‘The best $29 I've ever spent’: Mum’s must-have camping buy from Kmart

The whole family entertained for under 30 bucks? It practically jumped in the trolley itself, mate!

Sometimes, when heading into Kmart, there are some items that you just can't walk out of the store without. A bargain "must-buy" you may or may not need to convince your partner that you definitely needed. 

Weird, but this recently happened to me ... again. And despite everyone's comments after my questionable impulse buy, I have absolutely zero regrets. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

"Hey honey, I got a boat!"

Let me explain. We had a camping trip planned with friends over the long weekend. They were first-time campers so I was determined to make their first experience in the wild one to remember.

Our spot was by a river near Bathurst NSW and we knew reception was going to be sketchy. Armed with metal detectors, gold pans, and all the ball and card games you could think of, we thought entertainment was set.

That was until I came across a bargain item on Kmart's website that I just couldn't resist buying - an inflatable row boat for just $29!

RELATED: Aussie’s $40 Temu solution to common camping issue

The inflatable row boat is just $29 at Kmart. Image: Kmart

"Fishing and rafting have never been easier with this Inflatable Raft Boat RX3000," the product description read. "Ideal to have some quality outdoor time with your kid."

Not that I needed any more convincing, the item came with a pair of oars, an inflation pump, and a heavy-duty repair patch (yes, for $29, you know you'll be needing that!)

According to the website, the inflatable raft is 188cm in length and 98cm in width and can hold a maximum weight of 120kg. Impressive and definitely will have an adult and child sorted for a few hours. 

The whole family entertained for under 30 bucks? It practically jumped in the trolley itself, mate!

Listen to Leah boast about her $29 boat purchase (and how she convinced her husband she needed it) on Kidpsot's Mum Club podcast (below) Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

RELATED: Mum’s hack to go camping without really going camping

Best $29 I've ever spent at Kmart

Rather pleased with the bargain buy, I was keen to give it a go on our planned camping trip. And like my husband tried to warn me, I was 100% ready for this cheapie to sink after one go on the water. 

But guess what? It didn't!

The inflation was super easy and we were set up within minutes thanks to the supplied foot pump. 

I tested the buoyancy of this bad boy with just my own weight and while it did dip a little at the backend, it totally took my weight. I managed to row around solo, enjoying the calm before all the kids started yelling at me. 

"Can I come in?"

"Muuuuum you're hogging it!"

"My turn!"

"I'm next.." 

"No, I said I'm next!"

The relaxation and joy money just can't buy when camping. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

I knew the serenity was over. They too have now realised I just purchased the best thing ever.

With the 120kg weight warning in mind, I took one child at a time for a little row.

While the river was shallow enough for all of our pre-teens to stand, the river was running and the wind was slowly picking up so I wasn't 100% confident letting the kids use it on their own. 

So much fun was had and the best thing about the cheap spend was that I was able to deflate it easily and pack it back up in the box. Unlike bulky kayaks that are not only hard to transport but also hard to store. 

10/10 the best item I've purchased this year. 

Now a little disclaimer from me (and Kmart), adult supervision is required and not to be used in open water. 

Originally published as ‘The best $29 I've ever spent’: Mum’s must-have camping buy from Kmart