Big Agnes 25 Year Anniversary
Feb 15, 2021
Celebrating Two and a Half Decades of Big Agnes
Big Agnes began in 2001 from an idea sketched on the back of a napkin to keep campers from rolling off their sleeping pad at night. This inspired the sleeping bag pad sleeve, a concept that has remained with Big Agnes for 25 years and counting, evolving into their current PadLock system seen in the Lost Ranger 3N1 series.
From that first sleeping bag innovation, they have expanded into various camping categories to bring maximum comfort to every camping experience, ranging from months-long thru-hikes to weekend explorations. In 2008, they released the first editions of the fan-favourite, best-selling Copper Spur.
From the very beginning, customers have been Big Agnes's #1 inspiration. Whether they are dirt bag climbers, crusty thru-hikers, first-timers, or seasoned outdoor veterans, every customer spurs the company's passion to create high-quality and sustainable outdoor gear while protecting wild spaces and public lands.
EST. 2001 Limited-Edition Collection
To celebrate this milestone, Big Agnes is releasing a limited-edition product line consisting of some of their favourite pieces of gear, such as the Rapide SL Sleeping Pad.
The limited-edition prints featured on the gear are inspired by the Zirkel Wilderness. Designated as one of the first official Wilderness Areas after the Wilderness Act was signed in 1964, the Zirkel Wilderness is located north of Steamboat Springs, CO, where Big Agnes's home and headquarters are situated. This area has long been a source of natural reprieve and inspiration.
The EST. 2001 anniversary print draws inspiration from alpenglow on the Zirkel Mountains, using colour focuses and shapes that capture the picturesque moments of a day spent outdoors when the sun transforms the mountains into a light show. Big Agnes hopes customers enjoy this print as much as they do and feel the effects of the Zirkel Wilderness' beauty, even if they are not physically present.
The founders of Big Agnes were greatly inspired by the Zirkel Wilderness during their camping adventures and eventually named their business after one of the many peaks that reside there. The Zirkel Wilderness continues to serve as a testing ground for product innovation and durability.
With 25 years in the rear-view mirror, Big Agnes is always moving forward, whether through gear innovation or their role in outdoor sustainability. They express gratitude for being on this journey with their customers and look forward to sharing their love for the outdoors for another 25 years.
Rapide SL Insulated Limited Edition Alpenglow Printed Mat
Big Agnes has revamped its most popular sleeping pad, the Rapide SL Insulated mat. The new model is just as comfortable and supportive as the old one, with a 9cm thick core and oversized 11cm thick baffles that cradle you all night. It also has the same quilted sleep surface, backed by offset I-Beam construction, which helps to reduce bounce and provide stability. If you are a fan of the previous model, you will be delighted with the new one.
The new sleeping pads are lighter, warmer, and more space-efficient than previous models. The regular size is now 28 grams lighter, while the wide-long size is 57 grams lighter. Both mats also feature an improved R-value of 4.8, an increase from the previous value of 4.2.
The lower weight, smaller pack size, and higher R-value were achieved by replacing the Primaloft insulation in the previous pads with two layers of heat-reflecting film that Big Agnes has previously used in their Zoom UL range.
Although some campers may be put off by the term "heat-reflecting film", I am happy to report that the pad is as quiet as the previous model, with no hint of the infamous crisp packet crinkle.
The new 4.8 R-value makes the Rapide SL an even better option for backpackers and campers who want a lightweight, warm sleeping pad that can be used throughout the year. I would be confident to sleep on this throughout the winter camping season, possibly paired with a closed-cell foam mat in extreme conditions.
Another improvement I was pleased to see is that Big Agnes has scrapped the pump sack that the previous model came with. The old pump sack was overly heavy (116g) and didn't hold much air, so it was a pain to use and added unnecessary weight. The new pump sack is twice the size, making it twice as efficient and only half the weight (55g).
Limited Edition Rapide SL Mat Competition!
All orders of the Limited Edition Rapide SL Insulated Mat will be entered into a draw. One lucky winner will receive a refund for the cost of the Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Mat, along with winning a Limited Edition Regular Anthracite 20° Sleeping Bag!
The competition starts on 1st April 2026 and ends on 30th April 2026. All purchases of the Limited Edition Rapide SL Mat between these dates will be entered into the draw. The draw uses a random number generator and will be completely fair, with each email address having the same chance to win as any other.
The winner will be drawn on 1st May 2026, and the winner will be notified via email. If you don't get an email from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. No dialogue will be entered about the administration of the competition/draw. No alternative prizes are available. Good Luck!
Win an Exclusive Limited Edition Anthracite 20° Sleeping Bag!
The Anthracite 20 traditional mummy-style sleeping bag is designed to provide superior rest after a long day spent outside. Stay cosy with Fireline™ Pro Eco recycled synthetic insulation and stay dry with a durable moisture-repellent coating. Lightweight enough to stuff in your pack for summer backpacking but comfortable enough for backyard campouts with the kids, this bag is so versatile and comfortable you’ll want to take it on every outing!
Features
● Delivers technical, lightweight performance with high thermal value, compressibility.
● FireLine™ Pro Eco synthetic insulation provides reliable, efficient warmth in any situation.
● Traditional mummy shape allows for light weight and increased body heat retention.
● Contoured hood follows the shape of your head for a more comfortable fit
● Oversized no-draft collar and no-draft zipper to keep the cold out.
Since 2001, Big Agnes has been the Mother of Comfort for adventurers sleeping in the dirt. The limited-edition EST. 2001 Collection celebrates their roots in the Zirkel Wilderness, home to the landmark behind their name, Big Agnes Peak. This wilderness has been their testing ground for the last two and a half decades and will continue to be where they test durable, innovative products.