NEAR PERFECT... But The Zoom UL Has One Big Problem
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- The Zoom UL Sleeping Pad from Big Agnes has been one of the most anticipated sleeping pads for 2023. After 4 months of testing, how is good or bad is the pad?
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Big Agnes Zoom UL Sleeping Pad: geni.us/Zoom-UL
Sea To Summit EtherLight XT: geni.us/Ether-Light-XT
Big Agnes Rapide SL: geni.us/BigAgnes-RapideSL
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Big agnes zoom ul, best sleeping pad 2024, big agnes zoom ul sleeping pad, big agnes rapide sl - Розваги
I'm glad I went with the Nemo Tensor... you turned me onto their pads years ago. Thanks for all these reviews!
It was timely to find your video. I've been on the fence with this pad for a bit, and your review prompted me to get one. Thanks.
Great video! I think this illustrates how important it is to test your gear in non critical situations. I rarely camp below freezing so this isn't a huge deal to me. Really appreciate your efforts 👌
enjoy your channel, i guess ill pick up another NEMO tensor insulated. just love that pad and currently on sale at rei
Excellent review!
I have been really looking hard at this pad as I have always liked big agnes. That said, it’s currently unavailable in the size I want. As my current pad has failed I definitely need to replace it. Your evaluation of the warmth definitely changes my view. Now I just need to decide which pad I’m going to get. Thanks for the review!
Great review, exactly what I wanted to know
Every time I see a video on the zoom UL, halfway through I'm like "damn I should have gotten it!" and by the end I'm back to being glad I got the rapide SL. Even though I sleep hot I'm glad I put up with a little extra weight for the insulation factor.
I just returned my zoom. Where i trek it can get to freezing and below anytime of the year. Super comfortable though. I would say anything below 4C or 5C you will start to feel the cold.
My Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, the 25"x78" and the 50"x78" have kept me warm down to 19 degrees F with no prob. I use a quilt and aSea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme. Love that 50"x78" tho. It's like sleeping at home.
Thanx Devin... Awesome video. I have bought it and slept on it and I love it. I also got the Boundary Deluxe and that one sleeps warmer. Same rating. Are you gonna test and review that one too? 🎉
I heard about this from other reviewers as well - that it's not super warm. I got this pad because comfort and lightweight are more important than insulation value. If I were to do any winter camping I would buy a warmer pad as you suggest. Thanks for the review!
Thanks. Appreciate the testing. The deflation speed is a bummer. I absolutely hated how slow it took to deflate a Klymit pad and absolutely love how fast the Nemo Tensor Insulated deflates. It's definitely a factor for me.
Agreed, that’s a deal breaker for me. The last thing I wanna do in the morning and spend extra time pushing out air from the pad!
@@terrythemedic5803 Yeah, I'm sure that extra minute or two out of the morning just ruins the entire day.
Rapide for the win again. Yay!
My experience was similiar. Super comfy but somewhere around 2-4 degrees celsius cold spots
Thanks for your review. Have you tried the Exped Ultra 3R? R value 2.9, wonder how that compares to the Zoom UL. I have the Synmat Winter and am a warm sleeper. Want something smaller for 3 season use!
Slept with the zoom UL one night on an alpine summit ( 2300m, summer). Even though it was quite warm outside (probably 10°C) I startet freezing mid night from the ground. It was really comfy but I will send it back and go back to te thermarest xlite nxt with less comfort but more warmth.. edit: I am a bit cold sensitive
Always fun to watch your videos. Thx. What pump do you use?
Thanks! It’s the Flextail Tiny Pump.
The ASTM rating process must have a flawed link somewhere. I love the comfort of the BA Rapid but use my Tensor or S2S ELite XT pad if I’m really concerned about temps. On the latter two I can feel back my body warmth right away but on the Rapid it starts much cooler and slowly seems to warm a bit and turning during the night seems to restart that process a little. From that experience with the Rapid, which I love, I will not try the Zoom UL. And why they went to that valve? That’s why I got rid of my first BA pad. Thank you for your honesty Devin, gear cost too much not to be able to make informed decisions.
