Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review - this is AWESOME!

Here is my review of the superb Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad. This inflatable sleeping pad is the regular-wide version. The Big Agnes Rapide SL inflatable sleeping mat comes in lots of sizes. Personally, I think this is the best winter sleeping pad out there as it ticks so many boxes including value for money too.
Big Agnes are well known for making some great camping gear. I think they got this insulated sleeping mat pretty much prefer. It strikes the perfect balance of size, weight, comfort, warmth, cost and value for money.
The compact size of this big agnes sleeping pad means it's the perfect piece of backpacking gear. The 4.2 R-Value means it's a great winter sleeping mat too.
Official Link: www.bigagnes.com/products/ins...
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This is what they say:
Insulated, superlight, compact, 3-season air chamber sleeping pad
When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Rapide SL Insulated pad stands alone. Built with offset I-Beam construction, this proprietary design reduces weight while providing multi-directional support for consistent stability and comfort. This superlight air chamber pad sleeps warmer using PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation and is third party rated with an R-Value of 4.2 for use through three-seasons. The Rapide SL Insulated is lighter, tougher, more packable, easy to inflate/deflate, and provides superior performance and packability for any adventure. Save your breath for the miles ahead and use the included pad inflation sack to inflate.
FEATURES
Three-Season, 3.5” thick pad with 4.25” larger outer chambers keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad
Quilted top provides a cushioned pillowy sleeping surface
Durable, superlight nylon double ripstop
PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation working with a heat reflective barrier traps body heat and reflects it back, so you stay comfortable as the temperatures drop
Proprietary offset I-Beam construction reduces weight and provides consistent stability and comfort
Aviation-grade TPU lamination provides ultimate weld strength and dependability
Antimicrobial treatment inside the pad prevents microorganism growth
Individually inflated and tested at our factory ensuring 100% quality performance
High-volume valve allows for efficient and easy inflation, super-fast deflation, and micro adjustments
Includes pad inflation sack, protective storage sack, replacement valve seal, and 3M repair patches
SPECS (my regular-wide)
Metric
25" x 72"
Total Weight: 680g
Packed Size: 13 x 22cm
Max. Thickness: 11cm
Min. Thickness: 9cm
R Value - Tech: 4.2
MATERIALS
Durable, superlight nylon double ripstop fabric
Aviation-grade TPU lamination technology provides ultimate weld strength and durability
Quieter materials than other pads on the market
PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation
Layer of heat reflective film
High-volume valve allows for efficient and easy inflation, super-fast deflation and micro adjustments
Valve illustration copy: One-way inflation valve with micro air-pressure adjust button
Quick-deflation valve
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @Backpacking UK
Thanks, Andy.
#camping #backpacking #wildcamping

[@brucemacdonald8001]

Good review and I agree. I bought this one a few weeks ago for the same reasons (good price, quiet, warm, comfortable). Tested it out on the floor at home and had a great sleep. I could feel the air above cold, and the heat radiating from below.

[@BackpackingUK]

Is so good isn’t it. My only regret is not buying it sooner!

[@newforestgump8926]

You’ve made my mind up Andy. Great review & will be ordering ASAP. You saved me the torture of the spreadsheets! Cheers.

[@RE4SHADOW]

Been debating choices for sleeping pads, but your video here clinches in for me. Thanks for all your research and explanation.

[@BackpackingUK]

I worries, glad it was helpful 👍

[@muhammedtalati2820]

Best sleeping mat ever! Review is spot on 👌

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s great isn’t it!!!

[@shahids3055]

Just bought this mat in Regular Wide version, looking forward to using it now. I wasn't sure initially, as wondered if it might be slightly too heavy, however, it's a lot lighter than my Exped Downmat LW version, which just over weighs 1.2kg. So a big weight saving in comparison. As you say you can't put a price on a good nights sleep in the outdoors. Great review, thank you : )

[@happyonthetrails]

i just got one based on the recommendation from a friend as my neoair xlite was not cutting it anymore. this weekend will be the first time out with it (and my new flextail) with a low of 28f - can't wait to transform my sleep too- worth the extra weight

[@raytaylor4199]

I’ve been using the rapide SL most of 2023, it’s been really good, I’m a front sleeper so it’s really hard to find a comfortable sleeping pad, one thing I found with this pad is when I breath (obviously sleeping on my front) it pushes the front end of the pad up, like a see saw and I feel it on my face, just a slight niggle but definitely not a deal breaker, I’ve just ordered the updated Thermarest Neoair Xtherm NXT Max (RW) looking forward to trying that out.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Well cool. I want one. Thanks for this ace review.

