Has anyone used both of these pads? I bought the standard Q Core two years ago and I absolutely love it. For backpacking here in Michigan it is perfect. Now BA has come out with the SL version. I am doing a section hike (6 days in NC and TN)of the AT this summer and trying to lighten my load. My current Q-Core is the Long/Wide weighing in at 36 oz. I got the long/wide because I wanted the extra width, not the length. I am a bit of picky sleeper in the backcountry. Good sleep is important for long hikes as you know and this thing is the ultimate in comfort while being reasonably light and rolls up small. The Regular sized SL is 17 oz. I am trying decide if the SL will meet my needs for the majority of hiking here in Michigan. I can handle it not being as wide if it is just as comfortable as the original. What I can't handle is spending the money on the new one without selling my original to help pay for it!

Thanks!

I believe the SL is a little narrower, not per specs from what I read a year ago. I'd have to check into that again. Find out what the width is when blown up. You may be upset.
Duane
Here is a link.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/...t=631887#631887

Thanks for that info. So if it is even narrower than advertised, I would be disappointed.

BA is going to fix the size difference but they are trying to sell the old stock first.

I own and have used both the regular and the SL, both in the regular width, not the wide. The SL is am r-4.5; the regular is r-5 - and either one keeps me warm for April through November in Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana. In the regular width, the SL is an inch or so narrower, fully inflated, than the regular - take your regular-wide to the store with you, get them to inflate an SL wide, and lay it on top of the regular and you'll be able to gauge the difference in the newest model. Then lay them side by side, and spend some time on each to see whether you see any real difference. The important thing is how you feel on it, not how I tell you how I feel on it.

Having said that: I've found that, in practice, the slightly narrower width makes no practical difference to me. Both are equally comfortable, and I didn't have any trouble staying on the SL. One night at home, when I was totally, I did the the side-by-side test; I found that , on my side with my knees bent, my kneecap hung over the edge, but it didn't touch the floor. That might matter on a 10-degree night, but for 3-season camping, I decided to save, the half pound, and chose the SL.

You could try the POE Elite which comes in at 16oz and is quite comfortable down to 25F due to core insulation. Very comfy too, but a little harder to find than some of the other products. Folds up smaller than a 1l water bottle.