Women's Cosmic Down 20 (Prior Year)

Check out the Kelty Cosmic 40 - packs down to about the size of a nalgene, costs around $170, and is a solid mummy bag that'll handle those 50 degree nights no problm.

Honestly for 50°F you don’t need anything fancy. A cheap 40° bag will be totally fine. I’d look at something like the kelty cosmic 40 sleeping bag or the TETON sports trailhead sleeping bag , both pretty affordable and solid starter bags. Also, since you’re a bigger guy, just make sure you grab the long/wide version if they offer it. Makes a big difference in comfort.

Usually any self inflating sleeping pad gets the job done. Alps mountaineering outback sleeping pad is the one I use for camping. As for sleeping bags Kelty is always your best budget sleeping bags.i use a 20 down sleeping bag.

The RTIC 32 or 45, Igloo BMX 30 or Lifetime 28–55 (on the smaller end) all make sense for a cooler considering your space. These would hold ice for multiple days, have some decent lid seals and don’t waste internal volume the way Yeti does with overly thick walls. RTIC is probably the best among them though so that’s that! For the sleeping bag, keep it simple and three-season. Solid options - REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 or 30, Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 or Marmot Trestles 30. All of these pack reasonably small for a synthetic bag are warm enough for shoulder seasons and don’t feel like overkill. Other ideas? - merino wool sock gift set - gaiters for muddy or snowy trails - foot care set (creams + protective socks) - hat clip or sunglasses retainer - packable camping pillow - lightweight hammock with straps - sit pad for breaks - bug net hat - quality moisture-wicking base layers - hiking hat with sun protection - lightweight gloves for cool mornings - buff or neck gaiter And goes and on and on but this should be a good start for ya! Otherwise https://alaskanarrows.com/50-coolest-gifts-for-outdoorsmen/ for others

If he’s anti-Yeti, you’ve got some solid options in your budget that feel “real camping” and not glampy. Cooler recs (non-Yeti, actually practical) RTIC 45 or RTIC 52 * Similar performance to the expensive rotomolded brands but way less hype-tax * The “usable space” thing is real — the thick-wall premium coolers can feel small inside * Tough enough for car camping and won’t eat your whole budget Igloo BMX 52 * Kind of a sleeper cooler that’s durable and simple * Lighter and easier to deal with than the big “premium brick” coolers * Usually under budget, so you could still do another gift Sleeping bag recs (not fancy, packs down, works) Kelty Cosmic 20 (down or synthetic) * Good warmth-to-pack size ratio (important if you’re camping out of an Altima) * Not some luxury “cabin comfort” bag — just a solid all-arounder * 20° is a nice versatile rating unless you’re only camping in warm summer nights REI Trailbreak 20 * More basic and a bit bulkier, but reliable and straightforward * Good option if he’s rough on gear and you want “buy once, don’t think about it” Cooking gear upgrade ideas (useful + not glamping) Jetboil Flash (fast + easy, great for coffee and quick meals) or MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (more minimalist/no-nonsense, packs tiny) Also a GSI cook set (Pinnacle or Bugaboo) is a great “upgrade the whole kitchen” gift that doesn’t take a ton of space and nests well. If I had to pick the cleanest combo: RTIC 45 + Kelty Cosmic 20 Both feel practical, not influencer-y, and should fit the sedan-camping reality.

I use a synthetic bag (20° Kelty Cosmic) and/or quilt (20° EE Apex) + a S2S Rector all the time and I think you’d be well served with a synthetic + fleece system. I would also look into a mega-comfy pad to put on top of the cot. Exped or Thermarest are my preferences there when weight/size doesn’t matter.

Look into high quality sleeping bags. I have a Kelty that’s rated for 20 degrees.

If you buy a nice one, you’ll have it for a LONG time