Klymit Static V2 Review

The Static V2 represents a solid value. Throughout our testing, the V2 performed above average in most metrics and was only trounced in categories it wasn't really designed to perform in, such as warmth. If you're on a budget and looking to squeeze every penny and be comfortable at the same time, the Static V2 is worth a look.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

If you head over to REI and roll around on the Static V2, you will probably be put off because your elbows and knees push through to the floor as you shift around. This gave us an initial feeling that our sleep might be hampered by how thin the pad was relative to others. Even with our negativity hanging over our testing like a dark cloud, we were pleasantly surprised by how the Static V2 actually slept. Once we were settled down and laid flat or on our side, we didn't push through to the ground. Even our boniest gear testers felt comfortable side sleeping even though some occasional ground contact was noted.

The clever design of the Static V2 incorporates a subtle trough down the middle that helped contain our testers as they tossed and turned in the middle of the night. The distinct V pattern of the Static V2 also baffled airflow as we shifted, keeping the bouncy feeling, often associated with inflatable sleeping pads, to a minimum. This baffling was accomplished as the air was channeled through small connections between each V instead of just having one large air chamber for the entire sleeping pad.

Finally, the Static V2 was one of the widest sleeping pads we tested, especially in its weight class. Other pads (typically much more expensive pads) often achieved their lightweight by trimming width. While this can be effective in saving grams, it results in a sleeping pad that can feel like it's trying to buck you off instead of cradling you to sleep. The Static V2 is an excellent balance of weight and comfort and felt much more towards the cradling end of the spectrum.

Weight and Packed Size

On our tried and true Taylor brand scale, the newest Static V2 weighs in at 17.8 ounces, which includes a patch kit and stuff sack. When considering there was no compromise on pad width or any apparent comfort-sacrificing weight-shaving scheme, 17.8 ounces isn't bad. There are certainly lighter sleeping pads on the market if you need an ultralight sleeping pad, but for most backpackers or hikers, the Static V2 will be surprisingly light.

Another important consideration when examining a sleeping pad's weight is the type and thickness of the fabrics used. Often ultralight pads will utilize super-thin materials down to 30 or even 25 denier. In contrast, the Static V2 uses a 75d polyester material on the underside for durability and 30d polyester on top for weight savings. The result of polarizing the upper and lower fabric thicknesses is both reasonable overall weight and a boost in durability over some superlight sleeping pads.

Warmth

What drew us to the Static V2 initially was the competitive price and attractive spec sheet that seemed to stack up well against the more expensive competition.

The one big downside revealed through our testing was the low R-value of 1.3. During our testing, we attempted to sleep out on some below-freezing nights, and the cold eventually crept in. It wasn't unbearable, and we did get some sleep, though we were forced to use our Wim Hof Breath of Fire to heat up and keep from shivering. The Static V2 proved to be most appropriate for temperatures above freezing and was truly perfect around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ease of Inflation

The previous generation of the Static V2 was equipped with the classic screw valve seen on sleeping pads from a bygone age. Not only were these protuberances vulnerable to breakage, but they also restricted airflow. The new inflation valve is plenty wide to allow unrestricted full breaths. The result was pleasantly quick and easy inflation. We could get the Static V2 out of its package and fully inflated, by mouth, in about a minute and a half. It's important to note that this was an average inflation time performed at a leisurely pace. Our testers weren't willing to get light-headed to make the inflation time seem abnormally low.

Deflating the Static V2 was unquestionably more frustrating than inflating it. The narrow channels that connect each baffle do a great job of reducing bounce while sleeping on the pad. The same narrow connections make rolling the pad back up a relatively slow process compared to some other sleeping pads. While this is a small annoyance, it is an annoyance all the same.

Durability

The updated inflate/deflate valve did more than just improve the ease of inflation for the Static V2. The new valve is flush with the top of the pad, making it much sturdier and low profile. The new valve is chunky and feels solid when flipping from inflating to deflating.

The Static V2 also cleverly blended the density of fabrics used relative to how much abuse the surface would receive. The underside utilized a thick 75d material, whereas the less exposed topside had a lighter weight 30d polyester. Throughout the testing period of several months, the Static V2 didn't show any signs of leakage, and the new valve system worked flawlessly.

Value

As you might guess, we feel the Static V2 represents a great value. For the price, we haven't found a pad that can stack up. There are definitely cheaper pads as well as pads that offer greater comfort or warmth. What the Static V2 does is combine a reasonable level of comfort, weight savings, and durability into an affordable package.

Conclusion