Lifesystems Intensity 60 Pocket Torch

WITH the end of British summertime approaching, now is a good time to make sure you have a decent torch ready to light up the dark nights of autumn. Lifesystems has stayed one step ahead of the game with its new range of portable lights, including this pocket-sized marvel. Weighing in at just 79 grammes, the Intensity 60 projects an ultra-bright LED beam of 60 lumens from its powerful – and unbreakable – bulb. It’s a versatile gadget as well, with users able to switch from spot to flood lighting with a single twist of the body. Powered by inexpensive AA batteries, the torch’s makers claim it burns up to four times brighter than standard models.

£16.99 from outdoor stores nationwide

Lifesystems Intensity 500-VF

WHILE the Intensity 60 sits at the “fun” end of the torch market, this behemoth strides in with a very stern look on its face. Kicking out an incredible 500 lumens of brightness from its triple high-power Luxeon Rebel 90 LEDs, this handheld torch is perfect for lighting up large areas. Despite its unrivalled power, the Intensity 500-VF is relatively sleek and certainly looks the part. It weighs in at just over one kilogramme, although its hefty size is understandable considering it packs four alkalaine D batteries – providing an impressive 25 hours of power – into its innards. Quite pricey for a torch, but certainly worth the cost for anyone needing top-class portable lighting.

£59.99 from outdoor stores nationwide

Sparkie Fire Starter

DEVELOPED by specialist firm Ultimate Survival Technologies and distributed exclusively in the UK by BCB International, the Sparkie Fire Starter is a powerful source of flames packed into a small case. Weighing less than one ounce and measuring little more than two inches when closed, the Sparkie is designed to be used one handed and is capable of getting a fire going in even the most adverse weather conditions. The updated design incorprorates a reconfigured striker tab enclosure and spark bar in a compact set-up. Designed with military use in mind, the lighter comes in orange or sand colours and is perfect for getting high-intensity fires going.

www.bcbin.com

BlastMatch Fire Starter

ANOTHER entry into the fire-starting market from Ultimate Survival Technologies, the BlastMatch was dreamt up with mountain climbers in mind. Its outdoor origins are immediately apparent in the toughened plastic case protecting the spring-loaded flint unit inside. Mountaineers find themselves in some fairly extreme environments and this four-inch gizmo is built to cope with anything Mother Nature can throw at it. Usable with just one hand, the BlastMatch works by generating a stream of super-heated sparks three times as hot as a standard match which are capable of igniting anything from wood to cloth. It is lightweight too at just 2.7 ounces.

www.bcbin.com

Aqua Survival Kit

FOR those who enjoy an outdoors lifestyle, there is no such thing as being too prepared. Whether climbing mountains or tabbing through the wilderness, it pays to take precautions should the worst happen and this deluxe survival kit covers most eventualities. Starting with the BlastMatch fire starter reviewed on this page, the kit also includes Wetfire Tinder cubes which can spark a fire into life even when wet. A SaberCut saw can be used to create shelters and the JetStream whistle and StarFlash signal mirror help attract attention. All of the items are stored in a LokSak bag that has been proven to be completely watertight to a depth of 200 feet.

www.bcbin.com

Aquapac Whanganui

THE Apple iPad may be winning fans around the world – including with instructors from the Royal Artillery who now use it for fire control order training – but the gadget’s potential to be damaged is huge. Aside from scratches to the body and screen, one of the biggest threats is posed by water. Enter Aquapac’s amusingly-named Whanganui case. Featuring a watertight clip mechanism, this protective sleeve seals out moisture while still allowing full access to the touchscreen and buttons. Perfect for use on the beach, it will also cope with being submerged to a depth of five metres for as long as one hour. The case also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap to further add to its practicality.

£25, www.aquapac.net