BIG WILD mountain goats and the BIG AGNES air mattress
This trip was all about pushing limits both mine and my gear’s. The terrain was rough and I’d made the ambitious decision to summit with my mountain bike. That meant keeping my load as light and compact as possible because yes, I’d be carrying my bike up the mountain at times. Oh, and sleeping arrangements? Forget about a cozy bed of branches or leaves. I knew I’d be spending the night on cold, unforgiving rocks. Fun times.
Enter the Big Agnes air mattress. Compared to my trusty Thermarest, the Big Agnes is a bit lighter, packs down smaller, and offers better insulation thanks to its thicker air baffles. I’m also a big fan of the dump valve, open it up and whoosh the air disappears in seconds. Perfect for those mornings when you’re in a hurry to pack up and get moving.
The Verdict:
The Big Agnes pad I tested is 20″ x 78″ x 3.5″ and weighs approximately 22oz (621g). It’s well-made, comfortable, and provided excellent insulation, even on cold, rocky ground. That said, I’m not sure it’ll hold up as long as my Thermarest, which has survived years of abuse. The fabric on the Big Agnes seems a tad thinner and potentially more prone to punctures but only time will tell. Thankfully it comes with a puncture repair kit so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
A Few Key Specs:
- Material: Durable nylon fabric with aviation-grade TPU lamination for ultimate durability.
- Temperature Rating: Designed for above-freezing conditions, perfect for light and compact warm-weather use.
- Features: Built-in heat-reflective technology, antimicrobial treatment to prevent microorganism growth, and minimalist I-Beam construction for consistent stability and comfort.
- Comfort: Larger outer chambers keep you cradled in the center of the pad, so you stay put all night.
Overall, the Big Agnes is a solid choice for lightweight adventurers, especially if you’re tackling rough terrain and need something that packs small and insulates well. Will it outlast my battle tested Thermarest? Only time will tell, but for now it’s earned its spot in my gear lineup.
