Walking Equipment and Accessories

Big Agnes Rapide SL Sleeping Mat | Review

OM editor Will tries out the Petite version of this mat to assess its ultralight backpacking potential

I was offered two versions of this sleeping mat to review: the 25 inch by 72 inch model and the 20 x 72. Being an ultralight camper with masochistic tendencies, naturally it was the smaller one that I was drawn to.

My main ultralight mat over the years has been the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite which is no bigger than a pint glass when packed up and is commonly regarded as the lightest inflatable sleeping mat on the market. Where that falls short is that it’s not great in cold weather and it’s very thin and delicate. I’ve been starting to look for a new lightweight option recently and when I laid my hands on the Big Agnes Rapide SL in the 20 x 72 inch ‘petite’ size, my immediate thought was that I might be onto a winner.

OM tester Nicole with the Big Agnes Rapide SL (Petite) in the Scottish Highlands. Photos” Dave Macfarlane

At 521g, it’s a fair bit heavier than the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite which weighs just 250g, but its packed size is only a touch bigger. It’s also insulated, coming with a double heat reflective lining and PrimaLoft fibres stuck to the walls inside it to give it a solid R value of 4.8, making it suitable for the colder edges of spring and autumn.

Performance

This is actually an updated version of the Rapide. Big Agnes say that they’ve made subtle changes to the construction and fabrics that make it both warmer and more packable. I’ve used this on a few chilly nights in autumn, but haven’t had the chance to test it out on any overly wintry feeling nights just yet unfortunately. Still, it’s been warm enough for me and I haven’t ever felt any coldness from the ground while using it so far.

Its baffle construction kind of blends both vertical and horizontal baffles, so you could say you get the best of both worlds here. Interestingly, the sides have vertical baffles that are raised and these kind of create a cradling effect to stop you from rolling off the mat. I shone a head torch behind the sleeping mat and could see that the insulation goes right to the edges, which is good.

It’s incredibly cushioned. In fact it’s one of the most cushioned lightweight sleeping mats that I’ve used. The bulk of the mat is 9cm in depth but the raised edges add an extra 2cm. That’s a pretty lofty height for a backpacking mat.

It does feel very stable and padded. What I did find, however, was that the petite version I used really is very petite. Lying on it on my side was OK, but I did find that either my knees or my bum were slightly off the mat. Then, lying on my back, I found that I had to glasp my fingers together to stop my arms dropping off the mat.

The fabric is a little on the swishy side. There’s no crinkliness inside it though, so it’s not like some sleeping mats that can be compared to sleeping on a crisp packet. It has a durable feel to it and it’s double ripstop so if any punctures do occur, the problem should be fixable. On that note, I like the fact the Big Agnes Rapide SL comes with a replacement valve seal and repair patches just in case an accident happens. I’ve had my sharp-clawed Border Terrier climbing all over it and it’s survived.

All of the new Rapide mats come with a super large pump sack – the biggest I’ve used. This is now bigger compared to the pump sack that came with previous Rapides and it’s also made from a much lighter and higher spec fabric. I found that it normally took me about two minutes to get the mat fully inflated inside my tent (so without any wind to scoop into the pump sack). I’d say it takes a little longer than I’m used to with backpacking mats, just because it’s so girthy! Deflation is quick and easy and I found the mat easy enough to fold, roll and pack into its stuff sack.

Verdict

I like the comfort and the warmth of this sleeping mat and the durability is good too. The petite version, for my average sized frame and 5 foot 10 height, was a little narrow but I do see it as a good option for ultralight hiking and fastpacking when I’m happy to forego that sleeping space in order to have a lighter pack in the day. If you’re not so much of a minimalist, the 25 x 72 inch version would be a more sensible choice. The downside is that it is a fair bit heavier at 560g (with the stuff sack and pump sack) and it’s quite considerably bigger when packed away. I’d compare it to about the size of a German beer stein.

Overall, what I think is good about the whole Rapide SL series is that they can make for mats with year-round potential. They’re light enough to use for summer backpacking, they also have that three-season potential, and when winter rolls around, pairing them with a simple foam mat would make them warm enough for the really cold nights.

I tried the big Agnes Rapide SL in the Petite size. You’ll also find it in a Regular, Wide Regular, Wide Long and in a double too.