CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat Tenting Blanket Assessment

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 giant possibility which provided unimaginable protection. Two individuals can both lay on the blanket facet by facet or in reverse instructions. With the ability to roll up the blanket into its personal carry bag can be a handy function. Even in dimension giant, 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 go via 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 material, it additionally got here up via it when laying on the mat. This made the blanket perpetually sandy and in addition made it tough to roll up with out gathering 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 ideally suited 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. Total, 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 might presumably be by pouring water on it, laying it on moist floor and utilizing it in locations the place numerous 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 quicker than different blankets in our overview. It shocked us with how weather-resistant this blanket is; even with its mesh materials, water by no means appears to filter via the material, as a substitute all the time working off of it.

Throughout our shake take a look at, 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 huge declare is its capacity to maintain the mat sand-free attributable to its distinctive design. Nonetheless, whereas sand is straightforward to take away from the blanket, the other can be true. When laying on the mat, we discover that sand additionally filters up via 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 attributable to its thinness, lack of insulation, and mesh materials that enables ample airflow.

Except for 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 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 capacity 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 supplies glorious breathability attributable to its mesh material.

Measurement to Packability

The GGear Multimat is well packed for a day on the seashore. Even within the dimension giant (the dimensions that we examined), we discovered that, at 7” x 14,” it packs all the way 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 simple transport. Nonetheless, attributable to its mesh materials, it may be tough 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 dwelling from the seashore, the CGear Multimats contained extra sand than different blankets after we unrolled them for cleansing.

When laid out totally, the big CGear mat measures 78” x78,” which is likely one of the extra generously sized blankets that we examined – making its coverage-to-packability ratio very aggressive. One particular person can utterly “starfish” on the mat, totally lengthening their legs and arms with out straight 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 high 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 provided consolation attributable to its protection, the thinness of the mat doesn’t supply as a lot padding or safety as we prefer to have in a floor blanket. 

Because the sand additionally got here up via 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 hold sand off our garments and out of our private objects. Nonetheless, 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 distinguished.

Options

Total, the CGear doesn’t supply as many options as different blankets we examined in our overview. Nonetheless, just like the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket, it rolls up into its personal carry case that latches onto itself and might be carried by its connected deal with. That is handy when on the seashore in order that there is no such thing as a fear of a separate storage bag getting blown away within the wind or misplaced.

The primary function that the CGear is understood for is its meshy design that sheds sand simply. We discovered this function to be counterproductive as a result of sand that might finally come up via the fabric, irrespective of how straightforward 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 it’s on river seashores or sandy coastlines. For these in search of a singular mat design with distinctive protection, glorious water-resistance, and respectable packability, it’s price contemplating including to your gear assortment. 

Nonetheless, should you need a blanket with extra options, versatility, and reliability relating to its efficiency in numerous sandy environments, I’d check out our different floor blanket strategies in our gear information to search out one of the best match in 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 considering 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 assume you would possibly want one thing totally different, listed below are three different tenting blankets from our information to one of the best tenting blankets to contemplate: 

Yeti Lowlands Assessment: The Yeti Lowlands is of the very 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 via the mat, in contrast to the CGear Multimats attributable to 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 dimension and with a separate carry case.

Nomadix Pageant Blanket Assessment: 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 Assessment: Lastly, the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket comes at a barely increased 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 totally different sizes just like the CGear. The Nemo has a softer materials and is extra versatile for adventures past the sandy seashore.