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.
I have a love/hate relationship with ultralight tents and backpacking gear. On one side, I hate how snobbish some people are about gear. Not everyone can shell out hundreds of dollars for UL gear, and they shouldn’t be made to feel bad for using whatever gear they can afford.
Best Budget Backpacking Tents 2026: Cheap 2-Person Picks That Hold Up Read More »
Sledding can be a great way to introduce babies and toddlers to snow. And, if you live somewhere really snowy, a sled can be a good alternative to a stroller for taking your baby on walks.
Best Baby and Toddler Snow Sleds (with Seatbelts!) Read More »
Whether it’s for your phone, GPS tracker, camera, or headlamps, you are probably going to need some power during your backpacking trip. A backpacking power bank is simplest way to make sure your devices don’t die on you.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Power Banks Read More »
I have a lot of tents, including two old, cheaper tents with fiberglass poles. I let some friends borrow these tents to go camping at a music festival (no way my good ultralight tents are going to a festival!). They ended up having a terrible time because a super-cell storm blew through the festival. Yes,
How to Repair Split or Broken Tent Pole (with No Special Equipment) Read More »
For nearly five years, I used the same Primus Express canister stove for backpacking. After enduring lots of abuse, I finally had to put it to rest (flames were coming from places they shouldn’t!). I went to my local outdoor store, saw a remote canister stove on sale and impulsively bought it. Now that I
What Is a Remote Canister Backpacking Stove? Read More »
Let’s be clear: your kids probably don’t need a cot for camping. For years, my kids just slept on a cheap $15 foam pad and never once complained about being uncomfortable (they fall asleep so quickly when outdoors all day long that comfort isn’t really an issue; adults are another story though!). Read more about
Best Kids Camping Cots, As Chosen By an Outdoorsy Mom Read More »