I recently went on my first moto camping trip (add video link once posted) in below freezing temps. The gear I already had at the time was all for vehicle camping. Big sleeping bags, huge air mattresses, 4-man or bigger tents, etc. So, sight unseen, I bought the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe sleeping mat, a North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag, and the MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent over the phone. Both were needed to make camping in 25-degree weather doable.
Insulated?
Yep, whatever they did to insulate this sleeping mat, it worked. I knew this was meant to be used in cold weather, but until trying it, I really wasn’t sure how well it would stay insulated. Turns out it did great. The mat didn’t get cold in below freezing temperatures.
Sleeping Mat Sizing
Big Agnes Q-Core sleeping mats come in a variety of sizes. I purchased the regular (20” x 72”) and it was the perfect size for my tent.
Weighing in at 1 lb. 9 oz. for the regular sized mat, the Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe is great for keeping weight to a minimum when moto camping.
The sleeping mat packs down to 5 x 8.5 inches after use. The mat and inflation sack both fit easily back into the compression sack it came with.
Inflating
The sleeping mat comes with an inflation sack to make blowing it up on the go easy. Inflating it using the sack was simple and didn’t take much time or effort. Once inflated, the sleeping mat stayed inflated at its 3.5 inch thickness all night. Maintaining firmness is important for me, especially on a moto camping trip. Pressure on shoulders, knees, or other areas of the body is the last thing you need when you have to get up and ride a bike in the morning.
The Takeaway
Was it worth it? Coming in at about $160 for the regular Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe, I would say it’s definitely worth it. Being able to sleep comfortably on moto camping trips makes an enormous difference. Not only in general mood and well-being, but also in ability to safely ride the next day.
Use & Info
Storage
When not in use, it’s recommended these types of sleeping pads be stored either laid out flat or very loosely rolled up, with any valves open. This will help eliminate moisture that does get inside the sleeping pad.
Other Info
The Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe comes with a storage sack, inflation sack, replacement valve seal, and 3M repair patches.
For more information and other sizing options, they sell this sleeping mat at REI.