[@BackpackingUK]

It really is good, you won't regret it!

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

I heard that in the 13th century it was still possible to travel from the coast of Dover and travel to London without ever leaving the forest\green canopy. Imagine being able to camp back then and go on a hike like that.

[@helopi8]

I just bought this pad £139 for tall and wide I'm 6ft 3 and it's perfect plenty of space left, will test it in tent soon.

[@derekhughes4028]

£139 great price. Where did you buy it? I’m trying to find the regular wide and can’t find it anywhere.

[@terrym1964]

Yes come on mate, Springs arrived..where did you get it at that price ??

[@MAURITS_METERSMAKER]

Totally agree with your review. I’ve got one as well, also after extensive research. The EXPED Ultra 5R mats look interesting as well.

[@BackpackingUK]

I was close to Sea to Summit, Thermarest and Exped but the Big Agnes just ticked so many boxes for me.

[@thatunfitbloke]

I absolutely love mine ❤️

[@BackpackingUK]

100%, me too!

[@pimvalk4877]

Great review! Thanks!! This and the review of Dan Becker convinced me to buy this pad. I'm 173cm (5'8") tall and I went for the wide long. Long instead of regular because I'm a side and stomach sleeper and with the 183cm of the regular my pillow or my feet will fight with the pad lenght (my experience with the Klymit Static V insulated), so I took the 50 grams extra weight. Now searching for the ideal 3 season UL sleeping bag, for this toss and turn champion, to add to this pad.😊 Very comfortable pad for backpacking. For car camping I would strongly recommend the Exped Megamat 10, it's perfect for that.

[@BackpackingUK]

If you’ve got the funds the Nemo down bags are amazing!

[@pimvalk4877]

@@BackpackingUK Thanks! I do have a Nemo Dagger 3P tent; imported that one from the UK (before the Brexit) and like it a lot. Nemo Equipment is quite expensive in The Netherlands and the dollar much stronger to the euro now too (hope for a devaluation, because the X-mid 2p is on top of my list 😉). I'll take another look at their sleeping bags. I thought choosing a pad was a struggle, but there are many more backpacking and UL bags than pads! 😅

[@BackpackingUK]

My X-MID 1 solid was delivered yesterday 😁

[@markbarnes1979]

I did my extensive research also, and this is the sleep pad I purchased. Being 6'4" I went for the 198cm long version, but purchased the standard width. A few reasons. It was an extra £40 for the wider / long version, but mainly because if I ever take my son / daughter camping I'm not sure the 2 sleep pads I have will sit side by side in my 2 man tent or if they do there would be no space in between which would mean I'm putting pressure through both pads whilst getting in / out and whilst getting changed etc. With a small gap, it's a space I can put my full weight on my knee without worrying about the sleep mat. In an ideal world I would have the long / standard width and long / wide width ........ maybe one day! Good review though and I would agree, great value for money for what you get and the comfort is great.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@antduke2361]

I'm the same size as you and got the long and regular width. I find being a pure side sleeper and the pad being square I don't need any more width I had a wide Eped before and I don't notice the difference.

[@stevew585]

Hi Andy, great review, I brought one last month, used it on a wild camp on Mam Tor, with my Kelty 3 season down bag I was like toast! I love it, sooo comfortable too. The only mistake was me being a tight arse and brought the regular, should have got the wide, I'm also 5'8.

[@BackpackingUK]

The only real negative with the wide version is if you’ve got a 1 person tent. Most people to get away with a regular but I move around too much when camping.

[@stevew585]

@@BackpackingUK I used my Helm 1, and absolutely love it!

[@VenusBijou]

Hi, thank you for the review. I saw another favourable review of it elsewhere and now I'm really wondering! I have seen Sea to Summit comfort light on special offer for £76 and I'm tempted, but do you think this is worth the extra outlay? I am (reluctantly) converting to bike/train/backpacking after a breakup (I don't drive) and am used to a 10cm zempire monstamat, usually on top of the decathlon bed bases which is super comfy, but not suitable for on foot! Although I am short, I am a little heavy and camp with my dog who usually shares my sleeping mat. I'm thinking I might need the extra wide (although I don't really need the length). Hmm. Your thoughts are appreciated. Also - what's that tiny pump you have? Thank you :)

[@sprokthered]

You’ve convinced me. Looks great. ONLY issue - try and get one ! Almost impossible unless you want to spend £230 !! Any ideas who may have them at sensible money ? Love your channel !

