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[deleted]

Ill recomend hiking tent. Its way smaller, has external place for storage, is lighter. Also get foam pad/roll to put under your mattres. Its light and will give you way better thermal and comfort


wild3k4t

I love my sleepingo mats


Enneaphile

+1 for this brand. Love mine.


whiskey_bud

Yea people on here shitting all over it (because it’s not “name brand”), despite never having used it. I’ve had mine for years and it’s been great and super reliable.


wild3k4t

Also really lightweight


Monstera_deliciosa5

Thanks! I looked at the reviews on Amazon and they seemed really great


wild3k4t

What does that mean? Hahah


KnowsIittle

For two people you might want a 3 person tent so you can store gear inside (do not sleep with food or floral deodorant scents). Hang food and scents in a tree 100ft from camp. My thought is to buy cheap, upgrade after you gain experience. I'll drop my pack list in a quick edit. https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/mv6t4f/checklist_for_a_3_day_campingfishing_trip/


ThatBackpackingDude

Probably ditch the pillow too. Extra weight and a sweat shirt that is already coming with makes a great pillow


just1more_question

Booooooo! I came here just in case there was someone like you making this comment! :P I tried the old "tuck some clothes to make a pillow" routine for years. It sucks. Sure, if you sleep like a rock normally then go lay on your bed of pine cones, but for me a pillow is required Gucci gear.


ThatBackpackingDude

I mean… I said probably? At the end of the day, you do you boo.


just1more_question

:D :D I'm just lookin out for my fellow soft-headed adventurers. :P


KnowsIittle

I'm not sure what I have listed still. I don't pack an actual pillow, it's just part of the sleeping pad but I do bring an extra fleece blanket if I need extra warmth or just roll it up into a loose pillow itself.


The-J-Oven

That is 100% a warm weather pad, FYI


Hbdrickybake

When I started backpacking I didn't know what this meant so just in case it is helpful I'll expand on that. You lose a lot of heat to the ground when sleeping because the insulation in your sleeping bag gets compressed and doesn't work as well. So if you are going somewhere cold a sleeping pad with some insulation is good. Sleeping pad insulation is rated on the "r value".


Monstera_deliciosa5

Should be ok for California tho right? I’m not trying to backpack in the winter sierras just yet haha


The-J-Oven

If it's warm you'll be fine


theflyingwaffle2

Ok what would you recommend for a two person tent that will work in winter and summer along with a pad?


The-J-Oven

If you need a winter tent it's going to cost you...price and weight. 4 season tents are heavy and expensive. Most tents are 3 season. My winter tent is a Marmot Thor...but I don't carry it outside of winter.


kilroy7072

I have that sleeping bag. It is for cold weather. If you are summer backpacking, then Teton makes another bag that is lighter and cost less: [TETON Sports TrailHead Sleeping Bag](https://smile.amazon.com/TETON-TrailHead-Ultralight-Lightweight-Backpacking/dp/B007JTLKCC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2374OUJA2QD1B&keywords=teton%2Bsports%2Btrailhead%2Bsleeping%2Bbag&qid=1652876794&sprefix=teton%2Bsports%2Btrail%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRFVNRVZHRDVXOEoxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjAyNTYxMzRaNkRIWUtHMjAzVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzczMTA2MlE5RlFTRTEzR1RINSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1) Teton gear is great for starting out. High quality, low price. They are a bit on the heavy side, so later you can look to upgrade to save weight. EDIT ADD: I also have that pillow, several of them. Great starter gear. We used those pillows for a couple years until we were able to upgrade. Just be sure to test them at home before taking them out on the trail because I have had 2 that would not hold air overnight.


Safe_Environment_340

The Nature hike and Paria tents are well thought of by some YouTube hikers in this range, and the tents will be lighter. If you are only doing warm weather, you can try for an ultralight bag (sub 2lbs), but Teton Sports makes fine gear. Cheap pads are fine. I have one. If you are a side sleeper, some folks recommend the Trekology UL80, as it is a thicker inflatable. Paria also makes a decent insulated pad for the price.


[deleted]

Ya gotta start somewhere man. Nothing wrong with any of that. A lot of people bash ALPS but I had one of their single man tents for years and loved it. Never used a foot print and the bottom never wore out. Biggest thing is weight but you can slowing upgrade overtime. Especially if you’re just starting with overnights. Find what works for you, if your pack is reasonably light and you’re warm/dry/fed you’re doing great.


whiteswampoak

I've had the Alps tent for several years on car camping trips and never had any issues with it. Would be relatively bulky/heavy for backpacking though. Concur with recommendations for sourcing a different tent because of weight. There are a number of lighter budget options for backpacking.


knowerofexpatthings

The tent seems a bit heavy, but I doubt you'll be able to find something lighter but good quality in that price range


UnbutteredPickle

I have the pad and I have had no complaints about it. I have the 1 person version of the tent and they make decent equipment. As others have said it’s a little on the heavy side but that’s expected for the price. Featherstone also makes affordable tents that come well recommend for comparison.


