Klymit Static V Base Review

The Static V Base is a great entry point, especially for folks just starting to invest in backpacking gear. It's relatively comfortable, lightweight, and packable, compared to the more expensive pads we tested. The biggest difference between those pads and this one is the insulation value. While others have R-values ranging from 4 to 8, the Static V has a very low insulation value of 1.5.

Comfort

The Static V Base uses Klymit's signature V-cell baffling, which is body-mapped for ergonomic support. The V-shaped air chambers allow airflow through narrow connecting channels, creating a stable sleep surface that helps keep you from rolling off the sides. It also isn't as bouncy as some inexpensive inflatable sleeping pads we tested.

With 2.5 inches of loft, the Static V Base provides enough cushion even for side sleepers – even on lumpy, rocky ground, we couldn't feel the rocks just beneath our hips. It's also comfortable for sleeping on your stomach, and really shines for back sleepers. The V-channels and the higher side rails create a subtle cradle effect that keeps you centered on the pad.

It's also wider than the average sleeping pad, making it more comfortable for anyone who tends to roll around at night. Compared to the standard 20 inches of most Regular-sized sleeping pads, the Static V Base is 23 inches wide, giving you more room to sprawl out.

There are gaps between every air channel on the Static V Base. While you don't always notice the gaps between the baffles, some of our testers did. In particular, they noted they could feel the gaps when lying on their sides in the middle, or when they rolled over near the side rails (where the gaps are most visible).

Weight

The Static V Base weighs 19 ounces with the included stuff sack. The pad alone weighs 18.6 ounces. Though dedicated ultralight backpackers can find lighter pad options, this pad is notably lighter than many inflatable sleeping pads that cost much more.

Considering the extra 3 inches of width, the Static V Base is impressively lightweight. The weight savings are likely due to the lack of insulation, which greatly reduces how warm this pad feels.

Warmth

This pad lacks any insulation – with an R-value of 1.5, it's firmly a 3-season sleeping pad. On mild summer nights, it will keep you warm enough. But if the overnight temperatures reach into the low 40°F, as they did for us in the mountains of Southern Arizona in early spring, you will feel the cold seeping up from the ground below.

Just to make it clear, the Static V Base is not designed for cold-weather or winter camping. If your trip may involve temperatures even close to freezing, you'll need something more insulated than this pad. You can always pair it with a closed-cell foam pad underneath to boost your R-value. But it isn't the thickest pad, either, which puts you closer to the cold ground.

Packed Size

The Static V Base compresses to 0.93 liters, which is smaller than a standard 1-liter Nalgene. As one of the more packable sleeping pads we tested, it practically disappears into your backpack.

Despite its small original size, we found the Static V Base to be one of the most difficult pads to fully deflate. This is because the V-channels require you to work the air toward the valve rather than just squeezing from one end. Even after coaxing all the air towards the open valve, our pad is still slightly inflated after testing, though we were able to cram it back into the stuff sack.

Quality of Construction

The Static V Base is well-built for its price point. It's made with a 75-denier polyester on all sides for abrasion and puncture resistance. This isn't a puncture-proof pad, by any means, but some sleeping pads are made with as thin as 10-denier fabric. Throughout our testing, we encountered no leaks, and none of the seams showed signs of delamination or imminent leaks that could ruin a night of sleep.

This pad inflates quickly, in 10-15 breaths. However, the valve doesn't have a way to switch to an inflation-only mode – each time you lift your lips from the valve to breathe, some air escapes. The lack of a one-way, inflation-only valve does make it more difficult to inflate, especially compared to other pads we tested, where this has become a fairly standard feature.

We already mentioned this before, but it's worth reiterating that deflating this pad is more difficult than inflating it. This pad takes the longest to pack away and is somewhat frustrating to fit back into the included stuff sack. (There always seemed to be a little more air hiding somewhere in one of those circuitous channels.)

Should You Buy the Klymit Static V Base?

For warm-weather camping, it's hard to argue with the value of the Static V Base. It's comfortable, lightweight, and packs down small – everything you want from a backpacking sleeping pad. Unlike other budget inflatable sleeping pads we tested, it's also reasonably durable. The very low R-value limits your ability to use it in the spring or fall (forget the winter). But for the dedicated weekend-warrior or beginner backpacker, it's perfectly suited to your summer adventures.

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