Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Bottom Line

If you’re after a quiet, ultralight backpacking sleeping pad with an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, the Big Agnes Zoom UL is a bullseye buy. This pad offers a generous 3.25 inches of thickness to keep you comfortable and warm – even in cooler conditions. 

Gear Analyst Casey Handley used the Zoom UL for 300 miles and 20 nights on the Arizona Trail, keeping her warm throughout plunging desert night temperatures. On the flip side, the pad’s low profile packed size and weight didn’t drag her down while stashed in her pack on the hot and dusty trail. 

Boasting a high R-value, quiet material, and unique, comfy side rails, this pad is a solid choice, especially for long-distance backpackers looking to keep weight and price to a minimum.

The Zoom UL does have some downsides. Though it costs less than most of the pads in its weight range, it’s still pricey. And while its inflation is straightforward, deflation is not as smooth. We found the included pump sack to be a little clunky and small, making for a marginally less convenient setup. 

Overall, the Zoom UL is still a great investment for backpackers who prioritize comfort when sleeping in the backcountry – without packing the extra weight.

Comfort

The Big Agnes Zoom UL is comfortable for an ultralight pad. The center of the Zoom is 3.25 inches thick, but its side rails are slightly thicker at 3.5 inches, a design that not only cradles you in place but helps you stay centered throughout the night. This depth is solid for any sleeping position, but it’s especially good for restless and side sleepers since your knees, hips, and shoulders won’t bottom out. Big Agnes offers the Zoom UL in several sizes, including wide and long versions.

It’s also easy to customize the firmness of the Zoom. Release tiny amounts of air by pressing a small red bump inside the valve cover and fine-tune the surface pressure to your liking. It’s quiet, too. 30D ripstop nylon with a quilted pattern creates a plush surface that avoids crinkly noises.

We had to dig, but the Zoom UL has a few drawbacks in the comfort department. Its rectangular shape is luxurious and roomy, but it does add a bit of extra weight compared to mummy-shaped designs. Also, thick pads like this one aren’t for everyone, and its size could be a drawback if you prefer lower-profile pads with smaller packed sizes. And while most of our testers appreciated the quilted surface, others found the design slightly bumpy. Keep in mind these are minor complaints – for most hikers, this pad will be very comfy.

Weight & Packability

The Zoom UL has a high R-value of 4.3 but weighs only 14 ounces. That’s one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in its class and makes this pad one of the lightest. It’s a great way to minimize weight and space since it packs down to only 4.5 by 9.5 inches, leaving valuable room in your pack for other gear. 

These specs are especially impressive, considering it’s a rectangular pad with 3.5-inch side rails when inflated, proving that you don’t need the weight and bulk to be truly comfortable at night. The 30D ripstop nylon on top and 40D on bottom collapse easily and roll small, and the simplicity of its valve design makes setup and deflation a simple process. 

There are a few downsides to this pad, though. The pump sack snaps onto the pad valve well and fills up fine, but it’s thicker and less efficient than similar ultralight pads, so inflating the pad takes more time and feels cumbersome. And unlike other brands, the pump sack is just a pump sack – it doesn’t serve a dual purpose as a dry bag or storage sack, so it’s less useful in ultralight kits where multi-functional items are key. Also, since there’s no dump valve, the Zoom UL takes more time and manual effort to pack up than similar pads.

Warmth

The Big Agnes Zoom UL has a very strong warmth-to-weight ratio, making it a good choice for temperatures down to around 30°F. With an R-value of 4.3, this pad provides reliable insulation on spring, summer, and fall trips, and it performs admirably everywhere, from high elevations to open deserts. Its thick, 3.25-inch center and slightly higher 3.5-inch side rails help retain heat from escaping for consistent warmth throughout the night. 

The rectangular design gives extra room for shifting, and the quilted pattern and reflective film insulation help its overall warmth. This pad is under a pound, but Big Agnes didn’t skimp on insulation. This is a backcountry-worthy pad, where warmth and low weight are critical.

That said, we don’t recommend this pad below freezing, even paired with a down quilt or sleeping bag. It will still work for mild winter conditions, but you’ll feel the chill on nights in the 20’s. This pad will be perfect for most spring, summer, and fall trips.

