Big Agnes Sand Mountain Sleeping Pad - Rectangular, Insulated

I bought these because they pack small, were light weight, were a very reasonable price and because they came highly recommended by a friend. We weren't planning to use them until hiking/backpacking season this summer, but my daughter had the opportunity to test one of them in Haiti for a missions trip. She slept on the pad on the floor for the entire week she was there and slept very comfortably without slipping around. The mat packed down small enough that she was able to take it in her carry-on onto the plane. Big Agnes makes excellent products.

I was to say the least very disappointed in the Big Agnes. I spent one night on this pad and found it to be very cold even though it is suppose to be rated fairly warm. The night I spent was just about 30 degrees on unfrozen ground. I had a zero degree down bag and should have been warm enough but I froze that night. Mine also leaked but some just do and it is not a problem to return.

I used the product for backpacking, you get so much more padding compared to open cell inflatables. I searched and could find the only difference with the 2012 model and 2011 (this one) was that this one was called Sand Mountain. Perhaps the name gives people the wrong idea. Sleeping a couple of nights so far have been great!!

Haven't taken it out into the woods yet but it feels great on the floor. Couldn't get it totally deflated and back into its stuff bag. I'm not concerned. I plan on throwing into the bottom of my pack with my sleeping bag.

I'll be using this pad for motorcycle camping, primarily because it packs so much smaller than a self inflating pad of the same thickness. It takes a bit of effort to inflate,but I can live with that.