Klymit Double-V Air Mattress

We were determined to make it work. We were going to camp in style. And if we were determined to camp, we would not be sleeping on hard, backpacker-style pads. Not any longer. There had to be a better way.

The better way, I discovered, was right in front of us all along. Deep at the back of a closet, we had a barely used blow up double mattress ready to go – exactly what I had been seeking. Being a cautiously optimistic fellow at even the best of times, I took the precaution of inflating it prior to its maiden voyage outdoors, figuring out the pump and valve mechanisms. It held air and was ready for field testing. For more on that fateful first journey, you can read about it here. Long story short, the quick fix was a literal bust and we were back to square one, more cautious, and more skeptical about our ability to camp in comfort. 

What was clear from the test run was that the vinyl, inflatable type of mattress was the surest route to disappointment. If I wanted something to last, I would have to open my wallet a little wider, do some research, and ultimately, take a chance. I arrived at the Insulated Double V sleeping pad from Klymit, which is fully twice as much as I ever expected to pay. In my search, I found there were cheap ones and expensive ones and not a lot in between. In the end I was enticed by the V-shaped structure and the promises of a smoother sleep for two. It had an insulated core, too. I wouldn’t take any chances. It must work. I was committed. Here is what we found.

Again, I inflated the mattress in my living room the day after it arrived at my door (I would have preferred to buy it locally, in-store, but again, I was going beyond the usual selections to find the sleeping pad that would change the game). The promotional material will tell you it takes around ten rolls of the stuff sack (acting as a kind of bellows) to fill it. This was the first strike against the product. After maybe thirty attempts I finally got the hang of the filling method, but expect to take 5 minutes plus to pump it to a satisfying level. [Update: I actually counted the second time I filled. With improved form you can limit the pumps, but expect it to take around 20 ‘rolls’]. This isn’t to suggest that the method is completely useless or a bad idea (although it may be), but just be ready to work a little harder. 

After filling it up, you can let out a bit of air with ease if you think it’s too firm (I did this and regretted it later). Here’s where the V technology comes in. Initially, it will seem like there’s no way the thing is going to work. You put your hand down to steady yourself and you can feel the ground through the pad. Not good. However, once you’re lying down, the magic kicks in: your weight gets evenly dispersed and disruption is minimal when you have two to a matt due to the support from the Vs. So at first I was pleased. It’s a weird experience, the ridges, but they work – almost. Although it’s plenty sturdy when you’re on your back, plenty thick enough to keep you off the ground, side sleepers (who are these people out there sleeping another way?) are likely to have their hip on the ground pretty quick. So don’t get cocky and keep the air pressure high.

The verdict: goddam it’s expensive, but also not any more so than various other top options. If you don’t want a lightweight sleep pad, or to take your chances with a cheaper blow-up, this one seems about as good an option as any. Next, because I was feeling flush with money and I really want this to work out, I purchased the fitted sheet. Again, ridiculously expensive for what it is, but if it makes for a better sleep… I also splurged for the insulated model. If you’ve come this far, I don’t know why you wouldn’t get the insulation. Presumably you’re buying the double-size mattress to have more of a bed-sleeping experience, i.e. sheet on the bottom and a shared blanket on top. Well, don’t underestimate how much cold comes up from the earth and arrive prepared.

And that’s it! I’ll give any updates I have from the road. Happy sleeping.

[Update after second use in the field: I’m in a little bit of despair over how poorly I sleep on this thing. I could try to sell it and roll the dice on a new mattress, or I can tough it out and learn to live on zero sleep, or I can toss aside my dreams of learning to camp and never leave home again.

Let me back it up a tad. I actually do think that the Klymit is a pretty good option for sleeping on the ground, especially if you are seeking a double-wide bed for two people (perhaps this is the problem – camping isn’t meant to be done this way). It’s just that sleeping on the ground sucks, man. I feel like a wreck. I have to keep turning because the pain in my side is so great. Our dog between us is tossed like a little raft on a great big sea as the two of continually flip from side to side. These really clever Vs on the mattress, make little peaks and valleys so that you’re always on one or the other, forever seeking the mythical sweet spot.

I’ll keep posting thoughts on this mattress and sleeping at camp in general. Two thoughts/hopes: 1) I just need to get used to it and 2) we’ve been doing weekend camping with lots of drinks and having a full bladder doesn’t help. It might be better if I treat myself better. What a concept!]