NorCal sleeping bag (budget) + sleep system overview

[Amac1989]

Hey I need some help with picking out a reliable sleeping bag.
Anybody from NorCal that camps/hunts frequently in different areas? Is a 30F bag good enough, even if it gets cold and I just layer up for sleep?

Keep in mind I'm new and I'm not trying to get top of the line anything, the lowest cost option that won't fall apart is what I'm looking for.
Hopefully (but unlikely) there's a bag below $150 that I could make work.

**It's easy for my body to sweat a lot, even when I'm in great shape.**
I'm 5'11 175 right now.

I've been looking at this : https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/revi...packing-sleeping-bag/the-north-face-cats-meow $150

My sleep system so far is
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ISTXI0S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2YR3NFJ41VU11&psc=1
cheaper but well reviewed tarp

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Rese...m+bivy&qid=1554764816&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1
Outdoor research Helium Bivy

https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Backpacking-Mattress/dp/B005I6R0WC?th=1f
Thermarest Z-Lite pad

It's been a long time since I've camped but I've always been able to live with barebones. After research I decided to go with the Bivy/Tarp option for stargazing when weather permits and the tarp on backup for the rain showers.

Thanks for any help offered on the subject.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thumbs up on the cats meow. I have had and used 3 of them for 25 years. I got 10 years and a lot of nights out of #1. An army buddy stole #2 as a going away gift to himself and #3 is still going strong. I think it is hard to beat them for value. That is a great bivy too.

When you get funds you may want to upgrade your sleeping pad. You don’t have to spend $200 on the latest to greatly improve sleeping comfort. I also bet there will be several used pads available as people upgrade to the new Uber light. Down the road maybe upgrade your tarp to something shaped and possibly more durable. Seek outside DST is $130. MSR, Nemo and stone glacier make good options for fairly cheap.

 

[bitbckt]

The Cats Meow won't disappoint - it punches way above its weight and would be fine for most situations in CA.

You might check out Klymit pads for another good price/performance option. Be sure to consider the R value - basically how much insulation the pad provides - in *combination* with your bag's temperature rating. A 0* bag won't feel nearly as warm on a R 1.0 pad.

 

[CApighunter]

I’ve never been able to sleep on the foam mats, always needed an inflatable. Keep an eye on the classifieds, I snagged a once used thermarest xtherm for $115ish. The cats meow is a solid bag for the money and will serve you well. If you want to cut some weight there take a look at the hammock gear economy burrow quilt. My 20 degree extra long/wide with an ounce of extra fill was just barely over $200 and weighs 26 ounces.

 

[Cant hit em]

Cats meow or Kelty Cosmic down is good options