Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy

I bought this pad based on the previous reviews and a desire for a compact set up for ADV motorcycle trips. I didn't find it very warm at 30F in Colorado and it was sticky on my back in the warmer climate of the desert due to the pad only being separated from my skin by a layer of nylon. My BA mummy pad is insulated and stays put but the bag has very tight dimensions and was claustrophic.The Pad keeps you off the ground by about 2.5"s and creates an uncomfortable position for my arms. I fiddled with diferent pressures but never really got comfortable. You can't roll over in a mummy bag because it fits so tightly and you can't roll inside either. Its a miserable design. Oh yea and mine sprung a leak right away that I have yet to repair. If you decide to try the BA concept get a bag plenty big enough to roll around inside of it.
PS Stuffs the size of a quart thermos and is quite light.
PS it is quite compact and light, just not warm, comfortable or well made.

Yes, you have to manually blow it up, but it is well worth the potential light-headedness. The 2.5 inch thickness is luxurious, I have never slept better on the ground. Sometimes I sleep better on this than some beds. Big Agnes hit the mark with the air core line, for the price you cannot beat them period. Stuffs a little bigger than a nalgene.

I would say overall this is a great sleeping pad. Some of the reviews talk about getting lightheaded while blowing it up (since you have to do that manually) but I haven't found that to be the case yet. Used mine about 15 or so times over the past year and probably averaged about 4min inflation time without becoming lightheaded. Price is great. Comfort is awesome. My only gripe is that the material is kind of noisy against my Lafuma Warm n'Light 800 sleeping bag.

I sleep on my side and this pad is by far the most comfy that I've tried. My shoulders never hit the ground and I never slide off because I also have a BA bag. It also can't be beat for pack-ability.

the reason i gave this 4 out of 5 is because it doesn't keep me as warm as i would like. but, i'm fine if i also use a cheapo foam pad from walmart. since those weigh practically nothing i don't mind too much. previous reviewers are right, you can slide off it if you aren't on level ground or if you move a lot in your sleep, but oh well. i keep it around because it makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping me from feeling rocks and sticks and having aching bones in the morning. i haven't had any problems with leaking, but even if i ever do, it comes with a repair kit.

Super comfy pad, once you get the rite amount of air figured out. Goes great with the BA Bags too. Packs really small

My backpacking buddies are envious of this super comfy pad. Everyone always warns about it taking a long time to blow up or whatever, but its BS. Seriously, if you are in mildly decent shape, you can spare a few breathes to blow this up. The ability to sleep through the night while out in the wilderness is really worth any shortness of breath you may experience.

The only complaint I would have is really with the Big Agnes line in general - the lack of insulation on the bottom of the bag and on this pad makes for a chilly night if the temp is below 40 outside (which happens a lot when you camp at tree line in the rockies)

But otherwise, its a great pad! Can't be beat if you want to sleep through the night when on the hard ground.

I love this pad and have slept well in the back country ever sense i have gotten it. I can't sleep on my back so I slept crappy on my zlite but once and I got this I was sleeping well. It packs down way smaller than any thermarest and is way more comfortable. I only have one complaint and it is that it sucks to fill up because you use so much air, especially at high elevation. But if the stuff sack turned into a pump, much like the OR mats do, that would put this pad to 5 stars.

This pad is very comfortable. I have a hard time sleeping on my side with other pads but not with this one. I have used it several times and have slept great. I used it in the snow, in January in Southern Utah, and at an early spring backpacking trip. It rolls up to about the size of a Nalgene and is lighter than my other pad too. It fits great in my Big Agnes winter sleeping bag's pocket. I fit fine on the long (I am 6'2", 210 lbs).
Get one and you won't regret it.

I have used several other pads, and I have a very hard time understanding why someone would pay more for a self-inflatable pad that is inferrior in every aspect that I can think of. Yes it may take a little longer and a few deep breathes to inflate, but the next morning when I am packed up and ready to go, my brother is still rolling around on his self-inflatable and then trying to shove it in the larger stuff stack. It is also thicker (don't inflate it to its maximum though, it's not an air mattress, you won't roll to the middle) so you don't get that one pesky stone jabbing you in the back like you do with the thinner pads. Buy this pad and no other!

