Rapide SL Insulated Petite Sleeping Mat Ultralight Airbeds

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

The new Rapide SL Insulated mat is lighter, warmer and better than ever. It’s still as comfortable and supportive as the old model, but now it’s even more compact and lightweight. Big Agnes has also improved the pump sack, making it lighter and more efficient.

Big Agnes says: 

Our best-selling Rapide SL Insulated is now even better! Featuring improved insulation that boosts pad warmth and lowers weight, while packing down even smaller than the original Rapide.

When it comes to superlight, three-season comfort, the Rapide SL Insulated pad stands alone. Built with offset I-Beam construction, this proprietary design reduces weight while providing multi-directional support for consistent stability and comfort. This superlight air chamber pad sleeps warmer using two layers of heat reflective film, and is third party rated with an R-Value of 4.8 for use through three seasons. The Rapide SL Insulated is lighter, tougher, more packable, easy to inflate/deflate, and provides superior performance and packability for any adventure. Save your breath for the miles ahead and use the included pumphouse high volume inflation sack to inflate.

Our Verdict

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 take up less space in your pack than the previous models. The petite size is now 28 grams lighter and has an improved R-value of 4.8, up from 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).

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.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• R-Value: 4.8, Three-Season
• 3.5” / 9cm thick pad with 4.25” / 11cm larger outer chambers keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad
• Quilted top provides a cushioned pillowy sleeping surface.
• Durable, superlight nylon double ripstop
• Dual layers of heat reflective film provide superior insulation at a lower packed size and weight, so you stay comfortable as the temperatures drop
• Proprietary offset I-Beam construction reduces weight and provides consistent stability and comfort.
• Seams and welds use aviation-grade TPU lamination, providing incredible weld strength and dependability.
• Antimicrobial treatment inside the pad prevents microorganism growth
• Individually inflated and tested at our factory, ensuring 100% quality performance
• High-volume dual valve allows for efficient and easy inflation, super-fast deflation, and micro adjustments
• Includes Pumphouse high volume inflation sack, protective storage sack, replacement valve seal, and 3M repair patches

Specifications

• Weight: 466g (excluding storage bag & pump sack)
• Pump sack weight: 55g
• Dimensions: 20″ x 66″ / 51 x 168 cm
• Thickness: Outer 4.25″ / 11cm, Inner 3.5″ / 9cm
• Packed size: 3.5″ x 7″ / 9 x 18cm
• ASTM R-Value: 4.8
• Shape: Rectangular

Material & Construction

• Durable, superlight nylon double ripstop fabric 
• Aviation-grade TPU lamination technology provides ultimate weld strength and durability
• Insulation: 2 Layer of heat reflective film
• Valve: High-volume, dual port valve allows for quick and easy inflation, super-fast deflation, and micro adjustments

ASTM R-Value:

From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.

You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.

In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.

Help & advice:

• Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Mats Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Mat
• About Big Agnes
• Big Agnes Sleeping Mats Buying Guide
• R-Value Explained