[@BackpackingUK]

Have a search on Google, I got a notification this week one company had 30% off! Can’t remember who though 😩

[@sampring7931]

@@BackpackingUK Ultralight outdoor gear have a deal on currently

[@ashfanman]

Great review. Would be interested in your thoughts on the new Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT if you ever get a chance to review one.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d love to test one out. At the Outdoor Expo the sales guy proved the new version is much quieter than the old one (he had both there).

[@ashfanman]

@@BackpackingUK I’m hoping to pick one up myself soon. Was down to that or the Rapide SL, but going for the XLite as it packs down smaller and I’ll also be using it for bikepacking.

[@guntisber5415]

I have recently returned my xlite. I really wanted to love it but it is just too damn uncomfortable for me. Maybe because I am a side sleeper, I don't know but I wasn't getting proper support at any inflation level. I usually sleep very well on my seatosummit comfort pad (I wanted to upgrade because it was quite heavy) but I would wake up multiple times while using xlite from back and joint pains in my shoulders and hips. I don't think it was the main source of pain (which was hiking long distance) but it would amplify it and do not provide me a resting environment. I will be testing Big Agnes Zoom UL now, it is not as warm, a bit heavier and slightly less packable but I have high hopes in it due to its different baffle structure. This time I was choosing between Zoom and Rapide and Zoom was lighter and more packable.

[@RudyHellNo]

Hi, great video line the review, do you know by any chance the maximum weight ? Thanks

[@adyweavers3929]

Hi mate, been messing about for ages picking a mat, finally convinced thanks, but do you know if this fits in any of the trekker style chairs…..cheers 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Usually the wide ones don’t. Sometimes the thick ones especially don’t either.

[@kristaps2010]

it ticks so many boxes, but most important it got great price, can't wait to try. at the moment using Trekology UL80 at 750 grams (191x57cm) at £38

[@BackpackingUK]

Personally I think the price point is spot on but I see they have already increased the price!

[@RobboOutdoors]

G'day mate. I have just sold my Sea to Summit Ether lite XT after two nights hiking. Was too loud and I am a heavier chap and just felt everything. I am now looking at the Big Agnes /Q Core / Boundary / Rapide. I contacted Big Agnes and they said that they are discontinuing the Q core and replacing it with the Boundary.. I need a big comfortable pad and happy to carry a bit more weight to be comfortable! Decision pending!

[@BackpackingUK]

I believe they make an extra wide version. I’m fairly sure @thatunfitbloke has one and summit camps with it too!

[@dalhall1255]

Hello mate. Big fan of your channel with these honest reviews. How would you compare the Rapide SL to the Big Agnes boundary deluxe ? And how would these compare / rate to a cheaper Unigear Camfy P3 (if you've tired one ?) Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

I genuinely can’t fault this pad. If you can afford it, buy it!

[@dalhall1255]

@@BackpackingUK have you used either of the other mats. Boundary deluxe and Unigear Camfy P3 ? The latter is a fair bit cheaper, wonder how it compares ?

[@BackpackingUK]

@@dalhall1255 I’ve got the Unigear mat. My mate loves it. I think it’s ok. He’s a side sleeper whereas I’m a front sleeper.

[@stevenwatsham5973]

I keep falling off my oex sleeping mattress!.. I'll have a a look around for one of those..

[@carladams837]

You have some epic gear you brother 😎👍.I Use the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT grey 3 season which is 3.2 And I have the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT black which I think goes down to 6.2 for winter

[@BackpackingUK]

The grey one was on my shortlist. 2 of my mates have the noisy Extreme black one which I can’t stand listening too!

[@carladams837]

@@BackpackingUK lol 😂

[@seannoone9098]

Great review mate . What site did you order from? I'm in Ireland and can only see listings from the states.

[@BackpackingUK]

Facewest . co . uk

[@ikrammohammed4546]

Hi Andy, a nice review as usuall. I was on a low budget and I came across a REI mat probably better spec than this for a fraction of the price. Its still on special offer.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing. We don't have REI in the UK but I see a lot of their gear gets good reviews in North America.

