Gearnalysis

Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated vs. Big Agnes Q-Core SLX

A close look at two sleeping pads buyers cross-shop. On the data the Ultralight XR Insulated is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Q-Core SLX still fits your budget or priorities.

Best for:
Fine-tune ↗
Sea to Summit
Ultralight XR Insulated
84GearScore
Inflatable · R3.6
wins 7 specs
Big Agnes
Q-Core SLX
74GearScore
Inflatable · R3.2
wins 1 spec
Sea to Summit Ultralight XR InsulatedBig Agnes Q-Core SLX
GearScore84✓74
Warmth (R-value)3.6 R✓3.2 R
Weight13.8 oz✓18.0 oz
Warmth-to-weight0.92 R/100g✓0.63 R/100g
Packed size1.46 L✓1.55 L
Thickness2.6 in3.5 in✓
Durability39 /100n/s
Price$149✓$170
Features3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓1Repair kit included
TypeInflatableInflatable
ShapeTaperedRectangular

Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Ultralight XR Insulated in blue, Q-Core SLX 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.

Put the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated next to the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX and the trade-offs are clear. The Ultralight XR Insulated is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Q-Core SLX makes its case on cushion.

The Ultralight XR Insulated is warmer (R 3.6 vs R 3.2), 4 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Q-Core SLX is thicker for more cushion. On the default GearScore the Ultralight XR Insulated leads 84 to 74.

Pick the Ultralight XR Insulated if you care most about warmth and low weight, which makes it the better call for colder nights and shoulder-season trips. Pick the Q-Core SLX if cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on comfort and room to move.

Common questions

Which is warmer?

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated. It is warmer (R 3.6 vs R 3.2) than the Q-Core SLX.

Which is lighter?

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated. It is 4 oz lighter than the Q-Core SLX.

Which has the higher GearScore?

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated, 84 to 74 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.

Ultralight XR Insulated or Q-Core SLX, which should you buy?

The Ultralight XR Insulated is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Q-Core SLX if cushion is your priority.