I think a quality tent and sleeping bag are key. I like the Kerry Gunnison 2 tent. My dad has one, I have one and my sons each have one. They have a good footprint, dual doors and vestibules and are very water tight in a storm. They are a little longer, but narrower than some others, but I am tall, so that is good. The only downside is they are a little heavy. REI has sales on them.