Air pad recommendations (BA rapide, Nemo, exped)

[freediver111]

My daughter is backpacking and hunting with me more frequently nowadays and I need a new air pad. She’s using my Big Agnes Q core slx that I’ve had for years and no complaints with that pad, but she’s commandeered it from me.

I plan to get a wide version pad (25”) and likely stick to 72” long. I’m 6’ but don’t feel like I need the long version, but as a side sleeper prefer the wide.

I was thinking about picking up the Rapide SL as it’s pretty much the same as my Q core. The more I read reviews it seems Nemo tensor all season is a strong contender to the BA as well as exped brand pads. The BA is a little heavier but I don’t mind a little extra weight for comfort and durability. I don’t always sleep great in the backcountry but the BA Q core has been the comfiest pad I’ve tried.

Any advice from those that have used these? I find the BA to be super comfy. Also, I tend to get cold easily, but never had too many issues with my pad making me cold. If I’ll be on the ground in freezing conditions I bring a closed cell foam pad as a little extra protection.

Thanks for the advice.


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[Mighty Mouse]

I won’t buy another Big Agnes pad. I’ve owned two (Air Core and Q-Core), and both developed unrepairable leaks after a couple years of pretty light use. One had dozens of scattered pinholes (discovered by airing it up and holding it underwater), and the other delaminated near the fill valve. I’m now using an Exped Ultra 3R and have been happy with it so far.

 

[ThreeOhSeven]

I have been happy with my Nemo Astro insulated wide. I've used it maybe 20 nights in the last 3 years, so not a ton of use, but it's been comfortable as a side sleeper. Packs to the size of a nalgene and hasn't seen any wear spots yet. Side note, I usually always use a footprint with my BC tent to mitigate risk of puncture.

 

[Braaap]

I bought the Nemo tensor all season last fall and love it. I used to use a thermarest xtherm and the Nemo is much better (but maybe a little heavier). It’s super comfy, valves are solid, and most of all it’s super quiet. I’m 6’1” and have the long/wide. I hope that helps.

 

[LongWayAround]

I have a nemo tensor wide insulated. I have been using these for a few years with pretty high satisfaction. My first one was replaced under warranty after it quit holding air. The warranty replacement was pretty slow until I pushed on them, then they next day delivered the new one.

 

[elkhunter505]

I grabbed two exped synmats (3R and 5R) last fall off camofire and they’re great so far. Wish I would have gotten square instead of mummy though. Used a klymit luxe prior to that and I find the expeds more comfortable despite the mummy shape and smaller size.

 

[camelcluch]

My first choice is an Exped Ultra. Second is Nemo Tensor.

 

[dribeerfeht]

I have 2 Nemos, insulated and uninsulated, both long, regular width. The insulated is great in the cold, uninsulated is not good in cold, but is lighter weight. Ill take the extra weight in the winter. Like both except they are loud when you turn and reposition on them. The light weight yellow colored one is really loud. No problems with leaks.

 

[freediver111]

I’m kind of shocked my trusty BA hasn’t had a single recommendation. I’ve had some issues with older BA models failing, but my Q core has been the best pad I’ve owned. Plus it’s been used and abused for a solid 8 years and never had an issue.

 

[mtnbound]

My daughter is backpacking and hunting with me more frequently nowadays and I need a new air pad. She’s using my Big Agnes Q core slx that I’ve had for years and no complaints with that pad, but she’s commandeered it from me.

I plan to get a wide version pad (25”) and likely stick to 72” long. I’m 6’ but don’t feel like I need the long version, but as a side sleeper prefer the wide.

I was thinking about picking up the Rapide SL as it’s pretty much the same as my Q core. The more I read reviews it seems Nemo tensor all season is a strong contender to the BA as well as exped brand pads. The BA is a little heavier but I don’t mind a little extra weight for comfort and durability. I don’t always sleep great in the backcountry but the BA Q core has been the comfiest pad I’ve tried.

Any advice from those that have used these? I find the BA to be super comfy. Also, I tend to get cold easily, but never had too many issues with my pad making me cold. If I’ll be on the ground in freezing conditions I bring a closed cell foam pad as a little extra protection.

Thanks for the advice.


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I would go with the Long version for your height. I do not care for the straight tube style of baffles like the Expeds have. Nemo and Sea to Summit are my usual go-tos. If you are truck or base camping, then the extra closed-cell pad wouldn't be a big deal, but I wouldn't backpack hunt with it; go with an R-value of 3-4 for general use. If you will be in colder temperatures, opt for a 5+ R-value, especially if you are a cold sleeper.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

A brand new Rapide SL just failed on me on the first day of a 8 day sheep hunt. I literally had to blow it up multiple times every single night. BA will never get a ******* dime from me again.

 

[bowhunthard88]

I've had various pads, and my favorite is the BA Rapide SL, never had an issue so I can't speak as to their warranty... I will note that it is not as warm as my Xtherm NXT for true cold-weather sleeping! All my personal hunting/camping stuff is in the wide/reg size. I'm multiple years into my BA Rapide SL, and never had to re-inflate other than the initial stretch or colder temp "deflation".

I've had multiple Nemo pads, and always chose BA or Thermarest for comfort and various reasons. I have some Exped car-camping pads, but I can't currently speak to their lightweight stuff.