Paria Outdoor Products - Thermodown 0

The sleeping pad is fine. Could choose a ccf pad to save some money, but many people can't sleep comfortably on them. Also not as insulated. I agree the tent is way too heavy but I'd suggest looking for a lighter sleeping bag or just going for a quilt. Nevegear is a reasonably good deal, for example, that would cut well over a pound for about the same price or a bit more money depending on which you buy. Or, if you want to go the total opposite direction and buy something more 4 season worthy, Paria has a new 0° 800FP down bag that is $20 more than this one and less weight even with the much better rating.

I’ve used my Neve waratah -2C down below freezing and it has been warm. Really like that quilt and it has been bomber and warm. I think the -8C will be plenty warm for just below freezing. The pad attachment system is particularly good. I also just picked up a Paria thermodown 0 for winter trips below freezing. I find that I sometimes prefer a bag with a hood in well below freezing temps. There is a definite weight penalty but a good nights sleep can be worth it. Paria also has some quilt options that I have heard good things about but never personally tried.

Under 70 is just begging to be cold. Best budget without buying used might be Paria 0. Go for colder, in budget brands. When you’re out there shivering being a miser is the #1 regret; I know from experience.

For 25, consider the marmot down 15 bag or paria 0 degree. Both are lighter/as light as the Kelty and will keep you one hell of a lot warmer than the 2 mentioned bags. At a price that is still affordable.

A backpack of course along with a sleeping pad (insulated if going in cold), sleeping bag/quilt, tent. These are your big 4. A budget setup would be something like: Tent - Lanshan 2 or one of the Naturehike tents or featherstone granite - around $150 If you have the money I would get a Durston Xmid, it's pretty bomb proof and is around $330, amazing tent Sleeping bag - Kelty cosmic down - on sale for $135, Paria thermodown - on sale for $150 Sleeping pad - Paria recharge insulated - $100 or REI Helix backpack - Granite Gear crown 2 used to be found under $100 (I have one and paid $70 on sale), maybe the Decathlon MT100 or one of the REI coop bags. I'm not 100% sure what is considered the best budget one these days After the big guys above you will need: Cooking system - I use the Firemaple 600ml pot ($20) and a cheap amazon stove that fits the pot's cutouts but they sell their own for like $20 I think it's called the Greenpeak Water filter - I have a sawyer mini but if I got one again I'd get a platypus quickdraw on sale now for $30