BIG AGNES Unisex's Insulated Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pads, Turquoise, 20x72 (Regular)

Product Information

We’ve improved materials and construction with new double rip-stop and aviation grade TPU lamination technology,” McElwain said. Light weight, comfort, and durability are three holy grails of sleeping pad design. This year, Big Agnes took a stab at “upping the ante” in the category, hiring a former equipment designer from The North Face, Will McElwain, and giving its Q-Core and Air Core sleeping pads a reboot. We had a hunch that reducing the relief, the height difference between the peaks and valleys, and making the pad surface more even would increase the comfort of the pad,” he told us. “After a half dozen prototypes that involved varying the distance between each weld, I-Beam height, and number of I-Beams, we found the optimal combination.” It’s all about the I-beams, McElwain said. He zeroed in on the contours of the sleep surface as a big opportunity to make a better pad.

Big Agnes Q-Core Reviews - Trailspace

There are two standout notes on the Q-Core’s I-beams. First, the offset quilted pattern replaces standard parallel I-beam construction, preventing you from sliding on the pad. Second, the outermost I-beams on both sides are slightly larger, which creates a cradle that holds you near the center of the pad. ‘Ultimate Durability’Recommended Reading: Expanded Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation Why We Like The Big Agnes Rapide Sl Insulated Sleeping Pad One of the biggest downfalls of the Q-Core SL is how long it takes to inflate by mouth. It was also quite slow to deflate and proved to be difficult to compress the air out of the pad. Big Agnes has fabulous customer service. Each time I sent one for replacement, I had the new one within 10 days of sending it ( I shipped it via Priority Mail). For the record, they have redesigned and improved the Insulated Air Cores now. One of my favorite enhancements to this pad is the slightly higher side tubes, making it easier to stay on the pad without rolling off; and it just felt more comfortable to "lean" against something, however small, while side sleeping. The quilted pattern felt more comfortable than the straight tube design also, and helped avoid sliding off the end of the pad.

Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Insulated Ultralight Camping Pad

Total weight for this pad falls between 15-22 ounces, depending on the model size (66-78 inches long, and 20- or 25-inch widths). I feel like this pad is as durable as any other of the inflatables. The material is thinner than what you would find on a self inflating pad, but this is tradeoff is what makes it so much lighter. Overall, I am not worried about puncturing it under normal conditions and while being generally careful. McElwain’s “micro air adjustment” is a tiny ball that sits in the center of the inflate valve. You can press it to allow a little air to escape, reducing the pad’s stiffness. It works just like a presta valve on a bike tire. Right For You?This pad proved to be very warm staying true to its advertised R value of 5. I used it in temperatures of 38°F. I am a cold sleeper though so I definitely need a high R value pad. I own the 27 oz 20" x 72" x 3.5" size. I am 5’4” and it is plenty long enough for me. If you are concerned about its weight, Big A does make a lighter version, the Q-Core SL. It is 10 ounces lighter, but substantially less comfortable. It is still comfortable, don't get me wrong, but the Q-Core's comfort is in another league. I personally am very happy with my decision to carry the heavier and more comfortable Q-core. First thought was that I was buying an air mattress. Why would I want to do that? They pop! They are bulky. They smell like plastic!!!

Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Pillow – Valley and Peak Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Pillow – Valley and Peak

I would very much recommend this product to my closest friends and even my enemies! (I will sleep well on my Q Core regardless!). Well worth the money! Overall I am happy with the pad so far, and assuming it will last like my other pad, I would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade or get a new pad. The Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pad brings increased comfort without weighing us down or sacrificing durability for our missions into the wilderness. Primaloft Silver and heat-reflective technology combine to help you stay warm in temperatures right below freezing, and the quilted top aids in keeping you comfortable throughout the night. I-Beam construction reduces weight in places that dont disrupt the pads structural integrity, which means you get a stable platform during sleeping at a lower weight. I found that I did slip a bit on the pad during the night, a little more so than on my Therm-a-rest. The Q-Core is made of a lighter and more slippery material. The slipping was minimal and it didn't bother me much. Earlier this year I bought a 12′ x 14′ Deluxe Wall Tent from you and wanted to share a few pictures of my two trips in Northern Alberta. I was the most comfortable I’ve been in 30 years. The tent performed flawlessly. The tent was put to the test. We had everything from a heat wave, rain, snow and 90 km./hr. winds. Our November trip went from -15 with a foot of snow to rain and then -25 with 2 1/2 feet of snow. I’m so glad I bought a quality product. Please don’t sacrifice quality in the future. Also, please forward my thank you to your family for a great job.”This is my first experience with an inflatable pad but I tested a few of them in the store. I couldn't justify upgrading to any of those 2.5 inch air pad that was only slightly more comfortable than my 2 inch Therm-a-rest Self Inflating Trail Comfort Large until I found this pad. Here you can see the quilted baffles in the Q-Core compared to the vertical baffles in the Insulated Air Core. Now for the bad news... When you move on the pad—roll over, turn—it makes a rather loud noise. If alone, this is no problem. When camping with others it can be so loud it disrupts their sleep (but so does my snoring—so if they can deal with that, Q Core sqeaks are nothing!).

Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX - Air Chamber Sleeping Pad Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX - Air Chamber Sleeping Pad

Its primary selling point is its high elasticity and abrasion resistance. This allows the Q-Core SLX to be inflated, stuffed, re-inflated, and re-stuffed ad nauseam without risk of fatiguing or ripping the surface. ‘Superlight,’ Micro AdjustmentI have inflated it by mouth and I remember it taking less than 2 minutes. I found it to be a little bit more difficult to inflate than my previous Big Agnes pads, but it wasn't really a major difference. I use the Big Agnes Pumphouse to inflate it now though. When I use it, I don’t have to re-inflate it before going to bed because the air inside it is not moist. When properly inflated using the Pumphouse, I have found that it takes around 11-13 pumps to fully inflate it. But it also left feet of snow and chest-high water crossings on the Mogollon Rim late into the hiking season - some hikers were snowshoeing that section!