User-friendly Pockit Stroller the ideal buggy for travelling

Pockit Stroller

Though not quite "pocket-sized", the Pockit buggy is still unquestionably impressive in just how small it becomes folded down. In fact, apparently it has the nod from the Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest folding stroller (what is there not a record for?), compacting small enough to fit in a plane's overhead compartment. It does its disappearing act with a couple of simple-looking moves, but as anyone who has ever opened or packed any size of buggy will know, mastering the effortless art of the fold likely only comes after the essential 10,000 hours of practice. It probably wouldn't be a family's main buggy, but for travelling, it's very packable, if not quite pocketable.

About €175 from amazon.co.uk.

Piggyback Rider

The Piggyback Rider reinvents piggybacks. It comprises a sort of padded backpack harness, with a standing platform which lets you carry a toddler safely, while supporting the weight in comfortable fashion. An award-winning design, it’s so simple, one wonders why it hasn’t been developed before. It’s for toddlers two years onwards – because they have to be able to stand by themselves – with handles to grip and straps to keep your precious cargo tethered. There are versions with and without integrated packs, and kids love the visibility they get from being up high, while parents luckily have their hands free to pay for everything.

About €115, see piggybackrider.com.

BPL 2-in-1 Backpack

The BPL 70 is two rucksacks in one. Its proprietary ComPacktor system allows it compress from a 70-litre expedition pack to a 25-litre day bag. It’s got foam shoulder and hip straps for the heavy lifting, with hip belt pockets for easy-reach storage, as well as ice axe loops and compression straps. And the Dyneema fibre material means it’s super tough and lightweight. Of course, like good adventure packs, it comes with an emergency whistle too.

$199 from mytrailco.com

@tomtomkelly