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 supplied unbelievable 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 be a handy characteristic. Even in measurement massive, the blanket rolled as much as an honest measurement – even smaller than the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket in measurement medium when it was packed up. 

The mesh polyester materials permits sand to cross by way of the blanket simply, making it easy to shake off after a protracted seashore day. Nevertheless, 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 way of it when laying on the mat. This made the blanket perpetually sandy and in addition made it troublesome to roll up with out gathering sand within the course of. Nevertheless, once we examined its effectiveness at dealing with moisture, it was extremely quick drying in comparison with different blankets we reviewed, making it superb for environments the place it would 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 essentially the most snug materials, we nonetheless discovered it to be an honest possibility for the value. General, CGear has created a singular floor blanket that dries shortly and holds up in numerous environments with the each 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 may presumably be by pouring water on it, laying it on moist floor and utilizing it in locations the place numerous particles may 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 sizzling 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 overview. It stunned us with how weather-resistant this blanket is; even with its mesh materials, water by no means appears to filter by way of the material, as an alternative all the time 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 large declare is its means to maintain the mat sand-free because of its distinctive design. Nevertheless, whereas sand is straightforward to take away from the blanket, the alternative can be true. When laying on the mat, we discover that sand additionally filters up by way of the mesh, making a sandy layer on the mat. It was not possible to lounge on the mat and be totally 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 because of its thinness, lack of insulation, and mesh materials that permits ample airflow.

Other than experiencing this within the area ourselves, we accomplished a standardized and managed take a look at, the place we wrapped the blanket round a heated sizzling 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 recent sock skilled to quantify the insulating means of every blanket. The CGear Multimats misplaced a whopping 28.8 levels, proving its lack of insulation and lack of ability to retain warmth. 

Whereas the CGear lacks heat, it supplies glorious breathability because of its mesh cloth.

Measurement to Packability

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

When laid out absolutely, the big CGear mat measures 78” x78,” which is among 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 straight 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 prime suggestion for consolation. It lacks the smoothness and softness within the materials to offer 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 supplied consolation because of its protection, the thinness of the mat doesn’t provide as a lot padding or safety as we prefer to have in a floor blanket. 

For the reason that sand additionally got here up by way of the mesh whereas laying on the blanket, we discovered it so as to add to the abrasiveness of the fabric and made it arduous for us to remain clear and hold sand off our garments and out of our private gadgets. Nevertheless, we did word that the CGear carried out higher on compact and moist sand than it did on unfastened dry sand, the place this problem was extra outstanding.

Options

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

The primary characteristic that the CGear is understood for is its meshy design that sheds sand simply. We discovered this characteristic to be counterproductive because of the sand that will in the end come up by way of the fabric, irrespective of how simple it was to shake off on the finish of the day. Nevertheless, different components have an effect on the efficiency of the blanket, together with the scale 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 on the lookout for a singular mat design with distinctive protection, glorious water-resistance, and first rate packability, it’s price contemplating including to your gear assortment. 

Nevertheless, should you want a blanket with extra options, versatility, and reliability concerning its efficiency in numerous sandy environments, I might check out our different floor blanket solutions in our gear information to seek out one of the best match to 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 price and execs/cons.

What Different Tenting Blankets Ought to You Think about?

This mat is nice for what it’s meant for, however should you suppose you would possibly want one thing completely different, listed below are three different tenting blankets from our information to one of the best tenting blankets to think about: 

Yeti Lowlands Overview: The Yeti Lowlands is of the very best sturdiness, although at a heftier worth level. It’s a a lot thicker blanket that features insulation and padding. The fabric additionally blocks sand from arising by way of the mat, in contrast to the CGear Multimats because 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 measurement and with a separate carry case.

Nomadix Competition Blanket Overview: Though additionally very skinny just like the CGear, the Nomadix Competition Blanket is extra packable. Though it doesn’t include its personal carry case, it may be folded as much as the scale of a 32 ouncesNalgene. Nevertheless, 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 larger worth and general higher sturdiness than the GGear. Nevertheless, 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.