Nike ACG Talaria BootsNot 100 per cent boot, we'd have to politely suggest, more a beefed-up shoe, Nike's Talaria revamp is a new addition to its ACG (All Conditions Gear) outdoors range. Having started life as more of a skater trainer, this reincarnation has been upgraded to take on hiking or off-road running perhaps.
It’s tougher all round with toe and heel panels to protect against nature’s pratfalls and is treaded with a grippy sole pattern for added traction on the trail. It’s got the standard D-ring lacing for a snugger, more blister-resistant fit and the perforations are apparently not just noodlings of designer self-expression, but ventilate efficiently to boot.
Overall, they’re definitely distinctive looking compared to much else on the market: surely it couldn’t be that Nike really expects more of their Talarias to be toughing it out on the footpath rather than the forest trail?
Cost€103, from nike.com
Travel BlanKid BuddyDreadful pun notwithstanding, this is actually an entirely useful, if gimmicky product that I could see many a parent of young travellers bagging. It's a three-in-one backpack, travel pillow and blanket (get it?) and comes in three animal styles – ladybird, panda and monkey.
Converting between the various manifestations is easy, certainly for anyone who can deal with the brain-twisting complexity of a fold-up buggy or car seat. As a backpack, the theory is you can get your kids to carry around a few of the things they’d need that mum or dad would ordinarily haul. Good luck with that.
A couple of snaps and it opens up to a cosy blankie which loosely fastens round the child like a bib, both supporting and keeping it in place if they’re snoozing. Suitable for ages three to eight years.
Cost$29.99 (€22) , from cabeautravel.com
Nanamica Field JacketWith a cut and detailing that wouldn't look out of place in a period drama, Nanamica's Field Jacket is full of surprises. It's pretty technical for a start, with this version fashioned from a wool and Gore-Tex blend that makes it waterproof and breathable, like you'd expect from a jacket that's shinier and zippier.
Meaning “house of the seven seas” apparently, Japanese label Nanamica have made something of a name for themselves by reimagining wardrobe staples with hi-tech fabrics and all round smarts. So not only does their Field jacket look retro and act futuristic, it’s awash with practical touches: an interior sealable pocket, cuff fasteners, fold-over collar that actually closes.
All this thinking comes at a price however, though there is also a similarly specced cotton-blend model a little further down the food chain.
Cost$1,180 (€865), from jcrew.com
Latitude and Longitude CufflinksHere's a pretty cool idea for any man who's got travel in his blood and enjoys nothing more than poring over a map with a turret of guidebooks at his elbow.
These are bespoke silver cufflinks which can feature some latitude and longitude details of personal significance. Each pair is made by hand so has a reassuring, artisan feel.
The map reference you feature, obviously, is up to you. It could be your home or a honeymoon getaway or perhaps some particularly memorable exotic jaunt.
You simply give them the location as accurately as you can and they’ll work out the co-ordinates for you.
Or you can plot these out yourself if you’re Google maps-wise.
As well as cufflinks, they’ll custom stamp silver bracelets and pennants, so lady navigators can mark their spots too. Come gift-wrapped in a box.
Cost£75 (€86), from notonthehighstreet.com