Here is how these two sleeping pads compare on the numbers. The Rapide SL Insulated takes a modest overall edge, led by low weight, but the Ultra 5R has its own case.
| Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated | Exped Ultra 5R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 79✓ | 78 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.8 R | 4.8 R |
| Weight | 18.0 oz✓ | 20.3 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.94 R/100g✓ | 0.83 R/100g |
| Packed size | 1.45 L✓ | 4.11 L |
| Thickness | 4.3 in✓ | 3.0 in |
| Durability | n/s | 12 /100 |
| Price | $160✓ | $200 |
| Features | 1Pump sack included | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Rapide SL Insulated in blue, Ultra 5R 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 Rapide SL Insulated against the Exped Ultra 5R is a study in priorities. The Rapide SL Insulated wins on low weight and warmth-to-weight, and the Ultra 5R pushes back on value.
The Rapide SL Insulated is 2 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and more packable (1.5 L vs 4.1 L). Their GearScores land within a couple of points (79 vs 78), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the Rapide SL Insulated if you care most about low weight and warmth-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Ultra 5R if you would rather save the difference.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. It is 2 oz lighter than the Ultra 5R.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. It is stronger on warmth-to-weight than the Ultra 5R.
They are nearly tied at 79 and 78 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Rapide SL Insulated for low weight, or the Ultra 5R for the price. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.