ProView – Klymit Static V
A very important part of a backpacker’s gear list is their sleeping pad. Without one, you’re stuck lying on the ground, which leaves you cold, wet, and achy. After a long day of hiking, I can assure you that a good night sleep in the backcountry is worth its weight in gold, so I was excited to give the Static V from Klymit a try.
Value
You could spend upwards of $200 on the nicest inflatable sleeping pads, but why do that when there is the $60 (retail) Klymit Static V? This pad is made with a body-mapped V-chamber in the middle, limiting air movement and increasing the insulation value of the pad.
Comfort
This pad is extremely large—72” long by 23” wide. This is ideal for someone who tosses and turns a lot at night, seeing as most sleeping pads are only 20’’ wide. It’s made from an extremely durable 75D material that offers peace of mind (as most backpackers know – fixing popped pads is a hassle). Its side-rail baffles keep you locked in the ‘Static V‘, so no worry of sliding around on uneven terrain.
Weight
Its specified weight is 18.1 oz, which for $60 is the best price-to-weight ratio I could find anywhere. Some of the highest-end pads made by Thermarest are around 12oz, but those definitely come with a price.
Another great feature is that due to Klymit’s body-mapping technology, it takes less air to inflate than most standard inflatable pads. The manufacturers specify about 10-15 breaths, which I can tell you is significantly less breaths than some of my other personal sleeping pads.
Durability
The Static V is extremely durable. While many sleeping pads have a 15-30 denier fabric, this pad went overboard and put a 75 denier fabric on the entire mattress. This makes the pad insanely durable, so no need to worry if you’re sleeping on some rocky terrain in the backcountry.
Hardware
The pad has a valve design that is very different from conventional sleeping pads, but once I got used to using it I prefer it. No more twisting the nozzle quickly to keep air in; you just press the valve top in to stop airflow and turn it clockwise to lock it.
Warmth
The main con of this pad is its R-value, or its capacity to resist heat-flow. It comes in at 1.3, which is particularly low compared to other inflatable pads in its class. However, this pad is still warm enough to take you down to about 40⁰F on a cool Colorado night. A great way to boost the pad’s R-value is to carry a lightweight foam pad like a Thermarest Ridgerest to put underneath, making the R-value closer to 3. I’ve been comfortable down to about 15⁰F with a pad that has a R-value around 3.
Personal Use
I have to say the Static V was way more comfortable than I thought it would be. Because of the design, I found that the pad works best when it is fully inflated, not half-way like my Neo-Air. I found the pad to be durable, comfortable, and lightweight. I really liked the valve system, as it was very easy to lock the high pressure into the pad.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Large footprint, comfortable
- 1.5” thickness
Cons
- Not extremely warm, low R-value
The Final Word
The Klymit Static V is the perfect pad for someone who might be getting into backpacking, or who has to buy gear on a budget. Its price for its weight is the best in the market!
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Allen Butts has been a wilderness guide for a number of companies in Colorado, including Outward Bound. Now he is an Outreach Coordinator at Outdoor Prolink. He enjoys climbing, backpacking and mountain biking. He is from Georgia but proudly calls Colorado home.