Trailbreak 30 Sleeping Bag

The RTIC 32 or 45, Igloo BMX 30 or Lifetime 28–55 (on the smaller end) all make sense for a cooler considering your space. These would hold ice for multiple days, have some decent lid seals and don’t waste internal volume the way Yeti does with overly thick walls. RTIC is probably the best among them though so that’s that! For the sleeping bag, keep it simple and three-season. Solid options - REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 or 30, Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 or Marmot Trestles 30. All of these pack reasonably small for a synthetic bag are warm enough for shoulder seasons and don’t feel like overkill. Other ideas? - merino wool sock gift set - gaiters for muddy or snowy trails - foot care set (creams + protective socks) - hat clip or sunglasses retainer - packable camping pillow - lightweight hammock with straps - sit pad for breaks - bug net hat - quality moisture-wicking base layers - hiking hat with sun protection - lightweight gloves for cool mornings - buff or neck gaiter And goes and on and on but this should be a good start for ya! Otherwise https://alaskanarrows.com/50-coolest-gifts-for-outdoorsmen/ for others

I have an rei 30F synthetic rated mummy bag that’s probably under two gallons in volume. And a thermarest 45F down quilt that’s not much bigger than a Nalgene bottle if you compress it enough.  Just go to rei and look at what they have. 

If he’s anti-Yeti, you’ve got some solid options in your budget that feel “real camping” and not glampy. Cooler recs (non-Yeti, actually practical) RTIC 45 or RTIC 52 * Similar performance to the expensive rotomolded brands but way less hype-tax * The “usable space” thing is real — the thick-wall premium coolers can feel small inside * Tough enough for car camping and won’t eat your whole budget Igloo BMX 52 * Kind of a sleeper cooler that’s durable and simple * Lighter and easier to deal with than the big “premium brick” coolers * Usually under budget, so you could still do another gift Sleeping bag recs (not fancy, packs down, works) Kelty Cosmic 20 (down or synthetic) * Good warmth-to-pack size ratio (important if you’re camping out of an Altima) * Not some luxury “cabin comfort” bag — just a solid all-arounder * 20° is a nice versatile rating unless you’re only camping in warm summer nights REI Trailbreak 20 * More basic and a bit bulkier, but reliable and straightforward * Good option if he’s rough on gear and you want “buy once, don’t think about it” Cooking gear upgrade ideas (useful + not glamping) Jetboil Flash (fast + easy, great for coffee and quick meals) or MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (more minimalist/no-nonsense, packs tiny) Also a GSI cook set (Pinnacle or Bugaboo) is a great “upgrade the whole kitchen” gift that doesn’t take a ton of space and nests well. If I had to pick the cleanest combo: RTIC 45 + Kelty Cosmic 20 Both feel practical, not influencer-y, and should fit the sedan-camping reality.

- ditch the wipes for biodegradable - ditch the multitool, good knife is all you’ll need. I use mossy oak and they have withheld for years. - MSR pocket rocket has been a super small and great camp stove for me, these cheap amazon brands I would be cautious of. - do not get that sleeping pad. It’s cheap and will be extremely uncomfortable and only good for summer. I use flextail gear mummy pad and my wife uses Hikenture 6.2 r value sleeping pad. Both comfortable and warm. Hikenture is more noisy but easy availability and cheaper. - can’t speak on the tent but a free standing is better for new campers. - sleeping bag is going to be very bulky. Try to find a 20F ultralight bag. I can’t speak on specific brands. I use a 30F REI mummy bag and it’s been good but I’m in the market for a new one too. This Coleman will not fit in a backpack. Your biggest expense will be your sleeping system. Don’t cheap out here especially if you plan on doing fall and spring trips.

The REI brand ones are nice (and true to the temps they say they are good for). I have an REI three season single, and have used it to just below freezing with no problems.

My summer REI bag, which is 30 degrees (close to yours) doesn't have much fluff either. I've never actually expected the bag to have loft, because there's so little down. My winter bag from Mountain hardware does puff up, but there's probably 3x as much down in there and it's better down. I don't think your problem was the bag unless you left it in a compression sack for an extended period of time. Or just washed it and it's all clumped up. I can sleep out in 5C/40F degrees in the Sierra Nevada no problem with my summer bag, so i'm not sure why you had so many problems with all that clothing on. I will say 3R is pretty low, a good mat helps a lot.

Hey friends, im getting ready for the 2026 mountaineering season, and id love some advice on improving my sleep system for alpine climbing/mountaineering. This years goals, starting in june include a few peaks like Adam's, Baker and middle/north sister, as well as some overnight alpine climbing trips throughout the PNW. Potentially Rainier as well. My sleep system right now is a big Agnes iron springs pad, with either a REI 30f bag thats frankly cold cold cold no matter the overnight lows. It can be 50 outside and ill have a down jacket and sweats on and still freeze in it. Alternatively I have a GIANT, heavy -20f bag from north face made in 2005. Shes great for car camping, but miserable in a pack. Tent wise, just for context I have an REI half dome sl 2+. I want to upgrade/improve my system and welcome advice. I realistically cannot afford to spend a huge amount of money, Im an emt and don't make a lot to spare so no 700$ sleeping bags recommendations please🙏. Im always happy to buy used or keep a lookout for middle point bags at my local used gear store or my REI resupply (where I got my pad and tent :)