*Check out all the New Gear from Sea to Summit:* geni.us/wQ2hAe (Sponsored) Zenbivy UL Bed: geni.us/JZvsbtZ Zenbivy UL Mattress: geni.us/ft1U Nemo Moonlight Elite: geni.us/0UFAZyB Nemo Tensor All Season: geni.us/PzoR Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions: geni.us/MXfqR Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner: geni.us/ADOi Sea to Summit Spark Pro Sleeping Bag: geni.us/xjxf Sea to Summit Frontier Cookware: geni.us/cIVtQk Zpacks Plex Solo Lite: geni.us/CNgEE
I have a sincere question for you that perhaps could be addressed in a video? How do you know when to stop buying gear? I feel like I maybe hit that spot early last summer ... everything is dialed in: I like what I have, I know how to use it, and I feel prepared for the backpacking situations I would find myself in. But I still watch the gear videos, I browse the gear sites ... for what? We can't be perpetual consumers, so what would you consider to be the cutoff criteria?
Great question. Not that this is the perfect answer but I think depends on the gear to situation. I have 3 season hiking stuff pretty dialed in but am starting to dabble in winter backpacking/mountaineering which has similarities but still very different beast. Some things I can use for both but my UL tent needs to be different for example. I still watch gear videos and am just curious what other people are doing. But every once in a while, I will see something that can solve a problem that no other piece of gear could previously and will sometimes pull the trigger on a new purchase. Needs to be substantial though. I hate the waste so will usually find someone who needs the gear and give it to them. I will also buy to update worn out gear. I try to live by “if it aint broke don’t fix it.” If you have your stuff dialed in then you should be good to go but with time comes opportunity to make things stronger, lighter or more functional. Very tempting to get new stuff but from experience sometimes the new stuff needs to first make it through the test of time.
What makes you think you haven't found it? Sounds pretty much so. 😄 The interest for gear videos is also just about general curiosity. If there's actual anything new innovations or not.
I agree with curiosity but part of me wants to find something that will make my experience that much better. An example is my cook system. Have a soto windmaster which does great in the wind but sometimes it is so windy in certain locations (Iceland), that my pot falls off unless I hold it. Just found a pot that not only will help keep my stove attached but shield from the wind has a heat diffuser and has an insert that fits perfectly with the triflex. Now my pot stays on the stove in the wind, heats water faster, helps block the wind more without a weight penalty and cost is the same as my toaks 750ml.
You are there! If you’re dialed in and happy then enjoy backpacking. I’m a gear junky too but I take pride in using my gear till it disintegrates as long as it is still fulfilling the function I bought it for. I’m not an ultralight gear seeker. Sure I choose lightweight gear but like you I’m dialed in and refuse to pay for exorbitantly priced gear to shave a few grams or ounces. Balancing Function, comfort, weight, and cost is the challenge. Gear is very personal so if you’re happy with what you enjoy it!
Look at the gear interest as part of the hobby instead of a need to buy it. I like gear because it helps me stay connected to backpacking/hiking when I am not on the trail. The technology and innovation is also interesting. I also watch a lot of tech RUclips channels and it's the same relationship. I have probably watched every MKBHD video over the last few years but have bought maybe 2 things he has talked about.
I’ve heard about zen bivy and am currently ramping up my ul setup. Imagine my frustration at the half sheet, the sold out mattresses, and the sold out pillows.
I really really wanted a Zenbivy set up but I just couldn't afford one. So I kept looking and looking for an alternative at a good price and I ended up with the Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 (max I'll go down to is 30f). So I've never really seen anyone talking on RUclips about this sort of situation, clearance, end of line products etc can often give you 95% of what you want while saving you 50%-70%. I ended up paying $190 (£150) for the long wide model. I'd love to see you make a video on this subject. Great vid as always. Cheers from the UK
Oh yeah, full sheet all the way. The sheet is there to protect the mattress pad from oils and dirt. Lower legs have so much sunscreen and dirt if you wear shorts, and backpacker feet…yeah, that part of the mattress pad being protected is important. Sad they don’t offer a full sheet at the moment. I’ve been trying for years (I bought during their Kickstarter of the first snap system version) for them to get a summer version sheet.
Fire maple petrel 650ml pot. Has heat diffuser, insulated handle, clear pot lid to see inside with silicone grip still very light. Does 90% of what I want to do. Stove is the soto windmaster w/triflex that works perfectly with it. Works in high winds. When melting snow need a larger pot. Have an MSR 1.5 L pot that I use with the MSR windburner or if very cold wind pro 2
Zen Bivy full sheet vs half sheet: have both. I have not found it to be as much of an issue as some have. If it’s cool enough to wear at least a base layer on legs then I don’t notice any difference between full and half sheet. I’m happy to save the weight with the half sheet. If it’s warm weather and legs are bare I notice the difference but I have not found it objectionable like I thought I would. I did upgrade to the UL version when it was on sale 30% off from the original Light version. There has been quite a few refinements over the years and they add up to a better product. The new pad and pillow are fantastic- every bit as comfortable has bed at home (a new very expensive bed at that). I have a 12 day trek coming up and that means a heavy pack so while $$, the weight savings are worth it to me. As for the Nemo chair- the jury is still out for me as I don’t know if a chair in general is worth it to me or not?
