Travel Gear: Compact gadgets for on the go

The backpack for the super-neat, cargo bike meets scooter and the food flask

Cocoon Slim Backpack
Cocoon Slim Backpack

Cocoon Slim Backpack
It's one of my favourite pieces of travel gear, Cocoon's Grid-It, with its criss- cross of elastic straps to hold all your bag stuff in place. It makes sense for them to design its own integrated bag too. There's a briefcase version (available from the Apple Store among others) and this new super-slimline backpack, which as well as having a built-in Grid-It pocket, has a compartment for a laptop or tablet. With water-resistant ballistic nylon, waterproof zippers and adjustable straps. $79.99 from cocooninnovations.com

Nimble Cargo Scooters
Nimble Cargo Scooters

Nimble Cargo Scooters
With what used to be referred to as micro-scooters moving beyond kids' toys for some and the oh-so practical cargo bike gaining in popularity, it was only a matter of time before someone cross-pollinated them. Cue the Nimble. Designed in California, it comes for self-assembly. Anyone who'd like one would love that challenge too. The big 68-litre cargo compartment can heft plenty around – and you can always wheel it around too. €389 from buycycle.nl and other online retailers

Nimble Cargo Scooters
Nimble Cargo Scooters
Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System
Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System
Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System
Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System

Stanley Mountain Vacuum Food System
You don't have to be an all-action, outdoorsy adventurer to enjoy one of these, there might be a commuter who'd like to tool up too. Stanley's compact food set includes a vacuum-insulated cylinder that can hold lots and keep it hot for up to 13 hours, a dry storage compartment, a built-in cooking pot, a cup-bowl, even its own spork. The whole lot comes in tough 18/8 stainless steel, with leak-proof seals and it's all BPA-free, if that sort of thing is on one's mind. $50 from shopstanley-pmi.com

Tom Kelly on Twitter: @tomtomkelly