I prefer the quasar sleep pad to the STS option - but that’s a personal preference thing.
Sleeping bag or quilt definitely isn’t something to skimp on. When I first started, I bought a sub 150 sleeping bag and quickly found out its “rating” wasn’t even close.
Wife and I were in the same boat years ago. We went “cheap ish” with gear and quickly realized we wanted to upgrade certain things. Looking back - we wished we just went with the good gear from the get go (of course, if funds allow) - because we ended up rebuying the gear we actually wanted shortly after, and spent money on the “cheaper” gear that we didn’t like that then felt like a waste. We would have saved money if we just bought the nicer kit in the beginning.
I have started using a Sea to Summit comfort plus si. It’s heavy for backpacking but I decided the weight penalty was worth it for better sleep. My inflatable pads all slept cold and were all noisy. It has been on closeout so likely still good deals can be had on it. (I used a coupon from REI for mine)
I'd go sleeping bag or pad. What model of each depends on the type of camping you intend on doing. If you're going straight car camping, highly recommend the REI Siesta 20 hooded bag. I absolutely love mine. For backpacking, you'll want something down filled most likely and I've heard good things about the REI magma and of course, the Nemo Disco is pretty much legendary at this point.
For sleeping pad, I've tried a few and really like the Big Agnes Rapide SL insulated. Again, if you're car camping, the Sea to Summit Camp Plus Si is another great option that's a bit cheaper (80ish on Amazon) and great for side sleepers as it has some foam in it. StS also does their pillow lock system which is really nice for keeping your pillow in place at night. Does not pack down very small though.
Thermarest is another really solid brand for sleeping pads as you probably know, but I've found them to be among the noisiest.
I have yet to find a better inflatable pillow than the Nemo Fillo. Packs down very small but uses an inch thick memory foam layer in top so you aren't getting that squeaky inflatable sound in your ears all night. Those are 50 at REI.
Once or twice a year, Garmin does a sale on Inreach devices. If wait to pick one up then unless you know you'll be out of cell service a lot in the near future. The Inreach Messenger is excellent, especially if you already have a Garmin watch and don't need the additional mapping capabilities of the Inreach Mini 2/3.
Backpacker_billy97
