Sleeping Gear

I would like to get everyone's opinion on what sleeping gear to use. I am planning a trip to Tennessee next May to do Erwin to either Watauga or Demascus and I am trying to figure out what I need for sleeping gear. I would love to get a nice bag but if I find a light weight bag it is way out of my price range and if I get one within my range the weight is going to be 6-9lbs.

At the end of May, would I even need a bag or could I get by with a tarp and a wool blanket. I want to be on the trail for 7-10 days and would like to keep my gear at about 30lbs including food.

My wife is not happy about me doing this (because of some medical problems) so my budget is extremely limited. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First question:

What is your price range?

I have an Alpine 20 from Sports Authority.

It weighs 3 lb 4 oz including the stuff sack and a plastic bag.

I used it last year in Colorado. I was given a diffent bag this year, but my son still uses his. Neither one of us uses a pad under the bag.

We are comfortable down about 25 degrees in them. But that's with extra clothes on and we both sleep warm.

So far the bags aren't showing any signs of wear and we have been out a lot.

Right now, it's on sale for $29.99. It's marked down from $59.99.

To add to the topic. It's funny you came along as I've been thinking of Sgt. Rock's 300 challenge..

Rather than making it philosophical, I was going to add the requirement to spend 3 weekends out with it.

I'm usually one to recommend spending the money to buy intermediate gear or maybe stick to hiking instead. But now I'm not so sure.

The one thing I did decide is experience can make up for cheap gear. Yes, sometimes it may get uncomfortable, but long night's end. And it's hard to be cold while hiking except in extreme conditions. This means a new person will benefit from trying their gear out in their backyard or car camping. It's essential to get some rainy days.

It's likely you have most of the clothes you need around the house. Any pair of synthetic athletic pants will work. A lot of people hike in shorts. Any synthetic shirt will work.

To help prevent blisters, I'd suggest wool socks from Smartwool. But if you aren't prone to blisters a thin synthetic sock MIGHT work. You'd have to test it.

If I were going super cheap I wouldn't use a stove. Some will recommend a homemade alcohol stove. I've never been able to get one to work.

Hiking shoes are preferable to running shoes as they don't slip on the hills as much. If you can find a cheap pair on sale, they will work for a 10 day trip. Just be sure they are comfortable.

I'd stay away from cheap ponchos. But a military poncho will work. It's not the best, but many like them.

You will need some kind of jacket. Try ones you may have around the house. Also some long john tops.

I backpacked for 2 years without a pack. Google Yukon packs and you will find some designs you can make using your tarp for the bag.

For a tent, you can use an 8 x 10 tarp and a lightweight ground cloth. But you will need some experience in the rain to see what setup actually works. You COULD use a blue tarp, it's a bit heavy and you will get condensation if there isn't enough ventilation. But it's what I used on some trips as a kid.

Abnrml1,

I've been through that section in very early April. You could have a cold snap I guess, but by the time I got to Erwin (love that stop) I was mostly sleeping on top of my bag, though I was wearing clothes. Trail Days in Damascus are usually pretty warm. If you have a base layer like wool undies, and maybe one of those military surplus sleeping bag covers (usually really cheap) a fleece bag liner would be safe and cheap (and snuggly).

Have a really good trip. That's great hiking country. Best, jcp

Hmm... you haven't listed how much is the maximum you can spend. Kelty makes some decent light weight down sleeping bags which are often on sale at sierra trading post and campmor for just under $100.

Wool blanket + warm clothing is something that could work.. but I would encourage you to try it before you take your trip, maybe in your backyard when
the night time is likely to be the same as what you expect to be the coldest on your trip. The other possibility is to find a high loft bed quilt at a thrift shop. They won't be as light weight as down quilts designed for backpacking, but one made from a twin bed can be reasonably light and quite warm at a reasonable price. If you haven't tried it before, you might want to experiment with sleeping sitting up

The Str Rock $300 challenge is a good place to get some ideas. I also collected some idea on my backpacking for cheap page