Eco Trail Synthetic 20F Sleeping Bag

**TLDR**: I'm looking to buy a Big Agnes King Solomon 20F + Big Agnes Rapide SL Tent Floor. I'm confused by mixed feedback I have found online, especially for the BA Rapide SL. Some people say it's warm, some people say it runs cold. I'm planning to use it for backpacking in California, so it could go below 40F during the night. These will be the most expensive pieces of equipment we own, so I'm looking for some validation. **Long Story:** My wife and I are just getting into backpacking. For our last trip we used our friends' old equipment. Basically 2 North Face mummy sleeping bags 20F (51oz/1450gr each) and couple old self-inflating foam ultralight sleeping pads (25oz/700gr each, on average). The trip was for 2 nights. The main concern is that both nights, my wife was cold. She was using thermal underwear and a fleece jacket. I was sleeping in boxers and socks. We tried exchanging sleeping bags the second night (they aren't exactly the same model), but we had the same experience. The second concern is that the setup was uncomfortable. I'm 6'3''/190cm and a side sleeper. My hips were hurting for a couple days after the trip 😂. Based on the situation, I thought that sleeping in the same bag as my wife, could help to keep her warm. We already do this when car camping, so to me, it makes sense. After some investigation, I found the Big Agnes King Solomon 20F. I like this setup because it feels more like a bed, and not having insulation on the bottom will reduce the weight. At the same time, I'm a little scared about relying 100% on the sleeping pad insulation for the bottom part. I also considered the idea of using 2 single sleeping pad strapped together. There is more variety of single-sized sleeping pads to choose from. However, I'm a little concerned about the insulation on the center part (where the pads meet). So ideally I would like to use 1 double-size pad. It would be really valuable to have the feedback of other people that have personally used these or similar systems. I'm open to spend a little more if needed. On the other hand, if there are cheaper alternatives that will keep us warm, I'm open to that as well, even if it adds a little weight. Please let me know. Thanks!

My wife and I have a canvas-covered, flannel-lined queen-sized sleeping bag. We use it camping and when we rent cabins. Super comfortable and warm. For backpacking, we have one left- and one right-zippered North Face 20-degree bag. Fits both the dog and us. Super warm for winter backpacking.

Sierra Trading Post has been a great to get some gear as we get away from family/group sleep and into Scouting and solo/one person per tent trips and need more gear. Sleep bags and pads, etc are quite discounted but you have to be flexible. Just got a Marmot 2P tent 60% off ($120) and Northface 20 degree bag for $45 this year. I have 3 kids, we camp for 2-3 weeks each sunmer at a beach in CT and have it down-pat. We also winter camp in freezing temps and have pieced together gear out of necessity and experience. Trial and error is huge. So many people come past our site and comment on how handy our setup is but it just took dozens of trips to figure it out. Things I always bring: pop up gazebo. Tarps. Bungie cords. Extra tent pegs, cord, those mats people use by pools (ground cover outside tent and water goes thru, easily rinseable and pack away quick). If it rains you can make all sorts of shelter options with that to keep the fun going. Bungees are a no brainer to adapt to anything and make it work. Like duct tape. I use 20lb propane tank. Splitter hose to a single burner for coffee or castiron pan and other hose to a 17” griddle. Wind guards came after some trial and error. Stainless bbq pans to manage prepped and finished food. Easy cleanup. We have a foldable wagon that helps. Can even tow wood around on a bike in it. Everyone camps differently. Anyone who tells you you are doing it wrong is an idiot. Take what you see and make it work for you. Be flexible! Be prepared to find a better way next time! Have fun. It is the best with kids. My kids are their own people out there and it is heaven.