When Everything Fits: Top Compact Travel Essentials

Do you find yourself performing shamanic dances over your suitcase before every trip just to make everything fit? We understand. The desire to bring along even things you haven’t used in years is very tempting. But what if you only have hand luggage or limited space in the car? Even those who travel with just a small backpack want a comfortable journey. Below, we’ll tell you about foldable items for which there will always be room in your suitcase. Even a small one.

Smash Cup Travel Mug

An excellent item for hikers or those who simply enjoy strolling through an old city with a hot drink (or Irish coffee). When folded, the Smash Cup collapsible travel mug is about the size of a powder compact. It’s made of silicone and has a tight valve, so nothing will spill from it, and you can safely put it in your bag.

Cardboard Box Chair

Don’t like standing for long? Take a seat! And the idea that carrying a chair is heavy is nonsense. Here’s a cardboard folding box that can support up to 200 kg! The only thing is, you can’t stand on it. For a picnic or waiting in line at the Vatican Museums — you won’t find a better option.

Fit In Battery Batteries

With a flick of the wrist, an AA battery transforms into an AAA battery. The thing is, these batteries have an accordion-like section in the middle (like a bus or tram, yes, really). This allows them to expand and contract to the required sizes. Not all devices run on rechargeable batteries, so it’s not a bad idea to keep such batteries handy.

Travel Hoodie Pillow

The ordinary inflatable neck pillow has evolved and grown a hood. It’s an accessory for total introverts. Put on the pillow, pull the hood over your eyes, and sleep peacefully.

Sleeping Bag Suit

Oh, on one hand, this is a dangerous item, on the other — very useful. Dangerous because you might get used to it and never want to take it off. It’s so cozy and warm! And useful because it’s comfortable to move around in during a hike, and if you want to rest — just drop down and fall asleep.

Foldable Slippers

That feeling when the hostel runs out of slippers and you have to walk around in your shoes. Ugh! Better get yourself some foldable slippers from China; you can even wear them on a train!

Compressed Towel

Not all hostels offer free towels. Should you bring your own? Not at all. Take a compressed towel. This thing is no bigger than an egg or a powder compact, but when expanded, it’s a medium-sized towel! Just add water for it to reach its full size. It’s definitely enough to dry off after a shower. Plus, you don’t have to wait for it to dry — take 10 of these towels if you like, they’re disposable anyway.

Foldable Walking Poles

Are you into Nordic walking? Bring foldable poles for it. When folded, they are very compact — about 60 cm. They’ll fit in a hiking backpack or can be attached to straps on the outside. Much better than constantly carrying them in your hands, risking the knees of those around you.

Matador Pocket Blanket

You never know where life will take you, so it’s important to have a small blanket with you. The Matador Pocket Blanket can be used as a throw for a picnic or for its direct purpose. It’s waterproof and durable, and most importantly, when folded, it fits in your pocket. Feel like a giant.

Pocket Shower

Hikers and campers will appreciate this pocket shower. It’s simple: unpack the bag, fill it with water, hang it on a tree, and shower. The bag holds 10 liters of water, has a tap with adjustable flow, fits in your fist, and weighs next to nothing.