Klymit Static V Lite Insulated Review

We were pleased to find a sleeping pad that scores well across the board, but doesn't cost as much as the premium models. We gladly packed this sleeping pad on our backpacking trips, though it isn't the absolute lightest.

Comfort

At first glance, one might look at the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite and think, “There's no way that this thing is comfortable.” But our testers were pleasantly surprised at the plush stability found when snoozing on top of the brand's signature V-shaped air baffles, which manage to cradle the body in the center of the pad, minimizing the risk of rolling off in the middle of the night, no matter your sleeping position.

Those poofy V baffles do come at a slight cost, though, as they are just deep enough that we wouldn't necessarily want to put our face directly onto them. We'd recommend stashing a lightweight backpacking pillow in your pack for extra neck comfort. That being said, the pad was excellent for reading and lounging inside the tent, or any activity when you're propped up on the pad a bit.

Unlike many lightweight sleeping pads, which utilize a slim mummy shape to cut down on grams and materials, the Insulated Static V Lite offers a much-preferred rectangular shape, which makes it a better option for side and stomach sleepers who might move around more than a back sleeper. The pad's “deep weld” patterning adds an additional layer of security, making it tricky to slide half your body off the mat and onto the frigid ground.

Weight

The Klymit Insulated Static V Lite weighed in at 19.8 ounces when we checked it on our kitchen scale. It's a decently lightweight pad, but it does not come with some of the added bells and whistles of other award winners on our list. For instance, there is no pump sack to help inflate the pad or a cinch cord included.

With its measured weight of 19.8 ounces, the Insulated Static V Lite was on the upper end of the weight spectrum for backpacking pads we tested. It also wasn't particularly warm for that extra bulk, though the price point still makes it an attractive option, as it costs about half what many other pads are listed at. A sub-20-ounce inflatable sleeping pad is plenty light for most people heading out on summer and fall backpacking excursions.

Warmth

The package listed R-value for the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is 4.4, meaning that it should be suitable for three seasons of fun in the wilds, whether that's high alpine mountaineering or lounging in Yosemite Valley by the Merced River. In our testing, we found that it slept a bit colder than the stated R-value, and as such, it's best utilized as a summer and early autumn sleeping pad.

Klymit used its proprietary Klymalite insulation for this sleeping pad, which is essentially highly compressible synthetic insulation that the brand places between its inflatable air baffles. The V-shaped baffles also do a decent job of holding heat throughout the night, creating body-mapped insulation zones, rather than a single, thick balloon-like mat that your body heat has to insulate as you doze. It's important to note that sleeping bag ratings are based on a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5, so be sure to take that into account if you're purchasing a warmer weather pad like this Klymit.

Packed Size

The packed size of the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is a respectable 8 x 5 inches, all crammed into a cylindrical stuff sack. It rolled down a bit shorter and stouter than many pads on our testing rubric, and our testers felt that it was small enough to shove into a fully loaded backpack with ease.

We should note that the small repair kit, valve, and lack of a stuff sack all make the Insulated Static V Lite a bit less bulky than some other pads. Like pretty much every mat on our list, it was mildly annoying to deflate and roll it up tightly enough to fit back into its stuff sack, but it wasn't the worst offender that we tested.

Construction Quality

Klymit designed the Insulated Static V Lite with a 30-denier fabric on both the top and bottom. This was pretty middle-of-the-pack, in terms of face fabric, but it was a bit thin for the ground-touching bottom fabric, when compared to the other mats on our list. Still, when we placed it out and rolled around on it on a bed of dry grass, pine needles, and small pine cones, it did not suffer any errant punctures. As such, our testing team felt that its overall construction was quite sturdy.

Klymit uses a company-specific “flip valve” on this product, making it easy to inflate and deflate the pad, should the outdoor temperature change and compress the air inside your precious backcountry mattress. To switch between “inflate” and “deflate” modes, simply press one edge of the circular valve and flip it over so that it allows air to flow or lock in place.

Should You Buy the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite?

When you consider its weight, durability, comfort, and awesome price point, the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is a great pick for beginner and intermediate backpackers who want an easy-to-inflate pad that they'll mostly use on summer adventures. If you're on a budget and planning to head into the wildflower- and lake-packed alpine during summer months or stay in the foothills and warmer terrain during shoulder season, this sleeping pad should serve you well.

What Other Women's Sleeping Pads Should You Consider?

If you're simply looking for something durable and affordable above all else, definitely take a look at the Nemo Switchback, which is a tried-and-true foldable foam mat that many thru-hikers swear by. Though a touch on the heavy side, the Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus is another fan favorite budget pad pick with decent insulation. Lastly, if you're ready to upgrade to a truly excellent three-season pad that's significantly warmer than this Klymit, check out the Nemo Tensor All-Season, which is one of our testers' all-time favorite sleeping pads.