CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat Camping Blanket Review

Bottom Line

The CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is a unique ground blanket design, specifically for sandy environments. While it comes in two sizes, we tested it in the large option which offered incredible coverage. Two people can either lay on the blanket side by side or in opposite directions. Being able to roll up the blanket into its own carry bag is also a convenient feature. Even in size large, the blanket rolled up to a decent size – even smaller than the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket in size medium when it was packed up. 

The mesh polyester material allows sand to pass through the blanket easily, making it simple to shake off after a long beach day. However, we did notice that this mesh material worked both ways: while sand easily shed off and through the mesh fabric, it also came up through it when laying on the mat. This made the blanket perpetually sandy and also made it difficult to roll up without collecting sand in the process. However, when we tested its effectiveness at handling moisture, it was incredibly fast drying compared to other blankets we reviewed, making it ideal for environments where it might get wet.

During our testing process, we did find that the CGear mat felt slightly abrasive on bare skin compared to the other blankets we tested in our guide to the best camping blankets. While it wasn’t the most comfortable material, we still found it to be a decent option for the price. Overall, CGear has created a unique ground blanket that dries quickly and holds up in diverse environments with the daily beach-goer in mind.

How We Tested

The NanoLoft traveled with us along the chilly Northern CA coastline. We tested how much of a “wet blanket” this little wonder could possibly be by pouring water on it, laying it on wet ground and using it in places where lots of debris could rough it up.

Back in the frontcountry, we completed a standardized warmth test where we wrapped the blanket around a heated hot sock for 30 min to track the loss of heat over time and rank its insulating properties. 

Durability

The machine-washable polyester used in the CGear Multimats is durable and showed no signs of wear after being used on multiple beach trips. When we poured water over the blanket, it beaded off easily and didn’t get absorbed into the fabric. When the blanket did get wet, it dried quickly, noticeably faster than other blankets in our review. It surprised us with how weather-resistant this blanket is; even with its mesh material, water never seems to filter through the fabric, instead always running off of it.

During our shake test, where we covered the blanket with sand to see how much debris would cling to the fabric, we found that sand easily filtered off (and through) the mesh. CGear’s big claim is its ability to keep the mat sand-free due to its unique design. However, while sand is easy to remove from the blanket, the opposite is also true. When laying on the mat, we find that sand also filters up through the mesh, creating a sandy layer on the mat. It was impossible to lounge on the mat and be entirely sand-free.

Warmth

Ground blankets aren’t inherently designed for warmth and the CGear Multimats was one of the least warm blankets in our test due to its thinness, lack of insulation, and mesh material that allows ample airflow.

Aside from experiencing this in the field ourselves, we completed a standardized and controlled test, where we wrapped the blanket around a heated hot sock (136F) for 30 minutes in a 60F room. We then took the final temperature with an infrared thermometer and determined the amount of heat loss that the hot sock experienced to quantify the insulating ability of each blanket. The CGear Multimats lost a whopping 28.8 degrees, proving its lack of insulation and inability to retain heat. 

While the CGear lacks warmth, it provides excellent breathability due to its mesh fabric.

Size to Packability

The GGear Multimat is easily packed for a day at the beach. Even in the size large (the size that we tested), we found that, at 7” x 14,” it packs down to a decent size compared to other ground blankets we tested. It was even smaller and lighter than the Nemo Victory Patio Mat in size medium. We also love how this mat rolls up into its own carry case, with an attached handle for easy transport. However, due to its mesh material, it can be difficult to roll up while on the beach due to the tendency for sand to infiltrate the fabric and get trapped while the blanket is being packed away. We found that, once home from the beach, the CGear Multimats contained more sand than other blankets when we unrolled them for cleaning.

When laid out fully, the large CGear mat measures 78” x78,” which is one of the more generously sized blankets that we tested – making its coverage-to-packability ratio very competitive. One person can completely “starfish” on the mat, fully lengthening their arms and legs without directly touching the ground. Two people can lounge side by side comfortably.

Comfort

Of all the blankets we tested, the CGear Multimats isn’t our top recommendation for comfort. It lacks the smoothness and softness in the material to give it a high-performance ranking in this category. The polyester feels slightly abrasive to exposed skin and has a plasticky feel to it. 

Although its generous sizing offered comfort due to its coverage, the thinness of the mat doesn’t offer as much padding or protection as we like to have in a ground blanket. 

Since the sand also came up through the mesh while laying on the blanket, we found it to add to the abrasiveness of the material and made it hard for us to stay clean and keep sand off our clothes and out of our personal items. However, we did note that the CGear performed better on compact and wet sand than it did on loose dry sand, where this issue was more prominent.

Features

Overall, the CGear doesn’t offer as many features as other blankets we tested in our review. However, like the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket, it rolls up into its own carry case that latches onto itself and can be carried by its attached handle. This is convenient when at the beach so that there is no worry of a separate storage bag getting blown away in the wind or misplaced.

The main feature that the CGear is known for is its meshy design that sheds sand easily. We found this feature to be counterproductive due to the sand that would ultimately come up through the material, no matter how easy it was to shake off at the end of the day. However, other factors affect the performance of the blanket, including the size of the sand particles and moisture content of the sand. Depending on your specific environment and use, this mat can have varying levels of performance.

Should You Buy the CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat?

The CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat is designed with the avid beach-goer in mind, whether it be on river beaches or sandy coastlines. For those looking for a unique mat design with exceptional coverage, excellent water-resistance, and decent packability, it is worth considering adding to your gear collection. 

However, if you desire a blanket with more features, versatility, and reliability regarding its performance in different sandy environments, I would take a look at our other ground blanket suggestions in our gear guide to find the best fit for your needs. While there are some perks to the CGear Multimats, we found that its value doesn’t quite compete with some other blankets we tested when taking into consideration cost and pros/cons.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

This mat is great for what it’s meant for, but if you think you might need something different, here are three other camping blankets from our guide to the best camping blankets to consider: 

Yeti Lowlands Review: The Yeti Lowlands is of the highest durability, though at a heftier price point. It is a much thicker blanket that includes insulation and padding. The material also blocks sand from coming up through the mat, unlike the CGear Multimats due to its mesh material. While the Yeti Lowlands performs just as well as the CGear in regards to water resistance, it comes in a bulkier size and with a separate carry case.

Nomadix Festival Blanket Review: Although also very thin like the CGear, the Nomadix Festival Blanket is more packable. Although it doesn’t come with its own carry case, it can be folded up to the size of a 32 oz Nalgene. However, it lacks the same water-resistance and overall durability as the CGear.

Nemo Victory Patio Blanket Review: Lastly, the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket comes at a slightly higher price and overall better durability than the GGear. However, it also rolls up into its own carry case, is fairly thin, and comes in two different sizes like the CGear. The Nemo has a softer material and is more versatile for adventures beyond the sandy beach.