For around 2x the outlay as the Reactor liner, and 100g less weight, you can get a minimal down summer bag to act as an inner bag. This fills all the space inside your bag, preventing inefficient air circulation. Testing of this filler bag concept by PHD Designs, the bespoke bag manufacturer, has found that it's highly efficient. A filler bag weighing under 250g/9oz can add 10C/18F to a bag's performance.
@@sk-wx1cf Twice the weight for less warmth. Maybe an option if your budget is very limited, but something like the Cumulus bag will perform much better for a modest extra outlay - especially as it will last for literally decades with light use.
That seems way more efficient. Probably a better solution for many people. But as someone who doesn't use down it's not an option for me. Also, I really like the idea that I can wash the liner and keep my sleeping bag from getting too stinky 🙈😄
@@summoningmoon4560 Fair enough - it's a choice. Down is the most efficient and long-lasting insulator, but if you have medical or ethical issues using it you simply have to accept a little extra weight and bulk in your pack.
I finally got the Zen Bivy light quilt and my only complaint was about the half sheet. I find having it only secured up top and not the bottom felt strange and the half sheet kept riding up my pad as I moved around. Might go ahead and buy a full sheet if I can find one.
The core sheet is a full sheet and is supposed to work with the light bed but I can’t confirm personally. (But I don’t see why it wouldn’t) it’s a little heavier then my original full length light sheet but only by a couple ounces.
As of the other day they still had last years light sheets (full sheet and lighter than core) available for a discount. I bought the old light sheet and the new light quilt. Perfect combo.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Any of the clip sheets are usable with any of the clip quilts. So you can use the core sheet with the lighter quilts. I agree the full length sheet is way better.
I first learned about Zinbivy from your sleep system video a while back and Im very grateful for it. I now have a 2-person 25° bed that I use in 3 season with my girlfriend, and a 10° light that has done well even in snow camping. I was worried that not having a fully enclosed bag would be a problem, but the system does work great. Shame they cut the sheets in half, I suppose I can see the rationale for the UL but it seems unnecessary for the standard Light.
I have a reactor liner and normal fleece liner (much thicker fleece than reactor). The normal fleece liner wins out for comfort and use. The reactor wins out when used as full mumy bag liner but in less than extreme temps adds little value. Regular fleece liner alone is great alone at 18c+ temps but reactor liner needs 24+ as stand alone.
Hey! I made it in the video (sort of). I paused the Moonlight Elite comments when they flashed and there I was 😄 Really wish it would’ve worked out as a lightweight backpacking chair. The build quality was fantastic. The comfort…not so much. I am gonna pick up one of those R5 Zenbivy mattresses though. I had been checking them out and after your recommendation…I think I’ll pull the trigger on one.
6:42 I have started using that Sea to Summit collapsible cup as a lid as well. I'm guessing maybe I saw you do it...? In addition to the fact that it gives me a cup, it also has measurements inside in both metric, ounces, and cups, which is nice because the backpacking meal companies can't decide on one measuring system. It's also easier to read than the measurements inside my Toaks pot.
@@mikezaloudek4893 I find that the new ones don’t do as well, they changed the siding and have extra plates between the lip and the bottom. It’s more clunky and doesn’t pack down quite as small. 😫🙃
The cocoon liners (merino) are the best IMO. Sleeping in merino is so nice - temperature regulation, not simply warmth. I find them to add, reliably, 15 degrees to a pad and quilt if not more.
Completely agree with you on the full sheet vs half sheet. I can't imagine a significant weight or space savings from going to half sheet. I assume most of the weight savings is from the 900 fill.
I saw you mention synthetic jackets. I have more experience with then all most anyone maybe? The first one I ever had was in 1972. It was thick and as a kid I could play all day in it the kids with down jackets would get soaked and go home. That was when I was forever sold on synthetic jackets. LLBean was the first to use Primaloft one. The finest synthetic jacket ever made was the All Conditions Primaloft one jacket. It had 200 grams in the hood arms and body. And the build quality was amazing. In 1992 I bought my mom that jacket. She almost never wares it because how warm it is. Not was IS!!!!! Because I am looking at it now. In perfect condition. Outside shell is cobalt blue inside its orange. The tag reads LLBean made in Freeport Maine. God I wished they still made this. For years I have been calling them asking them to remake that jacket. I did that for years. One year they finally did. It was under a different name by LL Bean so I bought two of them one of them is still in its clear wrapping. One of the toughest places to test jackets is in the Smokys and in the second week of Feb. Cold wet. When the sun is out wet sloshy snow is always falling on you. I have done that for 30 or more years.
The warmest most versatile combo I have found to date. A coolmax long sleeve tee shirt and two LL Bean Primaloft packaway jackets. No other layers needed. This combo also dries the fastest. The Enlightened Torid jacket works just as well. In truly extreme cold add a Torrid hood 6 once. With this combo you wont feel even minus 30 when stopped for prolong periods of time.
Do you have a review of the s2s spark pro 30F? Is the function to open it as a quilt or to walk around in it and its versatility worth the extra weight to the normal spark? Would you still prefer the zenbivy?
How much difference does that zenbivy half sheet actually make? It’s only your legs and feet touching the pad. Wear socks usually and it’s next to nothing ‘exposed’. I’d be more concerned it says in place ok. Another thing not mentioned is the zenbivy ultralight quilt is far more expensive than the light. For not much gain.
