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Reddit Reviews
The Nature hike brand on Amazon is acceptable entry level for the big 3: tent, sleeping bag, pack (good price to weight ratio). I use this checklist for all trips (save it in Notes app or something) Cook Set: Pot, Gas/Alc, Stove, Lighter, Utensils, Soap Footwear: Hiking, Camp Food bag/bear can, trash bag, rope First aid kit, blisters, chafe Fire: Source, Starter Battery Pack, paper Map Head/flash Light Toothbrush, paste, floss, retainers Pillow, Earplugs Pack Water: bottle, filter (flush), bladder Electrolytes Tent/hammock, Stakes Socks Bottoms Hat Eyewear w/ croakies Tops Trowel, Tp Knife, nail clippers Ibuprofen, caffeine Sleeping bag/quilt, Sleeping pad/underquilt Poncho, Tarp, groundsheet Buff/ Sun Pro/screen Trekking Poles Bug pro Extra: Saw, Axe Sitting pad, Chair
My first budget backpacking sleeping bag was a Kelty Cosmic 20. It was way heavier than I expected. A friend let me use their Naturehike Sleeping bag (not sure on specific type) and it was way lighter and more compact. I still use the Kelty for car camping, but it no longer goes on backpacking trips with me. My next upgrade will be an ultralight quilt. I got a used Gossamer Gear pack 55L off eBay that I love! I started with a Naturehike CloudUp 2 tent which was fine for the price, I have since upgraded to a Tarptent Double Rainbow (also used on eBay). Depending on the distance and weather, I will still take the Naturehike tent sometimes even though it is heavier. I like that you can use it without the rain fly on a nice night and just have the mesh top so I can see the trees and stars. My first pad was a Klymit pad from Amazon for $40. It works fine for warm weather. I upgraded to an Exped Duo 3R last year since I now usually backpack with my daughter or girlfriend and a 2P pad seemed easier. I also have two Nemo Switchback pads that I will carry on some hikes. I put them under my pad in the tent to prevent any punctures in my Exped and to give a little more insulation on colder nights. They are also great to pull out and use as a pad around camp when we are lounging before going to bed. Unfortunately, UL gear and spending an arm and leg kinda go hand in hand. All of my inexpensive gear was great to get me started, but over the last few years, I have been replacing them with lower weight, higher quality, and hence more expensive options. Along with being heavier, the cheaper stuff is just, cheaper. The biggest thing I have noticed is the zippers don't glide as easy on my cheap gear. This can be a huge annoyance when trying to zip your tent or bag.
Mountain warehouse is low quality and pretty shite gear. For things like a sleeping bag I would not want to skimp out especially for Scotland. I have had good luck with nature hike sleeping bags though despite them being a budget option.
End of reviews
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Air travel and carry-on

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Kelty - Cosmic 20 Series
Best for Car camping

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Kelty - Tru.Comfort Doublewide 20
Best for Damp or humid climates

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Carinthia - Defence 6
Best for Plus-size and tall people

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NEMO - Disco 15 Series
Best for Short or petite people

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Feathered Friends - Egret YF 30
Best for Side and restless sleepers

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NEMO - Disco 15 Series





