When we travel we don’t want to be lumbered with heavy travel gear and accessories. Well I don’t anyway. What I have discovered to help me pack better and lighter is collapsable camping gear and accessories. They have been a godsend as they let me travel with more items that are compact and easy to carry. And you can use them in a variety of settings including camping, hostelling, living in a van, taking them while hiking or on a picnic. I even use them while living wherever home is.
In this post I am highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of travelling with collapsable camping gear, or sometimes called collapsable travel gear. Plus I have provided a list of some of the best on the market at the moment.
Advantages of Collapsable Camping Gear and Accessories
I have discovered a number of advantages of collapsable travel gear and accessories. They include:
- Space Saving – yep, one of the biggest advantages of collapsable travel gear is the fact they fold down to small things. They save space.
- Lightweight – most of the collapsable items are made from light materials like silicone. And before you ask, the silicone is non-toxic.
- Durable and Strong. Despite looking flimsy, the collapsable travel items are very strong and durable.
- Easy to move and transport because they collapse.
- Handy to have as you don’t know what is available at your next stop. That’s right. If you are travelling around and staying in different accommodation, you don’t know what sort of cooking accessories you might have access to. I find it very helpful to have my own cooking gear because then I know what I can cook with them.
- Can be used for both hot and cold food and water.
- Easy to clean and safe to handle as they don’t break.
- Most are environmentally friendly.
- Cleaning them is a breeze, you just wash them like other items
- Reusable, time and time again.
Disadvantages of Collapsable Camping Gear and Accessories
I haven’t really found any yet. But, I am wondering how long some of the items will last, because I am a ‘heavy user’ of my items. Meaning, they get a lot of use. I guess time will only tell.
Best Collapsable Travel Gear and Accessories for Travellers
My Top Picks
Where Do You Buy Collapsable Camping & Travel Gear?
There are plenty of retail outlets where you can purchase collapsable camping and travel gear. Start your search at camping stores such as REI, BCF and Anaconda. You can also find them in variety stores such as Kmart and of course, online at Amazon.
Which Collapsable Camping Accessory Suits Your Travel Lifestyle?
So there you have it, my list of collapsable travel gear and accessories. All very useful items, don’t you think? Many of them, if not all of them, will be very helpful and useful on your travels. If you are currently using one or more of the items or know of another one I can add to the list please mention them in the comments below.
Other Useful Travel Gear and Accessories
Essential Tech Gear for Travel
Best Messenger Bag for Travel
Travel Pillows to help you Sleep on Long Trips
Who knew there were so many collapsible items! Great idea to use when travelling, space is always a premium.
I know, right! Who knew! But yes, they are a great idea for travelling or anywhere you need to save space.
Wow, so many collapsable things! I’ve been on the lookout for a collapsable water bottle, but I love the idea of the bowls and cups too.
I was pretty impressed with how many collapsable items there are. I am sure there are many more out there to discover.
It’s funny to see this, as I keep seeing van-life people with the collapsible sink/chopping board. It is so perfect for taking up less space when you go camping.
We already have a collapsible bucket that we use in sooo many ways for camping. All of these look useful though. 🙂
These are great things that can be used for camping as well!
These are great tips! I never travel anywhere without my collapsible day bag (and often an extra tote bag too). I think if I was camping, I would love the collapsible kettle as well
So many great things! I love the cutting board/sink things. That be great for camping. My only concern is hot liquids in squishable cups…
Oh My Goodness all those things look so great! I had no idea there was a collapsable kettle option, I love it!!! I am going to embark soon on a road trip around Australia and all of those sound like amazing options to save space as I will not have much on my van. I absolutely love it, thanks for sharing!
Such a great round-up and some really creative options for campers!
I hadn’t thought about collapsible travel gear. You provided terrific suggestions for gear I need for my next trip!
I’ve just purchased a collapsible water bottle and love it! I see a few more things on your list that I think I need to get too.
Wow, so many collapsible options! Great list.
Yes. Virtually everything nowadays is collapsable – they are such useful items.
This guide is fantastic. Lightweight, practical and space-saving items are always vital when packing for a big trip, and having all this in one list is very helpful. Thanks so much for putting it together
Some great ideas here. I actually like some of these for home, to help save on space!
I would love to have that toiletry bag and beach shelter! This post is super helpful. Thanks for sharing!
That is so clever! I need to do a serious analysis of the content in this post and update my travel-kit!
I knew about collapsible bowls and cups but had no idea they make collapsible toilets, washing machines, and fire pits these days – thanks for the recommendations! I live in my car half the time and do a lot of long distance hiking, and space is important.
The collapsable theme of this blog post is so fun and valuable! I don’t camp that much, but I do like to hike. The collapsable water bottle would be a great product to bring on a hike. It would take up less room in my backpack at the end of the day.
I am genuinely amazed at some of these. A collapsible fire pit!!! Cool AND practical. Thanks for sharing.
So many great things on your list that could be really handy for my camping trips! Collapsable kettle and cup with lid are my favorites! Thanks for sharing!
How do collapsable cooking sets compare in terms of durability and ease of use when camping? I’ve never tried one, as I am afraid it would be too heavy or go unused during a camping trip.