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!
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 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.
I use the Klymit static V lightweight sleeping pad. I have bought several to stock each of my packs and have extras in case of a leak but have yet to have any problems. They pack away very compact and only take 9-12 breaths to inflate. Klymit offers several different sizes if you prefer more space, all within or under your budget range. Here is the amazon link if you’re interested...Klymit static V lightweight sleeping pad
Klymit makes a great entry-level pad. I believe it's the Static V - they only weigh 18 oz. which is a great start for backpacking weights. Currently selling for $40 on Amazon for the old valve styles. I have this pad and couldn't recommend it enough, might suit your needs too.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_OXulFbWGT8H45
A Coleman fleece sleeping bag (basically a thicker liner) from Target/Walmart will give you a little more padding, and significantly more warmth than a sleeping bag liner, but isn't really much better than just sleeping in a jacket. If padding is what you're after, get a Klymit inflatable sleeping pad (there are a bunch of variations like this), which will also serve well outdoors (get the insulated version if you're serious though, at the cost of extra weight). Are you crashing on the floor or a couch? Carpet or wood? For two nights do you need to take something potentially bulky?
i wouldnt bother with tent stakes. she will find plenty of those at festivals. Ive never had to use a first aid kit, either... get her something she mightn't have thought of, that she will constantly have to use. https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Lightweight-Sleeping-Green/dp/B007RFG0NM?ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_6764188011 these are amazing. Maybe a hydroflask and/or camelbak if she doesnt already have those things. flashlight/headlamp.
Klymit sleeping pads are quality for their performance.
Often recommended for backpackers, but car campers can benefit from their packability too.
3 would cost you $150, not sure if that's above your budget. 'economical' is different for everyone.
They are not self-inflating, but I'd question why that is important. Self inflating will mean more money.
I would personally skip the 'zip together' requirement. It will add weight and severely limit your options. If anything - just get a strap and tie them together yourself. In reality - they will stay in place just fine. I sleep with my GF always and we do great without attaching the pads together.
This is a popular / budget option:
They also make an insulated version if you'll be out in colder temps.
Just thought I’d chime in here and say if you are looking at getting the klymit static v Amazon has it on sale today for 41 bucks and some change
Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad, Green/Char Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4wRTzb65DNP21
I picked up one of these a couple years back and it was one of the better camping purchases I've ever made. Packs down small and light, but also very very comfortable.
I'm just going to drop in and advocate approaching backpacking with the ultralight philosophy. The key principle behind ultralight is to bring only what you need for any given trip and, ideally, nothing more.
Now I'm not saying don't pack things that will add value to your trip, but one of the biggest pitfalls to backpacking is packing in your fears. When people first start, they often bring more changes of clothes than necessary, safety gear to outfit an expedition company, and an entire kitchen - sink included. However, most people will discover that if they can lighten the load on their shoulders, they will end up enjoying trips much more.
So with all that in mind, let's talk about gear more specifically. If you're just getting started, it's best to borrow gear if possible. Sans that option, trying cheap gear is totally reasonable. However as with any hobby, there can be massive differences your random Amazon gear and even the bottom-of-the-barrel hobbyist gear. If you expect you'll want to pursue backpacking more in the future, consider looking into the ultralight and ultracheap gear list recommendations as well as the alternative options.
Since we're looking at coastal trips in California, you can safely estimate lows to be no lower than 40° unless you're truly up in the mountains. Sleeping pad-wise I'd recommend either an inflatable like the Klymit Static V or a CCF pad like the Z-Lite Sol or RidgeRest. I hesitate to recommend an ultralight quilt for a first-timer due to cost, but for reference a 30° HammockGear Econ Burrow weighs 18.62 oz, whereas the one OP linked weighs ~4 lbs.
There's a lot more to be said than what I've mentioned, so I invite y'all to check out /r/ultralight for more discussions on ultralight philosophies and gear. The wiki is a tremendously helpful resource as well. If any of you want a [pack shakedown](I'll most likely either be out in Texas or climbing Shasta for the weekend this trip will be planned, but have fun out there!) to have someone look over your gear list, feel free to reply or DM me, and I'll try to get back to you when I can. I'll most likely either be out in Texas or climbing Shasta for the weekend this trip will be planned, but have fun out there!
Also paging /r/ulnorcal - /u/Sharp_LR35902 /u/id3550
Well I'm not sure if you did this but since I never owned a lot of camping gear, I went through and bought everything we could need but in the smallest size available.
So a nice resource is REI, you can check out their allotment of "backpacking tents" I actually used my husband's hunting tent, so it's quite old and possibly discontinued. This was the closest I could find, I believe this is the newer model and slightly larger. I have my tarp buckled to the tent bag.
