Lightweight sleeping mat: Big Agnes Zoom UL: The most hyped lightweight sleeping mat put through its paces over 7 nights

The requirements for sleeping mats for bike packers are not straightforward. They need to be lightweight, and of course the pack size should be as small as possible so they don’t take up too much storage space. But that’s not all: comfort and durability would also be desirable. As is always the case, it’s rarely possible to avoid compromises entirely; the question is simply: how good is the compromise?

The The Zoom UL is Big Agnes’ lightest insulated air mattress – and on paper, it looks quite impressive. With an R-value of 4.3, it’s said to be suitable for three seasons; however, Big Agnes recommends an additional foam mat when used on frozen ground. Thanks to its larger outer chambers, the 3.25-inch-thick mattress reliably keeps the sleeper centred – no rolling off the mat during the night.

Inside, there are two layers of heat-reflective film and an O-beam construction, which keeps the weight and pack size compact. The single-valve system inflates the mat quickly and allows for fine adjustments to the pressure via a second mode. The recycled nylon ripstop outer fabric is designed to be robust enough for rougher use, whilst the TPU lamination in the seams ensures durability. An antimicrobial inner treatment is designed to prevent odours. Included in the pack: inflation bag, storage bag, spare valve seal and repair patches.

We put the much-hyped Ultralight sleeping mat through its paces on a bikepacking tour and overnight trips on a variety of surfaces.

Ultralight sleeping mats need to combine a number of features: they should be light, compact and comfortable – and they should also be durable. Tip: To avoid pushing the durability to its limits, place a bivouac bag or your rain jacket underneath when the ground is stony.
Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor

Packed dimensions and weight

As a benchmark, we tested the Therm-a-Rest Ultralight sleeping mat (NeoAir) – which we know well and have been using for many years. Back to the Zoom UL. The sleeping mat is available in three sizes; for a height of 1.78 metres, we chose the smallest size, 20" × 72", and found it worked well for us. It offers plenty of space and is wide enough. Weighing 473 grams including the stuff sack and inflation bag, the Big Agnes Zoom UL is one of the lightest on the market. There are slightly lighter options, such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir (X-Lite NXT), but the Zoom UL is definitely in the right ballpark.

Inflating with a pump bag

Instead of inflating it by mouth, a pump bag is included. Once you’ve got used to it, the mat is fully inflated in about 10 pumps – without leaving you breathless. The pump bag can be easily pressed onto the sleeping mat’s valve. During the final few pumps, the valve may come loose due to high air pressure, in which case you’ll need to press it back on.

Dozing off on the Zoom UL

At 9 centimetres thick and with plenty of air, the Zoom UL offers enough comfort to ensure a good night’s sleep. Compared to our benchmark ultralight sleeping mat, the Therm-a-Rest, the level of comfort is roughly comparable. We were also impressed by the insulation, even though we tested the Zoom UL in warm temperatures on all but two occasions. The noise it makes when you toss and turn is perfectly acceptable. There’s nothing to complain about here.

​There’s criticism of the act after sleep

To sum up: the Big Agnes Zoom UL performs very well in every respect. The only cause for criticism is when it comes to packing it back into its bag after a night’s sleep in the Outbag. This is because, unlike a twist valve such as the one found on the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir A flap valve is fitted here. This means that to let the air out, you have to place your finger over the valve to squeeze the air out of the mat. And it’s not as easy to do this with one hand as it is with two.

In a nutshell:

• Total weight: 573g (including case and carrying pouch)
• R-value: 4.3
• Packed dimensions: 21 x 10.5 cm
• Thickness: 9 cm
• Price: 200 euros (RRP) >> available here
• Materials: Post-consumer ripstop made from recycled nylon; 2 layers of heat-reflective film; inflatable cushion made from recycled cushioning material; TPU lamination

Conclusion:

The Big Agnes Zoom UL is rightly praised by other outdoor platforms. Its weight, pack size and comfort are superb. It’s also easy to inflate using the inflation bag provided. Admittedly, the price is high, but it’s reasonable when compared to similar ultralight sleeping mats. There is one criticism, however: deflating it. This always requires keeping a finger in the fold-away valve whilst trying to squeeze the air out with the other hand.