Klymit Static V vs. V2: What’s The Difference? (2024 Update)

If you are an avid backpacker and/or wilderness camper, one of the most crucial pieces of gear available to you is a sleeping pad, also known as a sleeping mat, air mattress, insulated pad, ground pad or bed roll. 

These vital pieces of equipment serve a number of purposes when braving the outdoor elements and have now come to be a regular staple among the most prepared campers and backpackers. 

Within this particular category of outdoor gear are two stellar products that are both revered for their effectiveness out in the wild: the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad and the Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, the latter being billed as the “new and improved” model. 

In this article we will take a closer look at both of these products—their similarities and differences—and explain some of the amazing benefits you can reap by including one or the other in your standard backpacking roll.

Sleeping Pad: Why You Need One

Before we get into the specifics regarding the similarities and differences between the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads, let’s take a closer look at what a sleeping pad actually is. 

Unlike some of the bulky air mattresses you have probably seen and even used from time to time, a sleeping pad is a much thinner piece of equipment that is meant to be placed on the tent floor, under one’s sleeping bag. 

Sleeping pads are thinner and lighter than bulky air mattresses because they are designed to be carried in or on a camper’s backpack.

The purpose of the sleeping pad is threefold.  Of course, having a pad under your sleeping bag will almost always provide an extra level of comfort as you sleep, especially when making camp in rocky or debris-filled areas that are off the beaten path. 

The second purpose of the sleeping pad is to provide a measure of insulation as you sleep, keeping you warm and comfortable on those very cold nights. 

Sleeping pads are designed to absorb and capture the cold of the ground before it can penetrate your sleeping bag. 

Finally, a sleeping pad acts as a moisture barrier between the ground and your sleeping bag. 

On those occasions when it is raining or even snowing—and there will be those times if you camp and backpack frequently—a waterproof sleeping pad will keep you dry and protected from the elements. 

Sleeping pads are usually slightly longer and just a bit wider than a standard sleeping bag, which ensures that no part of the latter will come into contact with the cold and sometimes wet ground. 

Sleeping pads can be either foam based or air-based (inflatable). 

Both provide the same protection, but experienced backpackers often opt for the air-based pads simply because they tend to be lighter in weight and take up less room in the backpack when fully deflated.

Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad vs. Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad:  The Similarities

Given that the Static V and Static V2 Sleeping Pads are made by the same company (Klymit), it only stands to reason that they possess a far greater number of similarities than they do differences. 

In fact, as you will see in the next section, there is really only one factor that separates these two pads.

Both of these two sleeping pads share a whole lot in common. 

Here is a sample of those similarities:

Air-Based

Unlike some of the foam rubber sleeping pads that are currently on the market today, both the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads are inflatable. 

This is what makes them so comfortable to sleep on, as they essentially elevate the sleeping area while providing a comfortable and insulated barrier between you and the cold tent floor.

Size

The size or dimensions of the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads are identical.  This is true both when they are inflated and fully deflated. 

According to the Klymit website, the dimensions for both of these sleeping pads are as follows: 

• Inflated size. 72 inches (183 cm) in length by 23 inches (58 cm) in width by 2.5 inches (6 cm) in height.
• Deflated or packed size. 8 inches (20 cm) in length by 3 inches (8 cm) in width.

When fully inflated the sleeping pad can accommodate individuals up to 6 feet tall; and when deflated and packed away the sleeping pad fits effortlessly into any backpack. 

In fact, according to the same website, when the sleeping mats are deflated and packed away, their dimensions rival that of a “soda can.”

Cost

When it comes to the price tag of the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads there is no real difference. 

Although they are slightly more expensive than some of the cheaper and less durable sleeping mats currently being sold, they are in no way the most expensive sleeping pads either. 

In fact, the quality you get for the price of your investment in either of these two products makes the expenditure well worth it.

Highly Portable

If you camp or backpack even occasionally, you have no doubt seen backpackers with huge, heavy bedrolls attached to the outer frames of their pack. 

These large (usually foam) sleeping pads are often too large to fit within the confines of the backpack, so instead they are fastened to the outside. 

This can create a lot of problems. 

If it rains or snows, for example, a large outer-attached sleeping mat can become soaked and thus lose the insulated properties for which you rely on it. 

They can also become snagged, ripped or torn when backpacking through heavy thickets. 

Contrast those types of outdoor mattresses with the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads, which fold up into a tidy 8 inch x 3 inch package. 

Once deflated and rolled, these sleeping pads can be handily tucked away into your protective backpack, ensuring they will be dry and completely intact when its time to make camp for the night.

Last but not least, both of these sleeping pads come with a handy storage bag that will keep this important piece of gear fully wrapped and protected until you are ready to use it.

Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad #SleepOutside

Easy to Setup/Deconstruct

One of the best things about these sleeping pads is how simple they both are to use. 

They can both be quickly inflated by mouth and the whole process, according to the company’s website, takes just “10-15 breaths” depending on your lung capacity. 

And when it’s time to deflate these air-based sleeping pads? 

Simply, tug the convenient twist-pull mechanism on the side of the pad and watch the mat deflate in a matter of seconds. 

Perhaps best of all, because of the intuitively-designed “twist-pull” action of this mechanism, you will never have to worry about accidental deflations during the night—your sleeping pad will remain fully inflated throughout your slumber until you are ready to pack it away and get on with your day.

Intelligent Design

Both the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads owe their comfort to the intelligent V chamber design. 

In what resembles an arrow, this V chamber design actually maps your body to provide the ultimate in comfort. 

Because of this design, you can twist and turn on these mattresses with limited air movement. 

Instead, the design funnels the air movement to the underside of the mattress where it is not felt by the user.

The sleeping pads are also made with convenient side rails that prevent your sleeping bag from sliding off the mat during the night.  Whether you prefer to sleep on your back, side or stomach, these side rails will cradle you for the ultimate in comfort and safety.

Bacteria-Resistant

According to experts, the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads are treated with “anti-bacterial compounds” that enable the sleeping pads to resist germs and fungi that can lead to dangerous mold and mildew. 

Not only do these compounds make the pads safer on which to sleep, they also assist in preventing foul odors that can develop over time, especially in wet conditions.

Great Warranty

Finally, both the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads have a limited lifetime warranty. 

Should any damage occur to the pads “under normal and approved usage” the Klymit company will repair or replace the unit for free.  They will also pay for the return shipping.

Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad vs. Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad:  The Differences

As we mentioned very briefly above, there is technically only one difference between the Klymit Static V and Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pads:  the weight. 

The company’s first offering—the Static V—weighs in at 18.1 ounces; and the Static V2 weighs in at 16.33 ounces. 

Granted, this difference in weight, with the Static V2 weighing 1.77 ounces less than the Static V, will not have a great impact on the overall weight total of your backpack, but you might be curious why this weight disparity exists. 

Well, the answer is quite simple. 

While the Static V is equipped with 75D polyester material on both sides of the sleeping pad, the Static V2 has 75D polyester material on only the underside of the mat, while the top is covered with 30D polyester.

Both 30D and 75D polyester are very durable, but the latter is a little bit thicker and thus a tad heavier than the former. 

The “D” in this case actually stands for “Denier,” which is a “unit of measurement that describes the weight and thickness of individual threads used in the fabric.”

Last Word

In summary, while the Static V2 is slightly lighter than its V1 predecessor, their many similarities cannot be ignored. 

If an extra 1.77 ounces is going to break your back on your next adventure, the Static V2 is definitely the way to go, but in terms of things like quality, durability, portability and ease of use, you simply cannot go wrong with either choice.

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