This OP - take advantage of your other furniture :)
Or buy one of the nice queen sized air mattresses like we did...
Here is a pretty nice and affordable one at Amazon
I have a Klymit Insulated Static V. Was on sale for $45 on an Amazon deal of the day once so I picked it up. Pretty happy with it. Not sure what an additional 150 would bring to the table other than perhaps less weight or more insulation.
While I can't offer advice in this I can give you a link for a dope air mattress if you end up going that way instead. So I bought this air mattress on amazon for a guest staying at my place and it's pretty fucking dope. Honestly I would trade them sleeping areas if all my necessities weren't in my bedroom where I would disturb them at odd hours trying to obtain things.
Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump, Bed Height 22", Queen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G7H793G?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I also have the Static V and it's been great. No deflation overnight and it's super comfortable. It performs just as well as expensive ($100-$200) sleeping pads like the Nemo Cosmo (which I borrowed from someone before I bought the Klymit).
I got mine for $44 but it's only $37 on Amazon right now!
This one has suited me very well for a couple seasons both in the hammock and on the ground.
Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad, Lightweight, 2.5 Inches Thick, Sleep Comfort for Backpacking, Cold Weather Camping and Hiking, Inflatable Camping Mattress https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07YP8TFJB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NEE1DHXRJ93J6MWKV3P9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It seems to be $53 on Amazon and $60 for your link? Am I looking at a different one?
So sorry, I just double checked it and it went back up to $41, I actually bought it last week because I was so surprised by the decent price on the static v. I’ll send the link anyways, I think amazon has a deal with Klymit because I do see their pas go on deal sales every once in awhile.
Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad, Green/Char Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_-3tOCbN53MRCT
I got this one for my 2019 RAV4 XLE. My boyfriend and I sleep on it when we car camp. It does the job and we hook up the air pump to the outlet in the back of the car. Simple. Cannot comment on whether it's the best out there but it is part of our camping gear.
Turn the rear headrests around and buy this: WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress Thickened and Double-Sided Flocking Travel Mattress Camping Air Bed Dedicated Mobile Cushion Extended Outdoor for SUV Back Seat 4 Air Bags https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MYDXD43/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_78M76STFHC8YEC77RQ60
Just going over what I've seen on your list, there's a few things I would leave out or at least have shipped to myself later on during the hike:
TP: Ditch it, Just stick with wet wipes (more luxurious and there's usually TP at shelters)
Waterproof matches: Not really needed. One of those things I ended up tossing. Mini Bic lighter was plenty for sparking fuel.
Solar Panel: I'd stick with an Anker battery. Lots of foilage on the AT, sun is spotty at a lot of spots on the trail but YMMV. I didn't have many electronics, just an iphone I kept off during the day. Would recharge it when I got in town.
Kelty Cosmic 20F S. Bag: During cooler months (March, April) it may be helpful but if you're doing a north bound hike, you'll likely want to swap this out for an Army Poncho Liner. I used this exclusively with a sleeping bag liner for warmer summer months (May, June, July etc).
Water: 2liters is plenty. I normally carried just 1 liter and would top off at streams as I hiked. Lots of water on the AT but you'll learn where the dry spots are as you hike along just listening to other hikers and local knowledge.
I would recommend a small FM radio that takes 1 AA battery and some small headphones/earbuds. That's just an example, there's plenty of cheaper options on Amazon. Kept me sane when pounding out mileage during the day. Sometimes I found myself completely alone at times. Hearing a voice on the radio is amazing! haha
Good luck with your hike, I never finished mine due to a knee injury. Made it to Virginia. That said, I learned more about myself and hiking abilities in the first week than I would have imagined.
Since weight isn't your biggest concern, I have a Klymit insulated static V and while not the lightest it's very reasonably priced compared to an Xtherm and comfortable at 2.5" thick. Currently going for $52 on Amazon, R value 4.4 and 25 oz, or the 'lite' version which is 19 oz and going for $75
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANRW7DI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kcBwyb9FMZQG5
I've been really happy with the performance of my Sea-to-Summit SparkII sleeping bag, very light at 16.4oz ~ 35F lower limit. Purchased mine from REI with a 25% discount during their membership deals earlier this year which would get you under the $300 price point.
Ultimately, it will come down to understanding the versatility you need and if you want a bag vs. quilt. Also, given that you are posting in /r/Ultralight, you will receive recommendations for bags and quilts pushing your $300 max, with the weight savings and warmth of 850-950 down fill.
As already mentioned, Enlightened Equipment is worth checking out. Also, Marmot and Mountain Hardwear both make some very nice, lightweight bags.
There are cheaper alternatives while still lightweight, such as AEGISMAX and Hyke & Byke, that can be purchased on Amazon or Alibaba. You can find some decent reviews and threads of those in this subreddit. Good luck!
Aegismax on Amazon has an awesome UL sleeping bag. $75.00 and only weighs 0.97lbs! I've seen people use them like quilts too, only zip up the bottom footbox and lay over yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/AEGISMAX-Urltra-Light-Sleeping-Three-Season-L200cmW86cm/dp/B00XE2SKG2
I just bought and received from amazon the following: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AU6AVLW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Perks: getting off the floor will help with heat trapping, underneath can be used as storage, comfortable mattress that comes with it.
Cons: it is kinda heavy, but it collapses down to a decent size. Think of the collapsed size of an EZ Up tent.
I haven't set it up yet, however. I am planning on doing that tonight to make sure everything is kosher.
