Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Bottom Line

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is one of the more comfortable backpacking pads on the market – and it doesn’t hurt that it’s super affordable and durable, too. Gear Analyst Heather Eldridge tested this pad over 15 nights, hiking over 200 miles in Oregon, including the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood, and found it cushy, easy to inflate, and durable. 

The Rapide SL has plush side rails that measure 4.25 inches thick – the deepest of any pad on our best backpacking pads guide – so you’ll stay centered, supported, and cozy night after night. With many inclusive size options, this pad caters to various body types and sleep styles at a competitive price.

The downside of this pad is that it weighs over a pound, making it one of the heavier and bulkier backpacking pads we’ve tested. While we like the valve system, it’s a bit slow to inflate because of the enormous internal volume. The pad felt colder than its 4.8 R-value indicates, so it may not be a great fit if you’re a cold sleeper or camping in below-freezing temps. 

Still, the Rapide SL is a terrific option for backpackers who want a plush, high-quality sleeping pad for the backcountry at a price that’s hard to beat.

Comfort

The Big Agnes Rapide SL is a seriously cushy pad for sleeping under the stars. This model is 3.5 inches thick in the middle, so no matter what position you sleep in or how much you toss and turn, you won’t bottom out or feel the lumps and bumps below. But, its side rails add another dimension: they measure 4.5 inches off the ground, creating one of the highest volume backpacking pads we’ve reviewed. 

The side rails help to keep you centered in the middle of the pad throughout the night, especially if you are forced to sleep on sloped ground. In our testing, we found that they work pretty well and prevent sliding much more than the average pad. But like any product, they’re not perfect, and you still might slide around a bit.  

The double-layered ripstop nylon is soft and quiet to the touch, so you won’t be disturbed by loud, crinkling noises during the night. The inflation valve and pump sack make it easy to achieve the ideal firmness by letting air out. We also appreciate that Big Agnes offers the Rapide SL in many sizes. This pad is a good choice for all body shapes with long, wide, and double pad variations.

The Rapide SL offers impressive comfort, but there are some drawbacks. We love how thick it is, but this plush design doesn’t work for everyone – some campers may find it’s too soft and high-profile for their preferences or sleeping style. The thick nylon material is great to lay on, but it makes the pad heavier than competitive pads, so it isn’t as comfortable to carry on long trips. We also found during testing the Rapide SL isn’t as warm as its R-value indicates, so if you’re sleeping in temperatures near freezing or below, this pad might feel a bit cold.

Weight & Packability

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated isn’t the lightest option out there, but it’s still worth carrying for folks who want a plush and easy-to-use pad. Weighing in at 18 ounces, the Rapide SL offers a warmth-to-weight ratio that is fairly average among backpacking sleeping pads. 

The combo of this pad’s insulation and ripstop nylon effectively minimizes excess bulk, so it’s easy to fold, roll, and fit into its stuff sack. The pad has two valves: a one-way nozzle for inflation and a separate dump valve for quickly releasing all the air. Despite its bulk when set up, the regular Rapide SL packs down to a small 4 by 7-inch package. That means it fits in any backpack horizontally or vertically, leaving plenty of room for other gear.

18 ounces is fairly heavy compared to other ultralight sleeping pads, so the Rapide SL’s weight may be a drawback for minimalists, ultralight backpackers, and those hiking longer miles. This weight doesn’t include the pump sack either, so you’ll need to add a couple of ounces if you bring it along. In our testing, we found the pump sack and inflation nozzle to be a bit clunky, so filling the Rapide is a bit more tedious than deflating it. That said, these are minor complaints for folks who don’t mind a little extra weight during the day for a lot of comfort at night.

Warmth

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated offers reliable warmth, making it a solid choice for three-season adventures. With an R-value of 4.8, this sleeping pad effectively insulates against the ground, allowing for comfortable sleep in cooler conditions. 

The 3.5-inch thickness enhances heat retention, creating a cozy sleeping surface that minimizes heat loss during chilly nights. Its durable materials, like double-layer ripstop nylon, also contribute to its warmth, and the side rails help prevent heat loss from moving around, keeping you centered and warm throughout the night.

While the warmth provided by the Rapide SL is commendable, our testers found the pad colder than expected on chilly nights. An R-value of 4.8 should keep users warm to around 20°F, but Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found it often struggled below 40°F. He tested this pad during a week-long trip in Utah’s San Rafael Swell in late November, where overnight temperatures dipped to freezing and below, and the Rapide felt chilly. 

That said, this pad is still a great option for cool late spring, summer, and early fall nights, where, when paired with a quality sleeping bag, the Rapide will keep you toasty warm.

