Big agnes Rapide SL is my favourite pad. I had it's predecessor, QCore SLX and it lasted me a decade and we camp ~50 nights a year all in all seasons and all different kinds of trips.
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
AI says they have an R value of 1.5 to 2.0. That makes them suitable for warm weather camping only. A single pad like this is not suitable for a Sept/Oct trip in Nortern NY. Remember that a sleeping bag compresses under your body weight, so you need a warm pad to insulate you from the ground if it's cold. Doesn't matter what your sleeping bag is rated at.
R-vauies are additive, so you can stack them to get extra warmth. Or you can put them under a warm sleeping pad to make it warmer. I have a z pad that I put under my R4.5 big agnes pad when it's very cold
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!
Top Sleeping Pads on Reddit
1
Exped
MegaMat Series
92% positive of 454 users
Car camping comfort champ, but some side sleepers find it thin.
Matty2tees
