I am a leader for a high school age group for boys that is similar to boy scouts. We are currently working on a backpacking merit. We are in need of some tents and sleeping bags that are backpack friendly. We don't have unlimited funds but in my experience better quality gear is worth the money. Any suggestions?

Will these belong to the kids or remain property of the school? That might make a difference in what you buy. School property needs to be bombproof and easily cleaned.

the chef

It will belong to the church. The boys will use them under supervision.

Your point is the very reason I asked. Thanks

As a Scout leader for years, I found that Kelty tents, especially the A frame type, were rugged and held up well without being too expensive. Two boys can split the tent to carry and keep packs within a reasonalbe weight limit.

We did not provide sleeping bags but there are several brand name synthetic fill bags that work well and are not expensive. The trade off with these is weight.

Campmor has some pretty good buys, the latest catalog they sent has some reasonable prices for sleeping bags.

campmor.com I think, I've always been happy with my orders.

Alps in New Haven MO provides a substantual discount to the scouts. You might want to contact them.

Try "Outdooroutlet.com". They have seconds and closeouts. We normally outfit our scouts from this site. Kelty is an OK tent for the buck.
Good hiking.