Price £188
Web www.olympus.co.uk
We reviewed this camera in January 2007 and found that it offers something for everyone. This includes users of film SLRs, who will appreciate the extensive manual controls, traditional SLR switch layout and picture quality. It even lets you focus manually. The electronic viewfinder and screen aren't as clear as an optical viewfinder, but the area you focus on is magnified on screen to help you find that pin sharp setting. Novices are in for a treat, too, with a wide array of scene modes and an innovative 'guide' mode, which offers a choice of photo descriptions, such as "I want to take a picture of a moving object". Great performance and user friendly.

Price £49.95
Web www.roadpro.co.uk
This unit is ten years ahead of any 12V battery charger we tested. It uses switch-mode electronics, as found in most mobile phone chargers. This keeps the size down and produces finely controlled output. A choice of standard, calcium and AGM cycles ensures rapid charging despite low current. The unit's conditioning cycle keeps the battery from boiling dry when charging is finished. Verdict A technical tour de force, usable with all forms of battery.

Price £69
Web www.carparts-direct.co.uk
This handy pack contains everything you are obliged by EU law to have with you while touring on the Continent: bulb set, warning triangle, GB sticker, high-visibility vest and beam bender kit. A tyre-fixer kit, although not a legal requirement, is included in this pricey package, and it’s far more useful than a wheel wrench and tyre compressor. There is also a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Tell the supplier your vehicle registration number, and it will provide replacement bulbs for your car. Verdict All your Continental touring needs conveniently included in one bag.

Price £14.99
Web www.woolworths.co.uk
We got a bargain with this well-made grill in more ways than one. Not only did we get it half price, but we got a number of hot features. Once the charcoal was up to cooking temperature, you can create a less intense heat to cook sausages by closing the lid. However, if you want to cook a lot of food, then you can double the cooking area by opening the lid and fitting the extra cooking grid. Setting up is easy, all you need is pliers. It was also easy to clean because the two small cooking grids fitted easily in a sink. Verdict Bargain barbecue is stylish and versatile.

Price £99.95
Web www.magellangps.com
Despite being so basic, this hand-held sat-nav unit grabs satellite signals quickly. It uses the same technology as Magellan’s in-car units. The display does not support mapping, but it stores and names up to 500 waypoints, and 20 routes. It’s a great starter for the walker on a budget. Verdict Basic but robust.

Price £35
Web www.gerbergear.com
Budget multitools may well disappoint, but not this model. Its styling, size and build quality are excellent, and it costs half as much as a Leatherman. The 12 tools include pliers, wire cutters, saw, scissors, bottle/can opener, pry bar and screwdrivers. The blades can be accessed when the multitool is shut. Verdict Medium-high spec at low-spec price.

Price £35
Web www.lookatmycrazyshoes.com
We loved these brightly coloured Crocs wellies. They are easier to slip on and off than standard Wellingtons and, thanks to their light weight, you can chuck them in a locker until you need them. They come in a selection of colours and, aside from the expense, we reckon every caravanner should carry them. Verdict Expensive but excellent on site.

Price £39.99
Web www.sealey.co.uk
For the money, this 3kg, 72-piece kit was the best for touring. It packs in a lot of electrical tools – handy for tracking down and repairing wiring faults. What it lacks in spanners, it makes up for with screwdrivers: five standard-size ones, four small spinner drivers, 32 bits, a ratcheting driver and a flexible shaft. Verdict Slightly sparse, but small, light and of reasonable quality.

Price £34
Web www.milenco.co.uk
When Milenco introduced the Aero towing mirror to the market this year, it instantly became a favourite with the Practical Caravan team. Gone are all the rubber straps that need wrapping around the back of the car wing mirrors in favour of sturdy clamps. We haven’t found a car they won’t fit, while on the move, they vibrate less than many popular rivals. There are cheaper mirrors, but we’ve not found better ones. Verdict The most user-friendly towing mirror on the market.

Price £15.99
Web www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk
The camouflage pattern may not be to everyone’s taste, but everything else about this sleeping bag is spot on. The suggested temperature range of 5-25°C covers most conditions UK caravanners face. The high-cotton content will help the bag breathe in warm conditions and, at 230cm long, it’s big enough for most people. A pull cord and Velcro let you close it around your head to keep in the warmth. It can be hand or machine washed, too. Verdict Practical and effective, if you can live with the colour.

Price £10
Web www.spotoncar.co.uk
Line up your towbar and caravan hitch easily. A magnet holds one pole on the towball and another holds the second at the centre of the hitchgear. Reverse until the towbar pole is knocked off by the hitchgear; and the outfit is perfectly aligned. Verdict Simple and inexpensive.