Next up, sleeping bag. My bag is quite compact, I 'splurged' here even though it was still considered entry level at REI. The previous bags I've owned have all been the kind with cotton flannel lining inside which packs bulky. This has a super small footprint and the bag it fits in has straps that can be tightened down, making it even smaller. This leads us to a sleeping pad which I picked up on Amazon, here's the exact same one for reference, again, it packs REALLY small but the downfall obviously is the sacrifice in comfort. This is what I use for a pillow, it's pretty bitchin' the innards are memory foam material but it's chopped up to allow it to roll into itself when packed up. My buddy's got a blow up pillow which IIRC he wasn't a huge fan of. I'm personally not a huge fan of using air as support, mattress or otherwise, I just don't find it terribly comfortable.
Now we still bring furniture but only a chair and a fold up table, I cannot say enough about this chair, the price may be a bit steep for what you get but it's really well constructed and packs down really well. On top of which it's comfortable as hell. My friend brings his fold up table of similar build which you can find all over Amazon as well.
In terms of cookware, this is typically sufficient to get us through a weekend, I've never been on a moto-camping trip that has lasted more than 3-4 days. And we're usually not too far from civilization so we always go in to town for a meal or two. However, it's not very fun when you don't get to play house at the camp site so we typically bring or buy locally, ramen, soup, sausages. Anything that involves boiling or cooking on an open fire on a stick. Of course, it's always important to bring coffee, so my friend brings his collapsible kettle and I bring my AeroPress and with our powers combined, we are able to whip up a nice cup of joe. Coffee is an absolute must for us camping so this is top priority haha. I've also brought along a collapsible cooler, it does the job though not very well but it's good enough to keep the beers at a drinkable temp the whole night
Because of the duration of my trips, everything I listed along with toiletries, clothing, food aside from my tent, oh! I always bring a tire plug as well. I've gone through a couple iterations of how I packed up but it mostly stays the same. So what I realized in the process of typing this out, the original photo I posted wasn't the load for a camping trip. So there wasn't any camping gear in that bag, only clothes, etc for a trip I did to SF. Here's what the bike looked like for one of my camping trips, think this was the first one so it wasn't very efficient.. The North Face bag I have for reference is 71 litres. Here's what our camp site looks like, minimal to say the least but it's always more about the ride up, we only choose camp sites in fun locations. Last place I even did some off roading on the RR which was insane, that poor bike, RIP.
Please feel free to contact me, if you got any more questions. I'm still learning at this point but don't mind sharing what knowledge I have w/ another enthusiast. Doesn't look like I'll be camping any time soon since my focus has changed to club racing this year.
Last edit: We buy a lot of provisions in town namely water, beer, firewood and if needed, food to cook up.
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.
/r/ultralight has their cheap and light gear list.
For a pad they have the thermarest zlite sol which is $45. (Similar CCF pads can be found for cheaper although they might not last as long) If you cant stand sleeping on a thin pad then a common suggestion is a klymit pad. The regular static v is $32. The insulated static v
For a quilt the go to for inexpensive ones is probably the Hammock Gear econ burrow a 40°F standard length, wide quilt will be $163 and weighs in at 19oz. I would avoid going with many bags you find on Amazon unless it's a trusted manufacturer. You dont want to skimp on your insulation.
> Insulated Static V Lite
Is it the same as this one for $38.32? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=twister_B01C3RW88Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Great.
Down is more compact than synthetic insulation. Down also costs more, so it's a trade off. If you've got the money - definitely get down.
It also depends on what temp rating you need. I have 1 for winter trips (rated for 0F) and 1 for 3-season use (rated for 30F).
The Kelty Cosmit Down 20F is a relatively cheap, versatile, and quality sleeping bag. It's down and compacts to 10 liters. $150
I do recommend a sleeping pad. They provide both comfort and insulation. You can get away with a warmer sleeping bag if you have a pad underneath you. It may save you some money/weight in the sleeping bag department.
Closed cell foam (CCF) sleeping pads like the Therm-a-Rest ZLite are cheap and indestructible.
A pad like the Klymit Static V is only $41 and even more comfortable and compact. Definitely worth the investment.
Dehydrating your own food is a great move. I got an Excalibur machine last year and it's great.
Check out /r/trailmeals for ideas.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RFG0NM/ref=abs_brd_tag_dp?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Packs down small and is pretty comfy on the ground, so I'd assume it's comfier on a cot.. maybe
I'm also a side sleeper. This last Xmas trip I used this three-layer combo: air pad (Klymit Static V) on top of a thick closed-cell foam pad (something better than the thin blue pads) on top of a doubled-up sheet of Reflectix.
I slept like a (big, hairy, snoring) baby. The cost was less than $80.
After shipping, it's basically the same price Amazon always has it at. Plus this doesn't ship for 3 weeks, Amazon has it on Prime. http://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Lightweight-Sleeping-Green/dp/B007RFG0NM