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shaunkad 
Group: Members
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr. 2008
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 11:19 am |
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Does anyone use this pad? My dad is interested in it.
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| Post Number: 2
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QCHIKER
Group: Members
Posts: 1741
Joined: Oct. 2009
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 11:29 am |
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I've got the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pad which is similiar. Your Dad will love it as it gives you good cushion from the ground. I'm a side sleeper and it works great for me. My wife and I each have one and she loves hers as we used to have Thermarest pads.
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| Post Number: 3
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21959
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 11:35 am |
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I wouldn't bother with the non-insulated version. The IAC is very nice and I used one for years. I recently switched to the newer NeoAir, which provides comparable warmth, but is even lighter.
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| Post Number: 4
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AggieHiker92
Hiking with kids in tow adds a new dimension to the Wonders of Nature
Group: Members
Posts: 1284
Joined: Nov. 2006
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 11:54 am |
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I have an Air Core and I love it. Got it on sale for less than 50 bucks, and it has improved my trail sleeping a lot. South and Central texas rarely gets colder than 30 degrees, even in the dead of winter. Saw no need for the insulated.
I learned that I am more comfortable when I inflate it and then let a bit of air out when settling in. Makes it more squishy.
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"Though I've belted you and flayed you / By the living Gawd that made you / You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din." - Rudyard Kipling
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| Post Number: 5
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EGreno
Group: Members
Posts: 21
Joined: Jul. 2012
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 4:56 pm |
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My wife and I both have one. Best thing i ever bought for myself for camping. I am going to get my wife the insulated one as I bought her a BA bag and she is very cold natured and needs the insulated pad to keep from being cold. It takes me 25 breaths to blow up mine and I have the long version and about 20 breaths on my wife's standard pad. Good product and seems to be durable.
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| Post Number: 6
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FSGOLD
FloridaTrekker
Group: Members
Posts: 61
Joined: Jul. 2010
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 7:40 pm |
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I have had three BA insulated air cores for a number of years now. They have been excellent and used a lot. One developed a leak that I could not find, they told me to ship it back and they sent me a new one. Great product and company.
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FloridaTrekker
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| Post Number: 7
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TrailTramper
Group: Members
Posts: 1324
Joined: Sep. 2009
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 9:45 pm |
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They're not bad, but if you compare them next to the Expeds you will choose an Exped---unless you care a lot about the weight difference---I don't because the added comfort of the Expeds is worth the extra weight.
Advantage of Expeds:
1) Much nicer material. Feels soft against the skin, doesn't slide around the tent, sleepin bag doesn't slide off it.
2) THe tubes are larger, which is more comfortable.
3) Potentially more durable.
4)Built-in pump
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| Post Number: 8
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Owen571
Group: Members
Posts: 545
Joined: Apr. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 08 2013, 11:52 pm |
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Expeds are a lot more expensive, though they're nicer pads. There are lots of different models, so a brand name is just that.
The Synmat UL7 is 1/4lb lighter than the Air Core 20x72 mummy, and 1/2lb lighter than the Insulated version.
I have both the Air Core and Insulated Air Core, and like big_load said, would have just bought the IAC, except that I bought the regular Air Core to try first. Since I have both, I just use the Air Core above the 40s, and Insulated for anything less.
If the money isn't an object, the Synmat UL7 and Downmat UL7 are definitely what I'd look at(they're on my "want not need" list).
As far as bang for the buck, the Air Cores are probably the best inflatables on the market, though.
Some people prefer horizontal baffling. Have to try them both, and see.
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| Post Number: 9
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AlmostThere
I must not be there yet, I keep hiking...
Group: Members
Posts: 4964
Joined: Apr. 2008
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Posted on: Mar. 09 2013, 12:29 am |
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I have an Exped and a BA Q Core. No difference in comfort. Quite a difference in R value tho (9 vs 5).
Did not like the Insulated Air Core vertical tubes, also they have been the noisiest pads in camp on our group outings. Guaranteed for giggles if someone turns a lot trying to get comfortable with all the nylon-on-tent-floor groaning.
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All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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| Post Number: 10
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| Post Number: 11
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21959
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Mar. 09 2013, 2:00 pm |
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After being used to the IAC's vertical baffles, I thought horizontal baffles would bother me, but they didn't. I also thought the NeoAir's noisier fabric would bother me, but it didn't.
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| Post Number: 12
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BTall
Group: Members
Posts: 63
Joined: Mar. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 09 2013, 5:24 pm |
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I have this pad and like it a lot. For the price, it is a great value. You certainly can pay more and get something lighter if that is important to you. I try to use a hammock as much as possible, so I don't use an air pad as much these days.
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