Big Agnes Air Core Mummy Pad

I have been using a Warmlite Down-filled Air Matress (DAM) for the last several years. However, it developed a serious leak around the fill (that defied attempts at repair) and costs $140 to replace, so I thought I would give the REM a try. The price is comparable to quality self-inflator, while the weight is comparable to a thin foam pad. Playing with the air pressure yields a very, very comfortable, conforming mattress. The down-side of all non-filled air mattresses is that they require an insulator as the air temperature drops. I use a layer of foil-covered bubble-wrap (building insulation). This nearly doubles the weight, but is still well less than the DAM, or a full-length self-inflator. I sleep heavy, and will find the ground, even on 1.5" self-inflators. The REM kept me very comfortably off of the ground. The material appears as tough (puncture-resistant) as any self-inflator I have tried. If you need the comfort of a thick mattress, and can't afford, or want the weight (28oz) of a DAM, this is an excellent choice.

I have used several other pads, and I have a very hard time understanding why someone would pay more for a self-inflatable pad that is inferrior in every aspect that I can think of. Yes it may take a little longer and a few deep breathes to inflate, but the next morning when I am packed up and ready to go, my brother is still rolling around on his self-inflatable and then trying to shove it in the larger stuff stack. It is also thicker (don't inflate it to its maximum though, it's not an air mattress, you won't roll to the middle) so you don't get that one pesky stone jabbing you in the back like you do with the thinner pads. Buy this pad and no other!

For the first time in my life, I had a good light sleep in the woods. Usually on my Thermarest, I need to change positions several times per night due to soreness. Not on the Big Agnes REM Core Sleeping Pad. With its two and half inches of padding, I sleep comfortably. It also packs so small that I can carry a smaller pack. And I am saving over a pound in weight over my full length Thermarest. There is one drawback to this pad - no insulation. So when I am packing into snowy areas or places where the ground has recently been frozen, I bring a full length half-inch foam pad. Then I get three full inches of padding for only around two pounds.

the reason i gave this 4 out of 5 is because it doesn't keep me as warm as i would like. but, i'm fine if i also use a cheapo foam pad from walmart. since those weigh practically nothing i don't mind too much. previous reviewers are right, you can slide off it if you aren't on level ground or if you move a lot in your sleep, but oh well. i keep it around because it makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping me from feeling rocks and sticks and having aching bones in the morning. i haven't had any problems with leaking, but even if i ever do, it comes with a repair kit.

I love this pad and have slept well in the back country ever sense i have gotten it. I can't sleep on my back so I slept crappy on my zlite but once and I got this I was sleeping well. It packs down way smaller than any thermarest and is way more comfortable. I only have one complaint and it is that it sucks to fill up because you use so much air, especially at high elevation. But if the stuff sack turned into a pump, much like the OR mats do, that would put this pad to 5 stars.

This pad is very comfortable. I have a hard time sleeping on my side with other pads but not with this one. I have used it several times and have slept great. I used it in the snow, in January in Southern Utah, and at an early spring backpacking trip. It rolls up to about the size of a Nalgene and is lighter than my other pad too. It fits great in my Big Agnes winter sleeping bag's pocket. I fit fine on the long (I am 6'2", 210 lbs).
Get one and you won't regret it.

I used this pad on a cold winter camping trip. The night time temps typically dropped down to 10 deg. F. I was in a tent on top of snow and ice. I used a small closed cell foam sheet that I usually use to sit on, under my hips (underneath the sleeping pad). Despite the warnings for pads with only air filling, I stayed plenty warm, and would say that the pad insulated fine. I didn't experience any heat transfer issues between the pad and the ground/snow.

Big Agnus REM mummy sleeping pad my RATING…. Size = A++ Weight = A and most importantly COMFORT A+++++++ Cost = A+ well worth every penny -- It was as if I had my Sealy pillow top mattress in the woods!! It packed very easily for extended trips; hiking/kayaking. Even through it’s not self inflating, it only requires about 17 big puffs to sleep on 2.5 inches of “comfort”. I won’t leave home with out the REM pad…. I’d instantly find something else to leave behind.

Like all air mattresses, the Air Core REM Sleeping Pad afforded little insulation and contributed to some teeth chattering through the night that I used it with a thirty-degree sleeping bag in 35-40 degree weather.

On the other hand, it was very comfortable, and I stayed on it a lot better than I had anticipated I would. I woke in the middle of the night from temperature, not sore hips.

If you only backpack in warmer climates, this is a sweet little deal.

This is a superlight and compact pad for backpacking adventures. The key with this pad is to only fill it about half full with air to ensure comfort. If you fill it more than that you will tend to roll off and it doesn't conform to your body. It isn't a great insulating mattress pad, so only for warmer temps or you can put a closed cell foam pad underneath for additional insulation. Works great with the pad sleeve on all Big Agnes tents.