Just used it this past weekend where at night dipped down to 30 degrees. Coupled with my marmot trestles 15 degree bag in my big agnes copper spur tent, I was nice and toasty. You can really feel the difference between an insulated and non-insulated pad (I was skeptical until this weekend). fabric kept my bag from slipping off, light weight, good price-point, rolls up pretty small, good quailty. what more could you ask for. I was comparing comparable thermarest's and determined why pay more for one of those when this (in my opinion) gets the same job done just as good.
It's warm, REALLY comfortable, packs down super small, and at this price it's hard to beat. The fabric seems durable - I used it for 100 nights and it was never punctured. By the end, however, I had to re-inflate twice a night to stay off the ground. I filled the tub and submerged the pad to see where the problem was and it was a bunch of micro-leaks on the seams surrounding the pad. Also, it fit great length wise - I'm 6'2" 195lbs, but I've got wide shoulders and if I did it again I'd definitely go with a wide version. I ended up returning it and dropping the extra cash on a therm-a-rest NeoAir all season (L), which I couldn't be happier with.
I use two of these in my double wide big agnes sleeping bag. They are fairly comfortable, durable and noise free (compared to neo air). Downside. Pretty heavy pad.
Have had my BA IAC for a long time, and it is very comfortable. Absolutely puts to shame CCF pads and thin self inflating pads. I have never had a single problem with the pad leaking on me. Material is not as slick as some on here would imply, as there is a definite texture to it. I use it with Big Agnes sleeping bags with the pad sleeve, but have also used it with traditional sleeping bags. I have never once slid off the pad. One complaint I do have about the pad is the valve. It does not pass a large volume of air, and this means it takes long to inflate and deflate. I much prefer Exped flat valves to the standard twist valves.
The insulated Air Core combines the comfort of a larger, heavier air mattress with warmth and ultra-portability. I am 6' 5'' tall, and the long pad fits me nearly perfectly. Once inflated, it is much thicker than most thermarests, providing more cushion. It deflates and packs to a smaller size than many thermarests. AND it has primaloft insulation to keep you warm on those chilly nights. It is perfect for backpacking, and will significantly increase the comfort of your tent or hammock.The only conceivable downside is that it is not self-inflating. However, if you want to whine about that, don't go outside.
"Warm-durable-low price-light weight- need I say more....."
01/04/13
When buying this pad I wanted to make sure I didn't get caught up with all the hype of the more expensive sleeping pads so I went to a few local outfitters and tested them out. This pad had the best R rating while still keeping the weight on the low side. Yes, you can buy pads that weigh less BUT you will be sacrifice warmth and durability. This pad is made from thick and durable fabrics that will keep the user warm in cold conditions. Great job Big Agnes.
I love the pad, its super comfy and keeps me warm... however it takes me several minutes to blow up, mostly because I run out of breath and take a lil breather before proceeding. I went camping once without a pad, was unable to get any sleep, but after sleeping on this bad boy, I will not go camping without it. I'm usually a side sleeper, so this pad makes a huge difference when sleeping on that rock hard ground.
I was so overwhelmed with choices when I bought this pad. I based my opinion on price and reviews and honestly, I'm not disappointed at all. I've only used it twice but so far it's been a very good pad. I definitely prefer air pads over the regular "thermarest" sort that just has "padding" in it (does that make any sense?). Overall, I think this a great value. You can spend more on a pad but when it comes down to it, what are you really getting that will justify the enormous price? I think you can't go wrong with this. You get the best of value and quality.
"Slept like I sleep after a Star Wars Marathon."
10/16/12
Its a great sleeping pad. i slept on it for almost all of and entire month i spent in british Columbia. My friends were just jealous of the comfort this bad boy has, and how it keeps me warmer than a simple Therm-A-Rest roll-up pad (which is still a good back up pad.) The only problem I seemed to run into with this bag is how it takes a while to inflate, and how if it gets wet which mine did, it will get you wet. However it dried out over the day in the sunlight. If you want a great pad for some of the best sleeping you will have in the backcountry, or wherever, this is the one for you.
I was devastated when I managed to lose my Big Agnes pad while hiking in Australia's Lamington National Park. I also fell in the river the same day so it was not exactly the best of trips! After spending a cold and wet night on the hard ground I came back and, knowing I needed another sleeping pad, went right back and replaced the one I'd lost.I toss it in my carry on bag in case I have to overnight it in the airport and can usually manage to cram an air pillow and sleeping bag liner into the stuff sack for a complete sleeping system. The valve also broke off of mine and was replaced quite rapidly by Big Agnes in an episode of stunning customer service.
"For a Great Night's Sleep--Comfy, Light weight, Compact, and Innovative"
09/08/12
I use this pad for bicycle camping. Like back-packing, you need lightweight and compact equipment. This fits the list. And it's easy to inflate. Part of the Big Agnes Sleeping System, my regular length Insulated Air Core Pad slides into the sleeve of my Big Agnes sleeping bag. No more sliding off the air mattress at night. No more tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. I've used the same pad for numerous trips for the past 4 years with no problems.
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