[@SheriDin]

Which one is it? The Rei one. Can u send me a link? Thank you Ikram.

[@blazethebluerooms9909]

Hi mate! Thanks for review! Just brilliant! One question, where didi you get it from?

[@BackpackingUK]

I think it was facewest .co .uk 👍

[@blazethebluerooms9909]

@@BackpackingUK Thanks mate! Can I ask you one more think? Is that mat made in China or USA?

[@craigthecumbrian]

I’ve just ordered one thanks to your video. Do you know if it will work with a thermorest trekker chair? The pad and the chair are both 25”

[@BackpackingUK]

I don't see why not if they're the same width.

[@jazclemmie]

Thanks for an awesome review, I’m sold! I’ll likely get the wide regular version. I was going to get the Alpkit EX sleeper mat to go underneath for extra warmth and general protection for the Rapide pad. However, the Alpkit sleeping mat is only 55cm wide whereas this Rapide wide pad is 64cm. My question is, hopefully you might be able to advise.. does it matter if you’re sleeping mat is smaller than your pad? Do you need to match their size? Thank you in advance (first time wild camper here!) x

[@BackpackingUK]

It’ll definitely help increase the R Value, no doubt about that. I wouldn’t worry too much about the size difference.

[@jazclemmie]

@@BackpackingUK okay brilliant, thank you ☺️

[@kylew1358]

Been waiting for the long and wide version to be in stock after seeing Dan Becker sing this mats praises 👏🏻 Can't wait to get it for next year

[@BackpackingUK]

Honestly, wide mats are the way to go. Game changer!

[@kylew1358]

@Backpacking UK your review makes me want it sooner. I'm a cold sleeper so I always take a foam mat as well to sit about camp with and extra 2.2 r value added to sleep system

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s you’re a really cold person, 100% get a down sleeping bag if you don’t have one already. They’re well worth the investment 👍

[@davidstorer6868]

I have the long and wide version it was £39 more but worth it just waiting to use it now

[@kylew1358]

@David Storer thanks! I actually bought it in a sale before Xmas. Went for long and wider looking forwards to try in couple weeks!!!

[@adyweavers3929]

Hi Andy new to all this, in your opinion at 5ft 10 would a regular be ok?? Great review👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, regular height should be fine. If you wriggle about a bit you might want a longer mat though.

[@jfkkjfggf]

What is it like compared to Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT for comfort and noise levels?

[@hennypenny-hk8tp]

hey there, gives big anges a life long guarantee for the product?

[@jazclemmie]

Any tips on getting this back in its bag (or an alternative stuff sack?!) - I cannot for the life of me get it back in the bag, everytime I roll it up it has this pocket of air right at the end 😅

[@simonpackham5780]

If you use an electric pump, use it to suck out the air while the mat is still laid out.

[@stevenwhoriskey]

Hi Andy , I just got the mountain equipment aerostat 9.0 long / wide, I know you have the aerostat 7.0 , how would the rapide compare ?

[@BackpackingUK]

The BA is definitely more comfortable, quieter and the pack size is smaller. There’s no difference in warmth though. The ME feels thicker so I would say less susceptible to punctures.

[@stevenwhoriskey]

Cheers Andy , Btw great review 👍🏻

[@juri2001]

After one year of use this pad it looses air overnight. Can't find the hole. Really loved it before, very comfortable, like the material, color. looks and feels like quality sleeping pad

[@BackpackingUK]

Sounds like maybe something poked through the groundsheet?

[@ianbarnett]

Hi Andy, can I ask the procedure when buying from the states regarding paying import taxes etc?

[@BackpackingUK]

I got this from the UK bit I did a separate video about import taxes, check it out 👍

[@antduke2361]

I have this but find the R value rating a little optimistic and the pump sack it comes with is ridiculously bad compared to my old Exped one. It's like nearly 100 grams in weight and doesn't seal at the top to make a compression bag like the Exped

[@BackpackingUK]

I don't use pumpsacks, personally I think they're all bad! I've been out +1 - +5 a few times in this and I've never been cold, I do use down bags though.

[@derekhughes4028]

I’m now thinking of purchasing the Big Agnes Zoom UL? Has anyone had experience with this pad?

