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Big Agnes Q Core Slx Double Wide

6 min read

Here’s everything you need to know about Big Agnes Q Core Slx Double Wide. Find all the information it in this article.

A sleeping pad is a necessary part of your sleep system. Yes, our pads provide bed-like comfort from rocks and dirt, but more importantly, they insulate you from the ground up. It’s a rating that shows the insulating properties of a sleeping pad. Summer camping at low elevation – look for a lower R-Value. In simple terms – the higher the number the warmer the pad.

The huge baffles of the Q-Core require an absolute ton of air, and we previously found ourselves dreading the head rush that was sure to hit us while inflating the previous version. The thick padding and raised side rails made for a very comfortable sleeping pad. While it wasn’t the absolute most comfortable pad we tested, if we were testing purely for weight to comfort ratio this might be the grand champ. We felt the warmth, comfort, ease of inflation, and packability were all on point.

Features Of Big Agnes Insulated Q Core Slx

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The weight, comfort, and warmth are all on point, but the overall package does lag behind some of the ultralights yet high performing offerings on the market currently. Overall, the SLX is a really good option for those who like the feeling of side rails to keep them centered and want a really cushy, comfortable pad they won’t bottom out on. The SLX isn’t the most ultralight or compact pad on the market, but it might be worth carrying the extra weight for those who love good backcountry sleep and like the SLX’s style. The SLX is made with fairly durable materials and has a really great valve that makes purging air quick and easy. We do wish the Wide and Long versions weren’t so expensive and that the SLX came with a Pumphouse Ultra included.

Comfort From The Ground Up

That said, the Q-Core is a decent weight for how well it performs. Want to see how the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Pad compares with other sleeping pads? Check out our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads to get the inside scoop on products we’ve tested and used in the backcountry. To top off the benefits of the rip-stop fabric and Primaloft Silver Insulation, an i-beam construction has been used in the design for ultimate comfort.

It’s also important to note that on that night, we had a 30 degree Western Mountaineering sleeping bag that doesn’t handle frigid nights well either. A beefier sleeping bag or warm pad might have done the trick. The Q-Core is plush and nearly double the thickness of other inflatable pads we tested. While pads with tight baffles and narrow channels have almost eliminated the annoying bounce felt in early sleeping pads, the Q-Core SLX still has a bit of the annoying bounciness when shifting around. The upside of the massive air volume in the Q-Core is that we could barely feel the ground, even when kneeling on the pad. To further boost the versatility of this pad, there are six sizing options of varying width and length to match your specific needs.

High Volume Valve

How to Choose a Backpacking Sleeping Pad We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry… Our first night out with the Q-Core SLX Insulated was an open bivy after a long day in the bike saddle. Temps dropped quickly and we were quite warm throughout the night.

We love how quickly the pad deflates with its high-volume dump-valve, which makes packing it up that much easier and stress-free. The SLX also has a large valve that opens up for fast inflation and makes micro-adjusting easy. If you are in the market for a high-quality sleeping pad, we think the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX is a fine choice.

Head Gear

The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX is a super cushy sleeping pad that differentiates itself from other pads with its large side rails that help keep users centered, and 4.25 inches of supportive thickness. The SLX is one of the thickest backpacking pads on the market, which means it’s really comfortable, but also that there’s a lot of space to fill with your lungs. The Pumphouse Ultra pump sack makes it a lot less cumbersome to inflate the pad, but you’ll have to pick it up separately as it isn’t included in the cost of the SLX. There’s no official R-value for the SLX, but Big Agnes claims it will work down to 32 °F, and we think that’s about right. Unfortunately, the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX isn’t self-inflating.

If you keep an eye on it, I’m sure it will be on massdrop again at some point. I’m almost positive other pads have this feature, but it’s nice having each side separate, so you can have it softer or firmer depending on the person’s preference. An Arkansas native, Kyle Nossaman moved to Minneapolis after graduation and joined GearJunkie as an assistant editor and account manager.

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We’re Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature.Read more… FREE Shipping for purchase totals of $49 and over that are shipped within the lower 48 states. Free shipping only applies to ground shipping and is subject to charges on oversized items.

First off, never put your sleeping pad into a washing machine. In addition, unlike other insulation types like feather down which are notorious for staying wet and cold, Primaloft® Silver Insulation is also water-resistant and super breathable. This makes the material great at retaining body heat without excessive heaviness or bulkiness. Klymit has the colaboration with massdrop UL double v. It’s 35oz insulated. We opted for the extra Pumphouse Ultra bag ($35) that you connect to the inflate valve, blow a mouthful of air into, then roll the top and squeeze the full bag of air into the pad.

Big Agnes Q Core Slx Insulated Mat

The Regular Wide model has an MSRP of $210, and the Wide Long comes to $220, which is pretty expensive for a pad that isn’t rated to 4-season use. In our opinion, the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX is an exceptional product that is well worth checking out. It is lightweight, comfortable, and has the added benefit of also having adequate insulation necessary for three-season use. Plus in our experience, it’s easily stood up to the harsh conditions of both the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park with little complaint.

Primaloft® Silver Insulation

For our aging gear tester, the extra ounces were justified. LARGE SIDE RAILS – The SLX’s pronounced side rails keep your body centered on the pad for greater comfort and insulation whether you sleep on your back or on your side. There’s also very little risk of accidentally sliding off the SLX in the night, which is great.

Big Agnes Sentinel 30 Double Sleeping Bag

No matter which model you choose, we’ve designed all our air chamber sleeping pads with comfort and durability in mind. Since 2005, Big Agnes air pads have been putting 3.25” – 4.25” of cushy inflation between campers and the ground. The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Insulated is first and foremost a chunky pad when inflated. This is a three-season sleeping pad that performed excellently throughout our testing. This is certainly not an ultralight pad but retains a respectable weight for the high level of comfort and seasonal versatility it offers.

In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity. The quilted baffle design of the Q-Core SLX offers over four inches of plush, insulated comfort. The laminated quilt pattern creates a trough with large edges, which help keep you centered when squirming around in the middle of the night looking for the chocolate bars.

Now, BA has thrown in a pump sack that really speeds up the task. While the sack isn’t anything to write home about, it does get the job done. I’ve got the Exped Synmat Duo, I didn’t get the HL version because we usually have our dog with us and she would destroy it.

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