Open main menu

Big Agnes Dual Core

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Big Agnes Dual Core air-filled sleeping pad

Whether you camp on flat drive-in camp spots or backpack, or even camp deep in caves like I do...this is a comfortable and durable sleeping pad. I love it!

Pros

  • Comfort
  • More durable than expected
  • Packs smaller than most sleeping pads

Cons

  • Takes a while to inflate

I have used this sleeping pad for four years, backpacking in a variety of places from West Virginia to Mexico, and the Big Agnes has never let me down. I bought it for the small size when deflated, since my previous mats were all fairly bulky.

I was initially concerned about durability...but no problem, even camping in rockier areas. I have done some serious camping in caves, 12 hours of caving from the surface, and your choice of camp spot is much more limited than traditional backpacking — so I carry my repair kit faithfully, but have not needed it yet.

It does take longer to inflate than my older sleeping mat, but that's the only drawback so far. Once inflated, it's definitely more comfortable than anything that my partners carry.

Source: bought it new

Spacious, soft, and insulated, this pad helps give you the best night's sleep you can hope to get when on the trail.

Pros

  • Insulated
  • Wide
  • Comfortable

This is hands down the best sleeping pad on the market. I've have used many different kinds but this one is the most versatile. I've had it for about two years now and it is very durable.

I've used it on straight ground with nothing between it and sand, gravel, sticks — and there's been no problem.  It's very packable too. It's about the same size as a Nalgene when packed down. I'm also impressed with how little effort it takes to get it inflated. 

I've had other like the Neo Air and I'm winded after blowing it up. But not this one. I just like the Big Agnes setup in general — with the pad inserted in the bottom of the bag.  It's a smart idea and saves a lot of space.  

Source: bought it new

I love this pad it is so soft. I took this on a trip where it got down to 20 degrees. It worked wonderfully. I stayed warm and have had no issues.

Most comfortable pad I've ever slept on. Lightweight package. Great price point.

Pros

  • Packable and small
  • Comfort
  • Comes with a repair kit

Cons

  • Does not make into a camp chair easily

Easy to blow up, but it does take more effort than a Thermarest, totally worth it. Four inches of air between you and the ground. It comes insulated, worth it. It's more durable than one would think; I camp with my dog and he has yet to pop the pad, but it comes with a repair kit just in case. It does not make into a camp chair but it is the best sleep I have ever had so don't mind sitting on the ground.

I backpack and bike tour with it and it packs up ever so nicely.  

Source: bought it new

Very versatile and comfortable sleeping pad. Easy to use and very packable.

Pros

  • Insulated
  • Packable
  • Ease of use

Very versatile and comfortable sleeping pad. Easy to use and very packable. I have other family members that have this pad as well and have had it or similar products for 10+ years without failing.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: Around $80 on sale

Awesome pad. Every time I have used this pad, I have never felt the ground underneath, and I'm a side sleeper.

Very warm and insulated. I used this with a Sierra Designs BTU -5 on a -6 degree night straight on top of snow, and never felt the cold underneath me. With the BA Pumphouse, blowing it up is never a problem.

I woke up in the morning and the spot that I was sleeping on was somewhat melted, it was more slushy than the snow around it.

Price Paid: $80

This pad is truly the closest thing to your bed at home. For backpacking you can't beat the weight, comfort ratio. There is really only one downside to this pad and it is that you have to blow it up but there are so many up sides that I really don't even care about that. Great pad, especially with the Big Agnes bag combo.

Price Paid: $65

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

Price MSRP: $179.95
Historic Range: $49.97-$179.95
Reviewers Paid: $65.00-$80.00
Product Details from Big Agnes »

Recently on Trailspace

Call for Reviews: Your Favorite Spring Gear