UV Detector

Device that'll spot those harmful rays

Product

Personal UV Detector

Promise

This electronic UV Detector is said to be a 'unique precision calibration tool' that helps determine an individual’s safe exposure time to sunlight’s harmful ultraviolet rays. It displays Estimated Exposure Times based on a user’s skin type and SPF value. A little screen will tell you the UV index and outside temperature, along with a bar graph that indicates Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme UV exposure levels.

Performance

If, like me, you love gadgets, you'll love this little thing. It clips onto your belt with a carabiner and once you've entered your skin type in (in my case, burns relatively easily), it'll tell you how long you should be in the sun - taking into account the current conditions. Of course, if it's a boiling hot day and you're sensible, you won't be in the sun during the hottest part of the day, you'll cover up and slap on the factor 30. But if you can't help it - you're on a long hike or sailing and it's difficult to avoid the sun - this is a useful tool to tell just how much UV is beating down on you, and then you can a) worry or b) not worry depending on the read-out.

Verdict

Until your mobile phone can do this on top of taking video, playing mp3s and letting you talk to people, this gadget is a nifty addition to your outdoor arsenal.