Big Agness matress

[oldmanb777]

Bought a Big Agness air matress last fall, on sale at REI. Just like the old air matresses, but insulated. Small, compacet unlike thermarest style. I have been told by others that they liked it very well.
So the first time I used it,Moab,last week. This is the first time I had it out of the bag. Leaks faster than I can put air in it.
Sure I can patch it, but it's NEW as in NEVER BEEN USED before! So I call Big Agness. they say, so fix it, submerge it in water etc. fix the leak. Or I can pay them to fix it. My bitch is, @ $84 retail (I bought it on sale for less) they should have said, "We Will make it right, what ever that takes". I cannot be sure that I didn't cut it, but don't really think so. It has always been packed in with either clothes or sleeping bag. the outside of the bag is cut, as is the pad, looks like a box cutter type cut. Sure I can fix it, but I think they should stand by thier product.:weapons_18:

[Canvas6st]

Send it back to REI (if you have a membership, they will have record of the sale and you won't even need a reciept). The primary reason I shop at REI is their return policy and their willingness to back everything they sell. Even clearance items are backed at least up to the value of what you paid. Plus, if you're unsatisfied with Agnes' service, exchange for a different brand. I like do business with companies who appreciate it.

[tmcgee]

I used mine three or four times last year. No leaks yet. It does come with a repair kit, I think. If not, I'll be adding one. I also like it a LOT better than the thermarest.

[footloose]

+1 on returning it to REI. Their return policy rocks...they'll replace it no questions asked.
Try BA one more time. I'm a backpacker also and have been using mine for a couple years with no problems. But there is talk on the backpacker forums that others have had trouble with leakage. It's a great pad though and worth it if you can get one that doesn't leak.
I love it because it weighs so little, packs so small and is very comfortable. When sleeping on it, don't fill it until it's hard...leave it underinflated. Much more comfortable that way and you don't roll off when sleeping.:)

[iloco]

Looking at the Big Agnes it looks a lot like a mattress I have had for about40 years.
I bought mine at a Army surplus store many years ago and it still works as good today as the day I bought it.
I did a search and found it can still be bought. HERE (http://store.colemans.com/cart/air-mattress-us-gi-p-202.html) is a link to what I am talking about. Over the years I have never had to patch mine for any reason. :)

[tmcgee]

Looking at the Big Agnes it looks a lot like a mattress I have had for about40 years.

How thick is it? The BA is 2.5 inches.

[iloco]

I guess you mean when inflated. I have it packed for a trip but I would think 2.5 inches inflated is about right. Its a very comfortable air mattress if you dont inflate it all the way full. :)
I use a down filled US Army surplus sleeping bag that I bought at the same time. Hard to beat stuff that is made for the military. :)

[dt2.0]

Once you get the leak stopped, the BA is awesome. I hike and backpack quite a bit and have tried a lot of different sleeping set-ups and the BA is definitely my favorite. I also agree in talking with REI. Their return policy for members is truly phenomenal. I have taken stuff back there multiple times and they replace it every time with no questions asked. My wife's aunt took a coat back that she had worn to Antarctica as it was damaged in a blizzard while there and they replaced it no problem. Hope this works out for you. Nothing like getting a good nights sleep, especially on the trail!