Thanks for the articles, great information! After reading one of the articles I think we are going with the Kelty 20 Dri Down sleeping bags. Still up in the air on the sleeping pads will probably check some out today at the local outdoors store. Haven't really researched the quilts & first I have heard of them but really leaning towards the sleeping pad. Also plan on looking at backpacks today & its overwhelming the information on backpacks. Plan on checking out the Osprey because they are lighter than Gregory but from what I read the fit is more important than the weight of the pack.