When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Big Agnes 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.
When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Big Agnes 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.
When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Big Agnes 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.
When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Big Agnes 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.
Last updated at 05/14/2026 05:00:40
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad, Orange, Petite (20X66)
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Mat R4.2
Delivery $16.34
originally posted on REI
I just received the new version of the Rapide SL. BA took out the perma-loft and added a reflective foil, thus reducing weight by one ounce for regular length 25 wide while slightly increasing the r-value. It now includes a real usable pump sack (no need to buy a extra one) that does not have the buckles of the green pump sack but also weighs about an ounce less. (I may continue to use the green one since it doubles as stuff sack for my quilt). The pad packs down significantly smaller than the previous version.I put my old and new pads next to each other. The new one looks the same, feels the same, and is "as quiet" as the older version. In fact, after leaving the room and coming back a little later, I could not tell which one was which until I deflated them.If ... MoreI just received the new version of the Rapide SL. BA took out the perma-loft and added a reflective foil, thus reducing weight by one ounce for regular length 25 wide while slightly increasing the r-value. It now includes a real usable pump sack (no need to buy a extra one) that does not have the buckles of the green pump sack but also weighs about an ounce less. (I may continue to use the green one since it doubles as stuff sack for my quilt). The pad packs down significantly smaller than the previous version.I put my old and new pads next to each other. The new one looks the same, feels the same, and is "as quiet" as the older version. In fact, after leaving the room and coming back a little later, I could not tell which one was which until I deflated them.If you have the previous version, the difference in weight, size, and r-value may not be enough reason to replace it, but this is an improvement to a pad that in my eyes, is already the best balance of sleep comfort, weight, and quality you can get.
originally posted on bigagnes.com
I'm a pretty big guy - 6'7", 240lbs, and backcountry camping has started wearing on me as I've gotten into my late 40s. Hip and back pain, cold ground, pad's too small, etc. I bought a Big Agnes pad years ago, and after a decade of camping it wouldn't hold air any longer.What to replace it with? I tried a ThermaRest, but it was uncomfortable as all getout, almost making me throw in the towel on backcountry camping.I reached out to Big Agnes, and to my surprise they honored a decade-old warranty and gave me a huge credit towards a replacement. I went with the Rapide 78", and couldn't be happier.It's plenty big, and unbelievably comfortable. My first chance to use it was this past month, a trip that included a stop in Denali followed the next week by Volcanoes. ... MoreI'm a pretty big guy - 6'7", 240lbs, and backcountry camping has started wearing on me as I've gotten into my late 40s. Hip and back pain, cold ground, pad's too small, etc. I bought a Big Agnes pad years ago, and after a decade of camping it wouldn't hold air any longer.What to replace it with? I tried a ThermaRest, but it was uncomfortable as all getout, almost making me throw in the towel on backcountry camping.I reached out to Big Agnes, and to my surprise they honored a decade-old warranty and gave me a huge credit towards a replacement. I went with the Rapide 78", and couldn't be happier.It's plenty big, and unbelievably comfortable. My first chance to use it was this past month, a trip that included a stop in Denali followed the next week by Volcanoes. Super easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up. Did I mention comfortable? It's reinvigorated my joy of camping, and I can't wait to use it again next month for a week-long backpacking trip in Colorado.I'll stick with Big Agnes until I'm no longer able to get into the backcountry!
originally posted on REI
I purchased a rapide SL pad (long, wide) and took it on its first bikepacking trip. Brand new, out of the bag, it had a gaping ~3/4" portion of the seam that was not finished/closed. Having paid a premium for what I thought was a quality product, I was extremely disappointed to see an obvious manufacturing defect that even a trained monkey could have identified in the most cursory of quality control inspections. Needless to say, an entire night's sleep was completely ruined. The provided patches failed miserably, but luckily I had enough tyvek tape and duct tape to, after wasting an hour of my time, seal the hole and get decent sleep the following two nights. Big Agnes not only made me ship them back the defective item before they would replace it (bad), they ... MoreI purchased a rapide SL pad (long, wide) and took it on its first bikepacking trip. Brand new, out of the bag, it had a gaping ~3/4" portion of the seam that was not finished/closed. Having paid a premium for what I thought was a quality product, I was extremely disappointed to see an obvious manufacturing defect that even a trained monkey could have identified in the most cursory of quality control inspections. Needless to say, an entire night's sleep was completely ruined. The provided patches failed miserably, but luckily I had enough tyvek tape and duct tape to, after wasting an hour of my time, seal the hole and get decent sleep the following two nights. Big Agnes not only made me ship them back the defective item before they would replace it (bad), they refused to do anything or give me any gear to compensate for the lost sleep and field repair.
