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.
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 »
Last year my dad hiked the Paria Buckskin Gulch. I had him share his packing list. He’s an avid thru-hiker and the type who tries to get as lightweight as possible. Here’s what he packed for the 4-day hike.
Paria Buckskin Gulch Packing List Read More »
There used to be only four types of camping tents: dome, teepee, A-frame, and tunnel tents. Tent design has come a long way over the past few decades though. Now, we can break down tents into 10 different types based on their shape or setup. Read more about tent and tarp setup below: How to
The 10 Types of Camping Tents (with Photos) Read More »
I’m a big advocate of getting dirty when camping. But, while a bit of dirt is good for you, there comes a time when you’ll need to wash your hands, wash dishes, or do other cleanup. For these moments, you’ll want a portable camping sink.
Best Portable Camp Sinks Read More »
A camping kitchen is NOT a must-have item. I usually just set up my stove and cooking items on a picnic table or directly on the ground. I always call out “stove alert” (to the tune of the Octo Alert song from Octonauts) when lighting it so my kids don’t come barging through and burn
Best Portable Camping Kitchens Read More »