I use this pad with my 50 degree Big Agnes summer bags. It gives 2.5 inches of comfort without any insulation so you can stay cool. I leave this in my bag and roll them up together. Comes with repair kit and stuff sack.

If you are going to be doing cold weather camping I would step up to one of the insulated pads.

The size of this pad is where it really shines. Anyone looking to camp/backpack will want to give this one a shot. I stuff good old Agnes inside my n-face sleeping bag and its lights out! The quote of 2 min inflation time is a little misleading. I'm sure it’s possible but you might pass out from exhaustion shortly thereafter. Overall a decent pad and worth the money.

I was concerned about stability and rolling off but no problems. Other claims to difficulty inflating seem odd. As an athletic 32 yr old male it takes between 15 and 20 breaths AT MOST to inflate even at high altitude. If you can't blow the matt up easily you may wanna rethink what your sports are. Very durable, packs gr8. Light weight

I was great to use while i was backpacking in Big Bend N.P. I would recommend this pad to any one. Especially since it is lighter and more compact than other sleeping pads that are out there.

I used a few basic foam pads, a Ridge-rest, and then several different self-inflating Therm-a-rests for years of backpacking and camping, and never had a comfortable nights' sleep on any of them (call me the Princess and the Pea).

So, about 7-8 years ago, I bought the BA Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy and find it to be the most comfortable pad I've ever tried (I haven't tried the Term-a-rest Neolite yet). It's held up well to all kinds of abuse over the years I've owned it.

I'm 5'8" 145-150 lbs, and as a side sleeper, I find it to be very, very comfortable. The key is to fully inflate it, then lie on it and deflate it a little until it feels just right. Fully inflated is too firm for me, but let some air out and it's more comfortable than my regular mattress. It's also roomy enough that I never feel like I'm falling off (but that could be from years of practice sleeping in high hanging bunk-beds where a fall would be fatal and one must know exactly where one's body is in relation to the bed at all times).

It does take some time to blow up (but less than a pool mattress - I've tried those too, but this is far more comfortable, packs a lot smaller, and is way more durable). And even on cold nights, I never had it deflate.

As for packed size, I can fit it *into* a Nalgene bottle, no problem. I fold it into 4ths lengthwise before rolling it... So, I think the key to making it small is knowing how to fold/roll it - experiment to find what works best for you.

This summer, it developed a slow leak at my last camp and I had to re-inflate it in the middle of each night. :( Hopefully, I can find the leak and patch it - if not, it's supposed to have a life-time warranty! My guess is that it may be from storage (I leave it loosely rolled up in its stuff sack) or just old age... But that said, it's lasted longer than my best light-weight Therm-a-rest (which popped from a cinder and wasn't repairable).

As for the cold, it definitely does NOT insulate well. But that makes sense - it's an AIR mattress for crying out loud! It doesn't have any kind of coating to reflect body heat back or keep out ground temps. The solution for me is to either use a space blanket or a cheap foam pad under it for fall/winter camping (which also help to keep it from sliding around on the ground).

A weight-saving option would be the BA Clearview Air Pad - Mummy (http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Big-Agnes-Clearview-Air-Pad-Mummy/BAG0129M.html), but the polyurethane is probably not as durable as the 70 denier nylon laminate of the BA Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy.

Overall, I think it's the best bang for the buck for a comfortable sleeping pad (and lighter than most at less than 19 oz. for the regular size).

If you don't want to shell out 3xs the moolah for the Therm-a-rest Neolite and can spare the extra 5 oz. or are worried about the durability of the BA Clearview Air Pad, then this is a super sleeping pad to buy - your aching back will thank you!

One of the best purchases I've made. It is great to be able to sleep the whole night without waking up because your arms are numb or your hip is sore. If you are a side sleeper, get this pad. The r-value isn't as high as a thermarest, but I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in warmth.

This is a nice sleeping pad. I really like how small it folds up. It is also a lot more comfortable than my old thermarest. I would recommend this pad if you backpack quite a bit. One thing I noticed was that it is more comfortable if you blow it all the way up, lie down, and then reach up and let a little bit of air out (just a little).