Do you think the Nemo tensor extreme would be a good sleeping pad for summer? I want to do winter camping but I don't want to spend money on two sleeping pad. If I turn the pad upside down and all the mylar sheet are stacked together (for summer time), will it still be warm enough?
used my tensor extreme this winter and LOVED it. Super happy with it. I couple it with my enlightened equip. 10 F quilt. perfect combo and used reactor liner when it got around 0.
Hey man Can I request a video? I'd be really interested to know what is the best sleeping set up for high consequence mountaineering trips (summitting large peaks over multiple days) Context: In the mountaineering community, the experienced guys all have stories of having 1 of the worst nights of their lives on a trip when their inflatable sleeping mat failed up high on a mountain peak, so most of these guys tend to be very bias against inflatable mats in favour of something like the Thermarest Z lite SOL + a foam pad + sleeping on top of ropes (as uncomfortable as it sounds, although it does offer added R-value, how much, I'm not sure) So what I'd like to know is: Is this the best case? How would a semi foam/semi inflating pad work worst case vs the Z lite SOL pad (assuming the semi inflation failed on the pad) Parameters: The mountaineering community had a bias towards lite weight for obvious reasons (Trad gear, ropes, harness, helmet, full hard shell, spare warm clothing, sleeping pillow, avalance beacon, PLB/In reach, food, cooking gear, tent, sleeping bag, etc all adds up and ends up weighing a lot!), however, almost as bad is bulk, moving in an alpine environment (or sub-alpine up to alpine, aka bush bashing) is quite difficult when your pack is really bulky, easy to catch a tree branch or the increased profile can mean wind pushes you around a little more (not great when doing a grade 2 or 3 scramble without ropes or grade 3-5 with ropes). So I'd like to know what other options there are as well as how they perform worse case, the relative weights, the relative pack size and the cost of each option. It would be a really interesting video. I personally still using inflatable mats as I've always carried AquaSeal gel for patching my inflatable mat, although I've never had 1 fail at serious elevation b4 to be fair.
I was thinking of upgrading my sleep system to the Zenbivy this year, but took one look at the half sheet and thought NO - I want a full sheet so I didn't bother. I really don't want to have half my body on my sleep mat - not my idea of a comfortable set up - just the opposite.
Thanks Steven! Perfect timing as I look to upgrade my sleep system. I bought the 2023 light sheets after watching your videos. Would you take the Zenbivy Mattress over the Big Agnes Rapide SL? On paper, they seem almost exactly the same with the Zen Bivy Ultralight being a couple oz less than BA. Thoughts?
Maybe not a sponsor-friendly question but here goes anyway. :). How does a set of thermals or long-legged/sleeved baselayers compare to a bag liner? For anyone worried about the extra weight of extra warmth, maybe something that's both warm and can be used elsewhere/at other times might be a good option? Unless the bag liner spanks it on heat retention. Sound slike a good freezer experiment. Cheers!
Much warmer! I often wear my puffy to sleep, gives me a handy hood since I use a quilt. In winter I add puffy pants too, but something like polar fleece alpha or patagonia R1 thermals does very well too and are nice at camp in the winter in the evening before sleeping too.
The new Sea to summit spark pros definitely seem like an upgrade from the previous models, I am curious about the 15 degree bag with its 950 fill down how much better it is but 784 grams i think it says on the site, is a good light weight for a full sleeping bag.
Apologies if you mentioned this but why don’t you like the Zenbivy ultra sheet? Is it only because you already have the full size sheet? If the full sheet did not exist would you like the ultra light sheet or would you stay away regardless and why? Thanks!
I love Zenbivy and if the half sheet was the only option I’d still buy it and it would be my favorite. I got word yesterday they are bringing back the full sheet for the light bed.
I would definitely not recommend the new STS Frontier cups for hot drinks or as a pot lid, they get sooooo hot! Their old collapsible cups are awesome, but these new ones seem to suck all the heat out of liquid in them and are unbearable to hold 😬
Quick, honest question. I believe your video mentioned the ZenBivy ultralight mattress had a 5.0 R value, but their website lists 4.8. Did I mishear what you said? Thanks for the videos, helpful stuff.
I said 5R but 4.8 is probably accurate. I’ve heard them talk about the 5R in interviews but I think they were rounding up for the sake of “matching” the ISO standard. There is a margin of error allowed in the ASTM standard from one pad to another but I don’t remember how much it is. You and I probably can’t feel the difference between 4.8 and a 5 r value.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Thanks. Just curious, do you feel much of a warmth / comfort difference between the ZenBivy at 4.8 and the Nemo Tensor All Season at 5.4? I generally don’t camp in super cold weather, generally 30 degrees or above.
@@LovingMidLife it’s very difficult to feel a difference between two closely rated pads. Even if you had them side by side and switched between them in the middle of the night the act of getting out of your bag/quilt for even a second will chill you and make the next pad feel. Not to mention the pad is heated by your body and takes a few mins to warm up. If you spend two different nights on two different closely rated pads the temps might be slightly different and give a false sense of one being warmer. Unfortunately all we have is the ASTM rating system. And reviewers like myself can either confirm it was warm or it wasn’t. I’ve tried to set up my own ASTM like testing system but ran into problems with the way I was testing. You can see those tests here: Can You Test Gear in a Freezer? ruclips.net/video/M3rMJmenSWo/видео.html
I bought a used Gen 1 Plex Solo for $450. I'm totally satisfied. I think they made the floor out of the body Dyneema. I feel it would really be too delicate. My floor is markedly thicker than the body.
