Finding the right camping gear can make or break a trip, especially when you’re camping with kids. At Mom Goes Camping, gear reviews come from real use in the field, not just spec sheets. From the mountains of Serbia to trails across the Balkans and beyond, every product recommendation on this site has been tested in actual camping conditions with children in tow.
This category covers everything you need to camp comfortably and safely as a family: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp kitchens, lighting, backpacks, child carriers, and more. You’ll find honest comparisons, budget-friendly picks, and ultralight options for families who want to move fast on the trail without sacrificing comfort at camp.
Whether you’re outfitting your first camping trip or upgrading gear you’ve had for years, the reviews here are written to help you spend your money wisely. No sponsored fluff, no gear you don’t actually need. Just honest recommendations from a mom who has been camping with her kids for over a decade.
Don’t want to shell out $50 for a Merino wool shirt and another $100 for special hiking pants? Before you decide to wear your everyday clothes hiking, here is what you need to know about why “cotton kills” and when it is actually okay to wear cotton hiking.
Is It Okay to Wear Cotton When Hiking? Read More »
I go hiking with my small kids and one of the essential items for them to have is their own water bottle. I also use the same hiking water bottles for trips around town and to the playground. I’ve come to realize that some water bottles are simply not practical for little kids.
Best Water Bottles for Little Kids Read More »
If you want your kids to be able to play outdoors even when it’s raining, they will absolutely need rain pants (it’s kind of pointless to have a rain jacket if you don’t also have pants!). I have two daughters and they’ve had lots of rain pants over the years. Here’s my insight on the
Best Kids Rain Pants (for Serious Outdoor Play) Read More »
Recently there has been a lot of debate about whether you actually need hiking boots. Some “experts” say that hiking boots are overhyped and that lightweight trail running shoes are better. And then there are all those people who successfully hike in sneakers.
Do You Really Need Hiking Boots? Read More »
Hiking has gotten a lot more popular over the past decade. As a result, there are a lot of “gear snobs” who will insist that you need special gear to hike. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of these “experts” recommending expensive gear are getting paid by the same companies who make that
Can You Use a Regular Backpack for Hiking? Read More »
I highly recommend that you get your kids – even little kids — their own headlamps for camping. A headlamp means they will be able to do things like play flashlight tag and walk around camp at night without tripping over everything. Oh, and they’ll stop stealing your headlamp if they have their own cool
Best Kids Headlamps for Camping and Backpacking, As Chosen by an Outdoorsy Mom Read More »