Insulated Camping Mat with Pump Sack

Personally for a cot, I use a Onetigris Supranubis. Packs down small (smaller if I leave out the legs), it's very sturdy, and comfortable. Though it is a "firm ride" IMO, so I use a pad. For a pad, I started out with about the cheapest "backpacking" air mattress I could find on Amazon. But that one sprung a leak, so I upgraded to the Onetigris Dreamstar Single. That thing has been absolutely stellar. It doesn't pack down super small, but it's not huge either (about the size of a basketball). It's pretty heavy too, definitely not a "backpacking" mattress. Keeps me comfortable even down to REALLY cold temps under a 50\* sleeping bag with an army style wool blanket as a "liner", and wearing silkies and a sweater (down to the mid/low-30s, could go colder with a few adjustments). However, my son will likely be borrowing my Dreamstar for our upcoming trip next weekend, and I wanted a good (decent) backpacking mattress option, so I'm expecting a Hikenture 6.2R ultralight air mattress from Amazon to arrive today (hopefully). Like you, I don't anticipate using it frequently, and only in mild weather, so I wasn't going to spend Sea to Summit or Therm-a-rest money at this point. It's relatively lightweight, has a good R-value, is relatively "deep", gets good reviews, etc. It seems like a good value for me at this point.... If my kid gets into backpacking like I did (I was HEAVY into backpacking in my youth), then I'll upgrade, because they really are worth it when you're 50 miles into the back-country, and you just backpacked 12 miles and picked up thousands of feet of elevation... for a few days in a row... Those situations IMO demand the absolute best gear, and there's usually a reason it's expensive. Forgot to mention how I keep the mat from moving around on the cot: I use an old twin fitted sheet. Not terribly heavy, packs down small (inside whatever bag my mattress is going in), and adds a bit of comfort. It's not going to keep it in place SUPER well, but good enough for me. But I still have problems keeping my pillow on the cot...

- 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.

Naturehike Mongar 2p. If you really can get a Marmot Limelight for under $150 definitely get that over the Naturehike (DAC aluminum poles and a lifetime warranty are primary reasons). For a bag I would look for a deal on a Marmot Tressles Elite Eco. I have seen the older models on clearance for under $100. These pack down much smaller and weigh far less than traditional synthetic bags. If you can afford a down bag go for. Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 30 or 15f. Otherwise if you are with used try to find a quality down sleeping bag. Cots under $75 go with a Naturehike, iClimb or Kingcamp cot with aluminum poles and legs. Aluminum cots pack down way smaller and weigh significantly less than steel. For the sleeping pad I would recommend a knockoff of the Exped MegaMat. Semi inflating mats are way higher R value than the junk Intex and Coleman air mattresses and way more comfortable. A budget alternative to the MegaMat would be th Stoic Cloud or Cloud Lux or the Hikenture semi inflating mat. These are 3-5" thick and feel like sleeping on a bed at home. Combine them with a cot and it's pure luxury.

I got the hikenture a couple months ago (I already had their pillow) but have only used it one night down to the mid 40’s.      I was a bit cold overall but didn’t feel cold from the pad.  So no complaints.