Hello,
I am a part time White Blazer. I do 1-2 weeks a year on the AT each year and have for the last three years. I love the hiking but not really a fan of sleeping in the woods because I can never sleep through the night. I started at Springer 3 years ago and I am at mile marker 606 (Trent's Grocery). Each trip I adjust my gear based on my experience. Last year it was a new tent. This year I am looking for a better sleep setup. I currently use a Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad and an Enlightened Equipment 20 degree quilt.
My issues with this setup are: I wake up a lot part of it is because the pad makes my arms go to sleep (stomach sleeper) and part of it is because it is generally too cold to not have a quilt on me but I sweat under the 20 degree quilt so I can't keep it on me.
I am thinking of getting a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite pad which should save me a few ounces and hopefully be more comfortable and a 50 degree quilt from Enlightened Equipment. I will get the long quilt so it reaches over my head without pulling my leg up like I have to now.
My question is, is there anything better I should look at? I am aware of what this stuff costs. I am not rich by any stretch but I can budget for nice hiking gear. I will never have the nicest car made or the biggest house, but dammit I can have the best sleeping pad or quilt made.