[Suggestion] Then comparing numers, please keep both numbers on the screen. It makes it easier to compare, as watching video and remembering numbers is so hard :)
I like your videos, they seem honest👍🏽 Had an idea for a video right now: If you'd know a company which could produce everything for backpacking, what custom made gear would you want?
No. 900 fill power is lighter. The higher the fill power the fewer features it takes to make the same amount of loft. There is even 950 and 1000 fill power downs but anything over 900 is pretty rare.
The Nemo Elite was def uncomfortable to me as well. The new Moonlite, slightly heavier version, is very comfortable and I got it. Better than the Helinox and Flexlite as well. Followed your advice and sat in them all, had been close to just buying the Elite and glad i didnt. Still a win for Nemo!
Awesome video. I appreciate how concise and informative these videos are without feeling like you rush through them. Also appreciate you affirming my decisions! Went with the zenbivy light bed but opted for the core sheet because of the reasons you laid out here. Cheers
I’m 5’7” I went down that rabbit hole and asked a bunch of people their hight, torso length, and even chest circumference. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern that I could decipher
I think I heard they cut the plex solo weight by making the floor thinner and Im just not sure I would wanna sacrifice durability for an ounce. If they really want me to buy a new one, it needs ventilation at the top 😂
I sat in the Nemo and the helinox and the Nemo felt way more stable for me. I felt like I was falling back too easy with the helinox and I need it for my autistic kid that rocks a lot and there’s no way he would stay upright.
@@MyLifeOutdoors The huge white plastic paperish “not to be removed… blah blah blah” nonsense labels they sew into the seams of everything they make. They are hard to miss actually. I just bought an entire setup and every piece of it has one.
They moved to a half sheet so they could remove the need to have sheets in multiple lengths. The full sheet is a far better design so this decision is purely a business one, rather than a consumer driven one. Disappointing.
I think you should put a disclaimer on your critique on some equipment when it's directly corelated with your weight. There's a difference in mechanical limit and comfort limit with many comfort things and the UL movement definitely pushes you to be in shape/have functional muscle and flexibility/low body fat % in order for many things to be comfortable. They design for the majority rather than the minority.
Been 2 months since you put out your bogus challenge video where lots of people called you out and gave better lists. How much longer is it going to take you to acknowledge that your video was nothing more than a glorified AD and send the people their gear?
*Check out all the New Gear from Sea to Summit:* geni.us/wQ2hAe (Sponsored)
Zenbivy UL Bed: geni.us/JZvsbtZ
Zenbivy UL Mattress: geni.us/ft1U
Nemo Moonlight Elite: geni.us/0UFAZyB
Nemo Tensor All Season: geni.us/PzoR
Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions: geni.us/MXfqR
Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner: geni.us/ADOi
Sea to Summit Spark Pro Sleeping Bag: geni.us/xjxf
Sea to Summit Frontier Cookware: geni.us/cIVtQk
Zpacks Plex Solo Lite: geni.us/CNgEE
I have a sincere question for you that perhaps could be addressed in a video? How do you know when to stop buying gear? I feel like I maybe hit that spot early last summer ... everything is dialed in: I like what I have, I know how to use it, and I feel prepared for the backpacking situations I would find myself in. But I still watch the gear videos, I browse the gear sites ... for what? We can't be perpetual consumers, so what would you consider to be the cutoff criteria?
Great question. Not that this is the perfect answer but I think depends on the gear to situation. I have 3 season hiking stuff pretty dialed in but am starting to dabble in winter backpacking/mountaineering which has similarities but still very different beast. Some things I can use for both but my UL tent needs to be different for example. I still watch gear videos and am just curious what other people are doing. But every once in a while, I will see something that can solve a problem that no other piece of gear could previously and will sometimes pull the trigger on a new purchase. Needs to be substantial though. I hate the waste so will usually find someone who needs the gear and give it to them. I will also buy to update worn out gear. I try to live by “if it aint broke don’t fix it.” If you have your stuff dialed in then you should be good to go but with time comes opportunity to make things stronger, lighter or more functional. Very tempting to get new stuff but from experience sometimes the new stuff needs to first make it through the test of time.
What makes you think you haven't found it? Sounds pretty much so. 😄
The interest for gear videos is also just about general curiosity. If there's actual anything new innovations or not.
I agree with curiosity but part of me wants to find something that will make my experience that much better. An example is my cook system. Have a soto windmaster which does great in the wind but sometimes it is so windy in certain locations (Iceland), that my pot falls off unless I hold it. Just found a pot that not only will help keep my stove attached but shield from the wind has a heat diffuser and has an insert that fits perfectly with the triflex. Now my pot stays on the stove in the wind, heats water faster, helps block the wind more without a weight penalty and cost is the same as my toaks 750ml.
You are there! If you’re dialed in and happy then enjoy backpacking. I’m a gear junky too but I take pride in using my gear till it disintegrates as long as it is still fulfilling the function I bought it for. I’m not an ultralight gear seeker. Sure I choose lightweight gear but like you I’m dialed in and refuse to pay for exorbitantly priced gear to shave a few grams or ounces. Balancing Function, comfort, weight, and cost is the challenge. Gear is very personal so if you’re happy with what you enjoy it!
