Get a dry bag, not a lunch box

The best collapsible lunch box for hiking is just a dry bag.

Lunch boxes assume you’ve got a car or a desk. On the trail, the goal is to pack light and keep your pack small. A small dry bag, like a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, does the same job at a fraction of the weight. It folds down flat when empty, keeps your sandwich from getting crushed, and doubles as a stuff sack for trash or a bear bag in a pinch.

If you really need a hard-sided container—like for boiled eggs or fruit that can’t handle any squish—then get a collapsible silicone bowl with a lid. Sea to Summit and GSI make the standard ones. They’re lightweight and pack small, but they still weigh more and take up more space than a dry bag. For most hikers, the dry bag is the smarter move.

Your lunch will thank you, and your pack will be lighter for the effort.