Big Agnes Insulated sleeping pad

[redhawk]

Check this link out......

http://bigagnes.com/str-rempads-aci.shtml

[Holdstrong]

Hey everyone!

Figured I would pipe in here since I am close to writing up a review of this product for my site.

I own a Big Agnes bag and pad combo (the Horse Thief 35 degree bag and the REM Mummy you link to above) which I bought specifically to try on my Northville Placid thru-hike this year. I was looking to shed some weight and increase the comfort of my nights, and I have also had 3 therma rests spring leaks on me in recent years, and was looking for an alternative.

Although it was somewhat of a joke between my partner and I - we consistently referred to it as THE "sleep system" with some giggles... and every time I picked on her for packing a pillow, she countered by pointing out that I was sleeping on a swimming pool raft (which it does resemble) - but all in all it was a huge hit and I am very happy with the performance, the weight, and the innovation of the product. But most importantly, for me at least, is the comfort.... this is back country luxury.

The pad does take some effort to blow up each night - I averaged about 25 deep breathes to inflate it to my comfort level - and it can be a bit tricky to roll up in the morning.... but it was all worth it for me.

For those who have not looked into it, the Big Agnes sleep system integrates the bag and pad, to the point where they actually leave out the bottom insulation of the sleeping bag. In its place is a sleeve which you slide the pad into. Among the many benefits this provides (including weight savings and packability) are the fact that it is impossible to slip off of your pad at night.

I recently took this bag/pad combo out on a winter hike and I combined it with my 20 degree cats meow.... literally putting the cats meow inside of the Horse Thief/pad combination (I bought the bag oversized with this purpose in mind). It was very very warm during a single digit night - in fact I ended up switching with my partner, who was in a zero degree bag, because she was too cold. She warmed up quick in the "sleep system"

I'll be providing a more detailed review of the two products when I finish updating and redesigning my Northville Placid website.

[ken999]

Lot's of good reviews on this system from what I've read.

Kinda like Sacco's idea with the quilt, only the BA 0 deg down bag weighs almost 3 pounds, and requires a 2 lb foam mat(accoding to BA specs).

All in all a good idea though.

[THEQUARK]

EXPED also makes a great cold pad. It has down in it, and uses air which is blown into the pad by using the stuff sack, this is so the pad has no air with moisture.... It works great..