Reviews You Can Rely On

Klymit Insulated Double V Review

If you want a mat that you can take on short backpacking trips and you prioritize snuggling over weight savings, this is the pad for you
gearlab tested logo
Klymit Insulated Double V Review (Klymit Insulated Double V)
Klymit Insulated Double V
Credit: Klymit
Price:  $180 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Klymit
By Laurel Hunter and Matt Bento  ⋅  Nov 6, 2019
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 16
  • Comfort - 40% 5.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 9.0
  • Warmth - 20% 6.0
  • Versatility - 10% 8.0
  • Packed Size - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

Lightweight camping comfort for two! This double pad barely sneaks into the camping mattress category; it's light enough for short backpacking trips if snuggling is a bigger priority than covering lots of miles in a day. As we expected, this pad's low weight and packability sacrifice comfort, but the Klymit Insulated Double V is still one of the more versatile mats we tested. It is light enough to be carried far from the car, will fit into a suitcase, or come out of storage for an overnight guest (though they may not have the best night's sleep).
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Packable
Great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as comfortable as foam core camping mattresses

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 Best Buy Award
Great Lightweight Value
 
Price $180 List
$163.19 at Amazon
$179 List
$179.00 at REI
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$179.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$60 List
$59.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
66
86
76
71
63
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Lightweight and packable, this mat is a great choice for traveling couplesAll the favorite features we love from a camping mat at a great priceA budget-conscious mattress that is quite warm, if a little less comfortableComfortable enough for car camping and backpacking, this is a versatile and packable mattressA great price, but it was just too narrow and not that comfy
Rating Categories Klymit Insulated Do... REI Co-op Camp Drea... Exped DeepSleep 7.5 Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... Coleman Silver Springs
Comfort (40%)
5.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
Ease of Use (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
Warmth (20%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
6.0
Versatility (10%)
8.0
6.0
7.0
10.0
7.0
Packed Size (10%)
8.0
6.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
Specs Klymit Insulated Do... REI Co-op Camp Drea... Exped DeepSleep 7.5 Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... Coleman Silver Springs
R-Value 4.4 6.6 8.5 3.7 5
Thickness 3.0 in 4.0 in 3.0 in 4.0 in 3.0 in
Length 74 in 78 in 78 in 77 in 72 in
Width 47 in 32 in 30 in 30 in 20 in
Weight 3.6 lb 6.4 lb 5.8 lb 2.3 lb 3.9 lb
Packed Size 7 in x 12 in 11 in x 30 in 32 in x 8 in 12 in x 6 in 20 in x 7 in
Type Pump inflation Self inflating, inflation sack Self inflating Pump inflation Self inflating
Test Model Two person XL LW XLarge Standard
Bed Material 75D polyester Recycled polyester 75D polyester Polyester 75D polyester
Valves Flush flat Two valves One-way TwinLock One valve
Accessories Inflation bag, stuff sack Air pump, pillow Stuff sack Stuff sack, pump, pump sack Stuff sack, straps

Our Analysis and Test Results

This Klymit Double V is less expensive and lighter than most of the single mattresses in this review; however, it is also one of the least comfortable. Other, more plush, double mats that we tested can pack away huge, limiting their use to car camping situations with a huge tent. The Double V is a much more versatile mat that will fit in your backpack or your luggage.

Performance Comparison


klymit insulated double v - with plenty of room for two, the klymit double v features v-shaped...
With plenty of room for two, the Klymit Double V features v-shaped chambers that increase thermal efficiency as well as making sure you don't feel it when your partner rolls around.
Credit: Matt Bento

Comfort


Compared to the average backpacking sleeping pad, the Insulated Double V is a very comfortable mat. While the V pattern is excellent for keeping the pad light and warm, it's ridges and rails aren't as comfortable as flat, baffle-less foam pads. The Double V fits in a backpack and can be carried to many places that other car camping mattresses are just too big to go.

klymit insulated double v - the v shape chambers are a great strategy for keeping this mat warm...
The V shape chambers are a great strategy for keeping this mat warm and lightweight but aren't nearly as comfy as the baffle-less foam mats in our review.
Credit: Matt Bento

Ease of Use


This pad inflates by connecting its stuff sack to the inflation valve, opening the roll-top closure, blowing air in, rolling the bag shut, and pushing air into the pad. It sounds like a pain, but it's not bad at all, and our testers found they could actually move air into the pad without blowing at all, merely opening the top of the stuff sack seemed to fill it with an adequate amount of air.

klymit insulated double v - this mat uses its own stuff sack as an inflation pump. klymit...
This mat uses its own stuff sack as an inflation pump. Klymit recommends blowing into the bag to inflate, then rolling the top up and pushing air into the mat. Our testers found that they could get plenty of air in the bag without using a single breath.
Credit: Matt Bento

The stuff sack pump allows you to inflate this pad to maximum firmness. We just pushed on the bag until the pressure blew it off the valve, and then the one-way valve kept any air from escaping. Deflation is as easy as opening the deflate valve and opening the inflation valve a keeping it open with the pull tap. Roll it up tight and stick back in the pack, or if you're feeling lazy or in a hurry, the stuff sack is generously sized, and it's easy to get the mat in if it's not rolled super tightly.

klymit insulated double v - this mat has a one-way valve for inflation and another for quick...
This mat has a one-way valve for inflation and another for quick deflation.
Credit: Matt Bento

Warmth


An R-value of 4.4 makes the Double V appropriate for year-round use in the lower 48, and offers plenty of warmth to help the reluctant camper get outside, and sprawl out beside their sweetie underneath the stars. Though thin, this mat is insulated with Klymit's proprietary synthetic insulation and the chambers created by the V weld patterning limit air circulation, so the Double V doesn't suffer from circulating cold air. Additional warmth comes from the snuggle factor you can only get on a double pad. Foam pads that we tested are warmer (and more comfortable), but not as packable.

Versatility


At 3.6 pounds, the Insulated Double V is about the same weight as two (kinda heavy) backpacking sleeping pads. The Double V is warmer than most of the air mattresses that we tested, and more packable than any other mats in the review, despite being sized for two, making it rather versatile.

klymit insulated double v - a double-wide camping mattress can make for a more fun, cuddlier...
A double-wide camping mattress can make for a more fun, cuddlier camping experience.
Credit: Matt Bento

Packed Size


The Double V packs down to a svelte 7 x 12 inches. It's small enough for a carry on and easily fits in larger luggage, not something we can say about the foam core pads that we tested. If packability is your top priority, then this is a great option.

klymit insulated double v - the generously sized stuff sack makes for easy packing, but with a...
The generously sized stuff sack makes for easy packing, but with a little extra effort, the pad will pack down even smaller.
Credit: Matt Bento

Value


The price for this lightweight cuddle space is in the middle of the pack, and we think it is an awesome deal considering its versatility and the fact that it's for two.

Conclusion


This Klymit Double V is way more usable than we expected. A bicycle built for two isn't the most practical way to bike around, but it sure can be fun. The same can be said for the double pad. Sure it's a little heavy, but it's worth the smiles, and while a little novel, this pad is lightweight and warm enough that it's likely to get used more than you'd think.

Laurel Hunter and Matt Bento