Big Agnes gear on steepandcheap

[SLOwag]

There's a sleeping bag and pad combo on steep and cheap right now that may be a decent price. Is anyone familiar with the product quality, service, etc. of Big Agnes gear? I appreciate the info.

Big Agnes:
http://www.bigagnes.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=57c036af7c7558c53f9a3ffdbc7940a8

Steep and Cheap:
http://www.steepandcheap.com/

 

[RoundOut]

Some of the leaders in my son's Scout Troop have the Big Agnes sleeping bags. One of them in particular is huge, but compact. It relies on the ground pad (i.e. Thermarest) on the bottom, so there is little fill in the bottom, therefore it rolls up pretty small, but still keeps one quite warm. He REALLY likes it. The one thing I hate about my mummy bag is how small it is at the waste and feet (no, I am not that large at the waste, LOL).

I hope this helps.

 

[mountainpete]

Big Agnes makes a really nice tent - I have been watching that site since I learned about it waiting for the right tent to come up.

I got a chance to go over one of the tents in person. Solid design, strong seams on the floors and overall good construction. It may not be the lightest or "Everest worthy" compared to some, but they are roomy and reliable.

I think there are a few people on the site with BA tents right now. I am sure they will chime in soon. Sorry, I have never even seen their bags in person...

Pete

 

[jkam]

Big Agnes gets a lot of praise on ADVrider, the moto forum.

The sleeping bag/pad combo they sell is popular because it is
a system. Unlike using a bag with a Thermarest, the BA pad slips inside a sleeve on the bag to keep you from sliding off.
Many of the larger guys have found that BA makes a bag big enough for them to be comfortable in.

My setup is many years old and has worked well for me, so I haven't tried the BA stuff.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

I've been using the BA Lost Ranger bag for the last few years and love it! I have both the air core pad and the insulation pad. The insulation keeps you a bit warmer as a prvious posted pointed out that BA's design is to put very little down on the bottom, but relies on the insulation of the pad. The best part and the reason that I bought it was to get away from the mummy bags. I like to roll around a lot at night so the cut of the bag works for me.

 

[Ursidae69]

I've been using the BA Lost Ranger bag for the last few years and love it! I have both the air core pad and the insulation pad. The insulation keeps you a bit warmer as a prvious posted pointed out that BA's design is to put very little down on the bottom, but relies on the insulation of the pad. The best part and the reason that I bought it was to get away from the mummy bags. I like to roll around a lot at night so the cut of the bag works for me.

I also have the 15 degree lost ranger and it has worked well for me for backpacking.

 

[Moody]

I used a demo one night, a 25 deg (I think) but it was colder...and I felt like the small areas that did not have insulation (where the pad meets the upper part of the bag) allowed some cold to come through, making some cold spots. Other than that the quality is great. Tents they make like the Seedhouse (I think that is the name) is bomber, and WAY light for backpacking....

 

[Photog]

Not all of the BA bags are designed for the sleeping pad back panel.

Every piece of BA equipment I have used or seen has been excellent quality and design. BA also designs equipment for the ultra-light backpackers. It can be very minimalistic. Some of this type of equipment might leave you wanting more; but it was not designed for car-camping.

Great equipment.

Steep & Cheap???? What's that?

 

[Moody]

BA also designs equipment for the ultra-light backpackers. It can be very minimalistic. Some of this type of equipment might leave you wanting more; but it was not designed for car-camping.

I think you have it there...it is very light in comparison to traditional bags, and if you were doing the AT, that would be great.

I think for the money, Marmot has the best bang for the buck.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Steep and Cheep is a "ODAT" web site, one deal at a time, until its gone or out of inventory. Close out items from BackCountry.com, which I believe is now the largest seller of gear in the country (in terms of volume). They are right down the road, I have probably a dozen friends who work there, and a friend who I went to college with actually runs steep and cheap. Very high service and killer prices. It is addictive. I just bought a new shovel/probe setup from back country access where the probe fits in the shovel handle. Really killer, $37 shipped (versus $80-something normally).

For most gear reviews, I actually trust a lot of whats on backcountry.com as far as reviews. The problem with S&C is they will cycle through a priduct very quickly. If you take too much time researching it might be gone by the time you get to it. Hence why there are already crampons on the site instead of the original item discussed. Big Agnes for me has always been good name. But every company makes some products that are not as good as their others. I think it is worth it to check out the reviews at least, usually... But Steep and Cheap is nice, they do a no questions ask return satisfaction guaranteed...

 

[SLOwag]

The problem with S&C is they will cycle through a priduct very quickly. If you take too much time researching it might be gone by the time you get to it. Hence why there are already crampons on the site instead of the original item discussed.

Too funny...crampons are already replaced by a compass

Regardless, thanks for all of the feedback.

 

[craig]

I have a BA 0 degree bag and their 2.5" 0 degree pad. I sleep cold, and they both work well. I'm quite happy with the purchase. The best part of the integrated pad is that you can roll over at night without bringing the bag with you (like in a bed). In the RTT I use a solid core foam/egg shell pad to give the same stability and additional insulation underneath.