I Tested Every Zenbivy Bed So You Don’t Have To
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- Опубликовано: 25 май 2024
- This video breaks down the 4 most popular Zenbivy Bed models, the Core Bed, Zenbivy Bed, Light Bed, and Ultralight Bed. I go through all of the various specs, features and information of each bed to help you know better which bed is best for you and your needs.
* Note: Prices shown in website screenshots of Zenbivy website were sale prices during Memorial Day Sale - 2024. Pricing shared in this video is retail cost. *
Gear From This Video ⬇️:
- Zenbivy Core Bed: geni.us/Zenbivy-Core-Bed
- Zenbivy Bed: geni.us/Zenbivy-Bed
- Zenbivy Light Bed: geni.us/Light-Bed-Zenbivy
- Zenbivy Ultralight Bed: geni.us/Zenbivy-Ultralight-Bed
- Zenbivy Ultralight Sleeping Pad: geni.us/Zenbivy-UL-SleepPad
- Zenbivy Flex Air Sleeping Pad: geni.us/Zenbivy-FlexAir-Pad
- Nemo Tensor All-Season: geni.us/Tensor-All-Season-REI
- Nemo Tensor Trail: geni.us/Tensor-Trail-REI
- Zenbivy SoftTop Pillow: geni.us/Zenbivy-SoftTopPillow
*This video is not sponsored by Zenbivy. Zenbivy did provide product for free for testing, review and to share information with you.*
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- Tarptent Dipole 1 DW: geni.us/Dipole-1-DW
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- Hill Zero Matis: geni.us/HillZero-Matis-Tent
- Paria Outdoor Products Zion Tent: geni.us/Paria-Zion-Tent
SLEEPING BAGS:
- Zenbivy Light Bed: geni.us/Light-Bed-Zenbivy
- UGQ Outdoor Bandit Quilt: geni.us/UGQ-Bandit-TopQuilt
- WM UltraLite Sleeping Bag: geni.us/WM-UltraLite
- MH Bishop Pass Sleeping Bag: geni.us/MH-BishopPass
- Sea To Summit Ascent Down: geni.us/S2S-Ascent-Down
SLEEPING PADS:
- Zenbivy Ultralight Pad: geni.us/Zenbivy-UL-SleepPad
- Nemo Tensor All Season: geni.us/Tensor-All-Season-REI
- Big Agnes Zoom UL Pad: geni.us/Zoom-UL
COOKING GEAR:
- Fire Maple Petrel G3 Pot: geni.us/FM-PetrelPot-Amazon
- Toaks 750ml Pot: geni.us/Toaks-750
- Toaks Long Handle Spoon: geni.us/Toaks-Spoon
- Soto Amicus Stove: geni.us/Amicus-Stove
OUTERWEAR/LAYERS:
- Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie: geni.us/Altitude-Sun-Hoodie
- Outdoor Vitals Vario jacket: geni.us/Vario-Jacket
- Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket: geni.us/Tushar-Rain-Jacket
- Timpanogos Hiking Co. Apparel: geni.us/Timpanogos-Hiking-Co
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- Pinnacle Foods Freeze Dried Meals: geni.us/Pinnacle-Foods
- Peak Refuel Meals: geni.us/Peak-Refuel
MISC:
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: geni.us/Sawyer-SqueezeFilter
- CNOC Vecto Water Bag: geni.us/CNOC-Vecto
- Govee Thermometer: geni.us/Govee-Thermometer
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I’m super glad that I got the light bed last year and didn’t wait. Last year’s model came with the full length sheet, and you could buy the half length “fast sheet” separately, which I did out of curiosity. I think the weight difference between the full length sheet and the half length sheet was like 1 ounce, and the full length is by far the superior option. It kind of bums me out that the light bed doesn’t come with a full length sheet option anymore, but I suppose you could buy the light quilt and pair it with a core sheet if you really wanted to. Kind of a bummer though.
Unfortunately for me I bought it recently and had to settle for a color that wasn't my favorite. I actually wanted the red and black Light Bed but like you said it doesn't come with the full sheet. So, I had to get the CoreBed sheet which only came in black and gray or blue and navy. To make a set of the same color I took the quilt in black and blue.
