r/camping • u/cwcoleman • Apr 04 '24

2024 /r/Camping Beginner Question Thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here.

Check out the /r/Camping Wiki and the /r/CampingandHiking Wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear' and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information.

/r/Camping Wiki

/r/CampingandHiking Wiki

Previous Beginner Question Threads

2023 Beginner Thread

Fall 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Summer 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Spring 2022 /r/Camping Thread

List of all /r/CampingandHiking Weekly Threads

[EDIT: this years post has become - 'ask a question and r/cwcoleman will reply'. That wasn't the intention. It's mainly because I get an alert when anyone posts, because I'm OP this year. Plus I'm online often and like to help!

Please - anyone and everyone is welcome to ask and answer questions. Even questions that I've already replied to. A second reply that backs up my advice, or refutes it, is totally helpful. I'm only 1 random internet person, all of r/camping is here. The more the marrier!!!]

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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '25

[deleted]

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u/cwcoleman Jun 25 '25

If you add 2 details it will help give more specific recommendations:

  1. temperature - what low temp do you plan to sleep in? what do you want the sleeping bag rated for?

  2. budget - how much money do you have to spend on this gear?

It looks like a 'quilt' would be the ideal solution for you. They are way more comfortable compared to mummy bags, yet still work well for camping (pack small). They come in all types and sizes. The 'wide' models are very common, and what I always pick.

A top brand is Enlightened Equipment, check it out:

https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-sleeping-quilt/

2

u/[deleted] Jun 25 '25

[deleted]

2

u/cwcoleman Jun 25 '25

I think so - yes.

The key is to get a quality quilt with the right amount of down. The low quality brands will straight up lie about their warmth numbers.

I also highly recommend getting the 'wide' size. You can tuck it under you for extra warmth (less drafty).

The $150 budget will make it harder to get the best brands. But if you search for quality quilts I bet you'll find something close.

Check this: https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-backpacking-quilts/