Try the 20" version and see if you sleep warmer.
Interesting take. I tend to sleep cold, especially in the spring and fall seasons. I just picked up a NeoAir Xtherm. Maybe that was overkill? I'm curious how you find the Rapide SL vs the older Q-core SLX. Aside from the Q-core being less insulated, I've had mixed results when it comes to comfort with my Q-core. Some nights it's like heaven, and some nights I struggle to get through the night without an aching back and neck. I was hoping the neoair would fix that. It doesn't seem like the Rapide's design is much different from the Q-core.
I have an older tensor r3.5. I sleep ok on it, but would love a more comfortable pad. I also need to take my pad below freezing 1 or 2 trips a year. That tensor works for me down to about 20F with a foam pad to supplement.
Given that info, if you could only afford 1 pad, would you get a new tensor with r 4.2, rapide, or zoom?
Seems like tensor is clearly the warmest but least comfortable, zoom most comfortable but coldest, and rapide may split the difference.
My old tensor is due for retirement soon, and I’m thinking of taking advantage of the current sales to replace it.
I had the same experience with the Ether Light. It’s not as warm as its rating.
In Ukraine, big Agnes is not very popular because you can't buy it officially, but I really want to try it
I wanted to get this pad SO BAD and finally found it from moosejaw. Unfortunately, it had a leak right out of the box and I was forced to return it. Haven't been able to find it for sale since, and ended up getting the insulated tensor from rei for 40% off. Spent one night on the tensor so far at 45 degrees and I genuinely felt the warmth of my body get reflected back at me. While I never got to test the zoom, here are my initial impressions of the 2 pads:
The zoom is lighter, packs smaller, is more comfy, and the raised baffles on the edges are really nice. It also seems to be a bit quieter. Thats not to say the tensor is bad in any of those areas, its just ever so slightly (emphasis on the slightly) not as good. Where the nemo really shines is the warmth factor, and since I got mine during the rei anniversary sale - the price. I saw a lot of initial reviews say the same thing about the zoom sleeping cold, and i figured an 1/8 foam pad from gossamer gear would be great to smooth out the cold spots and help protect the pad at ~3oz. You mentioned using the switchback foam pad and still being cold, so that rules out my theory. All in all I couldnt be happier with the tensor. Cheap, warm, comfy. This video just reassured me that I shouldn't feel buyers remorse about not holding out for the zoom.
The Nemo beats the zoom in every way. The zoom is heavier, the side baffles are way shorter than all the other BA pads and that’s what makes them so comfortable. Like you say it’s hard to find but u sent mine back day one. My friend did the same
@Brad Leonard well the zoom UL is lighter so technically that's not true.
off topic: that bathtub footprint looks really neat, what make/model is it?
My new NeoAir XT Max 25x72 rectangle pad weighs 18.2 oz on my scale with out inflation sack which is what the spec sheet says. Not sure where 20oz you mention comes from.
I’m just pulling weights directly from Thermarest.
I think Thermarest actually includes their stuff sack in the weight online. They’re one of the only companies to do that
I just got my pad in the mail and honestly if you just lay on it while it deflates; it's not a big deal at all. I will say that getting the last bit of air out once it's rolled up is a bit awkward.
Don't u hate it , they are always changing stuff to the negative, because of this valve , may not buy one now
@david sawmandave I just finished a seven day thru hike with it and it's honestly not bad at all. Pretty easy honestly.
So the Nemo Tensor Insulated is warmer?
Wondering if you’ve tested any of the Exped ultra series for cold weather? I’m considering the Ultra 7R. It’s not the lightest but they claim a 7.1 R-value.
I have not had an opportunity to test any recent EXPED Pads.
Is the SL the same comfort as the zoom UL?
is the nemo pad foil side suppose to be facing up instead of down?
What is the rectangular ground thing with the slight walls, that you are sitting in and displaying the mattress in? I have been looking for a walled ground sheet like this!
It’s a bathtub floor/ground sheet. This one was a DIY project I sewed myself. But you can get them from various places. MLD makes them, Zpacks makes dyneema ones, and Three Ridges Gear has them too in various sizes.