The problem with the half sheet is that it is undesirable when you take the convertible quilt to use as a blanket because you are in direct contact with the mattress. It's deplorable not to have at least the colors to make the sets
I started my quilt journey by finding myself in a siutation where I had to use a Horizon Hound GR-20 because I'd sold my sleeping bags the prior weekend, and the 8 year old that lives in my head simply had to try out my new X-Mid1. Finally having a good pad and a system that kept the quilt on me was an absolute game changer and I got an amazing sleep. That's the cheap alternative to quilt use for relativley mild weather, btw.
Anyway, my Enlightened Equipment Revelatoin (20F 950fp 10D shell) was on the way before you knew it, but when it arrived it was improperly stuffed, so it got sent back. I had seen the Zenbivy blowing up all over the place and thought it'd suit my wife if nothing else and so ordered a 10° Light Quilt and Sheet to use on my Exped Ultra 7R. She tried it before I did in the living room. She promptly gave that 'I'm cozy' look before drifting off. I was amazed (she's unusually picky about that stuff). I tried it later for some backyard testing and holy cow... love. The EE, despite being lighter and presumably using better materials just took a backseat. When the rework arrived I tried it a couple of times. It performed well, but the magic wasn't there that the Zenbivy had. The sheet/hood combo and how it works with the quilt is just amazing. So of course I ordered another EE Revelation spec'd the same as the last one but in a 40° rating since I figured that for warmer temps the hood wouldn't be something I'd want, and the weight/pack size savings were insane compared to the my 10° Zenbivy Light stuff.
I decided I'd be modifying my EE quilts to work with the Zenbivy Sheet. I called EE to see if they'd modify the quilt, and they refused. After trying to work out how to do that so I didn't damage the EE quilts (even taking it to some tailors/seamstresses), I finally abandoned the idea and decided to sell the 20° EE Revelation to fund a 25° Zenbivy UL Quilt and Sheet which I can pair with my Exped Ultra 7R, Zenbivy Flex, or Nemo Tensor EC (it's amazing with all of them). It was absolutely the correct move. While I do wish the UL had retained the Light convertible footbox, it's still exceptional and that's my only gripe. I do wish it came in the black/electric blue combo that my 10° does; I opted for Black/Red; I love the white combo but I know it'd get absolutely filthy in short order and I'd rather avoid that.
After picking up the Zenbivy Flex pad (over the UL; I coudln't see the benefit of saving such a small amount of weight over having more comfort, particularly for what this system is) I thought I might as well try their pillow. Also astoundingly good to sleep on, but the pack size is pretty big. For me, my Flextail Zero Pillow (tall) is the winner, but I will say that anyone who likes a traditional pillow will be blown away by the Zenbivy. And the great thing is that I can slide any pillow I want (provided it fits) into the Zenbivy pillow cover which lets me hook it to the Sheet. Win.
The softness/feel of the mateials Zenbivy uses is second to none; even my very expensive EE quilts feel cheap and sticky by comparison. The system is exceptionally well thought out and it just works. I've done a couple of nights where I used my X-Mid2 to set up both systems side-by-side and when I come out of the EE quilts and move to the Zenbivy systems, the delta is like going from camping to your own bed; it's that large. It's amazing. I'm a gram weenie and I always opt for the smallest pack size I can get from any equipment where practicable, but I'll always sacrifice a bit of both to take the Zenbivy; it makes the entire experience camping so much better that it more than compensates for the slight weight and bulk. And while they do cost a *tad* more when you really look at the breakdown, it isn't enough to make a difference compared to other premium brands, and the quality is second to none, as is their customer service.
Awesome breakdown of these sleep systems! This review answered all my questions! Thank you for this video!!
Ahh sweet! Thank you!
Great overview! And so goods that finally all these are much easier to buy in Europe!
Thanks!