Look at the gear interest as part of the hobby instead of a need to buy it. I like gear because it helps me stay connected to backpacking/hiking when I am not on the trail. The technology and innovation is also interesting. I also watch a lot of tech RUclips channels and it's the same relationship. I have probably watched every MKBHD video over the last few years but have bought maybe 2 things he has talked about.
As a Zen Bivy owner, I 100% agree getting rid of the full sheet design makes zero sense. I hope ZenBivy is reading these comments
I picked up a lite quilt and a core sheet so I think they have a great system for those that want to mix and match.
I’ve heard about zen bivy and am currently ramping up my ul setup. Imagine my frustration at the half sheet, the sold out mattresses, and the sold out pillows.
I really really wanted a Zenbivy set up but I just couldn't afford one.
So I kept looking and looking for an alternative at a good price and I ended up with the Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 (max I'll go down to is 30f).
So I've never really seen anyone talking on RUclips about this sort of situation, clearance, end of line products etc can often give you 95% of what you want while saving you 50%-70%.
I ended up paying $190 (£150) for the long wide model.
I'd love to see you make a video on this subject.
Great vid as always.
Cheers from the UK
I don't have a problem with the Zenbivy UL design. It's the RIDICULOUS price that blows my mind.
Same was looking into buying the system. And it's even more expensive in europe... Wayyyyy to expensive
really hope other companies pick up the idea soon and offer it for a reasonable price
Oh yeah, full sheet all the way. The sheet is there to protect the mattress pad from oils and dirt. Lower legs have so much sunscreen and dirt if you wear shorts, and backpacker feet…yeah, that part of the mattress pad being protected is important. Sad they don’t offer a full sheet at the moment. I’ve been trying for years (I bought during their Kickstarter of the first snap system version) for them to get a summer version sheet.
Fire maple petrel 650ml pot. Has heat diffuser, insulated handle, clear pot lid to see inside with silicone grip still very light. Does 90% of what I want to do. Stove is the soto windmaster w/triflex that works perfectly with it. Works in high winds. When melting snow need a larger pot. Have an MSR 1.5 L pot that I use with the MSR windburner or if very cold wind pro 2
Zen Bivy full sheet vs half sheet: have both. I have not found it to be as much of an issue as some have. If it’s cool enough to wear at least a base layer on legs then I don’t notice any difference between full and half sheet. I’m happy to save the weight with the half sheet. If it’s warm weather and legs are bare I notice the difference but I have not found it objectionable like I thought I would.
I did upgrade to the UL version when it was on sale 30% off from the original Light version. There has been quite a few refinements over the years and they add up to a better product.
The new pad and pillow are fantastic- every bit as comfortable has bed at home (a new very expensive bed at that). I have a 12 day trek coming up and that means a heavy pack so while $$, the weight savings are worth it to me.
As for the Nemo chair- the jury is still out for me as I don’t know if a chair in general is worth it to me or not?
For around 2x the outlay as the Reactor liner, and 100g less weight, you can get a minimal down summer bag to act as an inner bag. This fills all the space inside your bag, preventing inefficient air circulation. Testing of this filler bag concept by PHD Designs, the bespoke bag manufacturer, has found that it's highly efficient. A filler bag weighing under 250g/9oz can add 10C/18F to a bag's performance.
Any specific down summer bag you have in mind? I am curious: )
Or something like the Horizon Hound down blanket. These add so much warmth.
@@sk-wx1cf Twice the weight for less warmth. Maybe an option if your budget is very limited, but something like the Cumulus bag will perform much better for a modest extra outlay - especially as it will last for literally decades with light use.
That seems way more efficient. Probably a better solution for many people. But as someone who doesn't use down it's not an option for me. Also, I really like the idea that I can wash the liner and keep my sleeping bag from getting too stinky 🙈😄
@@summoningmoon4560 Fair enough - it's a choice. Down is the most efficient and long-lasting insulator, but if you have medical or ethical issues using it you simply have to accept a little extra weight and bulk in your pack.
I finally got the Zen Bivy light quilt and my only complaint was about the half sheet. I find having it only secured up top and not the bottom felt strange and the half sheet kept riding up my pad as I moved around. Might go ahead and buy a full sheet if I can find one.
The core sheet is a full sheet and is supposed to work with the light bed but I can’t confirm personally. (But I don’t see why it wouldn’t) it’s a little heavier then my original full length light sheet but only by a couple ounces.
As of the other day they still had last years light sheets (full sheet and lighter than core) available for a discount. I bought the old light sheet and the new light quilt. Perfect combo.
@@MyLifeOutdoors I just got the UL quilt with the flex matress and a full core sheet. It all works great together.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Any of the clip sheets are usable with any of the clip quilts. So you can use the core sheet with the lighter quilts. I agree the full length sheet is way better.
I first learned about Zinbivy from your sleep system video a while back and Im very grateful for it. I now have a 2-person 25° bed that I use in 3 season with my girlfriend, and a 10° light that has done well even in snow camping. I was worried that not having a fully enclosed bag would be a problem, but the system does work great. Shame they cut the sheets in half, I suppose I can see the rationale for the UL but it seems unnecessary for the standard Light.
