Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad

Manufactured In Year 2002

Big Agnes Website

May 5, 2002

Helen Hillberg
Email: hhloth at msn.com
Age 55
115 lbs
5'5"
Side and Stomach Sleeper - Warm Sleeper

I live in the Sierra foothills, about one hour east of Sacramento, California
I have logged many thousand of backpacking miles in addition to being an enthusiastic car camper and fisherwoman. I have experience over many different types of terrain at elevations ranging from sea level to over 14,000 feet. I have previously used a 3/4 length Thermarest in the summer and a Ridgerest in the winter. I tend to travel lightweight these days with a base pack weight of about 15 lbs. not including food or water.

Receipt of Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad

The Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad and included stuff sack arrived yesterday. They were received in good condition and at first glance the workmanship is excellent.

Specifications For The Air Core Mummy Sleep Pad Size Regular

Big Agnes specifies that the air mattress weighs 20 ounces (570 gm) and measures 20" x 72" x 2.5" (.5 x 1.8 x .06 m). The weight specification is very close to accurate, my pad, as received, weighs 20.08 ounces (569.3 gm). The size specification is completely accurate for the fully inflated pad.

The pad is mummy shaped so the width quoted is for the area between the shoulder and the hip, lower, the width gradually narrows to an eventual width of 12" across the foot. The head laying portion of the pad is similarly tapered. The material is black nylon and the valve is brass with a plastic housing. The pad has air channels that interconnect so only one valve is required and it carries a lifetime warranty. Big Agnes claims a comfort rating of 32° F (0° C) and the MSRP is US $54°°.

The light weight stuff sack comes complete with an inner pocket to hold the included small repair kit consisting of patch material for repairing cuts and a tube of adhesive for sealing pin hole leaks. The sack measures 10" in length with a diameter of 5" and has a pocket on the bottom to be used as a hand hold while pulling the pad out of the sack.

At Home Trial Set Up

The pad required 30 easy puffs to be fully inflated in just under 2 minutes. Normally I would inflate the pad with a bit more gusto, requiring less puffs used and a shorter length of time spent. I inflated the pad until there was no way to get more air into it. The valve closed easily and made a complete seal.

Big Agnes recommends kneeling in the center of the pad to make it easier to insert the pad into the pocket of the sleeping bag. I didn't find this to be necessary and found it simple to insert the pad into the bag.

My first observation was that the mattress was overly firm for my taste so I let some of the air out until I had it just right.

I removed the pad from the sleeping bag, rolled it up and it easily fit inside its stuff sack.

Initial Impression

The air mattress is more comfortable than any sleep pad I have used in the past

Future Plans

I will be testing the Big Agnes Air Core Pad in the Hennessy Hammock and on flat ground on a trip I have planned to the mountains this week. I expect that the overnight temperatures will be higher than the pad's rating but should be cold enough to give me an idea of the actual comfort rating for the pad.