sleeper Hoodie
This isn’t Burton’s first go at a snoozy hoodie, but it’s the best iteration.
It's a practical way to make travel more comfortable. There's an integrated inflatable pillow in the collar, a pocket and cable conduits for your MP3 player and earbuds, and an internal security pocket for passports or other must-haves. It even comes with a toothbrush, ear plugs and a luggage tag. The hoodie has a soft fleece outer with a mesh lining and cuffs with thumb holes, so it feels substantial and snuggy. Available in men's and women's sizes. Burton Sleeper Hoodie, $99 (€79.6), burton.com