[@chrisf5475]

If anybody has one of these mats and a flextail tiny pump…. You’ll know none of the nozzles really work properly. I’ve made a PERFECT adapter to solve this. I’ve uploaded a video to demonstrate it : ) I totally agree that the Rapide SL is the best mat ever.

[@dylandraws8278]

Going on a thru hike curious if you think it'd hold up for hundreds of uses?

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d say that’s more dependant on the ground you sleep on. This is really well made, and has a much better reputation than say Thermarest, but if a little spike pokes through the tent floor it’ll pierce (as will all pads).

[@rhysnixon210592]

How would you compare this to the lighttour r5.8 ?

[@BackpackingUK]

This has its limitation in winter, no doubt about it.

[@N1cholls93]

Which you think is better, mountain equipment aerostat or this one?

[@BackpackingUK]

100% this one!

[@N1cholls93]

@@BackpackingUK thank you, future vid maybe comparing what you have/used over the years 🤔

[@stewarthollingsworth200]

Hi Andy and everybody. Could anybody try help me ,,I just bought the big Angus Rapide ,,also bought off Amazon the Flexitailgate pump just having issues not knowing what valve to use from the kit sent could anybody tell me which one do I connect to the sleeping Matt there’s about six in total. Many thanks Stewart wilts 👍👍⛺️

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

As a front sleeper with arms by my side, I don't want that raised edge.otherwise yeah, the depth of the pad is great.

[@BackpackingUK]

I sleep the same but I wriggle so I need the sides (like a cot 😂).

[@ADPathos]

How did you fit it back in the stuff sack??

[@BackpackingUK]

I use a pump which acts as a vacuum too. Have a look at Flextail Gear 👍 I put the pad away first time, every time.

[@rskl3284]

What's with the price hike on all the pads atm. These used to be less than £140 now they're £170+

[@BackpackingUK]

Whaaaat?!?! I saw my Terra Nova tent shot up in price for 2023 too!

[@rskl3284]

@@BackpackingUK seems like this year is going to be expensive

[@clarerussell6160]

Can i use it with a quilt?

[@davidstorer6868]

Definitely

[@gandriukas100]

How did you get delivered to UK ?

[@BackpackingUK]

There’s distributors within the UK. I got mine from Facewest but Valley & Peak sell them too.

[@derekhughes4028]

Does anyone have any idea where I could purchase a regular wide in the UK? Really struggling to find somewhere to buy this.

[@BackpackingUK]

Ultralight Outdoor Gear have 1 in stock.

[@derekhughes4028]

@@BackpackingUK out of stock. Oh well. Just need to hang on for a bit. 👍🏻

[@sonofagun9856]

i love your reviews and tips but $200 for a wider mat seems an awful lot of money, am i missing something here, i like comfort but i couldn't sleep on that mat knowing i'd paid $200 for it, (sorry i don't mean to be negative)

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s fine, each to their own. It’s not just about the mat just being wide and comfy though.

[@Theorangeman.]

Andy is this still the best in the business mate ??

[@BackpackingUK]

They’ve ’upgraded’ it for 2024 and now use a foil like other mats. Personally I think this is a mistake. I’d try and pick up an old version in the sales, it’s excellent apart from proper winter use.

[@Theorangeman.]

@@BackpackingUK cheers for getting back to me mate. Hopefully see u about one day and get you a coffee 👍

[@michaelsrowland]

Will this survive a 2 year around the world bike trip being inflated and deflated each day??

[@BackpackingUK]

Personally, I’d take a Z mat. Why take the risk?

[@nienkeborrel8782]

For better sleep maybe? ​@@BackpackingUK

[@tomwheeler7816]

thats better

[@BackpackingUK]

🙌

[@TapDancingOnYoFace]

Yo have you tested the exped ultra 5r?

[@TapDancingOnYoFace]

Does a heart mean no? :D

[@BackpackingUK]

I've got a Mountain Equipment sleeping mat which is borrowed technology from Exped so very, very similar mats. It's a really good mat so I would expect the 5r to be good too.

[@user-qk5ft8eo8t]

:)

[@johnholbrook6042]

Hate it myself. Just bought online & hopefully can return for refund. Might be the most comfortable in the world but difficult to inflate. $ wasted if not able to return for refund. Will throw away if unable to return.

[@BackpackingUK]

I take it this is spam??? It’s not difficult to inflate at all!!!

[@johnholbrook6042]

Not spam

[@helopi8]

It's so easy to inflate I use inflation sack that comes with it.