Oh man. Do I now go for this pad? I set on the Rapide SL.
Rapide SL all the way
How noisy are the BA rapide vs Zoom?
Is the Rapide more comfortable (aside from being warmer)?
I prefer the quilted baffles of the Zoom over the Rapide. The Rapide is still a very comfortable pad.
Miss the trip videos dude, you gonna post trips anymore or nah?
Yes, it’s just been a weird year so far. The permit rules with filming in National Parks has been a buzz kill, the record snow year in Utah cancelled one of my trips, and I’ve been out camping with my family a lot. I’ll post trips for sure, it’s just been a unique year so far.
Until my pad developed a slow leak, it was a good mattress. I still haven't been able to find the leak
How does the warmth of the Zoom UL (R-value 4.3) compare to the Etherlight XT (R-value 3.2)? I love the comfort of the Etherlight but it always slept cold for me.
I want to know this also!
I've been hesitant to take the EtherLight XT below freezing, as I've slept cold on it below freezing. So honestly, pretty similar in that case.
hello, I want to change my mattress, for 3 seasons, and I'm hesitating between the Zoom UL, the Sts Etherlight insulated XT women and the Nemo tensor insulated. I am looking for a durable mattress. Thanks in advance.
I would strongly suggest not buying a big Agnes pad. They're comfortable they're priced in the same ballpark but I have yet to find a big Agnes pad that doesn't inflate its R value. They all run cold. I would rather have the extra 2 oz of my Nemo and know that it's temperature rating is honest.
I love my STS Etherlight womens, I have heard some people have had leak issues but I've been fine for around 25 nights on some pretty rough ground, but I always put a 1/8 inch closed cell may under it (I use the foam mat for my sit pad and to do stretching.)
It's incredibly comfy. I haven't taken it down really cold, so I can't comment on that, but Justin Outdoors has some videos that cover it and he lives in Canada so I presume he's tested it's temp limit:)
The women's is a bit warmer than the standard STS Etherlight too :)
My only complaint is how bulky it is when it's deflated. You do need to bear that in mind! It's not too heavy but it's pretty damn huge, esp if you get the women's large which is necessary if you are 5'6 or up.
Keep in mind that S2S and Nemo provide a lifetime guarantee on their products, whereas Big Agnes does not.
Consider the Nemo Quasar 3D. Extraordinarily comfortable. 3.3 R value.
How does it compare with the sts ether xt in terms of noise? I have the sts and its pretty noisy, is not juat my opinion, the people sleeping near me hears it too. Other than that , it is super comfortable, but every time I move or turn I wake everyone up
My experience with the Ether Light XT is the noise more so comes from the pad rubbing on PU coated tent floors, rather than the pad being noisy itself. The Fabric of the Ether Light is also squeaky. The Zoom however is much less so, and with the tent floors I've had it in so far, it's been much quieter.
@@BackcountryExposure thanks! I have used the ether in different floors and I really feel the noise comes from within the pad itself. Everything else about it is great, but I found this aspect quite negative and I just want a less noisy (but still comfortable and light) alternative. The BA zoom UL seems to check the boxes.
The ether has pretty good durability rating, how would that compare here ?
Im interested in their Rapide SL, but also worried about the warmth of it - Its a 4.8, not 4.2 like the Zoom
But, at what temp would you say its okay to?
I’m hoping to have the new one in my hands here soon to start testing. Hopefully before it’s too warm.
@@BackcountryExposure is the one you showed in the video different??
@@michaelfrymus in this video yes, it’s the original, heavier Rapide SL. I haven’t yet got the new 2024 version that’s supposed to be lighter and warmer.
@@BackcountryExposure gotcha gotcha. Didn't know there was a newer version
Do you think the Zoom UL performs similarly to the Rapide SL? (minus the weight)
I talk about it in the video a little. But the Zoom baffling is more comfortable for me than the Rapide. The Rapide is warmer, but heavier.