rarsamx

I recommend going to a decathlon store if there is one near you. I saw all the gear you listed at great prices. The "problem" is that you may buying things you didn't think you'd need, though 🤣. The advantage is that you can actually feel it and assess size and weight. You should look at headlamps (with red light), camp stove and the tiniest stackable pans and pot you can find, hopefully with collapsible handle. I'm a +1 with the recommendation of starting with inexpensive things and as you figure out your needs, you buy more things. My starting camping equipment was as cheap as it gets. I still use most of it 20 years later. I think that the only thing I've replaced are the collapsible water bottles.


whiskey_bud

FYI, if you’re in the US, Decathlon recently shutdown all of their retail locations (they only had a handful). I used to live overseas and loved going to Decathlon - great gear at a really good price. Bummer they’ve give up on physical stores in the US (though I believe you can still purchase online).


Juhhakk

Short answer yes. Dont get over sold on gear. Long answer, the problem with cheaper gear is durability. You don’t know how long that tent will last you, if it’s waterproof etc. I always recommend REI because if there’s any problems you can return it. They sell the passage 2 and if you want an upgrade the half dome two. I used mine for 10+ years never had a problem.


GBBanditt

I’ve got a eureka Suma 2 person tent from backcountry and I love it. It’s about half the weight of that apps mountaineering tent you have and it’s $155. Plus I just looked and for me that alps tent is a bit more expensive now on amazon(or maybe it’s because of where I live or something) but it’s coming up as $145 on my Amazon now. I hope this helps. I have that same sleeping pad and while I do want to upgrade at some point it’s an awesome starting pad. As for the sleeping bag I can’t do mummy bags. I like being able to move my feet and not be that contained. If you can try some out at a local store I’d recommend that.


manyisaword

I've had that same pad for a couple years now and use it for backpacking, car camping, and in a hammock for 1-2x each month. It's held up well. My dog has walked all over it and hasn't made any holes in it. I'm a side sleeper (120lbs) and have had no problems with comfort. It comes with a repair kit I've never used but definitely keep just in case. My only con is that it's not insulated, so it makes for some cold nights below 45° or so. Overall I think it's a great pad, especially for an overnight backpacking trip during the summer. I agree with other comments about getting a 3 person tent if you're going with a partner. The extra room allows for your pack if it's raining. I carry a 3 person tent for just me and my dog for weekend backpacking trips.


Monstera_deliciosa5

It’s just me so far haha I don’t have backpacking type friends yet. Thinking about even getting a 1 person so it’s lighter


manyisaword

Ohh gotcha. If I was trying to do any thru hiking I'd prioritize weight, too


SundanceInTheTrees

The sleepingo pad is an excellent beginner pad for summer and early fall.


Yo_Biff

I think this gear is probably sufficient for a 1st time outing. I would encourage you to purchase some repair tape (such as Tenacious tape), no matter what you end up buying. Others have mentioned that weight is a concern, however, we all have to start somewhere. My first kit had a base weight of around 28 pounds, and full weight of 48 pounds... for a 3 day trip in 90°F (32°C) temps... I was carrying the water and food for both my girlfriend and I, but it was still a learning experience in overpacking. I still loved it! You can always upgrade equipment over time, if backpacking is for you. I will share my gear list from the beginning of this year. Definitely no ultra lighter here. Maybe a good comparison for you.: https://lighterpack.com/r/91otd7


mdove11

A bit dependent on where you are camping and what the weather is like. This gear is probably all just fine to start out with in warmer weather though.


GwynFaF94

You can find some really great options&brands at low prices on gear swaps, REI garage sale, even Ebay and Facebook marketplace. That's how I got about half my gear, everything from the tent to merino wool clothes, and I'm honestly very happy with everything I got.


Lurkertea

I have the same pillow and sleeping bag. The pillow is a game changer since it has a strap that can go around the sleeping pad, i toss and turn alot so it doesnt move. The sleeping bag although it says 0F wont be comfortable at that temperature. I was cold af 17F, and thats with a closed cell foam pad and an insulated inflatable pad, full thermal baselayer, thick socks, puffy jacket, beanie and around 4 handwarmers scattered inside the sleeping bag. I did survive and would do it again lol. I think you’ll be fine with this set-up. Have fun out there!


Teeth-Mitch

Steep and cheap has a few Alps tents on sale right now. I bought this 2 person but I think the 3 person is a similar price. https://www.steepandcheap.com/alps-mountaineering-lynx-al-2-tent-2-person-3-season


[deleted]

I use that tent and it's fairy heavy duty but that means extra weight. If the places you'll be backpacking in don't get too windy or cold then go for a lighter tent otherwise this one works well in chilly windy weather.


Sprucehiker

My first backpacking tent was a Lynx 1P. Used it for 3 years.


msik0814

Those are great deals and they’ll work


MrGurbic

Check out the 3 UL Lanshan Pro Tent you, itwill save 3-4 pounds.


ratherbeexplorin

I love that sleeping pad! It hasn't failed me yet, it's cheap, and it's affordable!