Nice thorough overview Devin! I've been recommending this system to anyone just starting out and really wanting to get into backpacking more. Def the Lite system is the most economical without breaking the weight category. I'm a fan of the open footbox for warmer weather but not for the colder temps. The shoulder seasons allow you to open the quilt all the way up and drape over you at camp as a rumple style blanket. I would also not recommend anything around 10D or lower for the denier. It starts to get rather thin and won't last as long as the 20D. Awesome vid! I'd like to see them make R2 pad and shave off even more weight for a summer pad. I'd also like to see a warmer weather down quilt.
I’m a big fan. I bought the first generation Light Bed and appreciate the many small but significant improvements. I recently upgraded to the Ultralight Bed for 1 to 2 week treks where weight is a critical factor. Yes the price was steep but I have to have great sleep and Zen Bivy gives me that.
Full sheet vs core sheet: Two factors to consider- 1) the fabric/comfort of your pad. This mostly matters if your legs and feet are bare. If your skin has clothing layer than I don’t find it matter on the sheet length. 2) related to above, season using the sleep system, I don’t overnight in the summer if I can help it. Rather most of my treks are in shoulder or winter season so I’ll be wearing at least a base layer at night. In that case, I’m fine with the core sheet and don’t miss the full sheet much to my surprise (I thought it would be an issue but it wasn’t).
Pillow has always been an issue comfort wise. Looking forward to using the new Zen Bivy pillow system next trek. Being able to clip it in the hood will be very nice also. Way more comfortable than the old inflatable pillow I had.
Thank you for a great video
Aussie here. I now have both light bed models in the convertible foot box. I love my ZB and their customer service is totally amazing !!
Love it!
😍Ahhhh Devin! I hope I had a little influence to do this video. I love it. So excited to watch this!!! Thanks brother 😊
Yeah I’ve been wanting to make this video for a while. Was gonna do it last year but then learned about the UL bed and some of the changes. So I waited. Enjoy!
Devin, would it be worth showing off the Zen double again, and teach that it can be used with two 25 in pads or with some self inflating pads like Zen’s or EXPED megamat?
Looking online so few people have done videos on it. Yet you and Eric have openly used it for car and backpacking trips.
@@JarradShaw video coming soonish on the double.
Thank you for the review! I've been debating trying the ZB system vs. my current quilt and have been struggling with the excess weight that comes with the ZB system over just having a quilt.
Glad it was helpful.
I got a core 25⁰ synthetic this year. Nkt the lightest by any means, but nice and comfy and took me below freezing without a problem, which was a pleasant surprise! Ill look to get a lighter version in the future, but no matter the weight, i cannot fault this sleep system- Zenbivvy has ruined me for other quilts.
Great info. If I were starting out I'd consider it but I'm pretty happy with my current system.
What’s your current system? I think you’ve shared before, but can’t remember.
@@BackcountryExposure As of now I'm using a custom Hammock Gear 40 deg quilt. Short length, standard width, 850 fill, sewn toe box. Picked it up during one of the 30% off sales. My first HG quilt was a custom 20 deg in wide with 2 oz overfill. Also bought 30% off. Pad straps on a Nemo Tensor Insulated wide. I'll use a Hammock Gear Down Hood when it gets really cold. I don't get drafts when using the straps and cinching up the quilt.
I've been using the Borah Gear ultralight bivy in wide at 6.4oz the last few trips. Along with a tarp it kept me toasty during my last trip when it was very windy, damp, and cold. Zipping it up definitely helped with the wind. 👍
I'm a Zenbivy convert. Love em!
Nice!
I purchased the ZB ultralight quilt (25 degree, large) during the recent sale along with the 2023 Light Sheet (full length, 25 degree, 25", pocket in the hood) as they still had them available (while supplies last). I've seen a lot of comments recommending the full sheet over the half sheet with only a few minor differences between the newer 2024 version (no pillow clips and the attachment clips use cord not webbing). The difference in weight between the light half-sheet and light full sheet is a few ounces as well. The core sheet is still available, but it would've been nice to still have the full-sheet option for the light and ultralight sheets.
I’ve come to enjoy the half sheet myself. I haven’t had any issue with it slipping on the pad. Which I’ve heard others comment on or ask as a concern. I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point Mike hears the feedback and a full light sheet becomes an option.
