Big Agnes

Insulated Air Core Ultra

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra

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Overall

#25 in

Sleeping Pads

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score55% positive
6
3
2

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 18, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconaDuckedUpGoose
10 months ago

Might be an issue specific to the pad or your back. We can be pretty particular when it comes to sleep, and it can take a few tries to really dial it in. I have a big Agnes air core pad. I don't think it's warm enough for winter camping but I've been comfortable laying on my back on it. I do usually side sleep, but I wake up on my back often and sometimes just lay on it to relax at the end of the day.

Reddit IconCavalleria-rusticana
11 months ago

This is the biggest drawback I had with the equivalent burnt orange Big Agnes Air Core Insulated, but BA replaced it at no cost within a week ^((although now it's the Divide Insulated Pad in a quite awful yellow and slightly lower r-Value...))

Reddit IconJeffH13
10 months ago

One issue I have with the Klymit pad is that it’s pretty thin, only a couple inches when inflated. That means it has to be full of air - which makes it very firm - or at least that’s what mine feels like. I use a Big Agnes insulated air core long version for my backpacking trips and letting just a bit of air out makes it feel softer.

about 2 months ago

What isn’t comfortable? At home I’m a back sleeper, in the wild my 20” Big Agnes inflatable is a bit narrow so my arms drop to the ground. That means I’ll turn sideways a couple times each night. I also have a Outdoor Vitals long inflatable which is wider at the top although a slight weight and space penalty. The OV also has slightly oversized side rails to help keep centered on top. I still move the same, turns out I don’t sleep quite as well away from home.

Reddit Iconletsgetschwif-ty
6 months ago

At Philmont, even in summer, you’re going to be dealing with elevation, cold ground and nights that can dip into the 30s. In those conditions, an R-value around 4.0 or higher is a safe target if you want consistent and comfortable sleep yk. A tent doesn’t provide insulation on its own so your pad is doing almost all the work underneath you. That’s why an insulated air pad makes a lot more sense than an uninsulated one for this use case…I’d recommend: - the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (regular or MAX) OR - the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra If you’re on a tighter budget, the REI Flash Insulated would probably be better. There are these [ultralight sleeping pads](https://alaskanarrows.com/5-best-ultralight-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking/) that you can also look into

Reddit Icon_MountainFit
8 months ago

Klymit is durable. It's like 70D. But my dog has a big Agnes aircore insulated and it's holding up. Probably 40D outer I've got a Rab hypersphere 7.5 down filled and it's 20D outer. Also holding up but it only have a few trips, so time will tell. Klymit is heavy, not warm but durable. It's my summer pad.

Reddit Iconoaklicious
7 months ago

I have a Big Agnes Air Core pad. Coupled with a Sea to Summit pillow it packs down to the size of a large beer can and is more comfortable than most hotel beds. I have a little pump (believe it’s called Little Giant) that inflates and deflates it for me easily, and in a pinch can be really helpful for starting fires!

11 months ago

Big Agnes inflatable pad and Sea to Summit Pillow. More comfortable than my mattress at home. Also if you’re camping with a partner, maybe try investing in a 2 person pad? I rented a Big Agnes inflatable pad with my ex and it was insanely comfortable, covered most of the floor of our tent with a big comfy pad.

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Rankings by Use Case

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