For years I've just slept on foam insulites and, rightfully, I was always the first person getting my sore butt outta bed in the morning. With this pad, I actually want to sleep on it more than my bed, but my wife doesn't let me. Oh well. Great night's sleep in any position (I'm a side sleeper). No bottoming out. Yes, it does take about 13 breaths to fill it full (although can get by on 10), and the slight hiss of deflating is a bit of an affront to the back country, but I still highly recommended it.

Comfy pad, and the mummy shape doesn't make me lightheaded when I blow it up. Definitely recommended over rectangular inflateable pads...

Fits perfect, however I have not slept on it. I'll write another review after I have more time to evaluate.

I just got this pad in the mail yesterday. In my order was a 40 degree down sleeping bag also, and when I picked up the bad I thought it was my sleeping bag in a compression sack; it's that small! I was astonished with the size, it comes with a 6-7" sack and it fits, even after inflating it.

That brings me to my next point. I was mistaken and thought it was self inflating, but it's not. Not really an issue because it took me about 15-20 exhales to inflate it. 2.5" after inflated, it's massive and looks comfortable. I can't wait to use it, probably this weekend or next. I'll update my review on performance after. I layed on it in my living room, and I didn't come close to bottom out. I'm a side sleeper so that is awesome! I've owned two thermarest, each about 1.5-2", nothing compared to this and much more expensive.

I love this pad, it is super comfy, incredibly light and packable, packs smaller than a nalgene. It is great for backpacking and inflates to almost 3 inches thick, so you wont be feeling anything on the ground below you. I love this pad!

Compact, light weight, actually does fit in its stuff sack, and does exactly what it's supposed to do. Very comfortable!

I Bought as a mate for my BA summer bag. Used this weekend w/ my Marmot winter bag due to cold snap. Really comfy. Flat out blows away my Therm-A-Rest Prolite 4 in comfort, Weight-11oz less, packability and price. Will only use Prolite in winter now. Nice product, highly recommended.

I used this pad on a cold winter camping trip. The night time temps typically dropped down to 10 deg. F. I was in a tent on top of snow and ice. I used a small closed cell foam sheet that I usually use to sit on, under my hips (underneath the sleeping pad). Despite the warnings for pads with only air filling, I stayed plenty warm, and would say that the pad insulated fine. I didn't experience any heat transfer issues between the pad and the ground/snow.

I have been using a Warmlite Down-filled Air Matress (DAM) for the last several years. However, it developed a serious leak around the fill (that defied attempts at repair) and costs $140 to replace, so I thought I would give the REM a try. The price is comparable to quality self-inflator, while the weight is comparable to a thin foam pad. Playing with the air pressure yields a very, very comfortable, conforming mattress. The down-side of all non-filled air mattresses is that they require an insulator as the air temperature drops. I use a layer of foil-covered bubble-wrap (building insulation). This nearly doubles the weight, but is still well less than the DAM, or a full-length self-inflator. I sleep heavy, and will find the ground, even on 1.5" self-inflators. The REM kept me very comfortably off of the ground. The material appears as tough (puncture-resistant) as any self-inflator I have tried. If you need the comfort of a thick mattress, and can't afford, or want the weight (28oz) of a DAM, this is an excellent choice.

For the first time in my life, I had a good light sleep in the woods. Usually on my Thermarest, I need to change positions several times per night due to soreness. Not on the Big Agnes REM Core Sleeping Pad. With its two and half inches of padding, I sleep comfortably. It also packs so small that I can carry a smaller pack. And I am saving over a pound in weight over my full length Thermarest. There is one drawback to this pad - no insulation. So when I am packing into snowy areas or places where the ground has recently been frozen, I bring a full length half-inch foam pad. Then I get three full inches of padding for only around two pounds.

This pad came with a mummy bag that I bought and it works great plus it is light and not too bulky. It is a flat pad and does not look like the picture but it's actually a very comfy pad but I like that it goes inside my mummy bag on the bottom in a built in pocket for the bottom side.

the pad works great and is super comfy. takes a while to blow up though and you do slide around on it if your on a slope

Way better than a Thermarest. Much better sleep. More compact, much lighter. Also includes repair kit. Big agnes makes the BEST products. Prolite 4 sucks. Air Core RULES!

