Is anyone actually happy with their current sleep system or am I just chasing the ultralight dragon?
I feel like I'm stuck in this endless loop of upgrading my sleeping setup and it's getting ridiculous. Right now I'm running a much lighter quilt setup with a fairly thin inflatable pad, and while my base weight is down, I am absolutely freezing on anything under 45 degrees. I spent most of last weekend in the Cascades shivering through the night even though the forecast said it would stay mild. It's frustrating because I thought I had the 'perfect' setup for spring/fall hiking, but I spent more time adjusting my sleeping bag than actually sleeping.
I'm looking at potentially switching back to a slightly heavier down bag or maybe investing in a higher R-value pad, but I hate the idea of adding another pound to my pack just for a bit of comfort. I've seen some people swear by those thick, heavy self-inflating pads, but the bulk alone seems like a nightmare for long distance treks.
For those of you who have settled on a setup that actually works, what's your balance? Do you prioritize warmth and sleep quality even if it means a heavier pack, or have you found a way to stay warm with minimal weight? I'm specifically curious if anyone has had good luck with those high-end lightweight pads that actually hold air all night. I've had issues with cheap ones leaking by 3 AM, and I don't want to throw more money at something that's just going to deflate halfway through a trip. Any specific brands or combos you've found to be the sweet spot for temperature vs weight? #hiking #camping #activity source