When it comes to camping I’ve found that less is more, the less gear I have to trek around the better and Big Agnes gets it! That also means I really rely on the gear I take with me when, and that also means I buy quality equipment from brands I know and trust.
A couple years ago at was walking around the Overland Expo in Arizona and I came across a booth from Big Agnes. I knew them previously from their backpacking gear at REI, so I wandered over to take a look.
It all started with the chair. I know that sounds a little goofy, but I’m a big guy and have a hard time finding a chair that is comfortable, and packs down small enough to fit in any backpack. I won’t geek out to much on the construction here, but let’s look at the basics for a second.
It’s built tough with lightweight nylon 100d Robic with a 300d polyester rip-stop for extra tear strength, high-tenacity Robic™ yarn that is lightweight and 25% – 30% stronger a regular yarn in the same denier, waterproof UTS coating gives fabric a soft feel and enhances tear strength, and lightweight aircraft aluminum pole system that keeps the weight at about 3 pounds for the Big Six, and just over 2 pounds for the smaller Mica Basin.
After using and loving my new Big Agnes BIG SIX chair, I thought it was time to go all in! Adventure bike camping is a ton of fun, but being on a bike also means space is limited. That said…it was time to try out a sleeping system.
A sleeping system consists of three items for me. A sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and of course a pillow! You think I’m a savage or something??
Let’s start with the pillow. I-beam air pillowStretch polyester top and polyester bottom, and Memory Foam make this pillow light weight (7 oz.) and comfortable. From here lets talk sleeping pad.
Big Agnes has several options for pads, but I went with the AXL Trail Boss. Again, being a bigger guy I tend to lean towards the whatever I think will be comfortable, hold up to my size, and still pack away small and light.
The AXL Trail Boss is built tough. The nylon construction has a unique weave made with a high tenacity yarn and high filament count to increase fabric tear strength by 25% and decrease material weight. Simply put, you wont be needing to replace the pad every year because it leaks. AND, for you gear geeks…Aviation grade TPU lamination technology for ultimate durability, low-profile, single port, two-way valve allows for quick and easy inflation and super-fast deflation. Remember, there are a few types of pad from B/A so check them all out to get the best one for you.
Big Agnes has a bunch of sleeping bags to choose from, finding one for you in any type of environment will be easy/peasy!
Rounding out my new sleeping system is the Anvil Horn (long). I love this bag, it’s warm, not super bulky to pack up, and there’s plenty of room any it for me. I’m usually not a mummy bag guy. Before i givve you all the specs and features from B/A, seriously, without a great sleeping bag, your life will be miserable out there, so make sure if nothing else, this piece you get right.
Specs:
| Bag Weight | Regular: 2lb 8oz / 1.13 kg / Long: 2lb 12 oz / 1.25 kg / Wide Long: 3lb 1oz / 1.39kg |
| Fill Weight | Regular: 17oz / 482g / Long: 20oz / 567g / Wide Long: 24oz / 680g |
| Compressed Bag Size | Regular: 5.5″ x 7.5″ / Long: 6″ x 7.5″ / 15 x 19cm / Wide Long: 6.5″ x 8.5″ / 17 x 22cm |
| Stuff Sack Size | Regular: M 8″ x 17.5″ / M 20 x 45cm / Long: M 8″ x 17.5″ / M 20 x 45 cm / Wide Long: M 8″ x 17.5″ / M 20 x 45cm |
Features:
- The Big Agnes System bags offer technical, roomy sleeping spaces for those who aren’t willing to sacrifice comfort or compressibility
- Streamlined silhouette for increased thermal efficiency
- Flex Pad Sleeve features stretch construction that accommodates multiple pad widths, and easily connects your bag to your pad
- Regular and Long bags fit 20″ – 25″ wide pads, Wide Long bags fit 25″ – 30″ wide pads
- Free Range Hood gives you the freedom to lift your head. Jacket-style hood opening contours to the shape of your face for a comfortable, snug fit
- Low-profile cordlock lets you uncinch the hood with one hand
- Pillow Barn – keeps your pillow tucked in tight all night
- Internal hood drawcord gives you a secure, cozy fit when cinched
- Free Range Footbox – creates wiggle room for your feet
- Rectangular shaped bag
- DownTek™ – a water repellent down that uses a PFC-Free, bluesign™ approved chemistry.
- Anti-snag zipper for a smooth, quick zip
- Regular: 65″ / 165cm YKK #5 anti-snag locking zipper
- Long: 70″ / 178cm YKK #5 anti-snag locking zipper
- Wide Long: 70″ / 178cm YKK #5 anti-snag locking zipper
- Zipper garage
- Mate together left and right-zip bags
- No-draft collar, no-draft wedge, no-draft zipper
- Interior fabric loops for sleeping bag liners
- Exterior loops for hang drying or storage
- Mesh storage sack & polyester ripstop stuff sack
Construction:
Polyester ripstop shell fabric with a water repellent finish, polyester Taffeta lining. Insotect Flow™ construction, 650 fill DownTek™ – a water repellent down that uses a PFC-Free, bluesign™ approved chemistry.
It doesn’t matter if you’re expert outdoorsman challenging yourself with each new taxing expedition, or someone that just wants to get out for so adventure, good gear matters, and Big Agnes has it. Check out their full catalog of gear at www.BigAgnes.com