Bring your own grub: So you've secured bargain tickets, avoided fees with an online check-in and a carry-on bag – and then you spend a king's ransom on in-flight "cuisine".
Restore sanity by making lunch at home and storing it in a brightly coloured meal kit from the Swedish firm behind the spork. The Light My Fire kit has two plates, a spill-free cup, a combined colander and cutting board, and a spork; it’s also waterproof. Handy for any outdoor mission, and L-plate canoeists will be thrilled to discover that all the items float. €19.99, The Outdoor Store, Wexford, www.light-my-fire.se.
Find your way, or your car keys, with the Petzl MYO XP head torch. The LED light shines almost 100m at the full “boost” setting of 150 lumens, and the three AA batteries will last for 180 hours when the head torch is set for “economy”. The torch is attached to a headband that can be fitted with a top strap for stability, should you plan to wobble around in the dark. €75, The Great Outdoors and other retailers. www.greatoutdoors.ie.
Is that a Herbertz handwarmer in your pocket, or are your trousers on fire? Ignite the stick of slow-burning fuel, then seal it inside a fire-resistant, snap-shut green metal box. The device burns for a few hours and generates enough heat to keep fingers warm, although it emits a slight odour. My friend Marco refused to carry the lit handwarmer into Superquinn because he was worried about setting off the fire alarm. €7.50 from www.couteaux-services.com; includes extra fuel sticks. Delivery about €6.
aharvey@irishtimes.com