Kelty - Cosmic Synthetic 0

Sitting pad: Get a CCF pad and cut it to size if you're short. That gives you a sleeping pad and sitting pad. Light and packable sleeping bags are expensive. You'll have to do some research on this. The most suitable I've found on Amazon is the Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 0 for my uses, but it's not very packable or light. Naturehike makes decent tents. There are a lot of good sun hoodies out there. I would recommend just going by both the product and seller reviews. Socks: I prefer Smartwool over all other brands. I prefer the way they do their cushioning, and they fit me very, very well. I've also had better luck with them than Darn Tough. Darn Tough does have a lifetime warranty, but I feel weird about sending in used socks, hence I never utilized that warranty. Switching to Smartwool has been a godsend. Other items: Compass of quality, such as the Cammenga 3H or Suunto MC-2. Rite in the Rain. Pace count beads. Multi-tool. Sewing kit with good thread. Gear repair items, like Gear Aid patches or Aquaseal SR. A stash of snacks and electrolytes. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie.

A Kelty Cosmic 0° is around $200. It’s the often mentioned low cost down bag. It will cut your weight in half.

For casual three-season camping around 0°C, synthetic’s way easier on the wallet. Marmot Trestles or Kelty Cosmic Down alternative bags hold up fine, and you don’t freak out about melting water or sweat ruining insulation.

I froze my ass off with the Kelty Cosmic in 2024

I picked up a Kelty cosmic down a number of years ago. Fairly basic but it was down and a decent weight.

First - are you positive you want to zip together with your partner? I did your same plan \~15 years ago. Got 2 bags and zipped them together. It was cute. At first. Then we soon became cramped / cold. We almost always preferred to be in our own bags vs. zipped together. After the novelty of zipping together wore off - it really wasn't useful. Just saying... don't spend the extra money / effort or limit your options for this feature if you don't really need it. If you still want the zip together bags - you are looking for sleeping bags that have 'left' and 'right' zippers. Buy one left and one right. At 15F nights - you want a 5F or 0F rated sleeping bag. Or a 15F bag plus a liner for the colder nights. Are you sure you want a traditional mummy bag? I personally prefer down quilts. They pack smaller and are more comfortable than my mummy bag. They also work well when 2 people are together. Snuggle under the blankets, but then go into your own cocoon for the night time. **What is your budget?** It looks like Mountain Hardware does mens zippers on left and womens zippers on the right. * [https://www.rei.com/product/235362/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag-womens](https://www.rei.com/product/235362/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag-womens) * [https://www.rei.com/product/235363/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag](https://www.rei.com/product/235363/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag) Nemo does the same: * [https://www.rei.com/product/228439/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-womens](https://www.rei.com/product/228439/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-womens) * [https://www.rei.com/product/251886/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-mens](https://www.rei.com/product/251886/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-mens) This is a unique option too: * [https://www.rei.com/product/231206/sea-to-summit-ascent-15f-sleeping-bag](https://www.rei.com/product/231206/sea-to-summit-ascent-15f-sleeping-bag) The North Face Cat's Meow was the one I had with L/R zips. But it looks like they took that feature away. I was also going to recommend the Kelty Cosmic Down as a cheap/budget option - but they also look to only sell right zip bags.

Ouch, you are in a tough situation. You need a small sleeping bag, but have a low budget. Basically anything you buy is going to take up half your backpack. Your tent and sleeping pad will most definitely need to be strapped to the outside of your pack. 35L pack is really a limiting factor. Sure - the Nemo Disco is a fine sleeping bag. Better than the Forte for sure. The Kelty Cosmic is popular because it's cheap. If you can afford more, like the Nemo - go with that. I'd skip the 'zip together' feature. Don't limit yourself in that way. It sounds cute - but in practice joining 2 bags is not comfortable / warm. At least over the 18 years I've been with my GF. Hard to say more without knowing what brands you have a pro deal with and what temperatures you'll need to use the sleeping bag in (temp rating 15/20/30/40F?)

Can you add more specific details? You have this labeled as 'travel' - but ask about camping gear. I assume you are asking about the 'wilderness' type of backpacking - right? What is the low temps you plan to sleep in? You say no snow - but 'colder temps' - a number would help. What is your budget? Do you have $500 to spend? $5000? You say 'wreck bank account - but everyone's bank account is different size. How old are you? Man or Woman? (many packs and sleeping bags are gendered) Do you already have a good sleeping pad? This is also critical to a good / warm night sleep. Do you already have a tent? Sure - Kelty is a find budget getting started brand. They make an okay Cosmic down sleeping bag that's popular for wilderness backpacking. I wouldn't go for their backpacks really. Here are some default recommendations from Amazon: * [https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Sleeping-Backpacking-Recycled-PFAS-free/dp/B0CSPFW5Q1](https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Sleeping-Backpacking-Recycled-PFAS-free/dp/B0CSPFW5Q1) * [https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Atmos-Backpacking-Backpack-X-Large/dp/B09JXQDZG5](https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Atmos-Backpacking-Backpack-X-Large/dp/B09JXQDZG5) * [https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Original-Ultralight-Camping/dp/B00453NA1E](https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Original-Ultralight-Camping/dp/B00453NA1E) * [https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Backpacking-Sleeping/dp/B0CS4NHPVP](https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Backpacking-Sleeping/dp/B0CS4NHPVP)

Then I'd say the new REI Radiant 20. It's a mostly down bag, but with synthetic in the footbox to accommodate sweat and if it gets wet in the night from rain (because most people stretch out and end up putting their feet against the tent wall which might have condensed). The Kelty Cosmic is a close second.

kelty cosmic down, featherstone, decathalon all make good bidget bags under 2kg

Kelly cosmic down bags are amazing bang for buck. REI has generous return policies as well, so if you get into a bag you don’t like, you have the option to return it for a year. More expensive bags/huge discounts don’t necessarily mean they are going to fit your needs. I currently sleep in the Big Agnes Lost Ranger, which is a 3in1 sleep setup. It is a quilt and a sleeping bag, which means you can sleep with just the quilt, just the bag, or if it’s cold enough you can nest the sleeping bag inside the quilt. It’s on the more expensive side, but it could be beneficial looking into a similar setup. I would however recommend investing in a nice sleeping pad that has a decent R value. I currently sleep on the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated (regular) and I LOVE IT. it comes in all different types of widths and lengths. I’ve slept on it for 2+ weeks in the Yosemite side country and I’ve never had a single issue with it. long story short, i’m a huge fan of the Kelty Cosmic Down line. there are also a few REI branded bags that may be worth looking at.

Can def get closer to 2 for a little more money. Kelty cosmic or REI brand stuff on sale. Down is much lighter than synthetic. Quilts are also an option...