When I was hiking in the hotter weather last year though I do remember getting some warm spots from the sitlight pad, because I never felt like the pad was evenly distributed against my back. Today it was in the low 50s with a real light breeze so really it was ideal hiking weather and kept me from ever getting hot, back or anywhere else.
![gossamer gear airbeam gossamer gear airbeam](https://www.randonner-leger.org/forum/uploads/i/a0/7EagCzsaN.E999BFA3-5371-4023-A8F5-776A40.jpeg)
It hugs the back exceptionally well, makes the frameless bag actually feel like it has a frame, and the weight penalty is not terrible. I thought it would be gimmicky and partially hoaky but I really, really like it. Some times comfort trumps weight.Īnyways, before I purchased the AB I couldn't find any info or reviews on it so maybe this will help some folks out who are considering picking one up. The complete setup weighs 2 ounces more then the foam back pad I was previously using, but since I cut off 4.5 ounces off my xlite we'll call it good. Much like tightening/loosening straps to redistribute pressure points and weight every now and then.
![gossamer gear airbeam gossamer gear airbeam](https://www.theultralighthiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MLD-exodus-600x890.jpg)
Like mentioned, when I made this impulse purchase I had no intent of carrying the inflation bulb with me, but I enjoyed being able to quickly deflate or add a little more air throughout the hike. The AB flattens it out very well, and has larger baffles along the edges going down your back, and also a cluster of larger baffles that hugs the lower small of your back. The sitlight has been fine really with my packed weights of ~15lbs, but regardless of how I packed my bag it still felt like I was carrying a cylindrical tube. As far as the ABs function as a pack frame, so much comfier then the sitlight. It'll be a much better fit as the lumbar section of the AB is about an inch and a half so makes for a fairly smooth transition from bottom of xlite to it far more agreeable then with the sitlight. Found I liked the AB a fair bit more underinflated then I initially anticipated. I wasn't going to bring the supplied bulb pump with me but glad I did. I recently cut down my regular Xlite pad to ~46" and was planning on using the sitlight pad that came with my Kumo to stick under my legs below the xlite when sleeping, but saw this air beam and had to give it a chance.
![gossamer gear airbeam gossamer gear airbeam](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/vdUAAOSwIlBeZR1q/s-l225.jpg)
Did a quick 5 miler with all my multi-day gear to give it a whirl, love it.