After being stoked about my new Big Agnes Zirkel bag and Air Core REM sleeping pad, I must say that I was not comfortable with the result. When the pad is inflated and inside the sleeve of the bag, it makes for a fairly rigid setup. This prevents one from being able to bend knees for side sleeping and it prevents one from sitting up in the bag. It's a cool design and the specs are great but, for me, it's not the ideal solution I was hoping for.

I have used this a few times, all in varying circumstances, and have been only mildly happy with the results. I laughed when I read it was hard to blow up and I have found that indeed it is a lengthier process then I would prefer. The fact that it makes it hard to sit up and play crib is kind of a bummer. Also I have not mastered the sleeping bag/ pad combo yet the pad seems to get all twisted and then takes more work to untwist it prior to deployment. Enough of the negatives I DID find the pad to be SUPER comfy. It does a great job in its main purpose in life. Also it packs down super small and fits in the sleeping bag stuff sack which is very nice.

I think it was most comfortable when filled half way. While sleeping on my side, I didn't have any problems slipping off of the pad and I use a North Face Cat's Meow.

This is a superlight and compact pad for backpacking adventures. The key with this pad is to only fill it about half full with air to ensure comfort. If you fill it more than that you will tend to roll off and it doesn't conform to your body. It isn't a great insulating mattress pad, so only for warmer temps or you can put a closed cell foam pad underneath for additional insulation. Works great with the pad sleeve on all Big Agnes tents.

great for backpacking, very compact. will fit down to the size of a nalgene bottle.

I love my Big Agnes Air Core REM Sleeping Pad! I have slept on rocks and you don't fell a thing. And it hasn't gone flat yet I thought it would. The only thing is that it that you slip off easy.

Just returned from a 2 week backpacking trip. This thing was pretty comfortable but I wish there was a hooded portion to cinch up when it got chilly, I spent half the nights sleeping deep inside the bag. It tended to slide across my ground tarp when we had to sleep on slightly unlevel ground (I had to build a barrier so I didn't end up off the side of the mountain). Other than that it was much more enjoyable than sleeping on the ground.

Incredibly small, light and comfortable. The only complaint I have is it squeeks a lot when rolling around. I am a heavy sleeper though. Too bad for the unlucky ones.

I have had this pad for years and I absolutely love it. It is incredibly comfortable all night long. I have learned that it is helpful to add more air right before bed and then I am good to go for the night. Plus it packs down super small so it hardly takes up any room in my pack.

The Big Agnus mummy sleeping pad is terrific. The fact that it inflates, it can be rolled into a tiny package just perfect for limited storage when kayaking. It is also a very comfortable pad. This is a purchase well worth the cost.

What an awesome sleeping pad! I have used the thermarest ultralight pads in the past and this puts them to shame. It was truly like sleeping on air. My hips never felt the ground whether I was sleeping on a wood floor shelter or on the ground. It is lightweight and ultracompact. It may weigh a little more than than the foam pads, but it is worth every ounce.

After several sleepless nights on self-inflators, I decided to try the Big Agnes Air Core. Wow! I actually got some sleep in the woods and I wasn't on the ground in the morning. Someone at Big Agnes deserves a raise. Works particularly well in conjunction with Big Agnes bags which incorporate a pocket specifically for the pad. Great product!

I purchased for my wife as an upgrade from a non-inflating pad. What a difference! I tested it as well and agree the thickness makes the difference in comfort. It insulates well too. She used it in mid 30s°F temps and stayed warm. It takes longer to inflate, but it packs and stores smaller than my self inflater.

Big Agnus REM mummy sleeping pad my RATING…. Size = A++ Weight = A and most importantly COMFORT A+++++++ Cost = A+ well worth every penny -- It was as if I had my Sealy pillow top mattress in the woods!! It packed very easily for extended trips; hiking/kayaking. Even through it’s not self inflating, it only requires about 17 big puffs to sleep on 2.5 inches of “comfort”. I won’t leave home with out the REM pad…. I’d instantly find something else to leave behind.

