The Big Agnes Insulated Double Z Sleeping Pad
The regular and wide sleeping pads fit shoulder to shoulder in our tent.
Insulated Double Z: 1lb 5oz/1lb 13oz - 72" x 20" x 4"/ 72" x 25" x 4" - R-Value 4.5
Specifications printed on the shoulder of the mat.
If you want to be comfy and warm this mat is for you. We both love them. We own both the regular and wide, mummy-shaped sleeping pads. They are both 72" long and 4" thick, but one is 20" wide at the shoulder and the other is 25" at the shoulder. I am 5'2" 125 pounds and Alex is 6'0" 210 pounds and we both fit comfortably on our respective mats.
We picked these because of the generous 4" thickness. It's worth it. They are so comfortable and because they are inflatable you have control over whether they are firm or soft. I have issues with chronic back pain and my sleeping conditions can determine whether I can walk the next day. With this mat I haven't had any back pain from my sleeping situation while backpacking.
The one-way valve for easy inflation.
The biggest con is that you do have to blow a significant amount of air into a 4" mat. Again, totally worth it for the comfort, but it's something you have to budget time and energy for. Alex does his in a couple minutes. I usually blow mine up in a few three or four breath sittings so I don't get light headed. It would be impossible if it didn't have the one-way valve. So it is simple to inflate although it does take some effort. If you're at a high elevation where the air already feels thin I could see these being a pain.
The valve all the way open for deflating.
Now they are definitely warm. We almost always sleep with our sleeping bags open like a blanket and have also camped using just fleece liners instead of sleeping bags paired with these mats. We camped in Hawai'i using this method and it was very comfortable. In a warmer climate at night it might get uncomfortably warm but for most night-time climates it's a decent option if you need more pad or just want a little more creature comfort. They also make a non-insulated version of this pad that may serve better if you were going somewhere where is was going to be warmer than 65 degrees at night.
Like most inflatable pads you do feel the ground under the pad if you get too much pressure in one place. For example, if you sit up on the pad the air shifts and you can feel the ground under your ischial tuberosities (butt bones). I can't feel the ground at all when I'm laying down. Alex can feel the ground when laying on his side if there isn't enough air in the pad. It may take some playing around to figure out how inflated you need it.
Alex field-patching the pad after a puncture.
On a recent trip Alex's mat sprung a leak after being punctured by the zipper on either his shorts or the sleeping bag. So as with anything inflatable, practice caution with hard objects around you. It comes with a somewhat primitive repair kit and we were able to patch it. He slept on it with no issues and we cleaned the patch up once we got home.
I would always suggest finding a store where you can lay on these before purchasing to make sure it accommodates your shape and how you sleep. Make sure when trying out pads that you lay on them how you actually sleep. Some are super comfy on your back but impossible to lay on if you want to be on your side or stomach. This is a popular brand and can be found at most backpacking supply stores.
They are a decent price, available from Amazon for $109.95 and $139.95 for the two different sizes. There is also a wide and long version that goes for $149.95 (25"x78"x4"). The Big Agnes pads are nice middle ground pads. They are affordable but you know you are getting a durable and reliable product. If you take good care of your equipment I could see these lasting a long time, even with a lot of use.
So go try one out. Lay on it. Love it or find something that fits your body better.
Great to relax on once you get it inflated to your desired firmness.