I have a reactor liner and normal fleece liner (much thicker fleece than reactor). The normal fleece liner wins out for comfort and use. The reactor wins out when used as full mumy bag liner but in less than extreme temps adds little value. Regular fleece liner alone is great alone at 18c+ temps but reactor liner needs 24+ as stand alone.
Hey! I made it in the video (sort of). I paused the Moonlight Elite comments when they flashed and there I was 😄
Really wish it would’ve worked out as a lightweight backpacking chair. The build quality was fantastic. The comfort…not so much.
I am gonna pick up one of those R5 Zenbivy mattresses though. I had been checking them out and after your recommendation…I think I’ll pull the trigger on one.
6:42 I have started using that Sea to Summit collapsible cup as a lid as well. I'm guessing maybe I saw you do it...? In addition to the fact that it gives me a cup, it also has measurements inside in both metric, ounces, and cups, which is nice because the backpacking meal companies can't decide on one measuring system. It's also easier to read than the measurements inside my Toaks pot.
I’m so upset they changed the mug design 🙃 they just aren’t as good. Glad I’ve got a few
@@hersheybarsamso only the old mugs they don’t make anymore work as a lid? If so that sucks!
@@mikezaloudek4893 I find that the new ones don’t do as well, they changed the siding and have extra plates between the lip and the bottom. It’s more clunky and doesn’t pack down quite as small. 😫🙃
The cocoon liners (merino) are the best IMO. Sleeping in merino is so nice - temperature regulation, not simply warmth. I find them to add, reliably, 15 degrees to a pad and quilt if not more.
Completely agree with you on the full sheet vs half sheet. I can't imagine a significant weight or space savings from going to half sheet. I assume most of the weight savings is from the 900 fill.
No. Most of the weight savings is they cut 6 inches off the length as compared to the 2023 fast foot box models!
I saw you mention synthetic jackets. I have more experience with then all most anyone maybe? The first one I ever had was in 1972. It was thick and as a kid I could play all day in it the kids with down jackets would get soaked and go home. That was when I was forever sold on synthetic jackets. LLBean was the first to use Primaloft one. The finest synthetic jacket ever made was the All Conditions Primaloft one jacket. It had 200 grams in the hood arms and body. And the build quality was amazing. In 1992 I bought my mom that jacket. She almost never wares it because how warm it is. Not was IS!!!!! Because I am looking at it now. In perfect condition. Outside shell is cobalt blue inside its orange. The tag reads LLBean made in Freeport Maine. God I wished they still made this. For years I have been calling them asking them to remake that jacket. I did that for years. One year they finally did. It was under a different name by LL Bean so I bought two of them one of them is still in its clear wrapping. One of the toughest places to test jackets is in the Smokys and in the second week of Feb. Cold wet. When the sun is out wet sloshy snow is always falling on you. I have done that for 30 or more years.
The warmest most versatile combo I have found to date. A coolmax long sleeve tee shirt and two LL Bean Primaloft packaway jackets. No other layers needed. This combo also dries the fastest. The Enlightened Torid jacket works just as well. In truly extreme cold add a Torrid hood 6 once. With this combo you wont feel even minus 30 when stopped for prolong periods of time.
Do you have a review of the s2s spark pro 30F? Is the function to open it as a quilt or to walk around in it and its versatility worth the extra weight to the normal spark? Would you still prefer the zenbivy?
How much difference does that zenbivy half sheet actually make? It’s only your legs and feet touching the pad. Wear socks usually and it’s next to nothing ‘exposed’. I’d be more concerned it says in place ok. Another thing not mentioned is the zenbivy ultralight quilt is far more expensive than the light. For not much gain.
Do you think the Nemo tensor extreme would be a good sleeping pad for summer? I want to do winter camping but I don't want to spend money on two sleeping pad.
If I turn the pad upside down and all the mylar sheet are stacked together (for summer time), will it still be warm enough?
Been trying to decide which zen bivy sheet to buy and this helped me choose! Thanks so much
used my tensor extreme this winter and LOVED it. Super happy with it. I couple it with my enlightened equip. 10 F quilt. perfect combo and used reactor liner when it got around 0.
Thank you! That’s what i was saying about the bottom sheet! I love my normal size Zenbivy😂
Yup, sticking with the full size light sheets we have for now. Hoping they'll change their minds soon and bring the full size back.
Hey man
Can I request a video?
I'd be really interested to know what is the best sleeping set up for high consequence mountaineering trips (summitting large peaks over multiple days)
Context:
In the mountaineering community, the experienced guys all have stories of having 1 of the worst nights of their lives on a trip when their inflatable sleeping mat failed up high on a mountain peak, so most of these guys tend to be very bias against inflatable mats in favour of something like the Thermarest Z lite SOL + a foam pad + sleeping on top of ropes (as uncomfortable as it sounds, although it does offer added R-value, how much, I'm not sure)
So what I'd like to know is: Is this the best case? How would a semi foam/semi inflating pad work worst case vs the Z lite SOL pad (assuming the semi inflation failed on the pad)
Parameters:
The mountaineering community had a bias towards lite weight for obvious reasons (Trad gear, ropes, harness, helmet, full hard shell, spare warm clothing, sleeping pillow, avalance beacon, PLB/In reach, food, cooking gear, tent, sleeping bag, etc all adds up and ends up weighing a lot!), however, almost as bad is bulk, moving in an alpine environment (or sub-alpine up to alpine, aka bush bashing) is quite difficult when your pack is really bulky, easy to catch a tree branch or the increased profile can mean wind pushes you around a little more (not great when doing a grade 2 or 3 scramble without ropes or grade 3-5 with ropes).
