Sleeoing bag and Pad

[agmicman]

I purchased the Big Agnes Fishhawk 30 sleeping bag and the Insulated Air Core pad with it. I have not yet experienced packing for a long  bike tour, only backpacking trips, and would like to hear some pros and cons about this combination. It seems to be comfortable, though I do not like the left hand zipper on the sleeping bag. I am not anticapting touring in cold weahter so I thought a  30+ degree would suffice? I have read some of the forums but did not see these items mentioned. The bag seems light weight, and the pad is reasonable to blowup, though it is not close to SELF inflating. Will this work well for touring?
I need to decide if I should keep the items or send them back and go a different direction.Thanks for any advice.
Ride on.

[rlc5925]

I use a BA bag and pad and love it. Top quality and the integrated bag and pad system is great. I have two bags. The deer park(+15) and the buffalo park(+40). I think you will be happy with the set up.

[John Nelson]

I use the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core air mattress, but not a Big Agnes sleeping bag. I do however like the idea of a pocket on the bag for the air mattress, which not only keeps you on the pad (not really a problem for me) but eliminates the need for bottom insulation in the bag.

I like the pad a lot. You are right that it is not self inflating, but that's exactly why I bought it. I wasn't comfortable on a 1.5" self-inflating pad, but I got the 2.5" Big Agnes for the same weight (but need to blow it up). I have blown it up a hundred times--it's not my favorite thing to do, but it's not excessively onerous.

I do, however, roll over a lot in my sleep. I have a mummy bag and the bag rolls over with me of course. The bag you have is not mummy, but I still might be concerned about how easy it would be to roll over in it. If it was me, I'd go to the store, climb in the bag and try it.

[bogiesan]

Looking for reviews of your chosen sleeping system, after you have made the purchase decision, is kinda weird but I suggest you explore backpacking sites. You can also search for reviews and discussions about "sleepling quilt" systems, the precursors to the idea of building a pocket into the bag for the pad. Many mfrs, including Cascade Designs/Thermarest and GoLight have been making them for many years. 

[staehpj1]

I purchased the Big Agnes Fishhawk 30 sleeping bag and the Insulated Air Core pad with it. I have not yet experienced packing for a long  bike tour, only backpacking trips, and would like to hear some pros and cons about this combination. It seems to be comfortable, though I do not like the left hand zipper on the sleeping bag. I am not anticapting touring in cold weahter so I thought a  30+ degree would suffice? I have read some of the forums but did not see these items mentioned. The bag seems light weight, and the pad is reasonable to blowup, though it is not close to SELF inflating. Will this work well for touring?
I need to decide if I should keep the items or send them back and go a different direction.Thanks for any advice.
Ride on.

FWIW, I liked the idea of the Big Agnes pocket system, but in actual practice did not care for it.  I have a Big Agnes Encampment and was disappointed with the packed size and weight.  In theory the bag should be lighter and pack smaller, but that did not seem to be the case.  I also found that I preferred a bag that moves with me for when I want to side sleep.

I have found that I really like my North Face Cat's Meow paired with a NeoAir pad very well for the cooler conditions that I camp in.  I am thinking of getting 40 F bag for the warmer trips.  I actually got by nicely on my September trip down the pacific coast with a 55 F REI slumber sack and a silk liner.  I was fine down to 45 F or so, but I sleep really warm.

[Kittery Rider]

I got the BA sl pad and boy some inflation required.  Geeze.  Nice pad though. 

[JayH]

I got the BA sl pad and boy some inflation required.  Geeze.  Nice pad though. 

Think of it as VO2 max training...    I have the same pad, the 2.5" BA insulated air core and it certainly does take a lot of inflating to do!!!

Jay