Three of the Best

CLEVER PACK-AWAY TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

THE SPORTY:

A bag that thinks it's a towel, or a towel that thinks it's a bag? Confusing but practical, this 100 per cent navy cotton towel will be just the thing for the beach. And, when you've splashed about until you've started to wrinkle, it magics itself into a simple duffle bag to carry home your bikini and suncream.

To buy: pounds 34 from Elle Sports (call 0171-436 0222 for stockists).

THE FASHIONABLE:

As colour psychologists will tell you, orange is the world's most positive colour (and fashionable, if you're up to date with the latest trends). Made from GoreTex, the lightweight and waterproof Coyote jacket (it's far too cool to be a kagoule) has a sensible mesh lining and a handy map pocket that doubles as a stuff sac.

To buy: pounds 180 from Sprayway Ltd, 16 Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GE (0800 605050 for stockists).

THE SNUGLY:

If you like to be stylish but you need your comforts too, don't go camping without a teithio(te-eethyo), the environmentally-friendly fleece sleeping mat from Welsh company attic2. Not only will it keep you cosy, it also comes with a matching hat, safety whistle, mobile phone pouch and integral blanket.

To buy: pounds 148 via mail order, from attic2, 14a Ty-wern Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, CF14 6AA (02920 527014).