Ease of Setup

The Rapide is straightforward to set up thanks to a smart two-valve system. The included pump sack attaches to the one-way valve, and it takes 10 to 12 repetitions for the pad to reach maximum inflation or about 1 to 2 minutes. Once inflated, the Rapide SL holds its shape well without adding air throughout the night. 

We love a large dump valve for fast and simple deflation, and Big Agnes offers one of the best: simply pop the cap off the second valve for fast air release. The nylon material and low-bulk insulation fold easily and are simple to roll and slip in its stuff sack – key for any backpacking trip where efficiency matters.

Our biggest gripe about setting up the Rapide comes down to its pump sack and inflation valve. The pump sack is functional, but it’s a bit heavier than competing options and its flat design can be annoying to fill with air. The nozzle of the pump sack doesn’t always snap securely onto the sleeping pad valve, which can lead to them disconnecting during inflation. 

The Rapide also has a substantial internal size, which means it takes a bit longer than lower-profile backpacking pads to inflate. This pad will also take much more energy and breath to fill if you leave the pump sack at home due to its high volume.

Durability

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is built with durable materials and excellent attention to detail, which makes it a reliable choice for long-term use. The ripstop nylon surface is excellent at resisting punctures, damage, and tears, so rocks and sticks are less likely to damage it when lying down in the backcountry. This toughness is especially noticeable when setting up on uneven or rocky ground, so your pad will hold air for years with minimal maintenance. 

Its sturdy side rails help maintain its structure even after extended use. The inflation and deflation valves can withstand thousands of inflation cycles, and aviation-grade TPU lamination on the seams and welds makes them strong. If your pad does begin to leak, Big Agnes also includes repair patches, a storage sack, and even a replacement valve seal to increase the life of the Rapide SL.

On the downside, the Rapide SL Insulated is thicker than almost any other backpacking pad out there, which is great for comfort, but more surface area means more room for damage to occur. And while the materials are tough, the seams aren’t the strongest we’ve tested. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer had an issue with a leaky seam after only 6 nights, although the included repair patch fixed this issue quickly and permanently. 

Finally, while the side rails add durability, they could be susceptible to wear in high-use areas, especially for those who sleep near the edge or toss and turn throughout the night. That said, the Rapide SL will last for years with a bit of care and attention and offers an outstanding value for its price point.

Should You Buy the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad?

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is worth considering if your top priorities are comfort and affordability. Thanks to a comfy, thick design and large side rails, this pad is great for backpackers who want a seriously comfy place to lay down after long miles. 

It’s straightforward to inflate, quiet, and durable, making it a solid choice for short to medium treks from late spring until early fall. With many inclusive size options, the Rapide SL accommodates different body types and sleeping positions, and its low price makes it accessible for many budgets.

But this pad is heavier than the leading competition, so it isn’t a great fit for long treks or ultralight backpackers. The pump sack and nozzle design make inflation a bit more cumbersome than we’d like, and despite its higher R-value, our testers felt it was too cold for 30°F nights. 

However, depending on your needs, these could be minor issues. If your main objective is to maximize backcountry comfort at an affordable price, this is one of the best options on the market.

What Other Sleeping Pads Should You Consider?

Check out our complete list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for all our top recommendations. 

NEMO Tensor All-Season Review: The Rapide SL is warm, but the Tensor All-Season is warmer. With a higher R-value and a considerably lower weight, the Tensor All-Season is a good choice for three-season backpacking, and it’s just as thick and easy to set up, too. This model packs a bit larger and is a bit more expensive, but the increase in durability, convenience, and comfort are worth it for folks who sleep cold or are headed into chilly overnight temps. 

NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Review: If you’re mainly hiking in warm summer weather, this pad is a great choice – it’s a bit more expensive, but you’ll save considerable weight for the same thick pad, cozy comfort, and ease of use. The downside? It’s not as warm as the Rapide SL and packs a bit larger.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review: The XLite is a similarly warm and durable 3-season backpacking pad with an eye towards comfort. It’s a half-inch thinner than the Rapide SL, but thanks to its baffle design and ample cushioning, it feels very cozy in the backcountry. The XLite is more expensive but much lighter, making it a better choice for lightweight backpackers who don’t want to sacrifice warmth.

Klymit Static V2 Review: If your main objective is to lower cost as much as possible, the Klymit Static V2 is the most affordable air pad on our Best Sleeping Pad List. The Klymit Static V2 provides a decent balance of durability and weight. Although it’s one of the thinner pads we’ve tested, its ease of use isn’t nearly as good, and it offers less than half the warmth of the Rapide SL.