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 travel 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, take them hiking or on a picnic or even while living wherever home is. Here is my current list of collapsable travel gear and accessories which I expect will become your new best friends too.
Advantages of Collapsable Travel Gear and Accessories
I have discovered a number of advantages of collapsable travel gear and accessories. They include:
- Space Saving – because they collapse to small things they save on space
- Light – most of them are made from light materials like silicone which are non-toxic
- Durable and Strong
- Easy to move and transport because they collapse
- Handy to have as you don’t know what is available at your next stop
- 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 Travel 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.
Collapsable Travel Gear and Accessories
Cup
Water Bottle
Bowls with Lids
Kettle
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Sink that becomes a Chopping Board
Collander
Esky or Cooler
Bucket
Foot Basin
Great after a long day walking.
Baby and or Pet Bath or Washing Tub
Backpack
Duffle Bag
Toiletry Bag
Beach Shelter
2 Person Tent
Wagon
Fire Pit
Laptop Stand
Background for Photography
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.

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.