Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad

I would give this between 4 and 5 stars. Material: The plastic from which this is made was much thinner than I was expecting, but the ratings from heavy-duty backpackers and campers on most user websites are consistently high, so my hope is that this pad turns out to be quite durable given that I will take excellent care of it. Upon unpacking it from the convenient storage bag, I noticed no smell or off-gassing, which is very important to me (I am sensitive to toxins - well, most of us are, but I am someone who actually will get a headache or feel sick from plastics that off-gas). It's a very soft- to-the-touch and non-slip material too, which is helpful in keeping the sleeping bag from sliding around. Baffles and Comfort: I first tried this on my clean tile floor and I noticed that I definitely felt the hardness of the floor on my knee and hips when I was crawling onto the pad, but that once I was actually lying down, the baffles seemed to cushion me well, particularly having them with the V shape facing up. I then tried it on a thin rug over the tile floor and that was even more comfortable and finally, I rolled out my thin but very cushy yoga mat and with that underneath, it was very comfortable - again, I could feel the hardness when I was getting on the pad, but once I was on it, it seemed to provide cushion and support. I am 5'7" and weigh between 135 and 140 lbs., and am a side sleeper, so having my hips and shoulders cushioned when I am sleeping is ultra important to a good night's sleep. Size: The 30" width seems perfect for side sleeping and I could definitely tell that the shape of the baffles combined with what Klymit calls the "side rails" would help keep me from rolling off. I am not comfortable ever on tiny narrow pads and have always found that I can't manage to stay on them during the night. Weight: and under two lbs, this may not be for the minimalist backpacker, but it feels very light to me. I would rather get an ultralight backpack and sleep on this plus my yoga mat (which would add weight) than get up with an aching back. Overall: I believe I will get plenty of use out of this pad and will combine it with my yoga mat for complete comfort when camping, car camping and on shorter backpacking trips when weight is not as much of a consideration - when weight is the main issue, I'll try ditching the yoga mat (but with some injuries under my belt after 48 years on the planet, I might not do as well without the added cush). As an addition to their varied series of sleeping pads, I would like to see Klymit come up with a slightly heavier material and thicker pad (adding maybe a pound or so) with the same width and baffles but with enough loft to completely eliminate the need for a ground pad underneath this one (for those of us who are side sleepers and need the additional cushioning on our hips and shoulders). Back sleepers will probably find this existing pad perfectly fine solo. I am eager to try this out on an upcoming road trip where we will be camping along the way. Now to find a new lightweight sleeping bag...