Made our sea kayaking and backpacking this summer that much more fun with the kids- they loved carrying them (even our 6 yr old!) and even more sleeping on them. And they even come with a built in patch kit!

I finished a Quetico multi-day paddle and portage trip in July 2004. The Big Agnes pad gave me the best sleep ever. Personally, it is more comfortable that my bed at home. I've used everything from cots, to self-inflating pads, to ensolite and its brothers. Big Agnes is worth the 19-24 oz, whether thru-packing or pack and paddle.

Like all air mattresses, the Air Core REM Sleeping Pad afforded little insulation and contributed to some teeth chattering through the night that I used it with a thirty-degree sleeping bag in 35-40 degree weather.

On the other hand, it was very comfortable, and I stayed on it a lot better than I had anticipated I would. I woke in the middle of the night from temperature, not sore hips.

If you only backpack in warmer climates, this is a sweet little deal.

Just got back from 2 weeks in Colorado elk hunting. The pad was very comfy to sleep on, but when not on a level surface, I woke up often from sliding off. I would not buy the mummy style again, as I believe the rectangular would be easier to stay on. It inflated easily,and deflated to the pack nicely. Good quality material,light weight,but slippery.

This is the most comfortable bag I've ever owned. My girlfriend makes fun of the name and calls it Bagness but I don't care, I sleep better than I ever have in the backcountry.

Awesome sleeping pad, very compact, very lightweight, and extremely comfortable!!

Good, solid pad. Only takes 5 min or so to inflate. However, you do not want to take it winter camping. Otherwise, I would recommend it.

Much the better value of the two brands I have had. The "I beam" construction means the the air tubes abut and there is no area where there is no area that does not has enclosed air between you and the ground. More comfortable than pads on rough ground. Suitable for warm season backpacking. I did find the shipping charges to Australia fairly steep otherwise good value.

If the ground is flat a really good pad but NOT a good pad for any slope to the ground , you wll spend all night trying to stay on it.

Bet w/ the Big Anges Sleeping bags that have the pocket that the pad slids into would work great.

This pad is one of the easiest to package up and carry. Softness is good. Big Agnes keeps putting out great product.

I have only used this pad three nights in a tent and I loved the pad bag combo. It was really nice to be able to pick up my bag and pad all at once. It was really easy to inflate it took less than ten minutes and it was the same to deflate and pack up. I was very satisfied.

I have only used this pad three nights in a tent and I loved the pad bag combo. It was really nice to be able to pick up my bag and pad all at once. It was really easy to inflate it took less than ten minutes and it was the same to deflate and pack up. I was very satisfied.

It is light but I am not sure on the comfort yet. I need to play around with the air pressure. So far, I have only used it when very firm and it is too hard. The nice thing is I do not bottom out on the mattress when on my side. My hips hit the ground while on my side with my Thermarest but not the BA.

Too hard to blow up. Once it's inflated and inserted into sleeve u can't sit up

This sleeping pad is okay if you do not have a lot of room in your pack like me (I have a ghost 3100). But if you have a little more room I would strongly reccomend the therm a rest prolite three, it costs a little more but it's worth it. This pad feels like a beach inflatable (and you have to blow it up like one too) and is not very comfortable and I am always worried about popping it because the material does not seem very strong, small package though.

I bought one of these pads and sent it back after using it only 3 times. The first time, I slept in my tent, in a 15 degree (true rating) bag. The ground was damp (outside) and there was snow piled around (not under me). I had never gotten cold in that bag before, but did while sleeping on the Aircore REM. I inflated it all the way, to get me off the ground more, but that only made it more slippery and uncomfortable. The other two times were in cool weather. While I didn't get cold, I did wake up feeling quite stiff. Despite various levels of inflation, I was unable to get comfortable on this pad. While it does pack very small and light, I think I'll stick to my old Thermarest and/or EVA pad. On an extremely positive note, Big Agnes has THE BEST customer service I've ever encountered. Not only did they take the pad back without any debate (even though I bought it from Backcounty.com), they asked me detailed questions about what problems I encountered with their product.