I've got both. I hike in pants pretty much no matter what (the terrain here and the lightweight pants make it a good choice) so the half vs full sheet isn't really an issue for me. With that said, I do like the full sheet. I don't know why they put the straps on the full sheet as the design seems to keep it on the pad regardless, and I submit that if they'd eliminated the strap it would have come much closer to the weight saved by going to a half sheet. You can't get around the smaller pack size with the half sheet though, so there's that.
I didn't like the idea of the half sheet, but have come to find it stays as securely as the full sheet, and after having used the Zenbivy pillow (in particular the cover) I think I'd opt to have the clips on the Sheet over a full length sheet if I had to choose. I can put whatever pillow I want in the cover and it'll hold fast.
If they'd offered the new UL Sheet in full-length wtih the pillow loops, I'd have gotten that though.
The Zenbivy bed system is such a unique sleeping system. I don't get the half sheet for the light bed and ultra bed. I was looking at the core bed sheet to pair with the light quilt. The fact that any of the quilts can work with any of the sheets is a genius design.
I think the whole idea of the half sheet is to give you the benefits of the draft wings, clips and hood. It gets the job done. But it's awesome that there's the ability to mix and match.
I recently purchased a LightBed and had to settle for a color that wasn't my favorite. I actually wanted the red and black Light Bed but it didn't come with the full sheet. The problem with the half sheet is that it is undesirable when you take the convertible quilt to use as a blanket because you are in direct contact with the mattress. So, I had to get the CoreBed sheet which only came in black and gray or blue and navy. To make a set of the same color I took the quilt in black and blue.
It's deplorable not to have at least the colors to match the outfits. Especially, at the price they are.
Best ZenBivy review on RUclips. The cost of the "sleep systems" are way out of reach for most occasional hikers. I wonder if the temperature ratings are accurate comfort temps. Most of us use the +10 model. Add (at least) 10 degrees F to the manufacturer's claimed number. I do like the "semi-rectangular" design. I make my bags and quilts in that configuration. My 700 FP down and synthetic bag with hood weighs about 28 ounces. Easily keeps me warm to lower 30 F. Without considering my labor, my hybrid bags cost about $90. TomLovesDIY.
Thank you! Videos like this one are very involved and come from a lot of field time and hands on experience with the gear.
Maybe at some point I ought to have you build me a quilt!
I am 6’3” and 215lbs. I was looking at the XL models but was a bit turned off by the pricing. Is this the size you’d recommend for someone my size?
I also noticed the large version seems to be the standard “long/wide” of most other models, but don’t have much experience with the width / length of sleep systems.
Lastly, the ultralight & flex pads don’t come in an xl size. So that is another deciding factor.
Great video Devin Indoors!
👍🏻
With the temperature ratings, how does the 25 degree system feel at 25 degrees? I’m wondering if I should get both the 10 and 25 for when I go on trips in higher elevations that will get below freezing.
The temp ratings are definitely limit ratings. I’ve had the 25° down to freezing several times and it’s just a bit at its limit there. I’ve had the 10° down to the teens and with a liner and wearing my down jacket I was plenty warm. Hope that helps.
@@BackcountryExposure that helps a ton! Thank you!
As a motorcycle camper weight is a consideration but pack size is more of a concern. I’d love if you’d make an addendum to this video showing the pack size of each bed system side by side.
I didn't include that just for the sake of the number of variables depending on degree rating, bed choice, etc. Sorry about that. The information on the Zenbivy website for compression bag liter size for stuffing each temp rating/bed is very accurate.
I came to say the same thing. It would be cool to see all the different versions in their recommended stuff sacks compared to an actual human. It'd actually be a great video for Zenbivy to release. I was debating on getting the zippered bed version because the price was so low recently, but I think it'd be just as bulky as the bag I currently have.
Wish they did the ultralight with a convertible foot box, or the light bed with higher fill power
The higher fill power of 800-850 doesn’t make much sense to me for the added cost for negligible weight savings. 800-900 makes a difference, but then you’re into the UL bed and not the Light bed.
