Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad Evaluate

Bottom Line

If you’re hunting for an affordable, durable, and lightweight backpacking sleeping pad, the Klymit Static V2 is a good value. Dave Collins, CleverHiker Founder, used this pad on a week-long summer backpacking trip near Mount Saint Helens and it worked well. This pad is lightweight but durable. It’s made from thick polyester fabric that resists punctures and abrasions. The V-shaped baffles offer pretty solid comfort for back and stomach sleepers, and it’s one of the most affordable mid-weight backpacking pads on the market. The static V2 is a great choice for beginners and folks looking to spend 50-75% less than competing air pads.

However, the Static V2 has a low R-value, so you’ll want to save it exclusively for summer camping trips, and cold sleepers may want to look for a warmer pad. Since this pad is 2.5 inches thick and has unique grooves, side sleepers may not find it quite as comfortable as other pad designs. Inflation is manual with this pad, meaning it takes a bit more energy to blow up than pads with a pump sack included. And it also takes a little more time to squeeze all the air out so you can roll it up and pack it away. 

Still, the Static V2 is a great place to start if you want a budget-friendly pad for summer nights. It’s much more comfortable than a foam pad, but it only costs a little bit more.

Comfort

The Klymit Static V2 is a comfortable pad for back and stomach sleepers who want more space. At 23 inches wide, this pad is wider than most standard pad sizes, offering more room to move around and spread out. Its V-shaped baffles create a contoured surface, and deep welds feel supportive beneath your body. 

During our testing, we liked the raised side rails on the V2s perimeter, too. Combined with the 30D polyester surface, the Static V2 cradled us in place, making it easier to stay centered throughout the night. And while 2.5 inches isn’t as thick as other pads, it’s just enough support on most surfaces that we had no trouble falling asleep, making it a solid choice for folks who want space and support on warmer nights. 

However, we found the Static V2 wasn’t as comfy for our side sleeping testers, who were looking for more all-around support. You may bottom out when shifting positions on this pad, and the V-shaped design doesn’t distribute pressure as evenly between the hips and shoulders. This model’s deep baffles are helpful for back support, but the ridges aren’t a fit for everyone and may feel awkward and lumpy to some. 

Finally, we like the soft and durable polyester surface, but it’s more slippery and noisy than higher-end pads, although we quickly got used to the texture and slight crinkly sound.

Weight & Packability

The Klymit Static V2 is solid for backpackers who want to keep their packs light. This pad weighs one pound, or just 16 ounces, which is good for lightweight backpackers who want to keep weight down for tough miles. And the Static V2 compresses down small. Once it’s rolled up, the 3 x 8-inch package will easily tuck away into your pack. 

Klymit keeps the weight of this pad down thanks to durable but lightweight 70D and 30D polyester on the exterior, creating a tough but portable pad that won’t load you down. 

However, the Static V2 has some challenges. The thicker fabric adds durability, but it makes folding and rolling the Static V2 a little more challenging than competitive nylon pads and a bit bulkier too. We’ve found the V2s stuff sack is a little small, so packing this model tight enough isn’t ideal when you’re trying to get going quickly. 

Still, the Static V2 is pretty light and packable for such an affordable pad.

Warmth

The Klymit Static V2 has a 1.3 R-value, which is one of the lowest insulation ratings of any backpacking sleeping pad we’ve tested over many years. Now, that’s not a big deal if you’re not a cold sleeper and you typically backpack in warm summer conditions – nighttime temps that won’t dip below 45 or 50°F is a good baseline. 

However, many backpackers forego ample insulation from their sleeping pads when it comes to keeping warm on chilly nights if a quality sleeping bag is part of the sleep system. Still, hikers lose a ton of heat through their sleeping pads when temperatures dip and the ground becomes cold. It’s quite noticeable when we test high and low R-value sleeping pads side by side. 

