So we have a Big Agnes King Solomon sleeping bag and were always FREEZING... Why, because the bag has no insulation on the bottom and on the cold ground, we often slid off our old pad. Looking for a solution, we bought into the "sleep system" philosophy where you could integrate a pad into the sleeping bag by sliding it into the designated space. This year, the Arizona Trail had some unique perks and challenges for thru-hike hopefuls. An intense snow year in the Southwest meant we didn’t have to worry much about dried up water sources or long water carries, and we got to see a massive super bloom in the Sonoran Desert.

Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Insulated Camping Pad - Absolute-Snow

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.”My 2017 Q Core SLX (20" x 72", 17 oz.) partially deflated overnight on a trip last month. After several tests, it was clear that the problem was the valve, not a pinhole. I tried three different valve flanges, cleaned everything, etc., but nothing worked. part of this service, you will also be signed up to receive occasional special offers and third-party 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. 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? High volume valves with micro adjustments make for fast inflation/deflation and easy fine tuning to your preferred firmness

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

For sleeping on frozen ground, increase thermal insulation by adding the Big Agnes 3rd Degree Foam Pad (not included) Proprietary offset I-Beam construction reduces weight and provides consistent stability and comfort Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Unbound 2 tent is a fresh take on a tried-and-true ultralight design. We’ve put ours through the wringer over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we found it to be a spacious retreat after hard days of hiking. 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. 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.The Insulated Q-Core sports an impressive 5 R-Value. It is filled with X-Static synthetic insulation and silver filament that boost thermodynamic, anti-microbial and anti-odor properties. I have found that it regulates temperature very well. It kept me warm one night on top of snow at 15 degrees and I wasn’t too hot sleeping on it at 75 degrees.

Big Agnes | Mother of Comfort Big Agnes | Mother of Comfort

This pad has an R-value of 3.2, which makes it best for adventures in cool weather; it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature Dave wearing the REI Sahara Shade Sun Hoodie and prAna Stretch Zion Shorts on Silver Star Mountain. X-Static® synthetic insulation provides superior warmth and comfort; X-Static has antimicrobial properties that help keep odors at bay and enhance thermal regulation This pad has an R-value of 4.3, which makes it best for adventures in cold weather; it provides considerable insulation from ground temperature

Durable WRM high-loft synthetic insulation provides exceptional warmth with minimal weight and bulk Offset I-beams, ‘micro’ air-pressure adjustment, and aviation-grade TPU lamination… sleeping pads can be deceptively high-tech. But what does it all mean? Construction and Durability: Very durable. I have had this all over the country and spent many a night on the trail with it and it hardly look used.