Travel Gear by Tom Kelly

Garmin Epix watch
The Epix is the latest bit of wearable tech from Garmin's house of sat nav. The first thing to say is it's probably not really intended for the casual watch-wearer given its size and spec. On the other hand – so to speak – if you're into your outdoors the Epix is quite the kit. A full fitness tracker and GPS navigator, there's a big (for a watch) 1.4" touchscreen. Preloaded with maps and you can upload more, there's an altimeter, barometer and compass, of course, and heaps more functions besides. So days of intense exploration are guaranteed, and that's just its associated apps and manual before you even go outside.
Approx €550, see garmin.com for details.

Knomad Mini Powered Organiser

Designed to take an iPad mini or other 8” tablet, this is just one of Knomad’s range of handy organisers. Some come in leather, with others like this one in coated canvas with a leather trim. Your tablet slips into a protective, microfibre-lined pocket, with an array of other slots and straps for your smartphone, credit cards, passport, pens, cables and all the rest. This powered version has the bonus of a slimline 5000ma battery pack so your recharging stays neatly organised too.

[ knomobags.com ]

Parrot Flower Power

Familiar to many with its mobile car kits and excellent headphones, Parrot’s new Flower Power seems vaguely whimsical. But thought through impressively. It’s a sensor that remotely monitors your plants’ health and sends alerts to your smartphone. Simply stick Parrot’s forked sensor in a pot before you head away and it measures moisture, food levels and warmth. So while you’re travelling you can issue instructions to your plant-sitters back at base.

[ parrot.com/ie ]

[ @tomtomkelly ]