One of the things we love most about RV living is the freedom to chase adventure! Whether that’s paddling across a crystal-clear lake, casting a line at a remote fishing spot, or biking through your campground or a gentle trail.
Yet when you’re RVing, you also have space and weight limitations—even if you have a larger rig or a toy hauler, there’s only so much you can carry. Especially if you have multiple passions, packing the gear you’ll need for your favorite activities can feel like a challenge. Renting once you reach your destination is always an option. However, when renting equipment, you may not find the best quality, and over time, the costs can start to add up—enough to consider investing in your own.
Enter portable, collapsible, and inflatable outdoor gear. These space-saving options let you bring your own equipment without sacrificing valuable storage space or dealing with gear that’s not as good as you’re used to (or dipping into your wallet anytime you’re ready for an adventure). With your high-quality portable gear, you’re ready for adventure on your terms.
From foldable kayaks to inflatable paddleboards, compact fishing rods to collapsible bikes—you’ve got numerous options made to fit your favorite pastimes into your RV lifestyle.
Folding Kayaks: Compact and Ready for Adventure
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Unfortunately, traditional kayaks take up a lot of space. That’s where folding kayaks come in. These innovative, high-performance boats can pack down into a suitcase-sized case! So they’re easy to store and transport to your next destination.
Folding kayaks aren’t just convenient. They’re built for adventure. Many models are made from durable, lightweight materials that hold up to rugged conditions, taking you from calm waters through choppy currents. Plus, the setup is surprisingly simple and fast. You can go from packed to paddling in minutes.
Top Folding Kayak Options for RVers
- Oru Kayak—One of the most well-known brands in the foldable kayak space, Oru offers origami-style kayaks that unfold in minutes. They’re lightweight, rigid, and built for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The Oru Beach LT is great for calm waters, while the Oru Bay ST can handle rougher conditions.
- Tucktec Foldable Kayak—If durability is your priority, Tucktec’s hard-shell folding kayak is a solid option. It’s made of recycled plastic and folds down without requiring extra parts or frames. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable folding kayaks around.
- Oregami Paddler – This newcomer is making waves with its lightweight, eco-friendly design. Inspired by origami, the Oregami Paddler features a sleek, foldable structure that’s easy to set up and store. Its sturdy construction and smooth performance make it a fantastic option for RVers who want a reliable kayak/paddleboard that’s even easier to set up.
Portable kayaks are perfect for RVers for a number of reasons. Of course, they’re space-saving. Most can be stored easily in a storage compartment—no roof rack or special mounting needed. They’re also lightweight—often coming in under 30 pounds. Made with durable materials, they can withstand going from lakes to rivers to oceans. And most take just 2 to 15 minutes before they’re ready to hit the water.
Inflatable Paddleboards: Stability Meets Convenience
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the water. But traditional paddleboards are big, bulky, and challenging to store. That’s where inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs) shine.
Modern inflatable paddleboards are surprisingly rigid and stable, thanks to high-pressure air chambers and durable drop-stitch construction. When fully inflated, they feel almost as solid as a traditional hardboard, yet they roll up into a compact backpack when not in use. That makes them perfect for RVers who want to bring their own gear without taking up too much precious cargo space.
Top Inflatable Paddleboard Options for RVers
- iRocker All-Around—A versatile, high-quality board that works for both beginners and experienced paddlers, this board is stable, durable, and comes with a complete kit, including a pump and carrying bag.
- Red Paddle Co Ride—Known for its premium durability and excellent performance, this board is ideal for RVers looking for a top-tier inflatable SUP that will last for years.
- Atoll Paddleboard—A lightweight yet strong option that supports a wide range of paddlers, this board is made for all-around use and packs down neatly for easy transport.
- SereneLife Inflatable SUP—A budget-friendly choice that’s still durable and beginner-friendly, making it a great option for occasional paddlers or families.
Paddleboarding has been a growing passion for RVers everywhere. Now, you can more easily take it with you as you can find options that roll up into a backpack-sized carrying case, making them easy to stow in an RV. They’re also lightweight (around 20 to 25 pounds), so they’re fairly easy to carry to the water. Most take around 5 to 10 minutes to inflate if you’re using a hand pump. It can take even less time with an electric pump.
