The Independent from London, Greater London, England • 91

"mm The August weather may be unpredictable, but that's no reason not to commune with the great outdoors, says Simon Munk. There's a fantastic array of equipment available, aimed at everyone from happy campers to Ray Mears-style survivalists, come sun, rain or sudden summer tempest. CAMJELBAK BACKPACK The ingenious CamelBaks are a range of putdqorsy backpacks that feature insulated 0SILVA EXPEDITION 4 COMPASS The civilian version of the British army's compass, this has a host of useful features.There are. luminous markings for night use, scales for map use, and plenty of lines for easy What it doesn't have, hut you can pay extra to get, is a setting system to look along, fill give a small thrill to anyone who ever considered compartments inside which you can stoW a Water bladder. A drinking-straw1 Snakes up and put of the pack and ends in a hands-free tah.

So you Can keep topped up with water wherever you are, and without stopping what you're doing. Where from: wwwzyro.eu.com How much: from 20 joining the TA just for the kit Where from: stockists 01506 406277, wwJsilvaJMaik How much: 25 10 BEST TOOLS 10 BEST FOOD 10 BEST CLOTHING 10 BEST SHELTERS 10 BEST GADGETS tA; Si For a full collection of the ultimate guides to the better things in lifeVx fY visit the 50 Best online at: www.independent.co.uk5QBest- 6LIFESYSTEMS COMPACT FIRST-AID KIT Go into the great outdoors without a first aid kit? You might Well take your shoes off, too, This compact kit packs down small, but holds a good array of items including a small caie-guide, a pair of scissors and some bandages. All the items are securely housed in a ruggedly constructed fabric case. Where from: wwwJifesystems.ccoik How much: 13.50 ICTI MSR POCKET ROCKET I I This is one of the lightest ramping cookers around, The sfovie itself feels virtually weighness (86g), so youll really Only notice the taristeE Yet it's reliable and fuUy featured, easy to ignite, easy to pack down, and will boil a litre of water in under four minutes. What more could a tea-thirsty hiker ask for? Where from: First Ascent 01629 580484, email sales firstascentcoaik How much: 30 NB; Details were; checked at the time of going to press, but prices and availability are liable to change.

E-mail: 50bestindependentxo.uk NEXT WEEKS THE $0 BEf STATED HOMES IN BRITAIN INDEPENDENT 21 27 August 2004.