CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat Tenting Blanket Overview

Backside Line

The CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is a singular floor blanket design, particularly for sandy environments. Whereas it is available in two sizes, we examined it within the massive possibility which provided unimaginable protection. Two folks can both lay on the blanket aspect by aspect or in reverse instructions. With the ability to roll up the blanket into its personal carry bag can also be a handy function. Even in dimension massive, the blanket rolled as much as an honest dimension – even smaller than the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket in dimension medium when it was packed up. 

The mesh polyester materials permits sand to move by means of the blanket simply, making it easy to shake off after a protracted seashore day. Nonetheless, we did discover that this mesh materials labored each methods: whereas sand simply shed off and thru the mesh cloth, it additionally got here up by means of it when laying on the mat. This made the blanket perpetually sandy and in addition made it troublesome to roll up with out amassing sand within the course of. Nonetheless, once we examined its effectiveness at dealing with moisture, it was extremely quick drying in comparison with different blankets we reviewed, making it ideally suited for environments the place it’d get moist.

Throughout our testing course of, we did discover that the CGear mat felt barely abrasive on naked pores and skin in comparison with the opposite blankets we examined in our information to one of the best tenting blankets. Whereas it wasn’t probably the most comfy materials, we nonetheless discovered it to be an honest possibility for the worth. Total, CGear has created a singular floor blanket that dries shortly and holds up in numerous environments with the every day beach-goer in thoughts.

How We Examined

The NanoLoft traveled with us alongside the chilly Northern CA shoreline. We examined how a lot of a “moist blanket” this little marvel might presumably be by pouring water on it, laying it on moist floor and utilizing it in locations the place a number of particles might tough it up.

Again within the frontcountry, we accomplished a standardized heat take a look at the place we wrapped the blanket round a heated scorching sock for 30 min to trace the lack of warmth over time and rank its insulating properties. 

Sturdiness

The machine-washable polyester used within the CGear Multimats is sturdy and confirmed no indicators of damage after getting used on a number of seashore journeys. After we poured water over the blanket, it beaded off simply and didn’t get absorbed into the material. When the blanket did get moist, it dried shortly, noticeably sooner than different blankets in our evaluate. It stunned us with how weather-resistant this blanket is; even with its mesh materials, water by no means appears to filter by means of the material, as an alternative at all times operating off of it.

Throughout our shake take a look at, the place we coated the blanket with sand to see how a lot particles would cling to the material, we discovered that sand simply filtered off (and thru) the mesh. CGear’s massive declare is its capability to maintain the mat sand-free as a consequence of its distinctive design. Nonetheless, whereas sand is straightforward to take away from the blanket, the alternative can also be true. When laying on the mat, we discover that sand additionally filters up by means of the mesh, making a sandy layer on the mat. It was unattainable to lounge on the mat and be fully sand-free.

Heat

Floor blankets aren’t inherently designed for heat and the CGear Multimats was one of many least heat blankets in our take a look at as a consequence of its thinness, lack of insulation, and mesh materials that enables ample airflow.

Except for experiencing this within the discipline ourselves, we accomplished a standardized and managed take a look at, the place we wrapped the blanket round a heated scorching sock (136F) for half-hour in a 60F room. We then took the ultimate temperature with an infrared thermometer and decided the quantity of warmth loss that the new sock skilled to quantify the insulating capability of every blanket. The CGear Multimats misplaced a whopping 28.8 levels, proving its lack of insulation and incapacity to retain warmth. 

Whereas the CGear lacks heat, it gives glorious breathability as a consequence of its mesh cloth.

Measurement to Packability

The GGear Multimat is well packed for a day on the seashore. Even within the dimension massive (the dimensions that we examined), we discovered that, at 7” x 14,” it packs right down to an honest dimension in comparison with different floor blankets we examined. It was even smaller and lighter than the Nemo Victory Patio Mat in dimension medium. We additionally love how this mat rolls up into its personal carry case, with an connected deal with for straightforward transport. Nonetheless, as a consequence of its mesh materials, it may be troublesome to roll up whereas on the seashore as a result of tendency for sand to infiltrate the material and get trapped whereas the blanket is being packed away. We discovered that, as soon as residence from the seashore, the CGear Multimats contained extra sand than different blankets once we unrolled them for cleansing.

