NEMO - Tempo

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.

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’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.

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

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

Nemo for sure

Spoon shape is great, arm zippers in the boost just seem drafty.

Nemo sleeping bag with REI 2.5 self inflating sleeping pad works for me.

Never tried a quilt, but as a fellow side sleeper I LOVE my Nemo sleeping bag. Can't believe I ever tried to use a mummy bag.

Love my Nemo down bag. Love.

Budget is a factor, as well as intended use (backpacking vs ultralight speed hiking) Down will be lighter (and more expensive) than synthetic fill I have a Nemo bag and a few different thermarest pads depending on the season I also have a couple Big Agnes (they are great for bigger people) bags, but they do not have any fill on the bottom, instead they rely on the sleeping pad. There's a whole interesting theory about this design if you care to research it! You can talk to the folks at Hiker Direct and they are big supporters of scouting. We've got folks that have really good luck with Nemo, Kelty, Hyke and Byke (online sales only), and some others, too. GearLabs reviews is pretty thorough if you want to really dive into the numbers and test process before you buy.

Nemo bags are extra roomy yet pack down tiny. Love mine wouldn’t use anything else

We use nemo sleeping bags. They have male/female mummy bags with zippers on opposite sides. They can be used solo or in tandem. Other commenters are right, when cold it’s much more cozy to use them solo without the gap between shoulders

Nemo sleeping bags are designed to zip together, highly recommend. I like having the option to conjoin if it’s cold out, but sometimes like to unzip in the middle of the night and have my own space

I had the same problem. Bought a Nemo something which had a wide center. It helped but I still couldn’t sleep. I switched to a quilt that strapped around a pad (enlightened equipment I think) and it is an absolute game changer. Super roomy and very warm. I mean I still don’t sleep but it is no longer because of the sleeping bag.

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 agree that quilts are probably one of the strongest directions here. If you can stand sleeping bags then lots of Nemo bags have a spoon shape that really lets your shift your legs around which as a side sleeper I really liked.

Go to REI, invest your money on a good Nemo brand sleeping bag. You’ll be thankful for many many years and if anything happens to it you can return exchange at REI for years. If you haven’t already sign up for a REI co op membership and get your % back on your purchase.

My order of preference, without prying more info out of you would be: 1. Magma 2. Radiant 3. Nemo … anyone giving you numbers after the name of the bag is guessing because you never mentioned what temperature rating you need and what geography we are talking about. In terms of r-rating we would need to know what mattress pad you are shlepping too…