NEMO - Tempo

I have the Nemo Tempo 20 and I LOVE it. It’s so comfy and warm. I just used it on a -10C winter backpacking trip and unfortunately it got a bit wet from snow coming in my tent but I stayed warm inside. Can’t recommend it enough esp since it’s so much comfier than traditional mummy shape.

Look up spoon shaped bags. I have a nemo tempo 20 (which is synthetic) but they have down versions for more money. As a side sleeper it allows enough room to turn over in while also still packing to a compact-ish size.

Depending on your specific needs for temps, weight, and filling I'd recommend, Nemo's Rift, Forte, or Tempo bags. They have a "spoon" shape (extra space around knees and elbows and tapers around the waist and feet) rather than mummy shape. They're designed to feel less restrictive and I've found them to be so. Of course the bag will take up a bit more space than a mummy bag, but it's better than a regular rectangle bag. I have the Tempo and I think it's good for regular backpackers and I really like it. They're common at REI too so you may be able to try it out.

I just got the Trekology UL R7 sleeping pad for my husband and I. Only slept on it one night but it was comfy. I’m a side sleeper. Trying them again Easter weekend so we’ll see. We got the Nemo Tempo bags. For my kids (about the same age as yours), we got the Big Agnes Divide because it fits in a sleeve for their sleeping bags (also Big Agnes) so they don’t roll onto the ground. We did pay more than some other stuff but we went fairly lightweight and compressable in case we try backpacking too.

I just got the Trekology UL R7 sleeping pad for my husband and I. Only slept on it one night but it was comfy. I’m a side sleeper. Trying them again Easter weekend so we’ll see. We got the Nemo Tempo bags. For my kids (about the same age as yours), we got the Big Agnes Divide pad because it fits in a sleeve for their sleeping bags (also Big Agnes) so the kids don’t roll onto the ground. We did pay more than some other stuff but we went fairly lightweight and compressable in case we try backpacking too.

For clarity - The Riff (and Disco) are down. While the Forte and Tempo are synthetic. Their spoon/peanut shape is definitely very popular with side sleepers, or people who sleep angular or toss and turn. Much more forgiving than a regular mummy, without the draft issues of a quilt. Recommend people getting into quilts, to buy a wide one. This will help mitigate drafts. You mention REI, all of their sleeping bags now come in "wide" versions. Still a mummy for the most part, but about 5" wider than a regular mummy. Their Magma is an excellent bag, as is their Magma quilt, but it's only rated to 30 degrees.

Nemo bags zip together, or at least some of them. I have the tempo and it'll zip with the opposite genders bag.

You got me thinking. I might be safer to just get the Nemo then. Realistically, I doubt I will be outdoors below -20C. At least with the Nemo, it’s pretty versatile

Thanks for the feedback. I’m leaning toward the NEMO -20°F now. A few people told me to go with a -40°F to be safe, but I’d like a bag I can actually use across different conditions. I just don’t want to make the mistake of choosing the wrong one, since this is basically a lifetime purchase, at least I hope. I’m using the Tensor All-Season pad, which I believe is around an R-value of 5.5. Definitely could go higher

I got the Nemo -20!! Went on sale so I had to grab. thank you for everyones help

Mummy can be a bit or very claustrophobic. Depends on a person. There is a great design by Nemo, they have spoon shape bags where you can actually bend your legs. They are for side or stomach sleepers.

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). 

If you want something in between, look at Nemo spoon-shaped sleeping bags.