Big Agnes  Insulated Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pad

I am a side sleeper with an old shoulder injury and some lower back pain and only have the means to invest in one really good pad. I spent several weeks researching sleeping pad specs, demoed a few pads at my local REI, and settled on this one for the reasons below. ___PROS___ (1) It is EXTREMELY comfortable! I have previously used accordion-fold foam pads and a very cheap backpacking air mattress from Amazon, and while other people seem to sleep just fine on those, I was always waking up with incredible pain and stiffness in my hips and shoulders. The quality of sleep I get on this pad is almost as good as sleeping in my bed at home, and no other pad I tried is more comfortable. (2) It insulates very well. I knew I wanted an R-value of at least 4 so I could use this pad year-round. I've only been using it for a few months now and haven't had the chance to put it through its paces in winter, but over this past weekend it dipped down to 46° F overnight and I found myself feeling perfectly warm coupled with a Teton Sports Leef Mummy Sleeping Bag with a survival/ comfort rating of about 0°/ 30°. Sleeping on it comfortably in summer just means dressing down to my underwear and using my sleeping bag more like a loose blanket. (3) It's impressively packable and lightweight for the measure of comfort, cushioning, and insulation it provides. (4) I really like the quilted top. I don't love the "slidey" feeling of most pads and on occasions where I've had to set up my tent on a very slight incline, the extra grip feels like it keeps me in place a bit better. (5) The one-way inflator valve with a rubber button to allow for micro deflation adjustments is really nice for dialing in your preferred firmness. I typically inflate this pad to its maximum, lay down on it, and then give the button a few quick presses so that it sinks just enough to "hold" my body more while still offering plenty of cushioning from the ground. All this said, I can see why it might not be the best choice for others. ___POTENTIAL CONS___ (1) It's not as light or compact as some other pads. I very strongly considered the Nemo Tensor Ultralight against the Big Agnes. It wasn't quite as comfortable as this pad but very close to it and for little more than half the weight. My biggest hang-up was the continually hit-or-miss reviews about its durability (even after purported improvements made to its design in the last year). Some people sing nothing but praise for the Tensor while others still have nightmarish stories about pinhole leaks and weeks-long replacement procedures. If I were a thru-hiker or an infirmed elder to whom every shaved ounce matters, I probably would have taken a chance there, but because I'm a weekend camper who wants premium comfort and doesn't mind carrying the extra 12 ounces for a few days, the Big Agnes felt like the clear winner. (2) It doesn't inflate as quickly as some smaller pads. The Big Agnes is thick and while the included inflation bag helps tremendously, you'll likely spend at least 5+ minutes getting it set up. That feels entirely negligible to me, but if you're a thru-hiker who is setting up and tearing down camp every night for weeks on end, I can see why those few extra minutes might matter to you. ___FINAL THOUGHTS___ I LOVE this pad! I am beyond impressed by its quality and it has completely transformed my capacity to enjoy sleeping in the woods. If you are prone to aches and pains, if you sleep on your side, or if you simply want to sleep as well as you possibly can while laying your head down among remote forests, streams, and ridgeline views, THIS is the pad you should buy—particularly since it has recently been discontinued and can be purchased at a discounted price.

I've had four of these, and they all failed for no apparent reason following light use. Will not be purchasing anything made by this company again.