Help a newb out a bit!

[guitarpreston]

That's a tight budget if you're also trying to be light weight. Lots of sales on mid grade gear this weekend, good luck.

Classifieds are kind of bare right now for sleep system stuff

Oh I know it’s tight. Hence my interest in this. I can probably cash in some cap 1 shopping points for Sierra or eBay.

 

[BLJ]

Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The new Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad brings Air Sprung Cell comfort to the realm of thicker air sleeping mats. Quiet and lightweight, this sleeping mat uses two types of insulation to provide three-season warmth. The XT Air-Sprung Cells are...

seatosummit.com

I just ordered 2 of these. No experience with them yet but seem to be a good option, especially at that price, based on what I’ve read.
Maybe something to consider.

 

[rayporter]

lots of well earned advice here. over time you will gain experience. know thy self!!!
my old pard could sleep in 30 degrees with a 30 degree bag and hang his legs out all night while i zipped up a zero bag.

some thoughts

pads are far more important than many realize- test and experiment. when car camping take 2 pads and put an air pad on the bottom and a closed cell on top to see what works for you.
a quality bag is worth it. there is more to quality than temp rating.
r ratings are generally a joke=go big
like it or not , you will end up with more than one bag.
edit
now is the time to test for next season, not summer.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME GUARANTEE. The new Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad brings Air Sprung Cell comfort to the realm of thicker air sleeping mats. Quiet and lightweight, this sleeping mat uses two types of insulation to provide three-season warmth. The XT Air-Sprung Cells are...

seatosummit.com

I just ordered 2 of these. No experience with them yet but seem to be a good option, especially at that price, based on what I’ve read.
Maybe something to consider.

I have one of those. It's an archery season pad because of the low R, but very comfy. That price is bonkers.

 

[BLJ]

Agree. And I thought if I am out when it’s going to be cold, I’ll toss a foam pad under it.

 

[The_Jim]

I’ve found some nemo bags that are down and under $200 new. Can’t justify a higher end bag right now

I used a mid-range north face bag and cheap pad for a few seasons. I still ended up buying a SG bag and xtherm pad, but my cheap stuff has no resale value.

But once cry once.