Saving space on a family camping trip can be tricky.
Do you ever wonder, as you gaze around everything that needs to fit in the car, how are you going to do it?
On longer car camping trips, the boot of the car is like an intricate jigsaw puzzle, with every box packed precisely, and every gap utilised.
This dilemma to save space is universal in the camping world. So much so, that inventors are trying to work out how to save space and the idea is collapsible camping.
Gear that folds down, shrinks, collapses, making room for more gear.
We all know that tents, chairs, tables and camp kitchens collapse into smaller, more manageable, easier to pack items.
That’s nothing new.
But what else could we collapse or fold down on our camping trips?
Collapsible Silicone Kettle - for lightweight hiking/camping
Above kettle, from Companion is a 1.5L kettle for around $50. See pricing and availability here.
Pop Up Luci Light
We have covered this Luci Lantern before - you can read our review here.
When not in use, squish it down. Another big and great feature - it is solar powered so no batteries to worry about running out.
Priced under $25, you won't need to buy batteries again.
Availability and pricing here (via Tentworld)
Crumple says "Our eco cups and bottles are made from food-grade, natural silicone that can safely be heated to 220 degrees celsius and is travel safe, kid-friendly and portable. It costs the environment $36 to produce 200 disposable cups versus $0.98c to produce 1 Silicone cup and wash it 200 times!"
The washing up tub is one thing I rate as essential when camping. So many uses apart from washing up the dishes! We use a plastic one from a variety store, but maybe its time to think collapsible?
The big range available in all prices and sizes - it's up to you and your budget on which one is right for you. See the range here at Amazon.
Or below you get a tub (with drain) and a drying rack. Double use means more saving in terms of space.
Availability and pricing here (via Tentworld)
Collapsible Water Bottles - by Crumple
We all know that the environment is not being helped by our endless use of plastic bottles and cups. It's time we reused our bottles and did our part in solving the mess this planet is in.
Crumple has introduced these water bottles (large range) and available via our affiliate Wild Earth.
They are BPA free, leak-free, and heatproof. They also have coffee cups that collapse, so it's not just a camping thing.
Crumple says "Our eco cups and bottles are made from food-grade, natural silicone that can safely be heated to 220 degrees celsius and is travel safe, kid-friendly and portable. It costs the environment $36 to produce 200 disposable cups versus $0.98c to produce 1 Silicone cup and wash it 200 times!"
Collapsible Cooking Gear
When we first started this blog/website, collapsible cooking gear was not as common as it is now. Sea to Summit has really excelled in the marketplace by producing a whole lot of collapsible cooking items. Here is a selection below.
Sea to Summit - 5 piece set (a pot, 2 bowls and 2 mugs) Availability and Pricing here.
If you still need more, then you can get mugs, plates and bowls individually or in sets.
Washing Up Tub
The washing up tub is one thing I rate as essential when camping. So many uses apart from washing up the dishes! We use a plastic one from a variety store, but maybe its time to think collapsible?
The big range available in all prices and sizes - it's up to you and your budget on which one is right for you. See the range here at Amazon.
Or below you get a tub (with drain) and a drying rack. Double use means more saving in terms of space.
See pricing and availability here (via Tentworld)
Not sure if this is theoretically a camping item, but for those of you who like to take a shot and get a measured amount (no swigging from the bottle needed with this), then add to your keychain, whether you camp or not.
Availability and pricing here (via Amazon)
Who doesn't love a toilet that collapses?
Availability - as of 2020, it has been hard to find. Sorry.
(but the pop-up tents where you can put a toilet of your choice are readily available! See the range here)
Another lamp that collapses is the Princeton Tec Helix Basecamp, with 250 Lumens. With collapsible legs and takes 3 AAA batteries, you can stand it up, hang it from your tent, use dimmable red and white lights, this collapsing lamp would be great in any tent.
Pricing and availability here (via Amazon)
This story was first published in 2015 but has been updated and edited for accuracy in 2020.
Disclosure: We use affiliate links to monetize our content. Some links in this story are an affiliate link. We receive a small commission if you purchase from this company, but the price to you remains the same. Read more about this at our main website
Collapsible Shot Glass
Not sure if this is theoretically a camping item, but for those of you who like to take a shot and get a measured amount (no swigging from the bottle needed with this), then add to your keychain, whether you camp or not.
Availability and pricing here (via Amazon)
Pop Up Toilet
Who doesn't love a toilet that collapses?
Availability - as of 2020, it has been hard to find. Sorry.
(but the pop-up tents where you can put a toilet of your choice are readily available! See the range here)
Collapsible Rocket Lamp
Another lamp that collapses is the Princeton Tec Helix Basecamp, with 250 Lumens. With collapsible legs and takes 3 AAA batteries, you can stand it up, hang it from your tent, use dimmable red and white lights, this collapsing lamp would be great in any tent.
Pricing and availability here (via Amazon)
Collapsible Dish Drainer
Don't take up space at home or camping with a dish drainer that does not collapse. Use this drainer wherever you have dishes to dry. Perfect for caravan use.
See pricing and availability here.
This story was first published in 2015 but has been updated and edited for accuracy in 2020.
Disclosure: We use affiliate links to monetize our content. Some links in this story are an affiliate link. We receive a small commission if you purchase from this company, but the price to you remains the same. Read more about this at our main website