Ease of Setup

The Big Agnes Zoom UL is pretty easy to set up and deflate due to its valve design. The flat valve is located on the top of the pad in the corner and clicks together with the pump sack nozzle for quick inflation. The large pump sack takes between 6 to 8 fills to inflate the pad. A small red button inside the valve top makes it easy to dial in your desired firmness by pressing it gently and letting air out. 

Although the pad’s valve system works pretty well, it doesn’t match the convenience of other pads with quicker deflation options. The Zoom UL deflation process is more finicky because it doesn’t have a dump valve, so you’ll have to manually squeeze the air out of the pad in the morning, which takes a bit longer and can be annoying. 

The pump sack’s wide opening also makes it tricky to prevent air from escaping. And this pump sack doesn’t double as a dry bag or stuff sack, meaning it adds weight to your kit and only serves one purpose. These issues will add a few extra minutes to your setup and breakdown routines.

Durability

The Big Agnes Zoom UL will be reliable for thousands of miles and hundreds of nights if treated with care. The Zoom’s flat valve is welded into the nylon ripstop with aviation-grade lamination, minimizing its chances of failure. The 30D nylon on top helps resist wear from regular use, and the more robust 40D nylon on the bottom protects against rocks, roots, and hard ground. 

This fabric also folds and collapses well, so it will easily withstand hundreds of use cycles. In case your pad does sustain damage in the backcountry, Big Agnes includes a replacement valve seal as well as 3M repair patches. The Zoom UL is a strong contender for backpacking trips.

That said, this is an air pad, and all sleeping pads are susceptible to punctures in the field. While you don’t need to baby this pad, you’ll want to be careful where you set it down to make sure there are no sharp rocks, sticks, or thorns.

Should You Buy the Big Agnes Zoom UL?

The Big Agnes Zoom UL is for backpackers who want comfort and weight savings at a slightly lower price than the leading competition. Its 3.25-inch depth, rectangular shape, and cushy side rails provide solid support, making it a good option for side sleepers and those who shift around at night. With an R-value of 4.3, it’s good for three-season adventures, keeping you warm down to temperatures right around freezing. 

The ultralight design and reasonable packed size make it especially appealing to long-distance hikers who need to keep their load light while still sleeping comfortably. It’s also a good choice for hikers looking to save a few bucks compared to the few other sleeping pads in its weight class. Big Agnes is a trusted brand for durability and longevity. If you buy a Zoom UL, you won’t have to think about buying another pad for a long time. 

However, the Zoom UL is more cumbersome when inflating and deflating than we would like. Its deflation process could be better, and its pump sack design has below-average efficiency. And, while its price is good compared to the top competition, it may still be too expensive for beginner backpackers or casual campers looking for a more affordable pad.

What Other Backpacking Pads Should You Consider?

See how the Zoom UL stacks up against our other tested favorites on our ultimate list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.

NEMO Tensor All-Season Review: With the same weight as the Zoom UL, the NEMO Tensor All-Season has one of the highest R-values of any three-season pad we’ve tested. It’s also thicker, more comfortable, quicker to set up, and much easier to deflate. These perks come with a slightly higher price tag, but the Tensor is one of our top all-around sleeping pad recommendations for backpacking. 

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review:  If you’re looking for the lightest possible sleeping pad with three-season insulation and a great balance between durability and ease of use, the XLite is one of the top contenders. This pad costs a bit more and still requires squeezing some air out for deflation, but overall, it’s one of the most well-rounded three-season backpacking sleeping pads on the market.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Review: The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated offers a similar level of comfort as the Zoom UL, but it’s notably warmer and costs less. The Rapide also has a dump valve, which makes packing it up much faster. The downside is that it weighs more, so the choice primarily comes down to your preferences around weight, warmth, and price.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Review: The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated surpasses the Zoom UL in price, packability, ease of setup, and durability. However, it’s a bit heavier, thinner, and less warm, making it a decent option for folks seeking an affordable, low-profile pad that still delivers comfort.

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