Q-Core SL Insulated

I’ve had a big Agnes q core SLT (like green) r value around 4. It was amazing. Lasted two seasons, then started a slow leak that was not able to find. I ended up throwing it out but 10/10 would buy again. I’m a side sleeper/stomach sleeper and it was perfect for me. 5’8 200lb

they do weight a ton but imo weight is much less of an issue on a motorcycle than volume is. I admit i havent tried any true high end ones but I had the big agnes Q-cure and now I have gear doctor large. It'll do the job if you have no room to spare but I still prefer the huge walmart ones.

I had the BA Q-Core for a few years until it too developed a slow leak. Thought I had maybe punctured it during a desert trip (thorns, needles and such). Did a soap smear to check for leaks. Turned out to be a material separation between the valve and the air mat portion. Glue just gave out, I guess. Called up Big Agnes and sent them an REI screenshot of my purchase date. BA was cool enough to send me a replacement of the Q-Core (discontinued) with the Rapide SL (current equivalent). Can’t say that either air mat is “ultralight,” but they are warm (good R ratings) and comfortable. As a 3-season High Sierra hiker, sleeping through very cold nights near glacial lakes is a big deal for me. Big Agnes makes great mats, sleeping bags, and tents. Their stuff is made to be durable without making comfort a secondary consideration. Yeah, I’m a fan.

Big Agnes Q-core, they make a wide / long one with a Decent R- value that still rolls up to about the size of a Nalgene. About 3 - 4 inches thick I believe.

I’ve had an Exped DownMat for several years. It’s amazing. My last sleep setup was a Big Agnes bag with their Q-Core pad. Agree, too narrow and low R value. Sold them both and got the Exped. I’ve slept in my truck bed, on a plywood deck, many times. The Exped is pretty damn nice, and I’m a 225 lb side sleeper. Do it, OP, you’ll be glad!

Be wary of uninsulated air mattresses in mild temps.  I bought 2x Big Agnes insulated pads for my twins, along with the BA kid’s sleeping bags for our twins. This is more of a backpacking setup, but works great for car camping and living room camping.  The bags have a sleeve on the bottom so you can slide the pad inside. Helps keep them in the bag and on the pad - again - cause the cold ground can give them a chill. 

I’ve got 2 BA pads for my kids but haven’t had any issues with them at all, but they don’t seem anywhere as nice as my Nemo Tensors. A buddy has an BA pad and did get it replaced via warranty.  With that said, my Nemo Tensors have been amazing and one of them lasted over 7 years. Got it replaced very easily with Nemo, too!

I just went through this. I’m 6’ 260 pounds (muscle of course). I went with the big Agnes SL wide long. I browsed the others. Sleep and warmth are important. Be my first trip for canoe back country this weekend.