Because it isn't insulated, we don't recommend this pad if you expect to encounter snow or cold weather. 93 Products in Big Agnes Sleeping Bags Reviews reset Show. It comes with a larger outer chamber to keep you cradled at the center of the pad. There are some updates to the valve, too — it features a micro-air adjustment button so you can adjust the amount of air going in/out. The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX is an excellent balance of warmth, weight, comfort, and durability. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. We feel that the high comfort level and solid three-season usability make this pad a solid competitor and thus a decent value. We also accept some of the responsibility as we were pumping the pad up to use as a floaty. That said, even on the Big Agnes website, multiple people reported having issues with this pad holding air through the night. Some pads are just too stiff to allow for this. However, the vertical baffles are deep and are much less comfortable than shallower baffles found on pads like the Exped SynMat 7. Since that time, other pad designs have emerged that we like better (specifically: air construction with baffled insulation). How can we improve GearLab? Let us know! While pads with tight baffles and narrow channels have almost eliminated the annoying bounce felt in early sleeping pads, the Q-Core SLX still has a bit of the annoying bounciness when shifting around. The Air Core series pads made a mark on the sleeping pad market when Big Agnes introduced them. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. We were impressed with how packable the Q-Core was. I have an older model Big Agnes mattress (a insulated double z) that I love using, other than inflating it after a long day backpacking, especially at elevations (I'm an older guy). The valve is situated on the side of the pad keeping it out of the way. As pictured, the Air Core has very deep baffles. It uses a new flat valve for easy inflation and deflation, and Big Agnes’ custom patterned ripstop for heightened durability. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The Big Agnes Air Core scored poorly in our review, but may be a good budget option if you can't afford a more luxurious sleeping pad. When under-inflated, some testers complained that vertically baffled pads like the Air Core can feel bouncy. More importantly though, it has provided some of the most comfortable nights we have ever had in the woods – followed by rested, energized mornings. As our main pad tester this year is an aging Xennial (born in 85) the massive amount of padding offered by the Q-Core was greatly appreciated. … It packs up super small and is a good choice when you want to go light but not skimp out on your sleeping comfort. The Venture scored much higher (and retails for just $70 in the regular size) thus winning our Best Buy Award. That said, the Q-Core is a decent weight for how well it performs. The weight, comfort, and warmth are all on point, but the overall package does lag behind some of the ultralights yet high performing offerings on the market currently. Stow this pad and your sleeping bag inside your bivy sack and cram this bundle into the bottom of your pack. R-Value: 3.2 (32F) Weight: 16 oz (6-foot length) Inflation: 30-50+, comes with Inflation Sack (use it!) Big Agnes has also added an insulated version of this pad, the Insulated Air Core Ultra. I first bought the AXL Air Insulated in April 2018 to replace my Thermarest NeoAir Xlite. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The Air Core Ultra (an air construction pad) is a new take on a model that has been on the market for years and was a popular alternative to the self-inflating options of the day. Big Agnes inspires you to get outside with our comfortable and durable down sleeping bags, lightweight tents, self-inflating sleeping pads, and down jackets. This pad packs down to a little over one and a half liters. Sleeping in the backcountry isn’t always easy, but a good pad makes a huge difference. It is nothing compared to early inflatable sleeping pads and a far cry from the dangerously bouncy inflatable mattresses your relatives pull out of the garage when you come to visit but, the bounce is present. Summer camping at low elevation – look for a lower R-Value. The 4x7.5 inch packed size is pretty reasonable considering how big this pad is when it's inflated. With 4-inches of thickness, this pad gets the award for providing the most comfortable sleep. Big Agnes Q … The Big Agnes Tents have the best selling tents that strike as an excellent balance between weight, livability, convenience, and weather protection. No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we'll... We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Superior warmth, small packed size, light, Lightweight, warm for the weight, packs small, comfortable, versatile, Comfortable, dual air chambers are redundant, quiet, warm, stable, and supportive, Warm, durable, wide, quality construction, Expensive, edges not as stable as other pad designs, Ready for all adventures, this versatile model doesn't disappoint, With a warmth to weight ratio that is off the charts, this is one of our favorite pads of all time, A comfortable, lightweight, and versatile sleeping pad that has withstood the test of time, Ideal for folks who think sleeping pads cannot provide mega comfort; prove them wrong, A true all around sleeping pad that offers exceptional four season comfort, thoughtful design, and durable build. Might have done the trick your limits in the regular size ) thus winning our best buy award bargain. 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