Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Reviews: Is It Worth the Price?

big agnes captain comfort

If you've been searching for real feedback on the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Pad before pulling the trigger, you're in the right place. This pad has been on the market for a few years now, and enough people have put it through real-world use to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Here's what actual owners say.

First impressions and setup

One thing that catches almost every new owner off guard: the pad doesn't cooperate on the first inflation.

Pull it out of the bag, open the tabs, and it'll just sit there. One owner reported it stayed flat for 7 to 8 hours the first time, reaching only about 70% inflation by the next morning, with one corner stubbornly refusing to fill out. Sitting and lying on it for a bit helped. By day 3, after rolling it up and letting it re-inflate, it reached a consistent 5 inches in under 60 seconds.

The takeaway here: inflate it at home before your first trip. It conditions over time, and the initial sluggishness is apparently normal.

There are also no included instructions. You need to pull both valve tabs (not just the orange one) for full inflation and deflation. The single orange tab is for fine-tuning firmness only, and it can trip you up if you don't know that going in.

Size and comfort

The largest size is close to queen-sized and pairs well with Big Agnes two-person sleeping bags. At 5 inches thick, it's genuinely mattress-like, and owners consistently describe it as "super comfy" for car camping.

The medium size (41" x 72" x 4") is only 4 inches thick, which is a step down from the large. It still fits 2 average-sized people without issue, though, and the comfort level holds up. One owner uses it as their spare bed in a one-bedroom condo, which says a lot about how it performs off-trail too.

How it compares to the Exped Megamat

People frequently ask how this stacks up against the Exped Megamat Duo. Here's a direct comparison from someone who owns both (the Megamat Long X Wide and the Captain Comfort Extra Wide Long):

  • Comfort: Both feel nearly identical to sleep on.

  • Self-inflation: The Captain Comfort reaches about 90% on its own and needs a breath or two to top off. The Megamat gets to roughly 75% but comes with a small pump to finish the job.

  • Stuff sack: The Megamat wins here. The Captain Comfort's stuff sack is noticeably smaller and harder to pack back into.

  • Price: Both are in a similar range. The advice from owners who've used both is straightforward: get whichever one you can find at a lower price.

If price is a factor, the Captain Comfort is currently listed on Geartrade at $150.50 (57% off the original $350).

Weight and portability

At 11 pounds for the largest size, this pad is a car camper's pad. It's not something you'd carry up a trail. But for truck beds, rooftop tents, SUV cargo areas with the seats down, or base camp setups, the weight is a non-issue.

Rolling it back into the stuff sack takes some effort. The sack is a tight fit, and several owners flag this as the most frustrating part of ownership. The Megamat's sack is more forgiving on this front.

Who it's for

This pad makes most sense if:

  • You car camp regularly and want something closer to a real mattress

  • You're sleeping in the back of an SUV, a rooftop tent, or a truck bed

  • You want a spare guest bed that's actually comfortable

  • You're looking for a solid pad in the $150 to $350 range and can catch a sale or a used deal

It's overkill for backpacking, and the stuff sack situation makes it mildly annoying to pack, but for its intended use case, owners report being genuinely happy with it.

The verdict

The Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe takes a couple of days to break in, and the valve system has a small learning curve. Once you get past both of those, it performs well. Comfort is the clear strength. Packing it back down is the clear weakness.

If you're comparing it to the Megamat, the honest answer is that they're close enough that price should decide it. The Captain Comfort edges ahead on self-inflation. The Megamat edges ahead on its stuff sack.

big agnes captain comfort

FAQ

How long does the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe take to self-inflate?

After the initial break-in period (usually 2 to 3 uses), it inflates to about 5 inches in under 60 seconds. The first inflation can take several hours. Pull both valve tabs fully open to inflate, and don't rely on the orange tab alone.

What sizes does the Captain Comfort Deluxe come in?

It comes in multiple sizes. The medium is 41" x 72" x 4" and the large is close to queen size. The medium is 4 inches thick while the large reaches 5 inches.

Is the Captain Comfort Deluxe good for two people?

The medium size fits 2 average-sized people without a problem. The large size is close to a queen and pairs well with Big Agnes two-person sleeping bags.

Can you use the Captain Comfort Deluxe for backpacking?

Not practically. The largest size weighs around 11 pounds. It's designed for car camping, truck beds, rooftop tents, and SUV cargo setups.

How do you deflate the Captain Comfort Deluxe?

Pull both tabs all the way out, then roll the pad to push air through the valves. The single orange tab is for inflation adjustments only. Pulling both tabs is required for a full deflation.

Does the Captain Comfort Deluxe have an R-value rating?

The version currently listed on Geartrade has an R-value of 8.3 with PrimaLoft Silver insulation and a 5-inch thickness. Older versions had lower R-values, so check the specific model you're buying.

Where can I find the Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe at a discount?

Geartrade has it listed at $150.50, down from the original $350. It's in good condition and ships with the original storage sack.
Location: 1887 S 3230 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Don't Get Duped: How to Inspect Pre-Owned Running Shoes for Hidden Problems

Image
Spotting a running shoes sale can be exciting—great brands at half the price!  But before you snatch up those seemingly perfect pre-owned shoes, you need to know what to look for.  The wrong pair can lead to discomfort, injury, or wasting your hard-earned money .  With a few simple inspection techniques, you can confidently navigate the pre-owned market and find shoes that will serve you well for many miles. The Outer Sole: Your First Inspection Point The bottom of a running shoe reveals its history. When inspecting pre-owned shoes, turn them over and look at the wear pattern.  Uneven wear is a major red flag that might indicate the previous owner had gait issues that could affect you too. Here's what different wear patterns might tell you: Wear Pattern What It Means Should You Buy? Even wear across the sole The previous owner had a neutral gait Yes - good candidate for purchase Heavy wear on the outside edge Supination (under-pronation) Maybe - check for sole in...
Read more

Finding Your Perfect Winter Shelter: What Really Matters in 4 Season Tents

Image
Looking for reliable protection in harsh weather? With so many 4 season tents for sale today, knowing what features truly matter can save you money and ensure you stay warm and dry.  This guide breaks down what you should prioritize when comparing options, helping you make smart choices without breaking the bank. Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Tent "4 Season"? A true 4 season tent isn't just a summer tent with a rain fly. These shelters are specifically designed to handle snow loads, high winds, and freezing temperatures that would collapse or render a 3 season tent dangerous. The main differences include: Stronger pole structures (often with crossing designs) More robust materials with higher denier ratings Less mesh and more solid walls for warmth Steeper roof angles to shed snow Not all 4 season tents are created equal. Some focus on alpine expeditions while others are designed for moderate winter conditions. Your specific needs should guide your purchase. To...
Read more

Are Road Shoes Ruining Your Trail Runs?

Image
Road shoes feel fine on a flat pavement. But the moment you take them onto loose gravel, muddy paths, or rocky terrain, your body starts working harder than it should - and often in ways you won't notice until something hurts. If you've been running trails in road shoes, here's what's actually happening to your body, and when you should make the switch to mens trail running shoes . What Road Shoes Actually Do to Your Body on Trails Road shoes aren't built for uneven surfaces, and your body pays the price. When you run on a trail, the ground shifts constantly. Road shoes have flat, smooth outsoles designed for consistent pavement. On trails, that means your foot slides, rolls, and compensates with every step. Over time, this puts extra load on your ankles, knees, and hips - joints that were never meant to absorb that kind of irregular stress repeatedly. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that lateral ankle sprains are ...
Read more