Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Mat Guide
Jun 02, 2025
Insulated, Superlight, Compact, 3-season Air Chamber Sleeping Pad
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.
Higher R-Value of 4.8
The new sleeping pads are lighter, warmer, and take up less space in your pack than the previous models. The regular size is now 28 grams lighter and has an improved R-value of 4.8, up from 4.2.
Even Lighter & Smaller Pack Size
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.
Two Layers of Heat Reflective Film
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).
Overall, Big Agnes has improved an already popular mat. If you are in the market for a new pad that will see year-round use, this, undoubtedly, gets my recommendation.
3.5” Thick Mat
3.5” / 9cm thick pad with 4.25” / 11cm larger outer chambers.
Lighter Pumpsack
Updated Pump sack weighs only 55g.
Quilted Surface
Quilted top provides a cushioned pillowy sleeping surface.
Dual Valve
High-volume dual valve allows for efficient and easy inflation.
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.