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At Camp Insight, our goal is to find gear that performs in real conditions, not just in marketing claims. Over the past year, our team researched and reviewed more than 200 camping products including tents, power systems, cookware, and outdoor comfort gear. Each item was tested and assessed for performance, durability, usability, and long-term value.
Every product we feature is used in real environments, from wet alpine trails to dry coastal campsites, to see how it stands up to weather, wear, and repeated use. We look for gear that not only meets expectations but genuinely improves the camping experience.
After months of field testing, comparison, and evaluation, we narrowed the list to eight standout products that impressed us with their design, innovation, and reliability. Each represents best-in-class performance within its category, but only one earned the top award: the Compass & Creek Camping Shower Pump Kit, our Camp Insight Camping Product of the Year 2025.
1. Compass & Creek Camping Shower Pump Kit - Winner
1. Compass & Creek Camping Shower Pump Kit - Winner
Category: Camping Shower
Price: $100 NZD
Compact, powerful, and built for the outdoors, the Compass & Creek Camping Shower Pump Kit delivers performance far beyond its price. In testing, it provided a steady 15 PSI flow at about 4.5 litres per minute and ran continuously for 80 to 90 minutes per charge.
The pump housing is made from durable, drop-resistant ABS plastic and rated IPX7 water resistant, meaning it can handle rain and splashes with ease (it is also a submersible pump). It should be used only with fresh water, not salt water.
The 15-litre collapsible bucket packs flat yet stays upright, and the ventilated bag prevents mould during storage. With both a shower head and sprayer included, it’s useful for washing people, pets, and gear alike. We also found it perfect for cleaning our camp dishes, sand off the kids feet before they got into the tent, and washing down our kayak
Why it won: Outstanding water pressure, long runtime, and tough design at a fair price.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 10 Steady 15 PSI flow at 4.5 L per minute
Design and Build 9 includes both shower head and cleaning sprayer, easy to pack & carry
Ease of Use 10 One-button operation, quick setup, and super easy to use
Durability 9 Drop-resistant and IPX7 water-resistant
Value for Money 10 Delivers premium-level performance for only $100 NZD
Overall 9.6 The top choice for campers who want reliability and performance in a compact package, it out-paced entry-level options and delivered nearly as much as high-end systems.
2. Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
2. Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
Category: Lightweight Tent
Price: $1,099 NZD
The Telos TR2 remains one of the best-engineered backpacking tents on the market. The tension ridge poles create impressive headroom while maintaining low weight, and ventilation is excellent.
Setup is intuitive, and the modular fly options make it adaptable to weather changes.
Why it stands out: Perfect balance of weight, space, and strength for serious adventurers.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 9 Stable in wind and rain
Design and Build 10 Innovative structure with quality hardware
Ease of Use 9 Single-person setup possible
Durability 9 Strong stitching and ripstop fabric
Value for Money 7 Premium price for top performance
Overall 8.8 Best lightweight tent of the year
3. BioLite FirePit+
3. BioLite FirePit+
Category: Cooking and Campfire
Price: $499 NZD
The FirePit+ offers efficient combustion, minimal smoke, and a great cooking experience. Its fan-assisted airflow system gives complete control over flame strength, and the mesh body radiates heat evenly.
Why it stands out: Combines open-fire ambience with smart, smoke-free engineering.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 9 Even heat and fast ignition
Design and Build 9 Compact folding legs and steel construction
Ease of Use 8 Slight learning curve for airflow control
Durability 9 Withstands repeated use and transport
Value for Money 8 Premium Price reflects quality materials
Overall 8.6 Excellent for both cooking and atmosphere
4. Nitecore Summit 10 000
4. Nitecore Summit 10 000
Category: Portable Power
Price: $179 NZD
This cold-rated power bank kept strong voltage in freezing temperatures. Its self-heating circuit and carbon-fibre body make it ideal for alpine use.
Why it stands out: Reliable power in sub-zero conditions.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 9 85% capacity at –10°C!
Design and Build 10 Carbon-fibre shell and waterproof sealing
Ease of Use 9 Simple plug and play
Durability 10 Built for harsh outdoor conditions
Value for Money 6 Very Expensive compared to other power banks
Overall 8.8 Best power bank for cold weather
5. Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
5. Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Category: Cold Storage
Price: $699 NZD
The Roadie 48 kept ice frozen for four full days in summer testing. It’s built like a tank but easy to move thanks to its telescopic handle and heavy-duty wheels.
Why it stands out: Premium insulation and indestructible build quality.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 9 Excellent insulation and sealing stayed cold for 4 days in our testing
Design and Build 10 Rotomoulded shell with top-grade hinges
Ease of Use 9 Smooth handle and drain port
Durability 10 Virtually unbreakable construction
Value for Money 7 Price is high but will last forever
Overall 9.0 The best cooler we’ve tested this year
6. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove System
6. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove System
Category: Cooking System
Price: $599 NZD
The Genesis Basecamp Stove is a compact two-burner system that folds in half for transport yet delivers home-quality cooking performance. It boils water fast and simmers with precision.
Why it stands out: Restaurant-grade cooking power in a packable form.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 9 Powerful flame with precise control
Design and Build 9 Clever folding design and stable burners
Ease of Use 10 Setup in seconds, easy ignition
Durability 9 Strong materials and dependable valves
Value for Money 7 High-end but worth it for serious campers
Overall 8.8 Very decent portable two-burner stove system
7. Helinox Chair Zero Highback
7. Helinox Chair Zero Highback
Category: Camp Furniture
Price: $269 NZD
The Helinox Chair Zero Highback takes ultralight comfort to a new level. It weighs just over a kilogram yet provides excellent back support and stability.
Why it stands out: The most comfortable lightweight chair for its weight and pack size.
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 7 Stable and ergonomic for its size however less comfortable than others
Design and Build 9 Aircraft-grade aluminium frame
Ease of Use 10 Quick assembly with shock-cord poles
Durability 9 Strong joints and tough fabric
Value for Money 8 Premium chair at a premium price
Overall 8.6 Top quality, lightweight, well built however we found it less comfortable than some
8. Garmin inReach Mini 2
8. Garmin inReach Mini 2
Category: Navigation and Safety
Price: $639 NZD
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator that lets you send messages, share location, and trigger SOS signals from anywhere. It proved fast, accurate, and dependable in remote areas without reception.
Why it stands out: The most reliable personal safety device for remote travel..
Category Score /10 Notes
Performance 10 Fast GPS and satellite connection
Design and Build 9 Rugged and waterproof to IPX7
Ease of Use 8 Simple interface but small screen
Durability 9 Built to military-grade standards
Value for Money 7 High cost plus subscription required but essential safety gear
Overall 8.6 Best navigation and communication tool for the outdoors
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
All eight of these products represent the best in modern outdoor design. They’re durable, innovative, and proven in real conditions.
The Compass & Creek Camping Shower Pump Kit stood above the rest with exceptional performance, runtime, and build quality at a fraction of the cost of other premium gear. For campers who want reliable comfort and practical design, it’s the standout choice and the Camp Insight Camping Product of the Year 2025.
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