A Review: New Camping Gear For Family Backpacking
Packing for a backcountry camping trip always involves a lot of decision-making—what to bring, what to leave behind, and what gear will make the experience more enjoyable. It’s a balancing act between weight and necessity. On our most recent trip, we tested a few new additions to our backpacking kit, and they exceeded expectations! Here are three of our new favourite pieces of camping gear, tried and tested by our family.
1. Odoland 15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit ?
With a larger group of six, we needed a cookware set that was compact but could still handle multiple meals a day. After saying goodbye to our trusty old set (which had served us well since our very first backpacking trip in New Zealand over two decades ago), we decided to give the Odoland 15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit a try. It was light, compact and affordable.
One of the standout features was how fast it heated water—an absolute bonus when you’re cold and hungry after a long day of hiking. It’s also incredibly easy to clean. We managed to whip up some mac and cheese, and despite it being a sticky dish, the cleanup was a breeze. The best part? Despite the larger size, it’s still surprisingly lightweight, which made it ideal for long-distance backpacking without weighing down our packs.
If you’re camping with a bigger group and looking for something durable, easy to use, this set is a winner.
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2. GSI Destination Kitchen Set ?
Jack was particularly excited about this one—it was his first time using the GSI Destination Kitchen Set, which he got last Christmas. It’s a portable set that includes all the basic cooking tools you need for a backcountry kitchen: utensils, spatulas, tongs, refillable spice holders, and even bottles for dish soap. It really elevates camp cooking, making it feel like you have a fully stocked kitchen even in the wilderness.
While we loved how practical the set is, it does come with one downside—it’s a bit bulky. For a multi-day backpacking trip where every ounce matters, the weight is noticeable. However, we decided the convenience outweighed the bulk, especially for a family that loves cooking good meals on the trail. There is also room in the case to add a few extras, like a sharp knife and customize it to your needs. Jack gave it 4 out of 5 stars because while he loved the set, he wasn’t quite ready to take on dish duty!
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3. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield ?
We weren’t sure how buggy our campsite would be, so as a last-minute precaution, we picked up the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield from Costco. While we were lucky enough to have an ocean breeze keeping most of the mosquitos at bay during the day, this repellent came in handy during the evenings. We used it while sitting on the beach playing cards and enjoying the sunset, and it created a 15-foot barrier that kept us completely mosquito-free.
Although it’s a little on the larger side for a backpacking trip, it’s incredibly lightweight, and in our opinion, worth the space. There are smaller versions of this product and even a backpacker’s size, however, we couldn’t beat the end-of-season price on the patio shield. There’s nothing worse than being swarmed by bugs when you’re trying to relax after a day on the trail. With the Thermacell Patio Shield, we were able to fully enjoy our evenings outside, minus the mosquito bites.
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Why Good Gear Matters on the Trail
Having the right gear can completely transform your backpacking experience. When you’re out in the backcountry, far away from civilization, convenience and comfort are key. Lightweight gear that performs well can save time, reduce stress, and most importantly, make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s cooking a meal, cleaning up afterward, or keeping the bugs away, these small comforts can make a big difference in how you experience life in the wilderness.
These three pieces of gear were new additions to our kit, and each one proved to be worth its weight. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer expedition, we’d highly recommend these items for your next adventure. Check out more on backcountry camping with the family in this blog post.
What Are Your Camping Gear Must-haves?
What about you? What are your camping gear must-haves? Let us know in the comments and share your favorite pieces of equipment that make life on the trail easier for your family.
