After years and numerous nights of sleeping on my ragged, old Thermarest sleeping pad, it was time to upgrade. My bony back agreed. When cowering over my go-to online outdoor gear stores and many trips to the local REI, I knew that the next sleeping pad I get had to be way more comfortable, not razor thin, compact enough to backpack with and not over $100. That's when I stumbled up on this pad made by a small company based out of Utah- Kylmit.
They make an affordable, durable and super-comfortable sleeping pad called the Static V that costs under $60. Sold, I'll try it out. Like any gearhead does, when my package from The Clymb arrived at my apartment doorstep days later, I ripped it open in excitement. There's nothing wrong with setting up a tent in your own apartment right? Right.
Let's start with the the most paramount characteristic of this sleeping pad, comfort. The Static V wins this thanks to its unique body-mapped V chamber design (which you can see!) that controls any air movement inside the pad. When fully blown up (after about 15 or so big breaths), the Static V inflates to a size that's 72in long by 23in wide. I'm 6'2 tall with very broad, wide shoulders and I can lay down happily on it, without falling off in the middle of the night after rolling and tolling around. thanks to the side rails that almost 'hug' you. It's thick too, at 2.5 inches you'll be off the cold, hard ground and snoozing effortlessly. Even amidst unexpected temperature swings, the Static V keeps its air and doesn't lose form. After hours of hiking, kayaking or climbing, it's a relief to know I'll return to my tent and have a good, comfortable night's sleep.
Klymit's Static V passes the winter camping test too with a big thumbs-up, which is another reason I constantly recommend this sleeping pad to people. This past January, on an impromptu snowshoeing and camping trip to Mirror Lake State Park outside of the Wisconsin Dell's, the Static V stayed fully inflatable and provided full comfort even as temperatures dropped down to the low digits. Having it covered in thick snow when entering and exiting the tent's vestibule didn't harm it either.
Bottom Line:
I've tried out other sleeping pads on the market that are two or three times more expensive, lighter and smaller, and sure they're great but I can't see myself spending more than $100 on a pad. I'd rather save that money and put it towards a bomb, down negative-rated sleeping bag or plane ticket somewhere. The Kylmit Static V is the sleeping pad you have to buy, seriously. It's cheap, crazy-comfortable, tough and durable for all four seasons of camping and backpacking and compact enough for any kind of outdoor adventure that gets thrown at you.
