I was looking to buy a Big Agnes sleeping bag that has a sleeve that holds a sleeping pad. The thing only weighs about 1.5 pounds.

Is the pad sleeve something nice to have or are there issues with those?? There is not padding on the bottom which is why it is so light. I have an exped I was going to slide in it. The Exped is same dimension as the Big Agnes pad they suggest you use with the bag.

I will still have my other sleeping bag that I will never get rid of for car or backyard adventure camping. It is heavy though for BW camping.

Have had my BA bag for 3 years and have had no issues with the pad inside the sleeve.

Years ago, i.e. in the 60's, many sleeping bags were made with what was called an "air mattress pocket", into which you would insert your sleeping pad. Of course at that time (pre-ThermaRest) the only pads available were air mattresses or closed cell foam. The first bag I ever had was an Eddie Bauer polyester bag with such a pocket. I made a couple of down bags from scratch incorporating the pockets. I could never understand why the manufacturers stopped including that feature in their bags.

Now, Big Agnes is the only company that I know of that does this, but the difference is that they use no insulation on the bottom of the bag to make it lighter. We have a couple of BA down bags, and they work well. Your Exped should also work well with them. Remember that if you are doing any cool weather camping, the pad should be insulated, especially with the BA bags. In general, I find that the BA temperature ratings are a bit overly optimistic. I would advise you to go for it -- you won't roll off your mattress again.

I don't own one but have tried them in the store. My only issue with them is because of my thinner build there is a lot of air gap along my sides (did not have that snuggled feeling).

I have been looking at the BA Bags as well. The thing to remember is if you own Exped Synmat REG 20" wide or any other pad they will fit in most of their sleeping bags.

UNLESS

If you have the DLX those pads are 26" wide and will NOT fit most of the BA bags. They will fit in the Park Series Big Agnes sleeping bags they are wider and made to accept 25" pads. That limits what bags you can use with your pad.

Hope this helps out.

JB

Guess I could answer the question. You really don't need down or synthetic under you to flatten out, if you have a good insulated pad under you I think the fill would be better off used on top of you.

One more thing...If you are a side sleeper, you actually will probably like the set up. Because the BA bags are not really mummy style, you do have room to curl your knees up a bit.

And, of course, you will never roll or slide off your pad.

My BA FishHawk has a good draft collar and baffle along the zipper, so I have not experienced drafts. Actually, I have found that it can be a bit too warm at times, so I just vent it.

Big Agnes mummy bags can be used with rectangular pads now, Grouse Mountain

I use a Lost Ranger and Exped Downmat9, combo warm below freezing, and also used a Yampa. Good sleeping, but you need to use an insulated pad below 35 degrees. I will not buy another bag without a sleeve for the mattress. Thermarest is close but not the same design. Custom ordered bags are a possibility, Feathered Friends.

butthead

My wife has used a Big Agnes LuLu bag for two seasons now and is completely in heaven. She uses a NeoAir mat as she had that prior to the bag purchase and it fits just fine. Happy shopping.

I'm with Butthead,(hmm reminds me of the "I'm with stupid" T shirts you used to see) I can't see buying another bag without a matress sleeve. All about personal preference of course, I like not having to gather up your bag to turn over, while making sure you don't slide off of your pad. That always kind of woke me up. I sleep better now in a Big Agnes.

I have a BA Cross Mountain 45 Synthetic Bag that I use in conjunction with my 20" ThermaRest Neo Air. It works like a charm. It is like a comforter more than a sleeping bag, (so to speak)

I use this in the summer when it is warm out.
I have a 25" Therma Rest also NeoAir with a Kelty Coromell 25 degree bag. I use it when it's cold out.

I do like the BA system. Wish they had more light weight choices in the wide version?
SunCatcher

I have 2 such. Totally rock. No issues.

BA Summit Park bag with an Exped Downmat 9 Dlx here--the combination works great!

quote jb in the wild: "I have been looking at the BA Bags as well. The thing to remember is if you own Exped Synmat REG 20" wide or any other pad they will fit in most of their sleeping bags.

UNLESS

If you have the DLX those pads are 26" wide and will NOT fit most of the BA bags. They will fit in the Park Series Big Agnes sleeping bags they are wider and made to accept 25" pads. That limits what bags you can use with your pad.

JB... THANKS for this info. I have a 26 inch wide exped mat and I was wondering if it would fit into the Park series bags. I think I'm going to make a move on a BA Dear Park bag.

quote Brent: "

quote jb in the wild: "I have been looking at the BA Bags as well. The thing to remember is if you own Exped Synmat REG 20" wide or any other pad they will fit in most of their sleeping bags.

UNLESS

If you have the DLX those pads are 26" wide and will NOT fit most of the BA bags. They will fit in the Park Series Big Agnes sleeping bags they are wider and made to accept 25" pads. That limits what bags you can use with your pad.

JB... THANKS for this info. I have a 26 inch wide exped mat and I was wondering if it would fit into the Park series bags. I think I'm going to make a move on a BA Dear Park bag."

Check out demo sale Deer Park at $132

butthead

I'm able to use a Exped 3.5" delux inside my BA elk park bag.

Check out demo sale Deer Park at $132

butthead"

Thanks butthead... Deer Park bag purchased.

I have (too ?) many BA bags and pads. Some have been used for 7 years and no problems yet.

Chuck- I sit up on my pad and let air out til my but touches and then I get the "snuggled" feeling.

I have (too ?) many BA bags and pads. Some have been used for 7 years and no problems yet.

Chuck- I sit up on my pad and let air out til my but touches and then I get the "snuggled" feeling.

My wife and I both have BA bags. We love them! Any pad with the right dimensions should work (we have Thermarests).

I love my BA bag and integrated pad. I also like the extra room as I too am a side sleeper.

The BA bag is the best I have ever used when used with a pad.
I use mine with an older Thermarest pad and it gives the best nights spleep I have ever had.
Dick