Keeping Your Cool When Heat Strikes
Warm, sunny and tropical are some of the first impressions that come to mind when one thinks of a private island, and these qualities can certainly make for a dream vacation- but there are serious hazards involved in getting too much of a good thing. Heat stroke, also known in a milder form as heat exhaustion, can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, particularly for children, the ill and the elderly. Resulting from an inability to generate enough cooling sweat to stabilize body temperatures, symptoms of heat-induced illnesses include faintness, nausea and headaches, and in extreme cases the afflicted may vomit, be unable to adequately breath, and become unconscious.
For hundreds of thousands of years, mankind’s survival in many cold or inhospitable places was largely dependent on the ability of skilled individuals to start, maintain and transport fire. Even with the plethora of heating and cooking products that minimize the importance of fire in modern life, humans have a deep and immovable attachment to one of our first- and possibly our greatest- invention. And in emergency or storm situations where electricity fails, fire can still make the difference between life and death. Manufactured by Burton, the Firestorm lighter can withstand virtually anything nature has to throw at campers, boaters or stranded islanders. Functional at wind speeds of up to 80mph, and in a durable and waterproof casing, this premium butane lighter will last for up to 30,000 ignitions.
Manufactured by Brunton, a century-old travel and adventure supplies company, SolarRolls are the first waterproof, weatherproof and flexible solar power source on the market. A slim mat that can easily be rolled into a storage tube to fit virtually anywhere, the SolarRoll has provided a stable and effective power source for sea kayakers, adventure travelers and even mountain climbers. SolarRolls come in a variety of sizes, from the 12″x22″ version suitable for charging small electronics, to a 12″x57″ model with a whopping 14 watt output that will easily recharge a laptop or other larger device. Modular in design, these panels can even be linked to increase available energy.
This sleek outdoor garden shower has to be one of the most innovative ways of rinsing off after an afternoon spent sunbathing or swimming. An innocuous-looking circular platform that fits away easily when not in use, the Viteo sends a meters-high spray upwards when stepped on, providing a refreshing reverse-shower. The Viteo connects to any ordinary garden hose, and a minimum weight of 15kg activates the shower’s release valve. Water sprays in a continuous flow from 16 jets, which depending on your hose water pressure can reach heights of 13ft. Ideal for cottages and vacation homes, this stylish shower is a chic and surprising new way of keeping cool and clean. 
There’s nothing like being in the wilderness, surrounded by nature- unless you need to answer nature’s call. Portable toilets are an essential tool for campers, Robinson Crusoe-style island users and hikers, and help keep your surroundings sanitary and uncontaminated. Even for island owners who intend to install full-scale utilities, some provisional washrooms may be necessary for initial periods, and for the labor that may be on the island for extended lengths of time during the development phase.One of the most complete solutions on the market is from Philips Environmental Products Inc., an innovative company that pioneered the foldable, dry-waste toilet. With a variety of applications ranging from disaster relief to boating and eco-friendly camping, the PETT Compact Dry Toilet System is ideal for island use. The toilet itself collapses to the size of a suitcase, and waste is collected in single-use bags filled with a sanitizing powder that solidifies waste and prevents odor and spillage during storage. A special tent is even available for privacy, making this a portable restroom that virtually anyone would feel comfortable using.