Klymit Massdrop x Klymit Ultralight V
Reviewed by
Teri Anderson
+229
December 6, 2018
This pad was specially made for Massdrop, and was an excellent deal at $60. Although it has a lot of good qualities (high R-value, light, easy inflation/deflation), ultimately it was just not comfortable enough for my backpacking sleep needs. It may work well for back sleepers, but was not comfortable for me, a slender built side and stomach sleeper.
Pros
- High R value (4.4)
- Packs down small
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Antislip dots on bottom of pad
Cons
- Pad is crinkly and noisy
- Very slippery with the Klymit pillow combination
- Not comfortable for side or stomach sleepers
I was searching for a sleeping pad for my backpacking trips that was light, had a high R-value, was comfortable and packed down tight. The Klymit Ultralight V Sleeping Pad seemed to meet all those requirements, from the description.
I purchased this from Massdrop, and it was specially made for them. The R-Value is rated at 4.4, but it only weighed 17.7 ounces (for the regular size) and packs down small. It has an easy to use inflation and deflation system—two separate valves and only requires 10-15 breaths to inflate. It has a non-slip treatment on the bottom to keep it from sliding around in the tent.
The first time I used it I found it crinkly and noisy when moving around. The v-shape of the pad took some getting used to, and was initially not very comfortable. But the worst part was my Klymit pillow kept sliding right off of it. They both had the same slick material and don't combine well. I sewed together a flannel cover for the pillow, and that seemed to help it, plus gave me a cozy place to lay my head.
I used it for approximately 15 backpacking nights and then decided I needed to replace it. I sleep a lot on my sides and stomach. At 5'8" and 135 lbs, my hips and shoulders are a bit bony. They tended to slide in between the v-shaped chambers.
This pad will work well for back sleepers. It has horizontal chambers along each side to keep you from sliding off. But it just didn't work well for me.
Background
This was the second sleeping pad I've tried. I used my first one for many trips, but it was heavy. This pad was used for approximately 15 nights. I've just acquired another new one, and it seems to fit my needs perfectly.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $60
