Klymit Static V Sleeping pad review

Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Review

Editor: Mike

Basic Description of Item:

The Klymit Static V is a lightweight camping pad using body mapping technology at an entry level price. It features the v-chamber design which limits air movement and heat loss while offering a uniquely ergonomic body map which is optimzed for performance and comfort. While inflating in approximately 10-15 breaths it will save you time and energy wherever you are.

Like all of the other Klymit camping pads it features an easy-to-use push valve allows for quick inflation and deflation.

Just the Facts

Weight/Mass: 18.1 oz / 514 g
Dimensions: 72″ x 23″ x 2.5″ / 183 cm x 59 cm x 6.5 cm
Type: inflatable Sleeping Pad
R-Value:: 1.3
Inflation: 10-15 Breaths
Packed Size: 3″ x 8″ / 7.62 cm x 20.3 cm
Includes: Stuff Sack, Patch Kit
Fabric: 75D Polyester
Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Story:

I got my hands on the Klymit Static V Sleeping pad just before an Elk Hunt in Wyoming. We were planning to spend several nights in small tents after a back packing trip. I needed a small light weight pad that would be good for back packing.
Small and Light are 2 key elements when back packing. HOWEVER, in the fall and winter months when temperatures drop below freezing a pad with a certain amount of insulation is CRITICAL. I have slept on several thick air pads in cooler weather, and no matter what sleeping bag you have, you can FREEZE without the right pad.

Why do you get cold with a poor pad and a great sleeping bag:
The answer is a 2 part issue:
1: Down compacts, and is pushed out of the way under your body, this allows for a limited amount of insulation between your body and the cold ground.
2: The air in an air pad becomes the same temperature as the ground. This combined with factor 1 create a COLD night without the right pad.

With that information, I was very concerned about taking this pad alone on a very cold back packing trip to Wyoming during elk season. I ended up also taking a very popular air and insulation pad along, just in case 🙂

Night 1:
Slept with Sea to Summit -20 degree sleeping bag, and the Klymit Static V sleeping pad.
The temperatures on night 1 fell to 18 degrees, OUCH.

I notice immediately that I had a good comfortable pad. I could lay on my side, and never have my body make contact with the ground. This is a big deal for me! I have to have a comfortable pad or I just cannot get a good night sleep. I found the pad to provide ample padding, that kept my body feeling like I had cushion below me.

I put a beanie on my head to keep the cold off of my dome, and nestled into the bag for the night. I did wake up a couple of times during the night with a cold nose, but never a cold body. YES!
Cold night sleeping are horrible, and the Klymit passed the cold test, and the comfort test. This is huge.

Ok, on to other important things.
The Klymit pad is TINY when put rolled up and put into the sleeve it comes with. I would say it is about the size of 2 pop cans. It is also very very light. Both the weight, and the size are not matched by any other pad that will work in the cold, and provide this level of comfort. It passed the Back Packing test. YES!

Night 2-4 found me using the Klymit Static V. I slept well, and found it did all I needed it to do.

The Klymit makes this pad work, with the unique body mapping technology that provides grooves in the pad and many locations. This verigated look allows the bag to maintain loft and give insulation. It works.

The pad also comes in an insulated version that I am anxious to try in even colder weather.

Summary:
This is a great pad for summer, and fall back packing.
The weight and size cannot be matched by other pad makers
It is comfortable in warm and somewhat cool weather.
The Klymit Static V blows up in 12 breathes, very nice.
It is a keeper and we consider it a buy.

What they could do better:
It is a little hard to get the air out due to the pattern, no biggie.