Big Agnes Issues

[Jon Boy]

Ive had my BA Insulated air core for two years now. Its an extremely comfy pad and I really like it. The only problem is the air valve is leaking for the second time now. The first happened on a back pack hunt the first year I got it during the montana rifle season, got completely froze out that night and ruined my hunt the next day. BA fixed it and were great to work with. It did cost me shipping one way, two weeks with out it, and very well could have cost me an opportunity at a great buck I got on the night before (ill never know). Now it has has happened again. Yah I can send it back in and go through the process, but thats not my concern. I just cant have it happen to me on my trip this fall, I wont even have a mailing address to have it sent to and it could cost me valuable hunt time. Ive lost confidence in it.

What should I do? Does any one else have this issue with there BAs?

Im suppose to go back packing this coming weekend and Im going to need a replacement for the time being. A sporting good store is having a sale on Red Canyon pads for 40 bucks, anyone have any experience with them? I might have to pick one up.

 

[todd kelly]

Try an Exped. Been using a couple of them hard for a few years now with out any problems. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

I also have an old themarest that is easily over 15 years old that still works like the day I bought it.

 

[muleman]

Does any one else have this issue with there BAs?

Nope, never had the problem. Used a BA IAC for a few years without issue.

I moved to Exped last year. I think the Exped UL pads are great, but expensive. I think the BA material is more durable than the Exped though.

 

[Bloodworks]

Haven't had a single issue with three of them. What specifically is wrong with the valve? Are you using it inside a BA bag?

 

[Rizzy]

I have a dual core that's on its second season, no issues so far.
Did they send you a new one or fix the broken one and send it back to you? You might have a lemon, request a new one.

 

[TheRambler]

I've heard of this problem quite a few times over the years. One clever field fix i read about a while back....maybe on BPL. Was the guy took a pair of hemostats and folded the pad over at the valve after inflating and clamped it. Prevented it from leaking drastically while in use and he was able to complete his trip without further issue.

 

[Jon Boy]

Haven't had a single issue with three of them. What specifically is wrong with the valve? Are you using it inside a BA bag?

Air is leaking from the valve, not a hole in the pad. And no.

The one they sent back had a heavy duty copper piece that the valve screws into. Couldnt tell you if its a different bag all together or if they just changed that one piece.

Im going to contact them this week and see what they say. Like I said I really like the pad but I just cant be having this happen to me on my 2-3 month trip this fall. It could potentially have some major impact to the trip.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

My BAIAC is still going strong some 6-7 years or so now.
Having said that, the Big Agnes Q Core SL has been working well for me so far (not a lot of time with it). The Exped Synmat 7 UL worked well with no issues, although the BA pad seems more durable. Have heard good thing about the Neoairs too, but I could never get used to the crinkly noise from them.

 

[Jon Boy]

Well it sounds like I got a lemon, which sucks for the time being haha

 

[Brock A]

I had this issue. Sent it back and asked to upgrade to the Air Core SL. All said and done I paid $20 for the new pad. Just did this a few weeks ago.

 

[Biggs300]

I'm sorry you are having problems. I've had my Big Agnes insulated Air Core for nearly 3 years now and have not had any problems with mine whatsoever. I use mine primarily for winter hunting and it goes inside my bivy so, it is protected. However, I've used it a couple of times in the open under one of my sleeping bags.

 

[vcb]

I had my IAC for several years. Used it for solo archery hunting here in CO. Last year it developed a very slow leak. I couldn't find the leak. Sent it back to big Agnes in steamboat to be fixed and they sent me back a brand new IAC. They stand behind there products. I would call them.

 

[sk1]

I had this issue. Sent it back and asked to upgrade to the Air Core SL. All said and done I paid $20 for the new pad. Just did this a few weeks ago.

this sounds like a good idea to me, see if they will upgrade you for a small cost and hope for the best

i used an exped ul last year, but changed to the big agnes q core sl for this season, hopefully all goes well.

 

[ohhiitznik]

Run a foam pad for complete peace of mind.

I run a torso length thermarest Zlite and a klymit static v. I put the thermarest on top of the static v and I'm super comfy. Comes in at 28 oz's for both. And I can take the thermarest with me to use as a seat while out hunting/glassing.

 

[vcb]

^^this. I do run a foam pad under my air core for protection

 

[bobhunts]

Bought one brand new from REI and used it on one scouting trip and it worked fine. The second time I took it out I could not open the valve to blow it up. I was using a BA bag so I froze my butt off. I took it back to REI and got a new one. Since then I bought the newer Q-core and I guess I had better try it out before going to Alaska. I did like the first model until it failed and I hope the newer one will work fine for me. I still have and use my Thermarest alot when not carrying alot of weight. Man time flies by! I gotta make a run with some of the new stuff I got! Bob.

 

[GoatNuts]

I have had a BA Insulated Air Core for 3 years and on average I put about 20-25 days a year sleeping on it. I love the pad. However, this year is the first time I've had any problems. The plastic air valve assembly cracked. I'm not sure how it happened, and it wasn’t leaking air...yet, but eventually it would lead to a catastrophic failure. I took it back to REI and they gave me a new one on the spot.

I still have good faith in their products.