Heading to the sticks this coming up weekend with the Scouts for tent camping with my wife and son. I tracked down a Megamat Max Duo for a steal on FB Marketplace. The wife and I will sleep on that and I’ll throw down a fairly thick yoga mat for the son. He already has a sleeping bag rated for 30. What are some good budget options for the wife and I to use. Forecasted for low of 45. Willing to spend around $100 per bag. Will splurge a bit more if it’s worth it. Also curious about something to help my soon sleep a little more comfortably in the sleeping pad department. Looking at $50 or less for that. Thanks in advance.
6 Likes
Sincerely, all I would pack would be a few old blankets from home. It will be much simpler for you and your spouse if you are not accustomed to sleeping in sleeping bags. I would pack an additional wool blanket to cover the two of you, even if you bought sleeping bags or blankets.
An overquilt’s main feature is that it can be fastened to your sleeping pad, making the entire thing function similarly to a sleeping bag without the bulk and weight. Since I’ve never done it, I’m not sure how simple it would be to get two overquilts to the Megamat Duo. However, you’re essentially carrying a tiny, pricey blanket anyhow if you’re not going to use the quilt in that manner.
6 Likes
The wife doesn’t appear to think that will be sufficient. Too ignorant to tell her otherwise. However, it could be a possibility.
5 Likes
If this is your first time camping, you may always carry extra equipment from your car just in case. If you don’t use it, you’ll know what to expect the next time. It’s better to have than to be uncomfortable.
4 Likes
A sleeping bag doesn’t work like magic. It is simply a blanket that has been quilted with lightweight materials. You are encased in insulation, which is excellent for keeping you warm, because you sleep inside it rather than beneath it. However, the bottom layer isn’t nearly as effective as the top layer because you compress the layer underneath you. You would be chilly if there was nothing beneath you to keep you from the ground. However, it won’t make a difference because you’ll be sleeping on a great mat with a good r-value.
I wouldn’t advise you to simply bring some blankets from home if you were sleeping in -20 degree weather—or even 20 degree weather, to be honest. A mummy sack would be ideal.
However, 45 degrees is acceptable. You’d be all right. Anyway, it just depends on how much money you wind up spending, but I’m sure you’ll have a great day whatever!
3 Likes
My girlfriend and I got together in this manner.
We removed the bed’s duvet.
We were car camping in -20°C and -4°F at the time, but we lacked the necessary equipment and the funds to purchase better equipment.
Go out or stay at home.
2 Likes
All our scouts use Nemo switchbacks as mats. I got myself an rei trial made 20 sleeping bag. It’s $99. I find it quite warm and comfortable,
1 Like
I’m not sure how I would feel wearing a mummy sack. I’m considering something more rectangular. My wife and I both have a tendency to wriggle around at night and are side sleepers. examining the dolomite one that is now for sale. The Nemo Jazz, perhaps? Even though the Kelley Catena is only $50, I’m worried that it might be poorly manufactured given its low price.