| R-value | 4.2 |
| Thickness (cm) | 9/ 11 |
| Length (cm) | 168 |
| Weight (grams) | 510 |
| Inflation type | Pad Inflation Sack |
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad, Orange, Petite (20X66)
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Mat R4.2
Delivery $16.34
I just received the new version of the Rapide SL. BA took out the perma-loft and added a reflective foil, thus reducing weight by one ounce for regular length 25 wide while slightly increasing the r-value. It now includes a real usable pump sack (no need to buy a extra one) that does not have the buckles of the green pump sack but also weighs about an ounce less. (I may continue to use the green one since it doubles as stuff sack for my quilt). The pad packs down significantly smaller than the previous version.I put my old and new pads next to each other. The new one looks the same, feels the same, and is "as quiet" as the older version. In fact, after leaving the room and coming back a little later, I could not tell which one was which until I deflated them.If ... MoreI just received the new version of the Rapide SL. BA took out the perma-loft and added a reflective foil, thus reducing weight by one ounce for regular length 25 wide while slightly increasing the r-value. It now includes a real usable pump sack (no need to buy a extra one) that does not have the buckles of the green pump sack but also weighs about an ounce less. (I may continue to use the green one since it doubles as stuff sack for my quilt). The pad packs down significantly smaller than the previous version.I put my old and new pads next to each other. The new one looks the same, feels the same, and is "as quiet" as the older version. In fact, after leaving the room and coming back a little later, I could not tell which one was which until I deflated them.If you have the previous version, the difference in weight, size, and r-value may not be enough reason to replace it, but this is an improvement to a pad that in my eyes, is already the best balance of sleep comfort, weight, and quality you can get.
I'm a pretty big guy - 6'7", 240lbs, and backcountry camping has started wearing on me as I've gotten into my late 40s. Hip and back pain, cold ground, pad's too small, etc. I bought a Big Agnes pad years ago, and after a decade of camping it wouldn't hold air any longer.What to replace it with? I tried a ThermaRest, but it was uncomfortable as all getout, almost making me throw in the towel on backcountry camping.I reached out to Big Agnes, and to my surprise they honored a decade-old warranty and gave me a huge credit towards a replacement. I went with the Rapide 78", and couldn't be happier.It's plenty big, and unbelievably comfortable. My first chance to use it was this past month, a trip that included a stop in Denali followed the next week by Volcanoes. ... MoreI'm a pretty big guy - 6'7", 240lbs, and backcountry camping has started wearing on me as I've gotten into my late 40s. Hip and back pain, cold ground, pad's too small, etc. I bought a Big Agnes pad years ago, and after a decade of camping it wouldn't hold air any longer.What to replace it with? I tried a ThermaRest, but it was uncomfortable as all getout, almost making me throw in the towel on backcountry camping.I reached out to Big Agnes, and to my surprise they honored a decade-old warranty and gave me a huge credit towards a replacement. I went with the Rapide 78", and couldn't be happier.It's plenty big, and unbelievably comfortable. My first chance to use it was this past month, a trip that included a stop in Denali followed the next week by Volcanoes. Super easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up. Did I mention comfortable? It's reinvigorated my joy of camping, and I can't wait to use it again next month for a week-long backpacking trip in Colorado.I'll stick with Big Agnes until I'm no longer able to get into the backcountry!
I purchased a rapide SL pad (long, wide) and took it on its first bikepacking trip. Brand new, out of the bag, it had a gaping ~3/4" portion of the seam that was not finished/closed. Having paid a premium for what I thought was a quality product, I was extremely disappointed to see an obvious manufacturing defect that even a trained monkey could have identified in the most cursory of quality control inspections. Needless to say, an entire night's sleep was completely ruined. The provided patches failed miserably, but luckily I had enough tyvek tape and duct tape to, after wasting an hour of my time, seal the hole and get decent sleep the following two nights. Big Agnes not only made me ship them back the defective item before they would replace it (bad), they ... MoreI purchased a rapide SL pad (long, wide) and took it on its first bikepacking trip. Brand new, out of the bag, it had a gaping ~3/4" portion of the seam that was not finished/closed. Having paid a premium for what I thought was a quality product, I was extremely disappointed to see an obvious manufacturing defect that even a trained monkey could have identified in the most cursory of quality control inspections. Needless to say, an entire night's sleep was completely ruined. The provided patches failed miserably, but luckily I had enough tyvek tape and duct tape to, after wasting an hour of my time, seal the hole and get decent sleep the following two nights. Big Agnes not only made me ship them back the defective item before they would replace it (bad), they refused to do anything or give me any gear to compensate for the lost sleep and field repair.