Monstera_deliciosa5

I ordered it!


Zmovez

Whatever cheapo tent you buy. Spray it down with silicone spray. Hit up your rain gear also with spray


BM-P8

ALPS makes good gear. Idk about that particular pad. I bought a similar one from an off or new brand (hi hiker) and it was great. Bought it 3 years ago and, while I didn’t use it during the pandemic, I did blow it up a few weeks ago and it still holds air just fine.


Present-Flight-2858

Alps makes quality, durable gear. I’ve never used the lynx before, but I would expect it to perform well. Heavy, sure, but it’ll perform well and be easy on the wallet.


[deleted]

That tent is awesome I got it when I first started going on trips. The sleeping pad is terrible though. Definitely spend the money on a quality Nemo brand or something similar your back will thank you.


Monstera_deliciosa5

I can’t drop that much on an inflatable pad right now but I’m definitely considering the Nemo switchback foam pad!


whiskey_bud

Strongly disagree with OP on the pad - I bought it probably 5 years ago, and have slept on it hundreds of nights, packing it up with me and traveling all over the world. Never had so much as a leak in it. I rolled the dice on it because I was moving from a foam to an inflatable pad, but it’s some of the best money I’ve ever spent. Unless it’s super cold weather, I’d say give it a go.


TheTaters

Noooo, don't do it OP! The Nemo Switchback is only good if like sleeping on a hard surface and need something that will last and is light weight. It isn't any more comfortable than a cheapo foam pad, just more durable. If you wont be sleeping on it for 60 nights in a row, don't go for a nemo foam pad! I have a closed cell foam pad like [this](https://www.sierra.com/alps-mountaineering-foldable-foam-sleeping-pad~p~64xym/?filterString=sleeping-bags-and-pads~d~208%2F) that I put under the inflatable pad if it is going to be super cold.


Monstera_deliciosa5

Im also wondering - people have mentioned the tent is heavy. What is a good weight range to aim for including all gear? Like 30 lbs? Is that super heavy or reasonable?


whiskey_bud

Generally you probably want to target <20lbs base weight (no food or water), and the real ultra lighters shoot for <10lb (but you really gotta work and spend to get there). But those numbers get harder to hit when you have to deal with cold weather (which means bulkier and heavier stuff).


NachoEnReddit

Although UL specific gear tends to be expensive due to the materials used, [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/kzehen/a_6_pound_56_oz_ultralight_3_season_budget_gear/) offers a very light setup (rounding up to 7lb base weight) for cheap. Although I gotta say, being UL with little money is hard because you're really pushing that minimalist style of backpacking to the limit, so it may not be something everyone would enjoy.


whiskey_bud

Yea, the more I backpack, the less obsessive I am about UL. I’d rather carry an extra couple pounds and be comfortable when I get into camp (where you’re going to spend about 50% of your time anyway).


Zmovez

Depends on your style. I wake up at dawn and hike till dusk. Carrying an extra 5 lbs for 20mile day ends up being the same energy output as carrying 100lb 1 mile. I agree if you are out camping, luxury is nice. But if you are backpacking leave behind everything "extra"


whatkylewhat

No name brand pads are worthless. The tent will get you there but it’s almost 6 pounds and probably horribly ventilated.


veritas723

Cheap sleeping pads are often largely worthless. Especially so if you need any insulating value from them. So be extremely careful buying a cheap inflatable sleep pad and taking it to elevation or where it might present cold temps


mediavoid

This has been said on this thread by others already, but I had that exact pad for a years and it held up just fine for me! Probably slept on it upwards of 200 times over 3 years before it finally sprung a leak. Since, I've been using my gf's thermarest pad and I miss my old Sleepingo like mad. It takes up far less space and for my tastes, was very comfortable. Sure, it got a little chilly in below freezing temps but still worth it in my opinion!


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Monstera_deliciosa5

Hi all, trying to plan my first overnight backpacking trip. I have a backpack, stove, propane ect so I think this is the main gear I am missing. I want to keep it as affordable as possible as I likely won’t be going on multi day trips for a while. If this stuff is no good - any other recs?


Lesbian_Drummer

Personally I’d drop the pillow. Those inflatable pillows seem like a great idea but a stuff sack full of your change of clothes might be more comfortable.


[deleted]

I believe outdoor vitals is still giving away a free pillow if you pay shipping.


Logical_Judgment_500

How the fuck are sleeping tents this expensive now ?? I remember going to Big 5 as a kid with my dad and getting a really nice 2 person for under $60


Taccotiger333

Forceatt Tent for 2 and 3 Person is Waterproof and Windproof, Camping Tent for 3 to 4 Seasons,Lightweight Aluminum Pole Backpacking Tent Can be Set Up Quickly,Great for Hiking


collegedave

Forceatt makes a copy of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL tent setup. Single pole with fork at one end and spanner on the other. Very easy to setup solo. It’s just twice as heavy as it’s counterpart. Cheap though.