Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad > Curt Peterson > Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad - Final

Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad - Final Report: November 2002

www.bigagnes.com

***NOTE***

The following is an edited version of my Big Agnes Horse Thief sleeping bag reviews tested here at BackpackGearTest.org that focuses on the Air Core Mummy sleeping pad.  All information below can also be found in the Horse Thief review.

Below you'll find:

1. Big Agnes Air Core Weights and Measurements
2. Final Report and Comments
3. Final Summary, Contact, and Background Information

1.  Big Agnes Air Core Weights and Measurements

Weights of Big Agnes Air Core Mummy size Long:

·         Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad - size long: 1 pound 7 ounces (1 ounce over specification)

·         Big Agnes Air Core Pad stuff sack: 1 ounce

·         Big Agnes Air Core Pad repair kit: .5 ounce   
 

2.  Final Report and Comments

Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad

I remain a huge fan of the Big Agnes Air Core Mummy sleeping pad after months of use.  As I mentioned in my earlier reports, it is easily the thickest, most comfortable pad I've ever slept on.  I'm a side sleeper that has tried almost everything, and so far this is the best solution I've found.  Best yet, it's extremely light - especially given its incredible 2.5" thickness.  I traded in my long mummy pad for a regular once I discovered that I could get slightly more room in the bag with a shorter pad, and at 20 ounces, it's in the same weight class as ultralight Therma-rests and even many full-length closed cell foam pads!  It packs very small - about the size of a 1-liter water bottle - and has proven quite durable.  Twice I slept on the sleeping pad with nothing underneath it, and no holes or scuffs are noticeable. 

It's not too hard to inflate - although self-inflating converts will need to get used to the added work - and holds air perfectly.  I found that the pad is actually more comfortable when slightly under-inflated.

The sleeping pad sleeve is well made.  I had the chance to use a fully inflated 2.5" Air Core Mummy pad inside, as well as the 1.0" REM Self-Inflating pad.  Both manage to fit snugly and perfectly into the custom-shaped sleeve.  The pads are easy to put in and easy to remove.  This never presented a problem or a challenge for me.

I can't find much to complain about with the Air Core Mummy pad.  If I could make the perfect Air Core, I'd make the outside two chambers slightly larger than the inner chambers to create a slight cradle effect.  I'd also like to see a 3/4 version of the Air Core.  I've always put my pack and extra items under my lower legs at night, so this area is covered for me, and the idea of a 2.5" thick sleeping pad that come in at under a pound - which this could come close to doing - is truly amazing.  I love the mummy shape.  I'd like the shoulder area to be around 24" instead of 20", but this isn't that big of a deal as I usually end up on my side anyway. 

For cold weather I plan on bringing a section of Ridge Rest, Z-Rest, or some other closed cell foam to lay underneath the Air Core.  I've had it down into the upper 30s without noticing any coldness, but I imagine sleeping on snow would test the limits of this.  Big Agnes recommends a different pad for under 32 degrees, but the Air Core plus a foam pad would still be lighter than most self-inflating pads and be much, much more comfortable.

I did have the chance to try out a Big Agnes REM Self-Inflating 1" pad.  In my opinion, this pad works in the BA "system" much better than the Air Core - probably due taking up less space in the bag - and is very warm.  At 1", however, it's just not enough padding for me as a side sleeper.  It's extremely well made.  It's the only self-inflating pad I've seen that competes in quality and materials with Therma-rest.  I've owned 5 different Therma-rests, and the BA pad is as good as any of them.

3. Final Summary, Contact, and Background Information:

Overall Summary

The Air Core Mummy pad is simply a wonderful thing.  Whether you use BA bags or not, this pad deserves at least one night of use.  I'm willing to bet that's all it takes.  It's light, packs smaller than almost all pads on the market, and is so cushy and comfortable that you may just feel a little guilty.  It certainly takes some of the "roughing it" out of backcountry travel.

I'd like to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Big Agnes for the opportunity to test these products.  A special thanks to Brad at Big Agnes for dealing with the pad switch.

Product Information: www.bigagnes.com

Review by Curt Peterson: e-curt@attbi.com

Background Information:

   I live in Seattle and do the vast majority of my outdoor activities in Washington State.  During the summer I head to the backcountry at least every other week, averaging 5 or 6 multi-day trips in July and August.  In the fall and early winter, I usually do a couple dayhikes a month and probably one overnight per month.  In the winter, I ski 1 to 2 days per week, and backpack in the Central Washington steppe 1 to 2 times over the season.  Spring and early summer I usually climb, most often on the Cascade volcanoes.  I usually go to the coast in Olympic National Park at least once a year, and summit at least one big volcano a year, so the range of locations that I test gear is pretty broad.  I also do a 3 mile walk each day with my dog, no matter what the conditions are, and I often evaluate gear during that time.

   I wear an XXL in most outdoor clothing.  Tall sizes if they are available - which they rarely are.  I'm 6'3", about 270 pounds.  I played football in college, so I've been pretty active my entire life.  Finding quality gear for really big folks can be quite a challenge - most manufacturers don't really make products for large people.  Clothing and sleeping bags tend to be the big challenges.

Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad > Curt Peterson > Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad - Final