Backpacking Gear

Synthetic Sleeping Bags: still insulates when wet. Up-front cost is lower, but heavier and bulkier and have a shorter lifespan.

Down Sleeping Bags: not ideal in very wet environments. Higher up-front cost, but lighter, packs smaller and lasts much longer.

Aeros Down Pillows are light and amazingly compact. Both sizes pack down into a stuff sack that will easily fit into a shirt pocket.

In a self-inflating sleeping mat, the thicker the foam core, the more comfortable it is. 2" is comfortable, 3" is luxurious. In an air mat, stability (not thickness) is key. The more points of suspension, the more stable the mat.