AEGISMAX Outdoor Urltra-Light Goose Down Sleeping Bag Three-Season Down Sleeping Bag Mummy Down Sleeping Bag Green L200cmW86cm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XE2SKG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aFykBb8XF4V5T
It says in the Q and A that they ship to Australia, I'm not familiar with the difference of amazon in the US and Canada though. That would really suck if it's the case.
Another option is to get an inflatable camping sleeping pad. I own this one https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Lightweight-Sleeping-Green/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1533220749&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=static+v&psc=1 Its on sale right now on amazon. I bought mine for backpacking, its super small and lightweight (packs down to the size of a big burrito) and to me its as comfortable as an air mattress, or even more because it doesn't sag throughout the night. It is skinny so if you roll around in the night its not for you, but I sleep like a rock at burning man and its perfect for me.
I use an older Klymit Insulated Static V with my 20° backcountry bed. Fits nicely. Amazon says I bought it in 2016 so it has held together for some time with frequent use.
I just recently picked up the Insulated Static V and I've used it for a few nights so far. I contemplated the Luxe, but I felt that the extra potential comfort was not worth the weight. Personally I would say Luxe for car camping and Lite for backpacking, but buying both is kind of a waste of money. I slept comfortably on the normal Static V, but I am also 21, 5' 10", and not picky about my sleeping conditions quite yet so my personal experience so far may not be what you experience. Hope my input helps you make a decision!
This one works well in a 4 door.
WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress Thickened and Double-Sided Flocking Travel Mattress Camping Air Bed Dedicated Mobile Cushion Extended Outdoor for SUV Back Seat 4 Air Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYDXD43/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pXAhFbCTNPW82
I will always recommend the Klymit Static V sleeping pad. I have the luxe insulated (for the wide) version but the standard one is on Amazon for $36 right now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_yrIMEbJ6VRTXA
I've slept on mine for 7-10 nights, I'm 330lbs, and I don't touch the ground when side sleeping. I LOVE this thing.
>Has any one used a non camping blow Up mattress?
You mean these big mattress? With it's low insulation, some would say no insulation, it's a poor choice for the upcoming cooler weather, but it should be fine for late summer and early fall weather.
Are you going to fix your pad or exchange it at REI?
Also invest in a zero degree sleeping bag, just in case something comes up and she doesn’t have access to heat.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYDXD43?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_MHADWVJXJXWZ7RTBW1PN
Cheaper than the Luno mattress. 60/40 split.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MT3463Z?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0YQ42B0VAX9ZYYSC4VFG
Awning for hatchback.
The one thing I figured out was that with the front seats are moved up and chairs backs leaning to the dash are you will need to fill the void created/footwells.
With the awning attached and the hatch open you will have a lot more leg room, especially with your head toward the tailgate.
Tent camping? Get a decent three seasons tent, maybe even try to find a four seasons tent. I like using a z fold or roll out pad with This insulated sleeping pad. I also use the REI trailback 20 sleeping bag. You will want to get a sleeping bag rated to lower than the lowest temp. Remember sleeping pads aren't just for comfort. They keep you warm by separating you from the ground.
For clothes pack warm, thicker hoodies, light jackets, pants, merino wool socks.
I have a nice coleman cot with air mattress on top. Its almost as comfortable as my bed at home. I have the queen size one, since I need to share it with 2 large dogs, and it is a bitch to haul around. Totally worth it though. I also put down one of the outdoor rugs next to the bed, since its a bit more comfortable for the dogs to may on then the tent floor.
Thanks for your reply. Those seem like major enough cons for me to opt for an all-in-one mattress first, like option 1 outlines above. Thoughts?
The Nest Sparrow isn't in my budget.
I may need temporary bedding at this point. You seem to recommend the Tempur topper. Would that work well atop an inflatable bed such as this Intex Comfort Plush. Would I even need a topper depending on how long it takes to find a suitable mattress?
I'm open to any other ideas or suggestions you may have.
Why not both?
I have a Coleman setup that puts a queen size air mattress on top of a double cot (for 2 of us) with a little sleeve that holds the mattress in place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AU6AVLW/.
Pretty much the best of both worlds. Raises you up and gives you under bed storage like a cot while giving you the cushion and adjustability of an air mattress. And the air mattress fails, you're still on a cot! I've been using it since 2017 for burning man and many other camping trips and it's still going strong. Only thing that's failed is the carrying case it came with (ripped open last year). With some proper bedding on top of the mattress (I have use mattress pad + fitted sheet @ burning man) it's also very lux.
They also make smaller versions of this if you're just one person.
For $211CA you can get one of these: [https://www.amazon.ca/Coleman-Camping-Mattress-Folding-Battery/dp/B00AU6AVLW?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref\_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER\\](https://www.amazon.ca/Coleman-Camping-Mattress-Folding-Battery/dp/B00AU6AVLW?source...
I have one of these things and it's pretty amazing--always pull it out when I have guests over and they always love it--I slept on it myself for a while between moves.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YP8TFJB/
Klymit Static V Insulated Sleeping Pad = $58.33
Klymit V Sheet for your Static V Sleeping Pad = $39.90
Klymit Pillow X Inflatable Camping & Travel Pillow = $25.62
If you're backpacking try this sleeping pad it's the only thing that lets me sleep on my side https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Sleeping-Lightweight-Backpacking-Inflatable/dp/B07YP8TFJB/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2MWVBhCQARIsAIjbwoORECDIX-PsPBQAllENZlp7obfPyOE77NHgvtd5xM6Ss5Y7_Yu6kcgaArNZEALw_wcB&hvadid=410016570856&hvdev=c&h...
Otherwise if you're car camping air mattress is great.