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
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!
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.
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.
This is the one I have. It's great but not necessarily ul. Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad, Lightweight, 2.5 Inches Thick, Sleep Comfort for Backpacking, Cold Weather Camping and Hiking, Inflatable Camping Mattress https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YP8TFJB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_N3K44J9SKYNZ0645N68N
We are indeed. I got the one without wings. My plan was to have something more versatile that would be an additional layer should my UQ not be enough, but can also serve me on the tent floor.
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_i_Z8RYDPPPYRK7S04EC62B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is the one I got. The price fluctuate if you watch them. Then you buy the dip.
There's insulated models of the Klymit. Here's one, with an r value of 4.4
I would strongly consider looking to buy the lightest weight gear that you can afford. I have used heavier gear to go backpacking and it is so much more enjoyable with a lighter pack. (but you dont have to go completely /r/ultralight crazy).
I will go through your list the best I can.
> 1. Semi Rectangular sleeping bag - three seasons
This can mean a lot of things depending on where you are camping mostly. I have an REI magma bag that some may consider 3 seasons but can be way too warm depending on where I go.
REI is a good starting place for looking up decent quality bags. This link should give you a list of semi-rectangular women's bags at REI. Make sure you pay attention to the "Comfort" rating in the bag details and not just the listed temperature in the bag name.
Backpacking quilts are also fairly popular as they are lighter weight that most sleeping bags of similar temperatures. These are mostly made by small specialty companies though.
> 2. Sleeping pad
I highly recommend an insulated sleeping pad, it will allow you to camp comfortably in a variety of temperatures. A higher r-value pad will usually be fine in both summer and winter too.
The most popular budget sleeping pad is probably the klymit static v insulated.
You can get cheaper and lighter sleeping pads like this CCF pad but an air pad will be a lot more comfortable.
There are a lot of options for air pads out there, you can browse through sleeping pads on REI to get a good idea of that.
> 3. Tents
It is hard to really say where to get started with this. There are a lot of options. First decide how big of a tent do you want. If its just you going out then do you want a 1 or 2 person tent. A 2 person would be more comfortable if you go by yourself and will have the option of another person with you. But 1 person in 1 person tent or 2 in a 2 person tent will be a tight fit. Often people suggest sizing up on the tent size (2p tent for 1p, 3p tent for 2p, etc)
I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2p that my wife and I use. It's a snug fit but it is designed to be that way because it is a lightweight backpacking tent.
Then you have some options like trekking pole supported tents, semi freestanding, and freestanding tents.
> 4. hiking shoes
This is a tough one because it is a very personal choice. A shoe that fits one person may not fit another. You also need to decide between waterproof and non waterproof shoes. Trail runners are popular because they breath and if your feet get wet then they dry out fairly easily. Waterproof shoes/boots are really tough to get dry once they get water inside. Major brands that can usually be trusted include Oboz, Keen, Merrell, Salomon, and probably a few others I cant remember off the top of my head.
> 5. any other "must haves" that you wish you had known about earlier
If you are looking at doing the Inca trail I would consider looking at trekking poles to help with all the ups and downs you will be doing (if you dont have them already). You will want to get comfortable with them before a hike like that and may find that you dont need them. Specific to the Inca trail, you MUST have the rubber feet for the tips of the poles on the trail. I think they issue fines and may confiscate your poles if you do not.
Also specific to the Inca trail, were you planning on renting a sleeping bag or bringing your own? If bringing your own then I seem to remember the suggestion that you have a -10 degree celcius bag.
A pee funnel can be a huge plus for women. My wife has this one and likes it well enough but it can overflow if you arent careful. I also see the shewee mentioned as well.
> Buy used gear
There are two subreddits that I know of /r/geartrade and /r/ulgeartrade
REI has several option. They have a used gear part of their website and in the past had occasional "garage sales" of used gear in stores. I have heard that some stores now have a permanent used gear section as a result of COVID. These are all final sale items that were bought new and returned to the stores.
The usual other options are also out there, ebay, facebook marketplace, craiglist, garage sales, etc.
For the tent:
REI Passage 2 $160 - Full rainfly and a decent amount of mesh for some airflow.
Sleeping pad:
Lots of options here but for the price i might consider the following
Klymit stativ v $71
REI self inflating pad $119 for the XL
Coleman self inflating pad $37, cheaper but may not be as comfortable
Sleeping bag:
You might be happy with a quilt as they are easy to vent (just like a quilt on your bed at home)
Enlightened Equipment Synthetic quilt $190 for a regular length wide width 40*F quilt
Or just get a bag rated arounf 40-50 from whatever store you want and it will probably work, just lay it over you like a blanket if you get too warm
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
I just bought a Klymit Insulated mat. Haven't yet used it out in the wild but it was fairly cheap and is easy to inflate/deflate.
If you're leaning towards backpacking, I just picked up the REI Quarter Dome SL2 Tent and REI Igneo 17 Sleeping Bag. Pretty bomb ass sale right now and I have done enough research to feel comfortable buying these. When it comes to a pad, I also just got the Klymit Insulated Static V. Definitely not the best pad, but the price was pretty appealing to me considering the good things I have heard about it.
to save money here are some changes:
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tent - get the xmid on massdrop $160 till jan 2 and its lighter
https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-dan-durston-x-mid-1p-tent
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pad - klymit static v insulated $54 or if that is too heavy get the insulated static v light
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pillow - get the treckology one $15
https://www.amazon.com/Trekology-Ultralight-Inflating-Camping-Pillows/dp/B07BWFJVPH
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quilt - i highly recommend a hammock gear economy burrow 10 short(assuming your height apologies if incorrect) wide(55 inch) $199.99
but if you watch their in stock quilts and not sweat the colors and some minor blemishes you can get them for even less...
https://hammockgear.com/economy-burrow/
https://hammockgear.com/in-stock-quilts/
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Stove - brs-3000t $15 or so on amazon
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spoon - you don't really need long handle spoon unless you are going to freezer bag cook. cook in your pot instead and build a cozy from refletics and lid from a foil pie plate shaped and cut.
walmart has a 3 piece ozark trail plastic set for .88 (chuck the knife ad fork if you dont want them) or i love these wooden ones
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Ware-Bamboo-Spoon-Brown/dp/B00K6KV83M
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clothes - too personal but replace everything you can with thrift store finds and cheap walmart stuff. there are a bunch of savings to be had in this category.
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massage ball - the Eco CORKscious Massage Ball by Rawlogy is lighter and cheaper old tennis ball is cheaper still.
electronics - like clothes your choice
toiletries - looks good