Tent & Sleeping bag?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey my girlfriend and i want to buy some new camping equipment and sleeping bags and tents are on top of our list. We need something waterproof and windproof foremost. The last tent we have i sealed the seams and waterproofed the sides and it still leaked. She's 5'3" and i'm 6' so sized sleeping bags are a must, we prefer mummy bags. Any other accessories that would go along with it are a must, i kind of like a vestibule for gear & shoes also. Footprints, are they really worth it? It needs to be fairly cheap, but not worthless junk from walmart.

 

[omaha-beenglockin]

What kind of temp and conditions you planning on being in? ie-summer--winter--mountains--etc.....

 

[Apebrains]

Given that I don't know anything about your intended conditions, I'd recommend these:

For a 2 person tent, the three best I know of under your specifications:

MSR Hubba Hubba
Nemo Losi 2p
Marmot Aura 2p

In no particular order. If you're looking for something a little more interesting and very tough and light and small packing to boot, check out Nemo's Morpho 2p. Literally the future of tent technology. Amazing little thing (well, not that little). Lacks a little in the vestibule department, but makes up for it with loads of internal space, EXTREME ease of setup, huge toughness points, and tons of other pluses. Definitely worth a look if your budget is just a bit higher.

For sleeping bags, I'd suggest going with one of Marmot's Membrain bags, as they are waterproof, but very breathable. I have a Marmot Helium 15° Membrain down bag. Waterproof, warm as hell, and built to Marmot's extremely high quality standards. Also light weight, and packs reasonably small.

For warmer conditions, I'd suggest one of Mountain Hardwear's numerous bags. I like their bags a lot, and they have a lot of nice features. My 35° bag from them is on loan to a friend in the Amazon right now. I also have a -40° synthetic bag from them, but that's only used in the iciest conditions, or it'll smoke you right out of the bag. It also doesn't stuff very small at all. If you were to need a very low numbered bag like this, and aren't on a budget, I'd suggest one of Marmot's.

I also suggest exploring Mont Bell's bags as well. I haven't owned one, but everyone I've talked to who has gives them glowing reviews.

Also, make sure you don't just go to the first big retailer and buy. Sales are happening year round on this gear, so shop around. Check Mountain Gear, Backcountry, and Moosejaw first. These three guys have stellar customer service, good deals on a regular basis, and make sure to take care of their customers.

Yes, footprints are worth it. DO NOT go cheap if you expect your stuff to last. Take the extra time to save, and you'll have gear that will last you a lifetime, and that can make your lifetime last.

Got any other questions, or if you have parameters for me, shoot 'em my way.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

No winter camping. Spring, summer, fall. possibly rain or thunderstorms, but not on purpose of course. I carry minimal gear, but if camping at a campground like to be able to put my gear inside a vestibule away and out of site. I was looking at a kelty grand mesa 4 for two of us. There may be 3 people, but more than likely just the two of us. I like individual mummy bags because theyre easier to clean and pack.

 

[storl]

Hey my girlfriend and i want to buy some new camping equipment and sleeping bags and tents are on top of our list. We need something waterproof and windproof foremost. The last tent we have i sealed the seams and waterproofed the sides and it still leaked. She's 5'3" and i'm 6' so sized sleeping bags are a must, we prefer mummy bags. Any other accessories that would go along with it are a must, i kind of like a vestibule for gear & shoes also. Footprints, are they really worth it? It needs to be fairly cheap, but not worthless junk from walmart.

How cheap is fairly cheap? A decent tent from a respected manufacturer is going to retail for at least $200 and will get more expensive than that real fast.

Sleeping bags will be in the same price range. Synthetic is cheaper and more water resistant than down, but it is heavier and will take up more of your pack.

 

[Macchina]

Hey my girlfriend and i want to buy some new camping equipment and sleeping bags and tents are on top of our list.

Well, in your (unmarried) situation you're obviously looking for two separate tents. I'd reccomend two Eureka 2XTA tents. They will fit a 6' man comfortably and have plenty of room for gear in the tent and room for backpacks in the Vestibules.
After you are married, you can upgrade to the Eureka 3XTA. I use it often for 2-3 people and it has been the most robust tent with the most features for the weight I have ever used (been backpacking since 6th grade).
As far as sleeping bags go, I have had good luck with Lafuma brand. Go to your local outdoors store and feel them. I'd buy 5-10 degrees above rating for a man and 10-20 degrees above rating for a woman.
If you plan on spending more than half a night in your tent, pick up a sleeping mat as well. I have had very good luck with types of Therm-a-Rest mats, and have had nothing but bad luck with Slumberjack and other no-name mats.