Sleeping pads have come a long way since the closed cell foam monsters of yesteryear. Sleep systems are a common starting point for backpackers who want to drop pounds, and Klymit has solutions. The brand was born right here in Utah (Nate Alder formed the company while studying at BYU in ’08) and wowed the market when they introduced their Kinetic vests and Inertia sleeping pads. Now they are dropping even more weight with the Inertial X-Lite pad.
The X-Lite weighs in at 6.1 ounces and folds up to a size just slightly larger than most smart phones. The bottom is built with tough 75D polyester and the top is a 30D Ripstop material. When it’s time for bed simply unroll the X-Lite and inflate it with a couple of breaths. I had my doubts when I saw this 3/4 size sleep pad “inflated” at the Klymit booth- it looked like it needed more air and could make for a rough night in the sack. However, once I laid down and started tossing and turning my doubts were erased. The air in the pad knows exactly where it’s needed and kept me off the floor no matter what position I was in. Loft Pocket Technology (the empty spaces you see in the pad) actually increases warmth. Your sleeping bag fills in the gaps and takes maximum advantage of the insulating material.
In addition to the new pad, Klymit also had their vests on display. New for the season are the accompanying Kinetic shell jackets which also employ NobleTek insulation. NobleTek uses argon gas (completely safe and environmentally friendly) to fill loft pockets within the shell. The gas is weightless, odorless and a better insulator than conventional materials used in other shells…extremely innovative stuff if you ask me.
The X-Lite 3/4 sleeping pad and Kinetic shells will be available in spring/summer 2012. If you want to go ultralight, high-tech and support a local company, than Klymit has you covered. Go to Klymit.com to find out more.
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