Big Agnes vs Exped Down mat

**TonyF** · 01-10-2009, 20:11

I'm trying to decide between the Big Agnes Two Track 2" sleeping pad rated at R 6.5 and they state a -25 degrees. It is a dense foam inflatable

The Exped Downmat 7 is 2.75" rated at R 5.9 stated a -25 degree. This is down filled/inflatable.

I just read that if the Exped is inflated too much it is not as comfortable and less inflated is less insulating. Would the same hold true of the of the Big Agnes since it is dense foam as compared to Down loft? Anyone have preference of one over the other?
Tony

**slowhike** · 01-10-2009, 21:59

Originally Posted by TonyF

I just read that if the Exped is inflated too much it is not as comfortable and less inflated is less insulating. Would the same hold true of the of the Big Agnes since it is dense foam as compared to Down loft?
Tony

I've never seen one of the Big Agnes Two Tracks in person, but I would think that the same thing would apply to the BA as well. But some folks like it firmer.
How do the weights compare?

**TonyF** · 01-10-2009, 22:08

The BA weighs 36 oz and the Exped is 32 oz, so not that much difference. Not sure which would do a better job and have the least downsides.

**Mustardman** · 01-10-2009, 22:10

Moreso than the weight, I would be concerned about packability. I would think a 2" thick foam mat wouldn't pack down nearly as compact as the downmat. I got rid of a thermarest trail lite for my downmat 7, and the downmat packs smaller than the thermarest did.

**slowhike** · 01-10-2009, 22:16

Yeah, that would be my guess about the packability too. I'd be curious to see one AFTER it has been inflated & put back back into it's stuff sack. I don't think anyone ever gets that stuff back to the size package it comes in<G>.

**TonyF** · 01-10-2009, 23:48

Looks like the packability and price is the big difference where the Big Agnes packs to 5" x 21" $83.00 and the Exped Down packs to 7"x 6" $140.00 from what I have seen available.

Thanks for the input.

**Mustardman** · 01-11-2009, 00:00

Another difference is probably ease of inflation. Once you get the system for inflating a downmat figured out, it isn't too bad, but it takes a lot more work than most foam-filled mats, which are usually self-inflating. Expect to spend at least a few minutes inflating a downmat while your friends open the valves on their thermarests and let the foam do the work for them.

**Ewker** · 01-27-2009, 10:50

Originally Posted by Mustardman

Another difference is probably ease of inflation. Once you get the system for inflating a downmat figured out, it isn't too bad, but it takes a lot more work than most foam-filled mats, which are usually self-inflating. Expect to spend at least a few minutes inflating a downmat while your friends open the valves on their thermarests and let the foam do the work for them.

Normally I use the Exped 7 down mat in my tent and haven't in a hammock (yes I have one or two). In a tent it is easy to inflate since it is laying flat inside the tent.

Would you inflate it the same way in a hammock which to me would seem hard since the hammock is curved and not flat.

**HappyCamper** · 01-27-2009, 11:00

I inflate my Deluxe 9 in my hammock. Lay out mat in hammock. Connect air bag. Open bag to get air into it and roll closed. Use one hand to hold bottom of bag and push down top of bag with other hand. Can open and close bag with one hand and push again. Not bad. My air bag stays connected quite well. And yes, it does take a few minutes.

**CajunHiker** · 01-27-2009, 11:48

Standing under my tarp, I laid my 7 Short over the ridgeline crosswise and inflated. I then inserted the pad into my BA Yampa (still up on the ridgeline) and then shoved the whole thing into the hammock. Seriously considering a zippper mod.