I bought this because of good reviews and recommendations of BA from friends in the outdoor industry.Overall, I was disappointed, partly because of the product, partly BA's return policy.Whilst the mat was thick, it felt very narrow to me. Perhaps because it is so thick, the side baffles are rounded, so the actual width of the mat feels narrower than the 20" it is. I am 5'6, 140 lbs so don't see myself as particularly large, and my old 20" mat was plenty wide enough. This felt like I was falling off. I couldn't keep my arms on the mat and felt like I would be constantly having to recentre and balance to stay on it. I also wasn't a fan of the texture of the mat (it felt a little plastic), and the inflation bag was so thin it reminded me of a garbage bin liner. I ... MoreI bought this because of good reviews and recommendations of BA from friends in the outdoor industry.Overall, I was disappointed, partly because of the product, partly BA's return policy.Whilst the mat was thick, it felt very narrow to me. Perhaps because it is so thick, the side baffles are rounded, so the actual width of the mat feels narrower than the 20" it is. I am 5'6, 140 lbs so don't see myself as particularly large, and my old 20" mat was plenty wide enough. This felt like I was falling off. I couldn't keep my arms on the mat and felt like I would be constantly having to recentre and balance to stay on it. I also wasn't a fan of the texture of the mat (it felt a little plastic), and the inflation bag was so thin it reminded me of a garbage bin liner. I worried that it would puncture on a trip and then I would be unable to inflate the mat.However, I think my biggest concern was that BA's policy is they 'don't give refunds on any mats that have been unrolled or inflated'. What?! I was stunned when I read this (having tested the mat at home and decided it wasn't for me). How can any company say that trying a product for size makes it ineligible for a refund? Especially a company that says it's all about being outside. Anyone who does regular camping trips knows you test your gear beforehand. For backcountry and wilderness expeditions, to not do so is a potential safety risk.Anyway, I appealed to BA and they did refund me as 'an exception' which I do appreciate. But it left me with a bad impression. And return shipping is at the buyers expense. I wish I'd known this before I bought.
I have had this pad for about a year now, and I think that it is a decent option for the price. Sleeping pad design requires compromises to hit the target metrics desired by the backpacking community: light weight, low bulk, warm, and comfortable. I don't think that we are at a point where any of the pads currently available solidly hit the mark. I find the Rapide SL to be reasonably comfortable for my thrashing, tortured style of "sleeping". I can move about easily, and I find it accommodating to side-sleeping due to its thickness. Most of my experience with this pad has been in warmer temps, say mid 40s and above, and I tend to be a warm sleeper. Recently, I was out for a couple of nights with temps just above freezing. I got cold, which is unusual for me. It was ... MoreI have had this pad for about a year now, and I think that it is a decent option for the price. Sleeping pad design requires compromises to hit the target metrics desired by the backpacking community: light weight, low bulk, warm, and comfortable. I don't think that we are at a point where any of the pads currently available solidly hit the mark. I find the Rapide SL to be reasonably comfortable for my thrashing, tortured style of "sleeping". I can move about easily, and I find it accommodating to side-sleeping due to its thickness. Most of my experience with this pad has been in warmer temps, say mid 40s and above, and I tend to be a warm sleeper. Recently, I was out for a couple of nights with temps just above freezing. I got cold, which is unusual for me. It was particularly pronounced when I was on my side due to the additional compression of the pad under my hips. I was able to mitigate this to some extent my taking the pad to max inflation, but then my comfort suffered somewhat, and the pad still felt cool -- not uncomfortable, but certainly not cozy. I'll continue my search for the perfect pad, but this is a solid option for temps above 40 or so, depending on the individual.
I purchased this pad to have a light weight and warm pad for backpacking overnight trips. I read lots of reviews and did comparisons and I’m extremely happy with this one. It’s fairly comfortable, packs super small and is light. It’s a warm pad, especially when used with a good warm sleeping bag. Easily could be a winter pad with the right system. I’m not super tall (5,7) and my feet sometimes are over the edge, butI don’t mind that at all. It’s not a very wide pad and I do some tossing side to side when I sleep, but it has been fine. The extra padding on the sides keep you right in the middle no matter how you sleep. Highly recommend!
