exped synmat 7UL vs big agnes insul q-core SL

[Jay03]

So I now own the exped synmat 7UL and like it but on the very first night I used it it lost enough air to have my hip and shoulder touching the ground in 6-7 hours. I was less than impressed. Called REI and the guy said that's not uncommon.... wtf! These things aren't cheap. The temp did not fluctuate more than a few degrees and the pad is brand new. Do you guys and gals have this kind of experience with these.
Now here's the deal. I'm thinking I'm going to return this pad. Should I try another synmat 7 or maybe give the big Agnes q-core SL a shot? Is one nicer than the other? The exped was a few ounces lighter so I went with it. But now am rethinking my decision. Thanks

 

[muleman]

Between me and my kids we have 4 Exped UL mats and none of them have leaked. I have had all kinds of pads get soft if it gets cold, but that doesn't sound like your issue.

I personally would stay with Exped having owned both BA and Exped pads. Especially since people are reporting that the new BA pads are coming in under sized and over weight.

 

[SHTF]

You should check out the REI stratus. I love that Pad and it works great. No air loss at all. Never used either of the mats mentioned but Im super happy with the stratus.

 

[Lawnboi]

Heres a pretty lengthy thread on this exact topic.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/forum.php

I ended up with the BA qcore sl. Although the dimensions are not as advertised. I am still very happy with it. After using it a bit its a pretty warm pad, and i can put it on some pretty uneven ground and not feel a bump.


Also ill comment, it is not uncommon for these thick pads to seem to 'lose air' as the night progresses. This can be due to a temperature difference from your warm breath warming it up, to the cold night air finally cooling it down. I usually end up having to put a few extra puffs into my pads after a little while due to this.

 

[trophyhill]

I just ordered the UL7 Synmat LW and pillow pump. I hope it's all it's cracked up to be. no more foam for me.

 

[Daniel_M]

I had 2 Exped mats that lasted only 2 seasons. Both had baffles that blew out and bulged. Since then took the chance with the BAQC.

 

[Jay03]

Heres a pretty lengthy thread on this exact topic.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/forum.php

I ended up with the BA qcore sl. Although the dimensions are not as advertised. I am still very happy with it. After using it a bit its a pretty warm pad, and i can put it on some pretty uneven ground and not feel a bump.



Also ill comment, it is not uncommon for these thick pads to seem to 'lose air' as the night progresses. This can be due to a temperature difference from your warm breath warming it up, to the cold night air finally cooling it down. I usually end up having to put a few extra puffs into my pads after a little while due to this.

I didn't see a thread in that link.... just the home page. I think I'll exchange it for another and see how it does.

 

[worx53]

I had a BA that leaked and I was always sliding off it. I replaced it with a Thermarest and it was more "sticky?" and I stay on it better, and its never leaked.

 

[Lawnboi]

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?5339-BA-Q-Core-SL-versus-Exped-UL7&highlight=qcore

Sorry here is the thread, don't know how that happened.

If your sliding around on your pad add a little silicone or seam sealer onto it and you wont slide anymore. I have dots of seam grip on both sides of my qcore sl

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Personally, I like the Q Core SL better. Neither have given me problems, both had silicone smears put on them, only time will tell for the durability of the SL.

 

[Kotaman]

Just returned from a hunt in AK. My guide was using an Exped UL7 (his 3rd) and I was using a BAIAC. By day three his inflatation pillow had a hole in it and was useless. By day 5 his pad was not holding air. I left him my BA pad to get through the rest of the season. I came home and ordered a NeoAir Xtreme. I was contemplating ordering an Exped, but I saw enough.

 

[endorice]

So I now own the exped synmat 7UL and like it but on the very first night I used it it lost enough air to have my hip and shoulder touching the ground in 6-7 hours. I was less than impressed. Called REI and the guy said that's not uncommon.... wtf! These things aren't cheap. The temp did not fluctuate more than a few degrees and the pad is brand new. Do you guys and gals have this kind of experience with these.
Now here's the deal. I'm thinking I'm going to return this pad. Should I try another synmat 7 or maybe give the big Agnes q-core SL a shot? Is one nicer than the other? The exped was a few ounces lighter so I went with it. But now am rethinking my decision. Thanks

I have the Exped Synmat 7UL and honestly haven't had a problem with it. Since you purchased it at REI, you can always bring it back in and trade it for something that you'll feel happier with.

 

[bobhunts]

I guess I had better try out my brand new Q core before leaving to Alaska. I have never tried any other brands other than thermarest with no problems until my insulated air core would not inflate. Took it back to REI and got the newer model. The Q-core. I'll get on it tonight and make sure it is functional before I leave and make sure it works on my drop camp. ( of course all of my gear should be tested before I leave but a great reminder for me) Bob.

 

[Kotaman]

After reading some of these threads, I sent back my NeoAir and ordered the new BA Q Core SL. Two reasons...I move around a lot while I sleep and thought the noise of the NeoAir would bother me. And I am a bit of a side sleeper at times and the extra thickness of the BA should be more comfortable. Loved the compact size and light weight of the NeoAir though.

 

[slim9300]

After reading some of these threads, I sent back my NeoAir and ordered the new BA Q Core SL. Two reasons...I move around a lot while I sleep and thought the noise of the NeoAir would bother me. And I am a bit of a side sleeper at times and the extra thickness of the BA should be more comfortable. Loved the compact size and light weight of the NeoAir though.

Good call.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Here's a tip on increasing the friction of bag to pad....... AquaSeal.
Or any urethane glue for that matter. Just brush strips on the top of the baffles and let dry.
I learned this trick from Conlan "Slim9300" on the WA Rokslide Hike this summer.
However if you use a Bivy bag or a BA bag with the pad slot, no issues sliding off.
Hunt'nFish

 

[Jay03]

Well I took the exped back and got the BA insul Q core. Tested it out for a few days in the eagle caps wilderness... what a nice comfy pad. Lost zero air, it is a little heavy but worth the comfort. I use a bivy bag so I dont slide off the pad completely but my bivy and pad/bag combo are pretty slippery together. So good tip hunt&fish, I'll be giving that a try.

 

[Screamrider]

I just picked up a long/wide BA Q core SL. Used it 4 days last weekend and it provided the best backcountry sleeps I've ever had. I'm 6'1", 200 lbs and couldn't imagine not getting the wide if you have any desire to sleep on your back with your arms on the pad - mine barely stay on. Hands down best sleeping pad I've used in 20 years.

 

[Jordan Budd]

I have the BA q core and have gotten along great with it. A little heavier than some others but it gets you 3 1/2" (if I remember right) off the ground and is super comfy. It's worth the extra weight to get a good nights sleep in my opinion. I pair mine with BA lost ranger 15 degree down bag