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I used to be that mom—the one cramming everything from extra hoodies to backup air mattresses into the car “just in case.” Every square inch of space was accounted for, right down to the kids’ feet. I wanted to be prepared for every scenario, but instead, I ended up tired before we even left the driveway.
It took a few trips—like the one where I forgot the s’mores sticks but somehow packed four blankets per person—to realize that comfort doesn’t come from overpacking. It comes from smart, intentional choices. When I started paying attention to what we actually used on our trips, everything changed. The car felt roomier, setup was easier, and I finally had the mental space to enjoy those quiet Idaho mornings with coffee by the lake.
Packing light doesn’t mean going without—it means going smarter. Here’s how I’ve learned to pack efficiently for a family camping trip without giving up the cozy comfort that makes it fun.
Your tent sets the tone for the whole trip. It’s your home base, your family fort, and the one thing that can turn a camping weekend from chaotic to cozy. For years, I thought “big” meant “better.” But bulky tents take up precious space and usually require two people and a few deep breaths to set up.
The Kelty Tent completely changed that for me. It’s lightweight, compact, and still roomy enough for the whole family. I can set it up solo while the kids chase each other around the campsite, and when those classic Idaho thunderstorms roll through, it holds up beautifully. A good tent saves more than trunk space—it saves your patience and your weekend.
Sleep is sacred when you’re camping with kids. I’ve learned the hard way that if everyone sleeps well, everything else goes smoothly. Instead of juggling multiple sleeping bags and armloads of blankets, we switched to a Double Family Sleeping Bag. It’s warm, roomy, and much easier to pack than individual bags. It also makes bedtime less stressful since the little ones feel secure being close by.
I keep a few quick-dry microfiber camp towels on hand too. They take up next to no space and double as blankets, pillows, or makeshift seat covers when the picnic table is damp. I’ve even used them as a barrier for sandy feet inside the tent.
Good sleep gear doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be thoughtful. Compact comfort is the name of the game.
Cooking used to be my downfall. I’d bring half my kitchen “just in case” and still forget something essential. I once packed three spatulas but no pot lid—classic rookie move. Over time, I’ve pared it down to two smart sets that cover every need: the Sea to Summit Cooking Set for Two for quick morning meals and the Stanley Adventure Cook Set for hearty family dinners.
They nest perfectly, clean easily, and take up far less space than that random assortment of mismatched pans I used to haul around. I can make oatmeal, pasta, or campfire chili without turning the picnic table into a cluttered mess.
If you’re still refining your gear list, I shared more about this in The Ten Essentials (Why It Feels Like the 30 Essentials at Times). It’s a great reminder that less gear doesn’t mean less fun—it usually means more time enjoying it.
Power is another area where efficiency matters. It’s almost impossible to go completely off-grid when camping with family—something always needs charging. Phones, lanterns, the sound machine that helps your toddler sleep—it adds up. The Jackery Battery Station is the perfect middle ground. It’s compact but powerful enough to keep essentials running all weekend.
I keep it in the tent vestibule for easy access. It’s especially handy for trips to Bruneau Sand Dunes or Lake Cascade where we’re off-grid. Pair it with a small solar panel, and you’ll feel like you’ve cracked the code on modern camping.
Of course, organization is the secret to packing light—and staying sane. I’ve learned that the more organized your gear, the less you bring. Everything has its place now. The YETI Camino Carryall is my go-to for corralling essentials like snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen. It stands up on its own and wipes clean easily, which makes it perfect for messy camp life.
For campsite cleanup, the Collapsible Pop-Up Trash Bin has been a total game-changer. It takes up almost no space but keeps the site neat and saves me from chasing trash bags in the wind (a real Boise River breeze problem).
Inside the car, I use packing cubes to organize everyone’s clothes. Each family member gets one—tops, bottoms, pajamas, all in their cube. It makes unpacking at camp simple, and re-packing when you’re tired and sunburned even easier. I don’t know how I camped without them.
And while packing light is the goal, a few comfort items make the experience so much better. For me, that’s the Helinox Chair One. It’s small, sturdy, and feels like a luxury after a long day of hiking. I never regret the space it takes up.
I also keep a compact First Aid Kit handy. It’s one of those things you hope not to use, but when you need it, you’re grateful it’s there. From scraped knees to bug bites to the inevitable marshmallow burn, it handles the small stuff so you can keep relaxing.
Comfort doesn’t have to mean excess—it means choosing the right things. The things that make your family happy, calm, and rested, without weighing down your weekend.
One of the best parts of living in the Treasure Valley is how easy it is to test your setup close to home. We have so many camping spots within a short drive—Lucky Peak for a quick overnight, Lake Cascade for long weekends, and Bruneau Sand Dunes when you want to feel like you’ve traveled miles away without actually going far.
When we first started minimizing our gear, I tested it all locally. That made it less stressful. If I forgot something, it wasn’t a big deal—I could adjust for the next trip. Packing light takes practice, but once you’ve dialed in your system, it becomes second nature.
For water, I’ve learned not to overthink it. One reliable filter beats lugging multiple gallons from home. If you haven’t found one you love yet, check out The Best Portable Water Filters for Moms Who Adventure. It breaks down dependable options for families who want clean water anywhere, without the extra weight.
What I love most about packing light is how it changes the tone of the entire trip. When you’re not buried in gear, you notice more—the smell of the pines, the sound of your kids laughing as they chase each other with headlamps after sunset, the calm of sitting by the fire with a cup of cocoa and nothing left to organize.
Camping used to feel like work for me. Now it feels like freedom. Packing light made that possible. It’s not about deprivation or proving anything—it’s about balance. It’s about finding joy in simplicity and realizing that comfort comes from being together, not from lugging every piece of gear you own.
The right tools make that balance easy: compact, durable, and chosen with intention. The next time you’re staring at your gear pile, ask yourself, will this make our trip more comfortable—or just heavier? If it’s the latter, leave it behind.
You’ll thank yourself when you’re sitting under the stars, warm and rested, with just enough space left in the car for s’mores and memories that actually fit.
Moms Go Adventure | Camping Essentials, Hiking Gear in Boise ID 