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Post by trinity on Apr 28, 2021 8:21:32 GMT -8
I'll begin this post in praise of Big Agnes. I bought one of their dual core pads about 13 years ago. It is quite heavy by current standards, so it has been relegated to car-camping in recent years. On our last trip, it did not hold air, and I eventually discovered that it was delaminating, and leaking air like a sieve. I contacted Big Agnes via email, and since they no longer manufacture this model, they issued me a credit for the full original retail cost of the pad. I was very impressed with how easy they were to deal with. But now I need to choose a new pad. I don't currently need anything for backpacking, I have a Neo-air X-lite and an X-therm. So I am wanting something primarily for car camping, my priorities are comfort and durability. Seems like the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe would be my best bet. Does anyone have experience with this pad?
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 28, 2021 8:49:34 GMT -8
Isn't great Customer Service wonderful? Best of luck to you in your decision making process. I had a similar thing happen with a NEMO pad. They no longer made the model, so I got a full purchase price credit towards a new pad. These types of companies are why I still shop.
I am of no help to you in this choice, as I do not qualify.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Apr 29, 2021 3:54:24 GMT -8
I know they aren't popular here, but I really love our Klymit pads. For car camping, the Static V luxe is hard to beat.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Apr 29, 2021 6:49:47 GMT -8
I'm assuming that the credit has to be applied to a Big Agnes pad, right?
I don't have the Q-Core but I've heard/read good reviews; people wax about how comfortable they are. I've gone the Exped route for car/kayak camping, mostly because they offer a size that fits me better, but the specs are similar (thickness, R-value, etc.) and I'm loving how comfortable it is. I LOVE having the "wide" version, btw.
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Post by trinity on Apr 29, 2021 8:02:10 GMT -8
I'm assuming that the credit has to be applied to a Big Agnes pad, right? Yes, that is correct. Though technically it can be used for any BA product, so if I were to decide none of the pads fit my needs, I could use the credit towards something else. I LOVE having the "wide" version, btw. That's good to know, I am actually considering that myself. I am pretty small framed, but it seems like a 25" wide pad might be a nice luxury.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Apr 29, 2021 8:35:36 GMT -8
I am pretty small framed, but it seems like a 25" wide pad might be a nice luxury. Think of it this way.. when was the last time you thought *half* of a twin-sized bed was "comfortable"?
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 29, 2021 9:02:14 GMT -8
I switched to a hammock several years ago, but do have a new tent & pad for areas where suitable trees are doubtful. On a recent trip I used this set-up at a car campground. It was all well and good except my arms were not supported by the 20" inflatable pad. I'm a back sleeper, so my arms rested on the floor a few inches lower than my upper torso. This felt odd, but I still managed to get a decent night's sleep.
Nevertheless, I'll definitely consider a 25" pad if/when I replace my Exped Synmat 9. My previous pad was a Downmat 9, which became unusable when down leaked into and plugged the deflation nozzle. At no charge Exped sent me the Synmat (a 2nd) and threw in a schnozzle bag & inflatable pillow.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Apr 29, 2021 11:39:34 GMT -8
I have found that it takes me 3 nights to get used to different sleeping conditions, after which my body accepts the new limitations. So before a long backcountry trip I'll sleep on my pad on the floor at home for a few nights before the trip, so by the time I'm on the trail I'm used to the 20" pad width.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Apr 29, 2021 11:51:11 GMT -8
If I were a back sleeper, I think I'd have to go wide. As a side sleeper (rotisserie), standard width seems to be fine. Parts of me do extend over the sides, but not down to the ground like arms do for a back sleeper.
Back on topic, I too have had good experience with Big Agnes. I had a tent, long out of warranty, with a broken pole from near-gale force winds. I simply asked to buy a new pole or pay for repairing mine. They said send it and they'd let me know. They let me know by sending the repaired pole back by UPS at no charge.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on May 1, 2021 10:00:15 GMT -8
I have found that it takes me 3 nights to get used to different sleeping conditions, after which my body accepts the new limitations. So before a long backcountry trip I'll sleep on my pad on the floor at home for a few nights before the trip, so by the time I'm on the trail I'm used to the 20" pad width. Sure, but I think trinity is talking about a car camping pad, not a backpacking one. I definitely trim it down on the trail; narrower, thinner, lighter (the pad, not me, unfortunately...), but for car/kayak camping, I take a "big" 2-pounder that's much more cush. On the trail, I'm tired enough at the end of the day to be able to sleep on just about anything.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 24, 2021 17:28:18 GMT -8
I’ve a Big Agnes AXL Insulated Trail Boss for car camping. The extra weight is irrelevant and the added toughness is a plus for an air pad where leaks are to be avoided. Their other pads at REI were on sale , some to 50% but a quick look didn’t turn up that one. www.bigagnes.com/Insulated-AXL-Trail-Boss?quantity=1&custcol15=1
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Post by trinity on May 25, 2021 3:00:00 GMT -8
Thanks, High Sierra Fan . I considered that pad, but the customer service rep from BA recommended the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe as their most comfortable pad, so I just ordered one yesterday. Also, they didn't have the Trail Boss in a wide, and I decided to follow jazzmom 's recommendation. So I'll be getting a 72x25 Q-Core Deluxe for $70, shipped, after my discount. I'm looking forward to trying it out.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 25, 2021 8:18:57 GMT -8
What were their criteria for comfort? Given we control the degree of inflation, much like with waterbeds (dating myself) I’d expect all airpads to be similar in terms of firmness.
ETA maybe the stretchy top fabric. I could see that.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on May 25, 2021 8:48:14 GMT -8
I needed a thicker inflatable to form a concavity for my glutes, or my back would get sore. Before switching to hammock I had an Exped Downmat 9. Down eventually leaked into the deflate valve, years after warranty. Exped replaced it with a returned Synmat 9 UL, which I finally camped in last month. Good cold weather pad, but at 20" wide my arms fall off to the sides (I'm a back sleeper). My Z-Rest closed cell pad is already cut in half, so next time I plan to use as side bolsters.
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Post by trinity on Jul 28, 2021 17:10:01 GMT -8
Quick update, now that I have gotten some use out of this pad. I think I spent 5 nights on it during our recent trip through the upper midwest. I found it extremely comfortable, noticeably moreso than either of my neoairs. I think this is partly due to the thickness of the pad, which kept me well off the ground, the thicker skin and stability of the construction, and the increased width of the pad. The pumpsack that came with the pad is a nice addition, and having inflation and deflation valves makes things easier. Deflation is much quicker than the old-school twist valves on my Neoairs. I think this will be a great car camping pad for many years to come. Thanks to all for your helpful input.
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