QuietJourney Forums - Print Page

QuietJourney Forums
Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> Strictly Gear - Gear specific reviews and ideas. >> REI Stratus air pad https://quietjourney.com/community/YABB.cgi?num=1330491101 Message started by Gavia on Feb 29^th, 2012 at 4:51am

Title: REI Stratus air pad
Post by Gavia on Feb 29^th, 2012 at 4:51am

Does anyone have any experience with REI's Stratus insulated air pad? I'm thinking of getting the 25x78 version and am wondering how well it holds up, especially compared to the Big Agnes standard air mattress.

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by jeroldharter on Mar 6^th, 2012 at 3:40am

Looks like it is a knockoff. Why not get a BA? I have the BA and it is very good quality.

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by portage dog on Mar 7^th, 2012 at 2:00am

No experience with the Stratus, but going with REI's rep for quality gear, would expect it is every bit as good as the BA. I believe it's a new piece - haven't see it prior to your post. Two differences I could see - $15 cheaper for the 'standard' pad and the larger outer tubes to hopefully keep you from rolling off. Of course, if you have a BA bag and it's pad sleeve, that's no concern.

Have you seen the new BA Insulated Q core? It's 3.5 inches thick. Costs a bit more, but an added inch of comfy goodness! I may have to trade in my current BA!

pd

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by portage dog on Mar 8^th, 2012 at 2:44am

According to the REI site, specs on the pads show some minor differences, notably the insulating R value - 3.0 for the REI pad and 4.1 for both BA pads. While physically lager the Q core packs on inch larger 5x9 rolled (4x8 for the standard) it does come in lighter at 21 oz. vs 24 oz for the standard BA pad. The REI Stratus is 20 oz. - perhaps less Primaloft isulation and thus the lower R value?

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by prouboy on Mar 9^th, 2012 at 2:56am

portage dog wrote on Mar 7^th, 2012 at 2:00am:

...No experience with the Stratus, but going with REI's rep for quality gear,...

Really? I thought REI had become an upscale suburban clothing store. Most of the REI store I used to go to sells clothes...kiddie clothes, yuppie "outdoor" clothes...

I went to buy a paddle there a few years ago, and they had a total of two paddles. Two!!! Unbelievable.

I gave up and now go to a store that actually caters to outdoor activities with gear, and with staff who know what they're talking about!

prouboy

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by Gavia on Mar 10^th, 2012 at 5:18am

Thanks for the feedback, folks. I'm interested in a wider pad, which is why the Stratus appeals to me. I have a 20" BA and like it fine, except I don't have enough room to situate my separated shoulder properly. The Stratus looks like it will fill the bill.

Title: Re: REI Stratus air pad
Post by Gavia on Mar 22^nd, 2012 at 4:53am

I got the Stratus pad. It's easy to inflate (using the Big Agnes stuff-sack inflater) and comfy, plus it has a somewhat textured surface, which makes it less slippery than the Big Agnes. I look forward to using it.