@@BackcountryExposure Just what I was looking for! Thanks so much. My SeatoSummit EtherLight XT is unfortunately letting me down in the warmth department as well.
The REI Helix has got to be the only pad that has actually been comfortable, warm, inexpensive, durable, and (somewhat) lightweight.
I've been sleeping on the much maligned Air AXL Insulated, which has been great for me, but I'd like a higher R value. Do you think I'm going to notice a difference with the Zoom?
Curious, how inflated do you keep your pad while sleeping? I start off fully inflated but have to deflate quite a bit for comfort while sleeping on my side.
I like a pretty firm pad. I sleep on my side a lot, so the firm pad helps me sleep better.
The REI Helix just keeps looking better and better by comparison
I picked up the Helix when it was 50% off. I'm looking forward to putting it to its paces come this Fall.
I considered the Helix but just ordered the Nemo Tensor from REI. Hopefully it will hold up.
Helix is almost 2 pounds, too heavy for me.
@@mikefranck829, totally agree! Despite its weight penalty it's still very comfortable. Just waiting to test it in the cold against my Tensor.
Which pillow are you using, please?
Nemo Fillo
@@BackcountryExposure ok, great, thanks!
BA pads straight out suck! They have never been as warm as advertised, ever ever. The only time I ever slept cold was on BA pads.
I think you really got your nemo tensor measurements confused. The regular wide, which would be the comparable pad only weighs 19 oz. The 21 oz pad is the long wide. Also unlike the BA pad the Nemo pads temperature rating is accurate, so it's not surprising a pad that runs colder than advertised is lighter. I'll be honest with you I'm almost wondering if they intentionally inflate there R values because It seems to be a trend with Big Agnes pads across the board.
I mean goodness based on your own experience it sounds like the real r value of this particular pad is only about a 2, if that. They basically doubled the effect of our value for advertising purposes. That's insane
The ASTM rating would say otherwise about inflating the R-Value. But real world conditions present so many other variables that a controlled environment can't replicate. Appreciate your comment. :)
@@BackcountryExposure the only reason I said this is that particular complaint doesn't seem to be limited to this particular BA pad. Not only by reading reviews but talking with virtually every person I know, who have used BA pads, has had a similar experience, performance lower than the rating listed. Most of "my people" go into the back country in the exact same locations. As an example, every January on the AT in the Michaux State Forest of Pennsylvania, so a lot of variability is eliminated.
Your experience actually was only confirmation of the anecdotal experience of a number of my friends, which is why I was so shocked. If someone with the experience in pads as you, are having the same experience, in a different environment than SE PA, then it's most likely the pad that's the issue and not the user and/or environment.
You had your foam pad upside down, so that might have been the reason it didnt help as much as it should have.
Your sleeping bag/ground sheet/tent floor are your cold problem, not the pad. Just my 2 cents.
Explain your reasoning?
The Nature Hike R5.8 pad is warmer, comfier, lighter, packs smaller and a lot cheaper which is why is currently the fastest selling insulated pad on the market you heard it here first. It’s the warmest pad I’ve ever slept on even the xtherm, highly recommended pad 👍❤️
I had the Zoom UL first night last Weekend. I return the Pad. Comfort Wise i cant agree with anyone who says its the same comfort like the Etherlight Xt. Sleeping on Zoom UL felt wobbly like on a Balloon . Also inflating and deflating was a pain in the Ass . Pumpsack is useless , the Valve is shite.
Etherlight is my favorite comfort and function wise.
Still i have to find a Pad for my GF now and return the Zoom UL and will get the Rapide SL instead . I like the Duo Valve which can instant deflate and its more sturdy . Feels more comfortable. Zoom UL is not for me
Totally fair! There's no way a product is going to be great for everyone. Appreciate you sharing your experience.
So, in short. BA pads still suck and if you’re temps are freezing or below, take an X-Therm. 😂 Got it. Cool
It’s simply just not better than my Nemo. Weighs more, about the same comfort wise, and is $$$$ because the reg/wide is still harder to find. Sent mine back immediately. Oh yeah! The friggin pump sack is 3oz by itself 😂