When laid out absolutely, the massive CGear mat measures 78” x78,” which is without doubt one of the extra generously sized blankets that we examined – making its coverage-to-packability ratio very aggressive. One individual can fully “starfish” on the mat, absolutely lengthening their legs and arms with out immediately touching the bottom. Two folks can lounge aspect by aspect comfortably.

Consolation

Of all of the blankets we examined, the CGear Multimats isn’t our high advice for consolation. It lacks the smoothness and softness within the materials to provide it a high-performance rating on this class. The polyester feels barely abrasive to uncovered pores and skin and has a plasticky really feel to it. 

Though its beneficiant sizing provided consolation as a consequence of its protection, the thinness of the mat doesn’t supply as a lot padding or safety as we wish to have in a floor blanket. 

Because the sand additionally got here up by means of the mesh whereas laying on the blanket, we discovered it so as to add to the abrasiveness of the fabric and made it laborious for us to remain clear and preserve sand off our garments and out of our private gadgets. Nonetheless, we did notice that the CGear carried out higher on compact and moist sand than it did on free dry sand, the place this problem was extra outstanding.

Options

Total, the CGear doesn’t supply as many options as different blankets we examined in our evaluate. Nonetheless, just like the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket, it rolls up into its personal carry case that latches onto itself and may be carried by its connected deal with. That is handy when on the seashore in order that there isn’t a fear of a separate storage bag getting blown away within the wind or misplaced.

The principle function that the CGear is thought for is its meshy design that sheds sand simply. We discovered this function to be counterproductive as a result of sand that will finally come up by means of the fabric, regardless of how simple it was to shake off on the finish of the day. Nonetheless, different elements have an effect on the efficiency of the blanket, together with the dimensions of the sand particles and moisture content material of the sand. Relying in your particular setting and use, this mat can have various ranges of efficiency.

Ought to You Purchase the CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat?

The CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is designed with the avid beach-goer in thoughts, whether or not or not it’s on river seashores or sandy coastlines. For these in search of a singular mat design with distinctive protection, glorious water-resistance, and first rate packability, it’s price contemplating including to your gear assortment. 

Nonetheless, if you happen to want a blanket with extra options, versatility, and reliability relating to its efficiency in numerous sandy environments, I might check out our different floor blanket options in our gear information to search out one of the best match on your wants. Whereas there are some perks to the CGear Multimats, we discovered that its worth doesn’t fairly compete with another blankets we examined when making an allowance for value and professionals/cons.

What Different Tenting Blankets Ought to You Take into account?

This mat is nice for what it’s meant for, however if you happen to assume you would possibly want one thing completely different, listed here are three different tenting blankets from our information to one of the best tenting blankets to contemplate: 

Yeti Lowlands Overview: The Yeti Lowlands is of the best sturdiness, although at a heftier value level. It’s a a lot thicker blanket that features insulation and padding. The fabric additionally blocks sand from arising by means of the mat, in contrast to the CGear Multimats as a consequence of its mesh materials. Whereas the Yeti Lowlands performs simply in addition to the CGear with reference to water resistance, it is available in a bulkier dimension and with a separate carry case.

Nomadix Pageant Blanket Overview: Though additionally very skinny just like the CGear, the Nomadix Pageant Blanket is extra packable. Though it doesn’t include its personal carry case, it may be folded as much as the dimensions of a 32 ouncesNalgene. Nonetheless, it lacks the identical water-resistance and general sturdiness because the CGear.

Nemo Victory Patio Blanket Overview: Lastly, the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket comes at a barely greater value and general higher sturdiness than the GGear. Nonetheless, it additionally rolls up into its personal carry case, is pretty skinny, and is available in two completely different sizes just like the CGear. The Nemo has a softer materials and is extra versatile for adventures past the sandy seashore.