Adam Harveyscrutinises the latest travel gadgets
The black rubber strap, scratchproof face, black dial and antireflective matte-black steel case of the Wenger Swiss Raid Commando watch(€310, www.wenger.ch), supposedly favoured by members of the Swiss special forces, are supposed to help the wearer remain invisible on dangerous night missions. Why does Switzerland need special forces? And where's the logic of an "antireflective" case with a luminous dial?
As time machines are not yet available on eBay, wannabe timelords have to make do with Dr Who Dalek cufflinks, available through a new Irish gift website (€21.99, www.pressieport.ie). For the complete time-traveller experience, holidaymakers need go no farther than the outdated baggage-collection hall at Dublin Airport.
The Arc'Teryx Kappa SV Hoody( €385, www. arcteryx.com) is a top-of-the- line jacket designed for cold-weather sports. The outer "windstopper" layers fulfils its promise and stops most of the wind and rain, while PrimaLoft insulation traps the heat inside. An insulated storm hood will stretch over a helmet, and articulated elbows and reinforced shoulders and arms help with movement and protect against rips and tears if it is brushed or banged against rocks and hard surfaces. The front pockets are protected by an extra layer of material, to stop the wind from howling inside the jacket if a zip is undone. It comes in black, mahogany and copper.
aharvey@irish-times.ie