First timer sleep system

[beez33]

I am looking for suggestions on a tent, sleeping bag, and pad. I will be doing a couple nights in early October. Could get down to the low 20's, possible snow and rain. Would it be stupid to not do a stove? First time not sure what a guy can get away with. Would like to stay on the cheaper side if possible but will spend what I need to on a good system.

 

[WannabeHunter]

No judgement, but as one newbie to another, use the search function. This exact question has been asked and answered probably 20 times in the past month.

You've chosen the right place to help in narrowing down your options, but lots of guys that have that info won't repost it every time the question is asked.

I just tested a cheaper/older kelty grand mesa 2, with kelty cosmic down 20, thermarest neolite pad, and thermarest reactor bag liner last night. Got to about 40 degrees and was very comfy. Didn't really need the liner and slept in undies, t-shirt, and no socks. There are much lighter options but they are more expensive. Depending on the style of hunting (bivy vs spike vs truck) the weight factor plays more or less of a role.

Good luck on your search(s)!

 

[mattferg84]

"Depending on the style of hunting (bivy vs spike vs truck) the weight factor plays more or less of a role. " Great point. It depends on what style of hunting you are doing. If you want camp on your back then there is a lot of lightweight options. If truck camping you can buy a cheaper, heavier sleep system.

 

[1shotgear]

I personaly run Stone Glacier for my tent and sleeping bag if we are talking about a spot camp or back country hunts. I have their Skyscraper 2P Tent, their Chilkoot 0° Sleeping Bag, and I use a REI sleeping pad. I did about 25 days this year in this setup and love it.

If you are just camping by the truck and walking in everyday I have a Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 12-ft. x 12-ft. Tent with a stove in it. I still run the Chilkoot 0° Sleeping Bag but I will have a army surplus cot I like to use.

 

[beez33]

This will be back county camp on my back. Base camp will have a wall tent with the older gentlemen. I have seen a lot of early season/ late season talk but not a lot of specific temperature and weather elements talk. I will use the search function some more and see what I can find. Thanks

 

[weekender7]

I found this 3 lb 800 fill treated down 0F bag to my liking. I used it at 20F with high humidity in my unheated tipi and was warm an cozy. At $209 it doesn't have the WM name on it but you could do a lot with the change left over from the WM price tag.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hyke-Byke-Eolus-800-Fill-Power-0-F-Ultralight-Goose-Down-Sleeping-Bag/263937125147?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=563406631604&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

I put the bag on top of this pad.

Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad found on sale for $74

I made this 2 lb. (stakes, stuff sack included) tent for less than $80 buying 1.6 sylpoly from Ripstop by the Roll and using my wife's little econo Singer (first time sewing anything). Use my trekking poles to set it.

You really only need the stove if you get wet and have to dry out. You could make or buy a tipi and add a stove along with a few pounds. I have the tipi and the stove but for what you described of a couple nights out with camp on your back, the above is the list I have for that.

 

[beez33]

That's a cool set up. You must be pretty crafty.

 

[aion2come]

Love the setup weekender7! To piggy bag on his post, ripstopbytheroll is a great place if you or someone in your family can sew. You can make a quilt (which imho is better than a bag) for about $100.

 

[mrbillbrown]

For a first timer.... it might be easier to get a high r-value pad, 0* sleeping bag, and a decent 2 man tent instead of trying to add a stove to your first outing. A stove is awesome and I’ll always carry the extra couple of pounds with me but I’m glad I didn’t have one on my first trip. There were way too many other “first time things” going on and I didn’t need a stove set up to add to my situation.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[James Reston]

I personaly run Stone Glacier for my tent and sleeping bag if we are talking about a spot camp or back country hunts. I have their Skyscraper 2P Tent, their Chilkoot 0° Sleeping Bag, and I use a REI sleeping pad. I did about 25 days this year in this setup and love it.

If you are just camping by the truck and walking in everyday I have a Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 12-ft. x 12-ft. Tent with a stove in it. I still run the Chilkoot 0° Sleeping Bag but I will have a army surplus cot I like to use.

Scott, how are you liking that 0 degree bag. Debating between the Kodiak GWS and Chilkoot 0 right now. Hard for me to see how the Chilkoot is inferior right now.

 

[zloomis]

If I were starting out I would get a good warm pad. I would get an XTherm if I could afford it and an Xlite or Prolite Plus if I couldn't. I would get a down bag at around the low you expect. The REI magma is great for the price if you are ok with a skinnier bag.

Depending on your experience outdoors you could go tent, tarp, or floorless. I prefer a tarp or floorless, but I might not suggest it until you've spent some time out there.

You absolutely do not need a stove in cold weather. It's great to have and makes for a fun trip, but it is low on the list when you are first starting out.