# Australian backpack bed offers portable emergency shelter for homeless 2026-08-14T21:20:21+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet An Australian-designed Backpack Bed that transforms into an insulated, weatherproof sleeping shelter is being distributed to homeless people across eight countries including Germany. The device, weighing about 3 kg, includes a built-in mattress, storage pockets, mosquito net and fire-retardant materials. It folds into an ordinary-looking backpack, allowing discreet carriage. The Times of India reports the World Design Organization documented users describing the shelter as feeling like a 'private house'. The product was created by Tony and Lisa Clark starting in 2007. It is distributed through more than 1,000 agency partners as an emergency measure, not a substitute for permanent housing. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: Australia, Backpack Bed, Tony Clark Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/australian-backpack-bed-offers-portable-emergency-shelter-for-homeless/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/australian-backpack-bed-offers-portable-emergency-shelter-for-homeless/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.