So I'd like to know what other options there are as well as how they perform worse case, the relative weights, the relative pack size and the cost of each option.
It would be a really interesting video. I personally still using inflatable mats as I've always carried AquaSeal gel for patching my inflatable mat, although I've never had 1 fail at serious elevation b4 to be fair.
I have the older reactor liner. The warmth increase is 100% noticeable. It gets used every time I camp now.
Could you maybe tell something about matching the zenbivy core sheet with non rectangular sleeping pads?
I was thinking of upgrading my sleep system to the Zenbivy this year, but took one look at the half sheet and thought NO - I want a full sheet so I didn't bother. I really don't want to have half my body on my sleep mat - not my idea of a comfortable set up - just the opposite.
Thanks Steven! Perfect timing as I look to upgrade my sleep system. I bought the 2023 light sheets after watching your videos.
Would you take the Zenbivy Mattress over the Big Agnes Rapide SL? On paper, they seem almost exactly the same with the Zen Bivy Ultralight being a couple oz less than BA. Thoughts?
Zenbivy mattress is a little thinner then that Rapide but I do think it’s more comfortable. Rapide is still a solid mattress
Maybe not a sponsor-friendly question but here goes anyway. :). How does a set of thermals or long-legged/sleeved baselayers compare to a bag liner? For anyone worried about the extra weight of extra warmth, maybe something that's both warm and can be used elsewhere/at other times might be a good option? Unless the bag liner spanks it on heat retention. Sound slike a good freezer experiment. Cheers!
Much warmer! I often wear my puffy to sleep, gives me a handy hood since I use a quilt. In winter I add puffy pants too, but something like polar fleece alpha or patagonia R1 thermals does very well too and are nice at camp in the winter in the evening before sleeping too.
I have RockFront quilt+sheet sleeping system. Ultralight and cheap
I'm glad I bought last year's model of the Zen Bivy. Now I just need to get that Compression end cap back in stock.
The new Sea to summit spark pros definitely seem like an upgrade from the previous models, I am curious about the 15 degree bag with its 950 fill down how much better it is but 784 grams i think it says on the site, is a good light weight for a full sleeping bag.
Apologies if you mentioned this but why don’t you like the Zenbivy ultra sheet? Is it only because you already have the full size sheet? If the full sheet did not exist would you like the ultra light sheet or would you stay away regardless and why? Thanks!
I love Zenbivy and if the half sheet was the only option I’d still buy it and it would be my favorite. I got word yesterday they are bringing back the full sheet for the light bed.
Love my Zenbivy, but not going to give up the full sheet to save a few ounces.
I would definitely not recommend the new STS Frontier cups for hot drinks or as a pot lid, they get sooooo hot! Their old collapsible cups are awesome, but these new ones seem to suck all the heat out of liquid in them and are unbearable to hold 😬
Quick, honest question. I believe your video mentioned the ZenBivy ultralight mattress had a 5.0 R value, but their website lists 4.8. Did I mishear what you said? Thanks for the videos, helpful stuff.
I said 5R but 4.8 is probably accurate. I’ve heard them talk about the 5R in interviews but I think they were rounding up for the sake of “matching” the ISO standard. There is a margin of error allowed in the ASTM standard from one pad to another but I don’t remember how much it is. You and I probably can’t feel the difference between 4.8 and a 5 r value.
@@MyLifeOutdoors Thanks. Just curious, do you feel much of a warmth / comfort difference between the ZenBivy at 4.8 and the Nemo Tensor All Season at 5.4? I generally don’t camp in super cold weather, generally 30 degrees or above.
@@LovingMidLife it’s very difficult to feel a difference between two closely rated pads. Even if you had them side by side and switched between them in the middle of the night the act of getting out of your bag/quilt for even a second will chill you and make the next pad feel. Not to mention the pad is heated by your body and takes a few mins to warm up.
If you spend two different nights on two different closely rated pads the temps might be slightly different and give a false sense of one being warmer. Unfortunately all we have is the ASTM rating system. And reviewers like myself can either confirm it was warm or it wasn’t.
I’ve tried to set up my own ASTM like testing system but ran into problems with the way I was testing. You can see those tests here: Can You Test Gear in a Freezer?
ruclips.net/video/M3rMJmenSWo/видео.html
Just got my UL zenbivy. I am stoked to put it to the test in a day or two.
I bought a used Gen 1 Plex Solo for $450. I'm totally satisfied. I think they made the floor out of the body Dyneema. I feel it would really be too delicate. My floor is markedly thicker than the body.
[Suggestion]
Then comparing numers, please keep both numbers on the screen. It makes it easier to compare, as watching video and remembering numbers is so hard :)
Not exactly on topic, but please let me know where i can get a hat like that. I need a replacement and that one is just what im looking for. Thanks!
It’s from Dorfman Pacific Company. I can’t remember the specific model. I folded the brim to fit it in my pack FYI
@@MyLifeOutdoors Awesome! Thank you. Was just introduced to backpacking and your channel. Love the content. Keep up the good work!