@@BackcountryExposure yes my ideal would be the light bed with 900+ fill power like the ultralight. Actually I prefer the color of the ultralight so my real ideal would be ultralight with 20D fabric and a convertible footbox haha. I have a Katabatic Flex with 950 fill and 20D Pertex Quantum that I love but it doesn’t keep drafts out like the Zenbivy. Hopefully Zenbivy adds a convertible option to the UL, that would be close enough for me to buy it.
Is Zenbivy’s recommended stuff sack sizing accurate?
Yes
What happens if your tent gets flooded? Does the bedsheet soak up water?
Apposed to a traditional Quilt setup where you would have 3in of pad
I think you have bigger problems to worry about if your tent has flooded. The sheet will soak up some, but yeah, if you’ve got 3” of water in your tent, that’s not good for stuff.
I meant if you have a traditional quilt setup, the 3in sleeping pad gives you a buffer, not 3in of water .
Having backpacked over 7000mi and had to camp in less than ideal sites either do to terrain or weather, I've had some leakage and stayed dry do to the pad.
I think having a bedsheet that soaks up water could lead to a miserable situation
I may have missed it in the video. But do these systems all pack down to roughly the same size? Thanks
You didn’t miss it, cause I didn’t focus on that. They really all do pack down to the same size. The 25° beds all fit in a 7L sack and the 10° beds in a 10L.
@@BackcountryExposure Thank you!
@@BackcountryExposure That is only for the light bed and ultralight bed systems. Core bed and zenbivy bed are larger. 10L for 25 degree and 15L for 10 degree. The core synthetic 25 degree is also a 15L.
@@Brett_S thanks for clarifying that.
Which 10 degree bed would hold up to my dog walking (think dog nails) and laying on it?
Core bed or light bed. Just be as careful as possible!
I love my Zenbivy beds! I have the Core bed, and 2 light beds. One that is 10degree and one that is 25 degree. Best sleep system I have experienced
I'm curious how the 10 and 25 perform? I hear people talking about using 25 degree in the snow and keep thinking it can't be warm enough.
Some day I’ll break the bank on this.
Just get the core bed, good start and cheap
Core Bed with a light sheet. Great combo!
I broke the bank on the light bed 15. I love it. And I’m still broke!
Have one of the first generation light beds and love it. Watch for the sales. They will go on sale at the major American holidays and sometimes do end of the year clearance sales.
Core bed is such a good entry point. Love mine and the extra weight is worth it.
The one thing that really frustrates me with the 2024 models is that they dropped the option of a full sheet for the light bed. I cannot stand the half sheets as they are such a pain to use in warmer weather when you don't clip in the quilt as they walk off the sleeping mat (and I don't like the feel of a mattress pad on bare legs), yet I want the higher fill power down for the sheet.
I also dislike the half sheet. If you're comparing the 2024 to the 2023 models, notice that they cut about 6 inches from the length of their fast foot box versions.
Great review! Maybe work on the speech flow a bit.
Hey. You missed telling people that ONLY the Ultralight has goose down. The rest of the down beds have DUCK down. This is an important spec for someone, like me, who is sensitive (hates!) to the smell of duck down when it gets the slightest bit moist.
Nobody mentions the smell. I wish I would have known. I didn’t know what it was at first, but I don’t like the duck down smell either.
Well that's out of the budget here in Norway 😮
Every option?
@@BackcountryExposure yeah, the prices in Norway are almost twice as the US. Wayyy less people, much less competition, looks like only 1 company sells it. So that's probably why. Maybe I should recycle some old down duvets and make my own sleep system 😅
Standard zenbivy bed no longer uses zips on the sheets. All loop and hook now.
The original Zenbivy bed still uses zippers. The Light Bed, Core Bed, and UL Bed use the clips/loops. I guess the Double Bed also uses clips/loops too.
@@BackcountryExposure by bad yeh. Apologies. I’ve light beds for me and the family. Prefer the long sheets though so was going to buy additional sheets that I thought were zenbivy bed but it’s actually core. So it’s not true mix and match as such. Apologies for the confusion
They are way too expensive. The ultralight sleep system exceeds $1k. That's absolutely insane....
Dont agree with some of your reports about zippers on sea to Summitt.
#3 zippers on sleeping bags are a pain. But that is my opinion. 😁