I’m not sure why this sleeping pad doesn’t get more attention. You can’t even compare the comfort to the more popular Thermarest. It’s sooo much better. I sleep horribly in the backcountry. I am a light sleeper, I toss and turn, and I often get cold at high elevation because I don’t like to wear layers and I use a quilt. This pad far surpasses Nemo, Thermarest, and Sea to Summit in terms of comfort. The thickness and “rails” make all the difference. I always buy wide pads with all brands of sleeping pads because otherwise the edges tend to collapse and I roll off. I previously owned the Q Core Deluxe and SLX Insulated. This feels the same as those, but lighter weight and warmer. I can’t say I’ve tested the durability to its full extent yet, but I used the two ... MoreI’m not sure why this sleeping pad doesn’t get more attention. You can’t even compare the comfort to the more popular Thermarest. It’s sooo much better. I sleep horribly in the backcountry. I am a light sleeper, I toss and turn, and I often get cold at high elevation because I don’t like to wear layers and I use a quilt. This pad far surpasses Nemo, Thermarest, and Sea to Summit in terms of comfort. The thickness and “rails” make all the difference. I always buy wide pads with all brands of sleeping pads because otherwise the edges tend to collapse and I roll off. I previously owned the Q Core Deluxe and SLX Insulated. This feels the same as those, but lighter weight and warmer. I can’t say I’ve tested the durability to its full extent yet, but I used the two previous models on two different JMT trips and they held up perfectly. I have never lost air from them or punctured them. They’ve taken a beating. So, this pad weighs a little more, but if you want a better night’s sleep in your tent, this sleeping pad is worth a few extra ounces. It’s also the quietest sleeping pad, especially compared to Thermarest.
I just received this sleeping pad and have been trying it out at home. My initial impressions are that- It is comfortable. Much more so than my (lighter) Nemo Tensor. As much as I like the tensor, I wasn't sleeping well at camp, so need a beefier pad.- It is very quiet - not noisy at all. I cant stand noisy pads.- The baffles on the sides - WINNER. The baffles are great for back sleeping, a comfortable place fo my elbows. On the side (and on the back), it defines the pad and cradles you in, so there is never the thought of where the edges are or of rolling off.- Valve system very accessible and easy to use.Plus there is Big Agnes WONDERFUL Customer Service - I have had a BA Copper Spur ULV4 that we are on our 4th season on. Fantastic tent, has held up well - ... MoreI just received this sleeping pad and have been trying it out at home. My initial impressions are that- It is comfortable. Much more so than my (lighter) Nemo Tensor. As much as I like the tensor, I wasn't sleeping well at camp, so need a beefier pad.- It is very quiet - not noisy at all. I cant stand noisy pads.- The baffles on the sides - WINNER. The baffles are great for back sleeping, a comfortable place fo my elbows. On the side (and on the back), it defines the pad and cradles you in, so there is never the thought of where the edges are or of rolling off.- Valve system very accessible and easy to use.Plus there is Big Agnes WONDERFUL Customer Service - I have had a BA Copper Spur ULV4 that we are on our 4th season on. Fantastic tent, has held up well - tiny bit of wear and tear after 3 full seasons - and Big Agnes Customer Service to the rescue - post haste. I am a loyal customer.Can't wait to try it out in backcountry next week.Thanks BA!
After having three different sleeping pads that I return after one night. I bought this one after reading about the updated version "R" rating and updated weight. I slept two nights on the updated version. One night was 33 deg. The other night was 42deg. Both nights I camped on a cliff next to a lake with frigid wind coming off the lake and one night wind/chilly rain. I was very warm and comfortable. I did not sleep colder than other people's reviews from previous version. I like how small it packs down; it easily fits into stuff sack. It is light, not heavy, and bulky as the previous version. I will be my go-to pad for kayak camping!
It is very comfy. Slept like a baby the first night and the raised sides are a good touch. No crinkly insulation sound. It's not the most lightweight item but it does pack down to 1L nalgene bottle size. Pump sack is super easy to use I get it fully inflated with 8 light breaths. Anyone having trouble using the pump sack is doing something wrong. Some reviewers have complained about the weight of the pump sack but if it was any lighter I would worry about durability. The whole pad feels durable enough. The valve system is very good and feels like it will last. My last thermarest neo-air lasted me 10 years of consistent use, my fingers are crossed this pad delivers years of service because it is so comfy and packable!
| R-value | 4.2 |
| Thickness (cm) | 9/ 11 |
| Length (cm) | 168 |
| Weight (grams) | 510 |
| Inflation type | Pad Inflation Sack |