While you may be concerned that the inflatable walls can’t withstand a lot of use, most are highly durable as they’re made with military-grade PVC and reinforced seams to withstand years of use.
Retractable Fishing Poles: Cast a Line Anywhere
For RVers who love fishing, bringing along a traditional fishing rod can be tricky. Full-length rods are long, awkward to store, and prone to getting tangled or damaged in transit. Retractable, telescoping fishing poles can be a game-changer. These space-saving rods collapse down to a compact size—small enough to fit in a backpack or an RV storage bin—without sacrificing strength or performance.
Whether you’re fishing from a dock, a kayak, or a quiet riverbank, having a portable rod means you’re always ready to reel in a catch.
Top Retractable Fishing Pole Options for RVers
- PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo—This highly rated yet budget-friendly option comes with a collapsible rod, reel, and carrying case. It’s best for beginners and casual anglers.
- KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Rod—A durable, high-performance telescoping rod that offers the strength and sensitivity of a traditional rod. Yet it collapses down for easy storage.
- Daiwa Megaforce Telescopic Rod—This well-built, smooth-action rod from a trusted brand is great for those who want a reliable option for both freshwater and light saltwater fishing.
- Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod – A lightweight, affordable, and versatile rod that works well for a variety of fishing styles.
If you’re into fishing and RVing, retractable fishing poles are an amazing option. First off, they collapse small enough to fit in storage compartments, backpacks, or under-seat storage. They’re also lightweight, durable, and reliable. They provide solid performance for a variety of types of fishing—from lakes to rivers and even to some ocean fishing. And unlike with traditional fishing rods, you don’t need special holders or extra storage racks. So, you’re ready to drop a line whenever you find that perfect fishing spot.
Collapsible Bikes: Two-Wheel Freedom Without the Bulk
One of the best ways to explore a new destination is on two wheels. Imagine cruising through a national park, riding into town for supplies, or hitting a scenic bike trail. Having a bike on board adds an extra layer of adventure to RV life. The challenge? Traditional bikes take up a lot of space and thus require exterior racks or bulky indoor storage. Why not think a bit out of the usual bike box?
Folding bikes can pack down into a more compact size, so they’re fairly easy to stow, even inside an RV or tow vehicle. Despite their small footprint, many of today’s folding bikes offer sturdy frames, smooth rides, and there are even electric assist options.
Top Collapsible Bike Options for RVers
Aventon Sinch 2 (Folding E-Bike)—A powerful folding electric bike with fat tires for extra stability. It features a 500W motor, pedal assist, and a step-through frame, so it’s easy to get on and off. This is the bike for RVers who want an effortless ride on paved roads or light trails.
Brompton M6L Folding Bike—One of the most compact and well-built folding bikes on the market. It folds in under 20 seconds and is made for city cruising and light touring.
Lectric XP 3.0 (Folding E-Bike)—A powerful folding electric bike with fat tires for extra stability. Take a look if you’re interested in an easier ride with pedal assist.
Bike Friday New World Tourist—This top-tier folding bike built for long rides, travel, and adventure. Fully customizable, it offers a smooth ride and packs down small, making it an excellent choice for RVers who want a reliable bike for city riding and light touring.
Admittedly, few collapsable bikes will suit avid mountain bikers or hardened roadies. That said, for those who want to check out more terrain or get out and spend some time in nature, foldable bikes fit the bill and easily slide into an RV compartment. Plus, they can be stored more securely and out of the elements inside your RV. And many models are lightweight enough to lift and carry.
Collapsible bikes give RVers the freedom to explore without the hassle of full-size bicycles. So, you can roll into town to grab food or a beer, ride along a beachside path for some gentle exercise, or glide through the campground to get a better feel of your location.
Travel Light, Play Hard
One of the greatest joys of RV life is the freedom to chase adventure wherever the road leads. Whether you’re paddling across a quiet lake, reeling in a fresh catch, or biking through a scenic mountain pass, having the right gear on hand makes every stop along the way even more memorable.
Thanks to innovative, portable outdoor gear, you don’t have to leave your favorite activities behind. These space-saving options let you pack light while still bringing everything you need to make the most of your travels. In short, these more portable options provide the freedom to explore, experience, and enjoy the outdoors on your terms.