Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. The Q-Core SLX takes a modest overall edge, led by warmth, but the Astro Insulated Lightweight has its own case.
| Big Agnes Q-Core SLX | NEMO Astro Insulated Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 74✓ | 70 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 3.2 R✓ | 2.6 R |
| Weight | 18.0 oz✓ | 24.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.63 R/100g✓ | 0.38 R/100g |
| Packed size | 1.55 L✓ | 2.20 L |
| Thickness | 3.5 in | 3.5 in |
| Durability | n/s | 70 /100 |
| Price | $170 | $150✓ |
| Features | 1Repair kit included | 2Pump sack included, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Q-Core SLX in blue, Astro Insulated Lightweight in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the rating for the Overall use-case (0 to 100). Pick another above to re-score. Prices are current MSRP.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX and NEMO Astro Insulated Lightweight take different routes to the same job. The Q-Core SLX wins on warmth and low weight, and the Astro Insulated Lightweight pushes back on price.
The Q-Core SLX is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.6), 6 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Astro Insulated Lightweight is $20 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Q-Core SLX leads 74 to 70.
Pick the Q-Core SLX if you care most about warmth and low weight, which makes it the better call for colder nights and shoulder-season trips. Pick the Astro Insulated Lightweight if price matter more to you, or you are focused on getting the most for your money.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX. It is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.6) than the Astro Insulated Lightweight.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX. It is 6 oz lighter than the Astro Insulated Lightweight.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX, 74 to 70 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Q-Core SLX for warmth, or the Astro Insulated Lightweight for price. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.