Kelty - Mistral 20

Gnarly! Sounds like some top tier "type B" fun. Early on in backpacking, after several uncomfortable, borderline worrisome nights sleep in my 20°f Kelty bag I learned the advertised temperature ratings of sleeping bags are actually the "survival rating,", meaning you won't lose any appendages to the elements. The comfort rating is always significantly warmer than the survival rating and you often have to research equipment in advance to find thst figure. I'm PNW-based, and personally, fall-winter I use a rei magma down 15 bag & neoair xtherm pad. I might not ook like Jeremiah Johnson all bundled up but I sleep like a baby. Risking death chasing the bushcraft aesthetic in a cold, damp environment isn't worth it if you lack the ability or materials to craft an adequate sleep system.

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bag, and footwear are the biggest priorities that will take up the most money. Figure out the first three items before yo get your bag, that way you know how big it needs to be. I'd recommend going out an hiking in your region, or planning some trips, figure out what weather you will be exposed to, and from there you can decide what you'll be needing. If you never plan to camp in the winter, you won't need to splurge for a -10 sleeping bag. Look for gear trade or second hand sites for some of these things, they will be the most expensive but you shouldn't have much of an issue with a $1k budget. I'll link below the essentials I have for 3 season backpacking in the Northeast From there you'll have a wide variety of expenses that'll be less than $50, stuff like lightweight stoves, first aid kits, compass, water bottles/purification methods, headlamp, and others. All of those you can look at hiking checklists and packing lists to make sure you fill out. Personally I'd recommend shopping at REI and signing up for a membership, they have a 100% return policy within one year and lots of discounted used gear you can check out What I've got: [Hiking Boots](https://www.backcountry.com/b/lowa-renegade-evo-gtx-mid-hiking-boot-mens?CMP_SKU=LOWZ1AT&MER=0406&skid=LOWZ1AT-ESPSEA-S95&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=20550413174__p:G%7Cs:BC%7Cct:Shopping%7Cct2:pmax%7Cg:xx%7Cc1:Footwear%7Cc2:xx%7Cb:xx%7Cmt:xx&utm_content=&utm_id=go_cmp-20550413174_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-LOWZ1AT-ESPSEA-S95_mca-7811_sig-CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-gxlbu1X6bw-2d58NS-NSgoksCVN-x2-Rqs-HrtN5Gdz8f7O2FLXPeBoCr5MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20544465267&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Jw0bGbx7iKOHAGoAaVRRYBx6a7&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-gxlbu1X6bw-2d58NS-NSgoksCVN-x2-Rqs-HrtN5Gdz8f7O2FLXPeBoCr5MQAvD_BwE) \- Bought for $210 at REI, great quality and durability, they are waterproof and I haven't had any issues in winter or stream crossings with them [Kelly Mistral Sleeping Bag](https://www.rei.com/product/199745/kelty-mistral-20-sleeping-bag-mens?redirect-pup=false) \- Bought for $50 at REI on sale, rated for 20 degrees and has kept me warm [Sleeping Pad](https://www.rei.com/product/201641/exped-flexmat-sleeping-pad) \- $30, I've had it for as long as I can remember, this simple one has worked great for me [Backpacking Tent](https://www.backcountry.com/stoic-driftwood-2-tent-2-person-3-season?srsltid=AfmBOoqh023gV0__myj-xPKpHvliUGEAT7BzX33ZTappwyvOW9g3S4_K) \- Bought for $60 on a big sale at Backcountry, solid 3-season 2- person tent [Pack](https://www.osprey.com/aether-trade-55-aether55f20-214?size=S%2FM&color=Garlic+Mustard+Green) \- I was gifted a used one of these Osprey Aether 55L bags, it had years of use before me, I have been using it for 2 years, and I haven't found a single issue with it yet. Has great storage and capacity, it has enough room for me to carry pretty much everything myself and my girlfriend needs on trips if we pack relatively light. This is pricey, but you might have luck with gear trades or used gear

I have the single version of this and also love it. Super versatile temp-wise.

Kelty sleeping bag rated for 20 degrees. Base layer, sweats, socks, beanie. I also have a Coleman insert that’s basically like a thin blanket sewed into a sleeping bag shape for extra cold nights.