However, what I didn’t anticipate is that the top of the mat* would develop leaks. Yep, in the 3 years I’ve been using the mat I’ve had to put 4 patches on the top where the joins / indentations in the baffles have been compromised. It’s almost like the joins are too complex for the design of the mat and the pressue that it has to endure. Not sure. But either way, I’m running out of patches! Not only does using a second sleeping pad give you extra padding, it is also the best way to increase how insulated you are from the ground, helping you to stay warmer throughout the night. 4. Use a pad between your knees The top of the bag is plump with down fill while the bottom’s insulation is minimal. Dubbed “The Big Agnes System,” a pad sleeve replaces the bag’s bottom insulation to accommodate an insulated sleeping pad. That way, the pad provides the bottom insulation, a move that shifts the bag’s insulation where it will perform best (on top rather than compressed by your body weight on the bottom). Press down on the top of the valve flange to create separation andgrab the edge of the flange through the bottom material of the pad.

Don’t let the R-value of a sleeping pad go by the wayside! In the list above, I mentioned several other sleeping pad options that will work well for side sleepers, but the lower R-value ultimately kept them off the list.Smooth entire patch to eliminate air bubbles. Press firmly to help adhesive hold. Let cure 5 minutes. Air Valve— All the latest pads from Big Agnes have received an updated air valve in hopes of increasing inflation and deflation speed. I’ve yet to try it out in sub-zero temperatures, but it has kept me toastie warm in conditions just above freezing. Plus, I barely feel any lumps and bumps beneath that luxurious 3 inches of insulated cosiness.

The Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad is one of several great sleeping pads offered by Big Agnes, which includes the regular Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad. This insulated version outshines its sibling though because the R-Value is higher and fits well into the range of 3-season sleeping pads. Plus, it only weighs two more ounces for a regular-sized pad. Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers I was initially rather nervous of putting the mat directly on rough or uneven ground as it certainly doesn’t feel quite as robust as it is. However, over the last couple of years I have become less precious about this. And the good news is that the double rip-stop nylon and aviation grade TPU has lived up to it’s promisese. The bottom of my mat has held strong, despite its abuse.

Big Agnes claim to have improved the tear strength and durability of the SLX by a huge 25% (compared with the earlier Q-Core SL). They have upped their game by using a new double rip-stop nylon and aviation grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that is super lightweight and mega durable. I’ve yet to have any reason to doubt the durability of the SLX, but it is so lightweight that I am still a little cautious about where and how I use it. Big Agnes Q-Core SLX sleeping pad review 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!). I always sleep and sit on the same side of the mat so that the inflation valve is face up and easy to access. What I love the most about the Q-Core SLX The Big Agnes Sentinel 30 double sleeping bag weighs in at 3 pounds 9 ounces, which is actually lighter than our two mummy bags combined. It’s specifically built to pair with our 2-pound 3-ounce Big Agnes Q-Core SLX insulated double-wide sleeping pad. Altogether, the setup feels like home: warm, spacious, and comfortable.