CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat Tenting Blanket Overview

Backside Line

The CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is a novel floor blanket design, particularly for sandy environments. Whereas it is available in two sizes, we examined it within the giant choice which provided unimaginable protection. Two individuals can both lay on the blanket facet by facet or in reverse instructions. Having the ability to roll up the blanket into its personal carry bag can also be a handy characteristic. Even in measurement giant, the blanket rolled as much as a good measurement – even smaller than the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket in measurement medium when it was packed up. 

The mesh polyester materials permits sand to go by way of the blanket simply, making it easy to shake off after an extended seashore day. Nonetheless, we did discover that this mesh materials labored each methods: whereas sand simply shed off and thru the mesh material, it additionally got here up by way of it when laying on the mat. This made the blanket perpetually sandy and likewise made it troublesome to roll up with out accumulating sand within the course of. Nonetheless, after we examined its effectiveness at dealing with moisture, it was extremely quick drying in comparison with different blankets we reviewed, making it ultimate 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 the very best tenting blankets. Whereas it wasn’t probably the most snug materials, we nonetheless discovered it to be a good choice for the worth. Total, CGear has created a novel floor blanket that dries shortly and holds up in various 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 might probably 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 check 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 wear and tear 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 quicker than different blankets in our assessment. 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 a substitute at all times working off of it.

Throughout our shake check, the place we lined 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 capability to maintain the mat sand-free on account of its distinctive design. Nonetheless, whereas sand is straightforward to take away from the blanket, the other can also 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 completely sand-free.

Heat

Floor blankets aren’t inherently designed for heat and the CGear Multimats was one of many least heat blankets in our check on account of its thinness, lack of insulation, and mesh materials that permits ample airflow.

Apart from experiencing this within the discipline ourselves, we accomplished a standardized and managed check, 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 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 offers wonderful breathability on account of its mesh material.

Measurement to Packability

The GGear Multimat is well packed for a day on the seashore. Even within the measurement giant (the scale that we examined), we discovered that, at 7” x 14,” it packs all the way down to a good 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 hooked up deal with for simple transport. Nonetheless, on account 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 after we unrolled them for cleansing.

When laid out totally, 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 particular person can fully “starfish” on the mat, totally lengthening their legs and arms with out immediately touching the bottom. Two individuals can lounge facet by facet comfortably.

Consolation

Of all of the blankets we examined, the CGear Multimats isn’t our prime advice for consolation. It lacks the smoothness and softness within the materials to present 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 on account of its protection, the thinness of the mat doesn’t provide as a lot padding or safety as we wish to have in a floor blanket. 

Because the 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 onerous for us to remain clear and preserve sand off our garments and out of our private gadgets. Nonetheless, we did observe that the CGear carried out higher on compact and moist sand than it did on unfastened dry sand, the place this subject was extra distinguished.

Options

Total, the CGear doesn’t provide as many options as different blankets we examined in our assessment. Nonetheless, just like the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket, it rolls up into its personal carry case that latches onto itself and will be carried by its hooked up 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 primary characteristic that the CGear is understood for is its meshy design that sheds sand simply. We discovered this characteristic to be counterproductive as a result of 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. Nonetheless, 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 atmosphere 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 searching for a novel mat design with distinctive protection, wonderful water-resistance, and first rate packability, it’s value contemplating including to your gear assortment. 

Nonetheless, in case you need a blanket with extra options, versatility, and reliability relating to its efficiency in several sandy environments, I might check out our different floor blanket options in our gear information to search out the very 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 bearing in mind price and professionals/cons.

What Different Tenting Blankets Ought to You Contemplate?

This mat is nice for what it’s meant for, however in case you assume you may want one thing totally different, listed below are three different tenting blankets from our information to the very best tenting blankets to think about: 

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 developing by way of the mat, in contrast to the CGear Multimats on account of its mesh materials. Whereas the Yeti Lowlands performs simply in addition to the CGear with regard 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. Nonetheless, it lacks the identical water-resistance and total sturdiness because the CGear.

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