That’s why the Static V2 should be used as a summer sleeping pad, and we would not recommend it for chilly trips or high-elevation hiking. Klymit does offer several models of insulated sleeping pads with higher R-values (like the Insulated Static V Lite), but when you compare their weights and prices to other insulated pad competition, they don’t deliver the same type of value.

Ease of Setup

The Klymit Static V2 offers a no-fuss setup, even after a tiring day. It’s easy to unpack and layout, and the compact size is manageable even inside your tent. Klymit doesn’t include a pump sack, which is a downside, but the pad still inflates manually in about 10-15 breaths. 

The simple twist valve is a tried and true design that makes for easy inflation and deflation. Once inflated, the pad holds air well, and the twist design makes micro-adjustments easy to find your perfect firmness.

However, inflation does take more time and effort than sleeping pads that include a pump sack. A dump valve would be preferred to release air faster when deflating. The twist valve is simple and functional but slower than most of the newer valves on the market. Deflation can also be a bit slower because you’ll need to manually push air out when packing up. 

While 10-15 breaths is reasonable, there may be times when it feels tiring at high altitudes or after a particularly exhausting trek. The thick material doesn’t compress quite as flat as other pads when deflated, so rolling it tight enough to fit in its stuff sack can be a little tedious.

Durability

The Klymit Static V2 is a pretty durable pad, considering how affordable and lightweight it is. It has a thicker external fabric than the average backpacking sleeping pad. Klymit uses 30D polyester on the top and burly 75-denier polyester fabric on the bottom for strong resistance against abrasions and punctures. 

However, while we like the Static V2’s tougher materials, they also have downsides. Polyester is not as strong as the materials used in higher-end sleeping pads, which can compromise its durability over time. In our testing, after about one hundred times folding and unfolding the pad, we noticed the seams were beginning to fray.

And the air valve, while functional, isn’t the most robust design and can wear down with frequent use, leading to slow leaks. The Static V2 performs well for the price, but if you’re looking for the longest-lasting pad out there, this probably isn’t the one for you.

Should You Buy the Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad?

If you’re a summer backpacker on a tight budget, the Klymit Static V2 is a good choice. This pad has a pretty solid balance between weight, functionality, comfort, and cost. 

Its unique V-shaped baffles offer good support for back and stomach sleepers who like a wide sleeping surface. It also packs down, and its valve is functional, though not as good as that of higher-end pads. But it’ll get the job done for a much lower price. 

However, if you’re looking for a warm sleeping pad with high-end comfort features, the Static V2 falls short. It’s a bit shallow for side sleepers since your shoulders and knees may bottom out while shifting around. Also, its angled baffle design and deep grooves aren’t comfortable for everyone. 

This pad is also only appropriate for use in summer conditions and warm climates since its low R-value means you’ll feel chilly below 45-50°F. But, the Static V2 does the trick for a much lower price than the competition and is a good entry-level, lightweight pad to catch quality Z’s in the backcountry.

What Other Sleeping Pads Should You Consider?

We want you to get a good night’s rest on your next campout or backpacking trip. For more of our top tested and reviewed options, see our list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. If you don’t go with the Kylmit, here are some other solid options:  

NEMO Switchback Review / Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Review: If your top concerns are budget, durability, and ease of use, a foam pad like the Switchback or Sol might be a good fit. These closed-cell foam pads are even more affordable, offer slightly better warmth (R-values of 2), and are lighter than the Static V2. The big downside is that they’re not nearly as comfortable unless you like sleeping on firm surfaces.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Review: For a major step up in comfort, warmth, and ease of use, the Rapide SL is a solid choice. You’ll have to spend quite a bit more for this pad and add a couple of ounces to your total pack weight, but the Rapide is many times warmer, much thicker, and we’ve found it to be more comfortable as well. 

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Review: Folks who prefer a low-profile pad will enjoy the S2S Ultralight Insulated. It’s only 2 inches thick, but it has double the R-value, a similar weight, and a wide design. We also like the comfort of the S2S better than the Klymit. This model is a good deal for the quality, but the Static V2 costs quite a bit less.