There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
There are three key changes from our original pad: 1) Now available in three sizes: short, medium and long, and all three are insulated 2) Anti-slip treatment under the torso 3) Flat air valves.
1) These are the three most requested sizes. If you want to save weight, go with the shortest, obviously. If you're taller than 60", then use a backpack or extra clothing under your feet to compensate - this is a common technique of ULers. If you want a short and wide pad, then get the long (which is also 6" wider) and cut it down to length. John Abela has a video (posted below) where he cut his pad down in under half a minute. You can cut it in a straight line or along the seams between the "V" chambers - your choice. It's easy to do.
2) Most ultralight tents and ground tarps are made from slippery sil-nylon. Pads from all manufacturers slip around to some extent unless you apply some kind of chemical treatment, like McNett Seam Sealer. We decided to make this improvement to all of our pads and it adds no additional weight.
3) The last change is highly desirable for many of our members for several reasons, the biggest is that it allows the use of an inflation sack, like the Big Agnes Pumphouse, Exped Schnozzle or Sea to Summit Jetstream. These type of sacks inflate your pad quickly, without the huffing and puffing from your lungs at the end of a hard day. Your breath is full of humidity, which then goes into your pad but doesn't come out, so the inflation sack keeps your insulation dry and fully functioning. Even without an inflation pad, these valves inflate and deflate faster and easier. The flat valves do come at cost - weight, size, and financial - but many people still prefer them for the convenience and speed.
Please note that Klymit will make these pads for us after the drop is over, meaning that ship time is in ~3 months. If you need something sooner, rest assured that the original pad, in insulated and uninsulated, will be available in the next two weeks with immediate shipping. Also, consider this if you prefer the standard valves on the original pad or if you want a lighter weight uninsulated version. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-klymit-static-v-ultralight
Thanks again to everyone who helped bring this pad to life.
Here's the quick video to @abela's pad cutting: http://www.daikhlo.tv/watch/yt_wW5MtF02POI
The massdrop link shows the regular at 17.2 oz. The links to reviews of it show the following: Hike Lighter: 366g = 12.4oz UL insights: 12.9 oz Engearment: 16.9 oz
So, what is the actual weight of a regular length pad?
The new version is slightly heavier due to the use of two flat air valves. The original pad used one standard twist valve.
Do you know when these pads will next be made available and roughly what they will cost when they are?
Thanks
What's the sitch?
Thanks.
Note: Note: The Massdrop x Klymit Ultralight V Pads will launch and end each day to collect purchases. Items will ship within 2 to 3 business days. At checkout, you'll have your choice between the short pad (base price), the regular pad (+ $5), and the long pad (+ $15). You can also add the Ultralight Pillow X (+ $20 for large).