Big Agnes Q-Core Insulated

The Q-Core Insulated is Big Agnes's mid-weight insulated air pad, built around a dual-chamber quilted construction and PrimaLoft Silver synthetic fill rather than down, keeping performance more consistent if damp. At 8.9 cm thick and rated to an R-value of 4.5 on Big Agnes's own legacy scale, it's positioned as a three-season pad, and the rating isn't directly comparable to pads tested under the newer ASTM F3340 standard. Construction pairs a 50D nylon top with a tougher 70D polyester bottom, a sensible trade-off since the base takes most of the abrasion in a tent. There's a single standard screw valve, no pump-sack compatibility, and Big Agnes notes a moderate amount of crinkle noise in use — a common trait of quilted synthetic-fill pads. A stuff sack and repair kit are included, backed by a 2-year warranty. At 680 g it's noticeably heavier than the brand's SLX line for the same R-value, which makes sense as a budget-conscious or durability-focused choice for backpackers who don't need to chase every gram.