Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad Review
I bought this pad to replace a larger and less lightweight pad for backpacking. On first look, it seemed difficult to get back into the stuff sack after taking it out. However, once folded correctly before rolling, it fits great. It is a lightweight pad, and around the size of a Nalgene (20 x 8 cm), doesn’t take up too much space in a pack.
Klymit also makes ultra-lightweight options of sleeping pads, so if weight savings are important to you, at 567 grams or 1.26 pounds, this isn’t their lightest option. You can find a review of the Klymit O-zone here.
I found it was a good mix of comfort and weight, as for me comfort is more important than weight. I found the length to be enough for me at 72 inches (183cm). Anyone taller than me at 6’3” ( 188cm) and not a side sleeper may find it too short.
The valve system is a little fiddly compared to others I’ve used but worked well to fill the pad quickly, and the option to turn it to fully open allowed for quick and easy deflation. I have also purchased a battery-operated pump and with this, the valve works great. Klymit also sells a stuff/ pump sack for their pads with this valve, and I would recommend one of these options as it will make it easier to fill. When inflated it seemed the pad was a little softer than this reviewer's preference until laying down on it, when its unique design of baffles firmed up to a good comfortable sleeping pad. The side rails are a nice touch, and I can see the reasoning, however, at only 23 inches ( 58cm) wide, the standard version is too thin for them to do their job of centering the sleeper for some larger people. As a side sleeper, I was very impressed with this pad, as the air stayed in the smaller pockets, allowing for support in all the right places. This has not been tested in the winter yet, but it has an R-value of 4.4, so the expectation is that it would be good for winter camping.
Value for money:
For a sleeping pad with an R-value of above 4, the Static V lite is a great value. A quick internet search puts it at the cheapest price for this rating of pad (that is not on sale this week). The comfort for a side sleeper was better than the last high-end winter pad I had before which cost almost twice as much.
Durability:
As the Static V has only been used for this summer so far, it is hard to speak to the durability for now, but the material feels durable and the seams are clearly well sealed. The valve, however, feels as if it is not as durable as the rest of the pad.
Overall:
The Klymit insulated Static V Lite is a good option for someone who values comfort over weight. I would like to see a wider pad in the range for those of us who are a little larger, but I would recommend this sleeping pad based on its comfort, especially for side sleepers, and value for money.