Gear Review: Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Pacific Northwest and Iceland
Duration of Test: Multiple night trips
Product Name: Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
Product Brand: Big Agnes
Best Use: Backpacking
Sizes: Petite | Regular | Long
The Full Review:
As someone who has always backpacked with a simple closed cell foam pad, I had assumed that waking up with a slightly sore neck and back was just part of camping. The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX has changed my perspective on this. I used it on a two-week backpacking trip through Iceland and slept comfortably throughout the entire outing. I found this to be super important because I was backpacking long distances with a lot of weight, and it was so much easier and less painful to put my backpack on in the morning after having a comfortable night’s sleep. This pad is especially nice for side sleepers like myself because it is a little bit thicker, keeping your hip away from the hard ground. It also has slightly larger side champers to keep you in the center of the pad.
Even though the Q-Core SLX is a thicker pad, it is quite compact and lightweight when stored. I have the regular size which weighs 16 oz. I also found it to be easy to inflate and deflate, which is definitely something to consider when you are setting up and breaking down camp every day on a long trip. I bought the Big Agnes pump bag to inflate my pad, and it does take a few minutes to inflate but is still relatively fast and easy. The Q-Core SLX is a three-season pad rated to 32 degrees. Paired with a 15-degree sleeping bag I have been perfectly warm every night sleeping on this pad, except for one night that was close to 30 degrees that was a little chilly but still manageable.
Overall, this is an excellent lightweight three-season sleeping pad. Camping has never been so comfortable.
The Good
Lightweight, easy setup, thick pad good for side sleepers, super comfortable.
The Bad:
The pad is relatively narrow and thick, and while it does have larger side chambers to keep you in the center of the pad some might prefer a wider sleeping pad.
The Bottom Line:
Feels luxurious but not excessive and is still super lightweight.
The Full Review:
As someone who has always backpacked with a simple closed cell foam pad, I had assumed that waking up with a slightly sore neck and back was just part of camping. The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX has changed my perspective on this. I used it on a two-week backpacking trip through Iceland and slept comfortably throughout the entire outing. I found this to be super important because I was backpacking long distances with a lot of weight, and it was so much easier and less painful to put my backpack on in the morning after having a comfortable night’s sleep. This pad is especially nice for side sleepers like myself because it is a little bit thicker, keeping your hip away from the hard ground. It also has slightly larger side champers to keep you in the center of the pad.
Even though the Q-Core SLX is a thicker pad, it is quite compact and lightweight when stored. I have the regular size which weighs 16 oz. I also found it to be easy to inflate and deflate, which is definitely something to consider when you are setting up and breaking down camp every day on a long trip. I bought the Big Agnes pump bag to inflate my pad, and it does take a few minutes to inflate but is still relatively fast and easy. The Q-Core SLX is a three-season pad rated to 32 degrees. Paired with a 15-degree sleeping bag I have been perfectly warm every night sleeping on this pad, except for one night that was close to 30 degrees that was a little chilly but still manageable.
Overall, this is an excellent lightweight three-season sleeping pad. Camping has never been so comfortable.
The Good
Lightweight, easy setup, thick pad good for side sleepers, super comfortable.
The Bad:
The pad is relatively narrow and thick, and while it does have larger side chambers to keep you in the center of the pad some might prefer a wider sleeping pad.
The Bottom Line:
Feels luxurious but not excessive and is still super lightweight.