How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Sleeping Pad
This product is not available.
Made for thru-hikers, the Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air sleeping pad packs down small and puffs up in a flash—plus it uses PrimaLoft® insulation to keep you toasty during nights on the trail.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
3.75 inches
- Built superlight and compact with just the right amount of insulation for 3-season use
- PrimaLoft Silver insulation has a reflective film that traps heat and reflects it back to you—keeping you warmer, longer
- Lightweight double ripstop nylon fabric improves tear strength and durability by 25%
- Aviation-grade TPU lamination technology makes the pad durable over time
- Single-port, 2-way valve allows for quick and easy inflation and fast deflation
- Interior antimicrobial treatment helps inhibit the development of bacteria inside the pad
- Updated minimalist construction reduces weight and provides consistent comfort
- Insert top of valve into silicone flap for quick deflation or use the micro-release button to make subtle adjustments
- Larger outer chambers keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad
- Repair kit included
- Editors' Choice for the Best Backpacking Gear of the Year (2018) by Backpacker magazine
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | Unavailable |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.75 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
super comfortable ultralight pad
Sam D4 years ago
After reading so many negative reviews, I thought I should share my experience. This is easily the most comfortable sleeping pad I've tried - more so than the Big Agnes air core, Thermarest self-inflating, NeoAir, among others - and certainly the lightest.
I've used it on several camping trips over the last 3 years and have had no leaks at all (knock on wood). Maybe I just got lucky, but I am 6'2" and around 285lbs and have had leaks in many other sleeping pads.
It is a little slick (like most pads I've used) and a little noisy, but nowhere near as noisy as the ever-so-popular neoair. It isn't as warm as the neoair, but I tend to sleep warm and I haven't had any issues in down to 50 degrees, maybe lower with the right sleeping bag.
Quick note about other reviewers complaints of no auto-deflate, the valve cap is meant to be inserted into the valve to keep it open while deflating - no need for two people as some have suggested. I've attached a photo demonstrating this.
At time of writing, this pad is 75% off - well worth a shot, especially for the comfort level and weight.
Sam D
Abingdon, VA
51 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
I was cold
Fran7 years ago
I used this pad at Yellowstone last weekend. It only got down to about forty degrees at night. I used the pad in conjunction with the REI Magma sleeping bag, which is great. I was out of the wind and dry yet during the night I got colder and colder. I determined the cold was coming from the ground.
Although this pad is extremely comfortable, it did not insulate me from the ground. I like Big Agnes products but how they can put a fifteen degree (low-end of the range) temperature rating on this pad is a mystery.
I would not recommend this pad to anyone if the primary purpose of the sleeping pad is to provide insulation.
Fran
Bozeman, MT
63 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
ng11
Salt Lake City
Defective Design - Leaks Like a Sieve
6 years ago
After a few weeks of cumulative use, this pad began delaminating at the tips of the waffle-welds. In the space of two weekends, it developed at least seventeen leaks all at the tips of the welds on the top surface of the pad.... a clear indicator of a design or manufacturing defect. That is completely unacceptable. Avoid this pad at all costs. It's too bad; when it works, the pad is comfortable and exceptionally lightweight. It's not particularly warm, but unlike many of the reviewers I have had no issues using it with a zero degree sleeping bag in the 10-20 deg F range.
No, I do not recommend this product
Fran
Bozeman, MT
I was cold
7 years ago
I used this pad at Yellowstone last weekend. It only got down to about forty degrees at night. I used the pad in conjunction with the REI Magma sleeping bag, which is great. I was out of the wind and dry yet during the night I got colder and colder. I determined the cold was coming from the ground. Although this pad is extremely comfortable, it did not insulate me from the ground. I like Big Agnes products but how they can put a fifteen degree (low-end of the range) temperature rating on this pad is a mystery. I would not recommend this pad to anyone if the primary purpose of the sleeping pad is to provide insulation.
No, I do not recommend this product
Chica
Atlanta, GA
I love this girl❤️❤️❤️
4 years ago
I'm a heavy hipped, side sleeper who likes to wiggle throughout the night. None of the air sleeping pads were keeping my hips off the ground completely until my Big Agnes came along. I got a wide and I can wiggle all night to my heart's content and not fall off the pad--- for reference I'm 5'5" 160lbs and very much pear shaped. Also, I've never felt the cold from the ground not even 1x but in fairness I haven't yet tested her below 45degree weather. Even so, I would recommend anyone to get one of her but especially if you've had problems with keeping your heavy parts from digging into the ground This is my fourth pad and definitely plan on keeping her till death do us part ---hopefully that's no time soon and we will have a life full of adventures together.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
Walking Thru
98225
Terrible Sleeping Pad
5 years ago
Big Agnes is an awesome company with excellent customer service. That being said I’m sure they wish they had not made this sleeping pad. It is very comfortable for the first few uses. Then it leaks air. The spots they welded the baffles in fail every time. After multiple failures and repairs while on my Thru-hike I contacted Big Agnes and they sent me a new pad. Very good to work with. The New pad has now had multiple failures. All of which are in the baffle area. I asked if I was doing something wrong and how to prevent it. I got no answers. This tells me it’s a known problem. DON’T BUY THIS SLEEPING PAD!
