NEMO - Jam 15

I have a Nemo bag and pad and have been quite happy with them both. Particularly if you're a side sleeper or otherwise restless, the Nemo spoon-shaped bags are great. They're not the lightest but they're light enough if you need that comfort. I suggest adding the Big Agnes Rapide to your list of potential pads.

I have a Nemo Jam, which is shaped like the Disco. I'm a side sleeper and I absolutely love it. I don't think I could sleep in a mummy bag.

I see Nemo has been mentioned a lot, which is what I came here to suggest for a sleeping bag with a Klymit sleep pad. We do a lot of tent camping each summer. Some pack in, some drive in, some canoe in, but always in a tent and always on the ground. As we’ve aged I have been concerned we wouldn’t be able to continue sleeping on the ground, but the Klymit has never let us down. We’ve had our pads for over 11 years and only this year did we finally “upgrade” to the wider version. For sleeping bags, the Nemo spoon, down filled was our choice. Lightweight and has been excellent for MN camping. Good luck!

Just got back from Algonquin where the temps dropped to 3 degrees C. I was comfy in my fairly new -9 degree C Nemo down bag wearing long base layers only, but I felt if it got below freezing I would need some additional layers. Other commenters are giving good advice when they say a good sleeping pad makes a big difference, especially if the ground is already cold (not just air temps dropping at night). Don't trust temp ratings of cheap bags and aim for something with a rating 15 degrees below the coldest you could expect it to possibly get.

It’s all about a good sleep system. I have a 15 degree Nemo bag and an XTherm pad. Throw in a hot water bottle and I’m toasty all night. Just sleep in a base layer.

Quilts, semi rectangular bags (Sea to Summit Trek and Ascent Down) or the Big Agnes Sidewinder series are what you want. The Nemo Spoon series of down bags are also quite roomy. I sleep on my side. I use Hammock Gear Econ Borrows most of the time and I have a Marmot Col -20F bag for anything 20F and below.

I like the spoon shape of the Nemo bags. And, I’m currently using a wide deluxe pad from Big Agnes.

I’m a stomach/side sleeper and love my Zenbivy quilt+sheet and their matching pillow system, but it’s quite an investment for a casual camper. I’d recommend looking for a cheaper quilt or even a rectangular sleeping bag on Amazon or Decathlon if you’re not looking to spend a lot. I was really unhappy with my spoon shaped Nemo sleeping bag. Even though it’s wider than a traditional mummy bag, it was still restrictive. There are a lot of other spendy quilt brands out there and most have already been reviewed on r/ultralight.

Which 2 in 1 are you referring to? The ones that come to mind would exceed your budget, but examples help.  What temperature are you expecting at night?  Mainly, I would suggest finding an insulated sleeping pad with a stated R-value. Depending on how cold it will be, the R-value changes (higher R for colder temperatures). For sleeping bag, add at least 10°C, so for example, if you expect overnight temperatures around 5°C, find a bag rated for -5°C.  I have a Nemo Quasar insulated pad in the double width (I move a lot), and a Nemo sleeping bag (in their "spoon" style because I can't sleep in a mummy style bag). 

I have a cot also but would never sleep on it without a pad when it's cold. I need the insulation. I really like the Nemo spoon shaped bags to be able to move around but why not pile up thick blankets for your first time out before dropping the money on a good bag.

I vote for Nemo bags. I have 2 and love them. Perfect for side sleeping.