Great video and nice rewiev. Thanks for helping us buying the best gear possible!
I like your videos, they seem honest👍🏽
Had an idea for a video right now:
If you'd know a company which could produce everything for backpacking, what custom made gear would you want?
At 1:00 you said they saved weight by going up from 800 to 900 fill power. Wouldn’t that ADD weight?
No. 900 fill power is lighter. The higher the fill power the fewer features it takes to make the same amount of loft. There is even 950 and 1000 fill power downs but anything over 900 is pretty rare.
Maybe you should mark it more clearly that the 623g is the Regular Wide variant of the Tensor All-Season, the regular version is only 522g.
The Nemo Elite was def uncomfortable to me as well. The new Moonlite, slightly heavier version, is very comfortable and I got it. Better than the Helinox and Flexlite as well. Followed your advice and sat in them all, had been close to just buying the Elite and glad i didnt. Still a win for Nemo!
Take a look at the Naturehike YL08 chair, a really budget competition to big brands
This is one of the reason I went with the Zenbivy bed instead of the light or ultralight version wanted the full sheet
Awesome video. I appreciate how concise and informative these videos are without feeling like you rush through them.
Also appreciate you affirming my decisions! Went with the zenbivy light bed but opted for the core sheet because of the reasons you laid out here. Cheers
The first quilt is the deepest 😅
If you got the Nemo chair and you didn't like the way it dug into your back, how tall are you? I'm wondering if the comfort is a function of height.
I’m 5’7” I went down that rabbit hole and asked a bunch of people their hight, torso length, and even chest circumference. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern that I could decipher
I think I heard they cut the plex solo weight by making the floor thinner and Im just not sure I would wanna sacrifice durability for an ounce. If they really want me to buy a new one, it needs ventilation at the top 😂
Super excited to see some new gear reviews!
The liner is easy to wash so I'd use it whener I can.
What I like most about your videos is how you test gear. The freezer and the bag liner is impressive.
Go to REI and sit in the Moonlight chair before deciding not to buy. After sitting in it, I was sold. It all depends on your body shape.
I agree, I can def see where it could be uncomfortable bit I am 5.5 and 140 lb. I don't feel those pressure points but a buddy of myn does...
I sat in the Nemo and the helinox and the Nemo felt way more stable for me. I felt like I was falling back too easy with the helinox and I need it for my autistic kid that rocks a lot and there’s no way he would stay upright.
another great video 👏
I had the same reaction to them cutting the sheet in half! I thought I was just crazy.
Just make a sheet out of something off ripstop with shock cord .
But the real question is how you got the obnoxiously large and inseparable labels off without destroying it?
What labels are you referring to?
@@MyLifeOutdoors The huge white plastic paperish “not to be removed… blah blah blah” nonsense labels they sew into the seams of everything they make. They are hard to miss actually. I just bought an entire setup and every piece of it has one.
@@darylfortney8081 My quilt is a pre production model they sent out before the quilt was officially released. So It may not of had them
just bought my light bed and i got lucky they still had 2023 light sheets, i didn’t like the half sheet idea either
ended with core bed sheet + UL bed LOOOL
The tech is improving. Prices, functionality. Still leave much to be desired.
as always…. well done. yabadaba doo 🤙
That recline thing on the Nemo chair looks to me like a ticking time bomb for failure. Hopefully, I'm wrong
I thought the thumbnail was a new type of sandal at quick glance.
Poor old Fred!
I respected you before, but my respect is so much higher after I saw you essentially stick a body in a freezer in the name of science 😂
need a 132 cm pole for the zpack tent, a pole for giants not hobbits like me, 110cm poles are high for me
Ounces- pounds, how about adding the metric equivalent?
I did. Check the bottom left corner
@@MyLifeOutdoors yeah I worked it out was a little unclear, thanks :)
I like to cut weight but I'm cheap. So price will always beat weight for me.
Yipee. Nice vid
5th
1st on the 5th
True story lol not all is worth buying.
They moved to a half sheet so they could remove the need to have sheets in multiple lengths. The full sheet is a far better design so this decision is purely a business one, rather than a consumer driven one. Disappointing.
I think you should put a disclaimer on your critique on some equipment when it's directly corelated with your weight. There's a difference in mechanical limit and comfort limit with many comfort things and the UL movement definitely pushes you to be in shape/have functional muscle and flexibility/low body fat % in order for many things to be comfortable. They design for the majority rather than the minority.
Please elaborate. Did I specifically talk about something that is affected by body weight?
Just wear leggings. Half length pad cover issue solved. Also no quilts are “ISO certified”.
This quilt is: ruclips.net/video/fAqATypODM4/видео.htmlsi=oIDtLrOyQ08MNi3k
Been 2 months since you put out your bogus challenge video where lots of people called you out and gave better lists. How much longer is it going to take you to acknowledge that your video was nothing more than a glorified AD and send the people their gear?
nice 8 min ad
first
damn
This beard has gotten too much for me to bear...unsubscribed.
Lol this gave me a pretty good laugh. That was a pretty good pun. You have almost convinced me to sub to the bear.
@@DuBCraft21 lol
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Please source your own down , just so you can witness the excruciating pain the birds go through for your little hobbies....