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
No, I do not recommend this product
Patrick
San Luis Obispo, CA
It leaks after normal use.
6 years ago
I bought two of this pad for its pros - Light and small - Easy to inflate and deflate - Relatively quiet for an insulated air pad However relatively quickly both pads started leaking air. Mine would leave me on the ground after a half hour. I located the leaks (FOUR of them), and they're all on the top of the pad in the seams of the dimples. After patching it's still slowly leaking, so I think there are other small leaks. This is clearly a design flaw, and makes the pad unusable. I'll do my best to see if I can get my money back.
No, I do not recommend this product
Canoez
New England
Temperature rating?
7 years ago
While very comfortable, this is a high volume pad with very little insulation and voids in the insulation where the top is welded to the bottom. We were camped out on a night forecast to be 20° F and I was using a 10° bag, wearing a mid-weight base layer, socks and a hat and a Klymit insulated cover. I was warm above, but not from beneath. Finally had to add more insulation between myself and the pad. The manufacturer's rating seems overly optimistic. I think I'd reserve this pad for warmer temperatures. With the high volume the Big Agnes Pumphouse bag is almost a required addition. While not silent, much quieter than other lightweight insulated air pads with mylar layers.
No, I do not recommend this product
Sam D
Abingdon, VA
super comfortable ultralight pad
4 years ago
After reading so many negative reviews, I thought I should share my experience. This is easily the most comfortable sleeping pad I've tried - more so than the Big Agnes air core, Thermarest self-inflating, NeoAir, among others - and certainly the lightest. I've used it on several camping trips over the last 3 years and have had no leaks at all (knock on wood). Maybe I just got lucky, but I am 6'2" and around 285lbs and have had leaks in many other sleeping pads. It is a little slick (like most pads I've used) and a little noisy, but nowhere near as noisy as the ever-so-popular neoair. It isn't as warm as the neoair, but I tend to sleep warm and I haven't had any issues in down to 50 degrees, maybe lower with the right sleeping bag. Quick note about other reviewers complaints of no auto-deflate, the valve cap is meant to be inserted into the valve to keep it open while deflating - no need for two people as some have suggested. I've attached a photo demonstrating this. At time of writing, this pad is 75% off - well worth a shot, especially for the comfort level and weight.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
LAcamper
Los Angeles
Please Dont Tell Me Its True
7 years ago
First I am a big fan of BA products and appreciate their high quality gear. I was excited to try the insulated AXL and bought it mostly for the weight savings and advertised insulation properties. I used the AXL last weekend in a hammock with the BA Lost Ranger 15 degree sleeping bag and the low was 42 F, which I measured with a thermometer. needless to say, I was I cold before it hit 42 and it was an extremely uncomfortable night. I was toasty on top and freezing on my back. I did not feel the pad reflecting any of the warmth back to me and was still cold on my back with 2 layers and my ghost whisperer down jacket. I am very disappointed as I am a big fan of BA products but will be returning this product.
No, I do not recommend this product
Riceman
Ventura, CA
Slept on the ground in 30 degree weather
7 years ago
This pad truly is too good to be true. I took this out for the first time in 30 degree weather at Mt Whitney and woke up in the middle of the night laying flat on the ground with no air under me. It wouldn't hold the air. I haven't found where it's leaking from yet, but I plan on returning the product. If you buy this pad, make sure to test it out beforehand to make sure you didn't get a defected item. I definitely learned my lesson here.. that was a cold night. I was in a hammock and the pad was never on the ground, so it definitely arrived defected and was not punctured on the ground.
No, I do not recommend this product
fieldstoferries
Seattle
It leaks, and it's cold :-(
7 years ago
I wanted to like this so much. It's so tiny, so portable, so comfortable. That is, until you have to sleep on it. I had to blow it back up at least once per hour just to stay off the ground, much to my tent-mate's frustration. There aren't any holes in the pad -- it just leaks. Unsure whether or not it's coming through the fabric or the valve. This obviously needs more field testing by the manufacturer to troubleshoot. Also, it's not a warm pad. I tried it in the desert and it was fine (except for the deflating part); but at alpine levels, it was just not warm enough for 35-degree temps.
No, I do not recommend this product
1 - 10 of 227 Reviews