Now available from www.zenbivy.co.uk ! People who sleep well in traditional mummy style sleeping bags will struggle to understand the need or concept of this sleep system. However, for those who are constantly trying to find sleep solutions, this could be a genuine game changer. Despite there being huge demand for alternatives to sleeping bags, there is very little out there other than quilts which can be draftly and cooler. Ideas like the Zenbivy are welcome ideas to help overcome those who struggle to sleep on their backs in sleeping bags.
I have a 25F UL and a 10F Light system. I have taken my 10 down to 20F comfortably on an EXPED Ultra 7R, and even colder on my Nemo Tensor EC. I find they're far warmer than a bag (and I used to be a die-hard bag proponent) because it keeps that warm cocoon of air in the same spot as you move around. I've yet to have it draft on me. I use it in CO and my base altitude is 7650' with almost all of my camping at higher altitudes. The Light has nicer material and is longer than the UL versions, though both have nicer material than any of my other quilts (to include my Enlightend Equipment quilts). They are a bit expensive, but they're incredibly high quality, and once you use them they suddenly become worth every penny, and no, they aren't the lightest or smallest packing things, but as before, once used, you don't mind at all. You can use silicone magnetic cable ties (I'll stuff the American Amazon link below) which clip perfectly into the Sheet clips (they're 2mm) and will snap onto the shell of any quilt you have, so that you only need to buy the Sheet if you want to give it a try with a quilt you may already have. While it isn't a perfect solution, it is quite functional; I've done it several times, particularly when it is summertime and I am taking my EE 40F 950FP quilt out but still want the Sheet. That could save quite a bit of money. I've also seen folks sew loops (or adhere them with things like Dyneema patches) so they work just like a Zenbivy quilt does. I do recommend the convertible footbox if you go with the light bed over the sewn one; it's just more versatile, and when closed up makes a more cozy footbox; it's difficult to describe. I know this will sound fake but it's true: I tend to take a little longer to fall asleep in the Zenbivy system, not because it's uncomfortable, but because it's so comfortable that I love to stay awake and enjoy it. There's something that is quite primal and soothing about being in the thing. One final note: Get the pillow cover; that's only $20USD and you can put whatever pillow you like inside. The Zenbivy pillow is absolutely outstanding but is admittedly too expensive and a bit bulky. My favorite pillow is the Flextail Zero tall version, and I just slip it into the cover, and this keeps the hood from getting pushed to odd places and keeps your pillow in the right spot.
I picked up both the light and ultralight systems for my wife and myself recently. Absolute game changer. I can never go back. Irs hard to really tell much difference between the light and ultralight other than a very slightly different fabric feel on the sheet, so youre basically paying for weight savings.
I used to say this. This is an absolute next-level system. However you CAN buy the Sheet by itself, and as it happens, you can use silicone magnetic cable ties from Amazon to clip to the sheet and use on whatever quilt you'd like. It isn't a perfect solution, and often it doesn't make huge financial sense, but if you already have a quilt it's a good option. The other advantage is that if you sleep with your arms up over/by your head they're all warm too. The cinch at the neck is far superior to anything on any other quilt or bag I've used.
I have the 2023 version of the Zenbivy bed (imported from US) and agree with everything that you said. It really is a game charger for sleep, way more comfortable than a mummy sleeping bag. I used it in some really warm temperatures in Europe last year and it was really easy to regulate my temperature in the night too. If I do more winter camping, I may upgrade to 10F system but this is perfect for 3 seasons.
Thank you very much for this review and the efforts compiling the video. - IMHO it is way too expensive, having too many features which, on the long run, might become problematic, such as plastic clips falling apart.
Was in my Zenbivy this past weekend on the Appalachian Trail. The first thing I put in the backpack and it pushes down to nothing. I don't use the bag or compression straps. Love the system.
I too am a restless side/front sleeper who finds tapered bags too restrictive to get a good nights sleep. I am also 6' 2" which makes choice a bit more difficult too. I looked a lot at US manufacturers - they seem to have lots of small cottage industries making great backpacking gear. For winter camping I went with Big Agnes and their Anvil Park 15F (-9C). Although they also do a 30F and 0F model, the 15F is only one available in Extra Wide. Similar in way to Zen its a quilt with sleeping mat sleeve. Wasn't cheap @ £360 but a Rab Ascent 700 in Long Wide is £360 too (wide version). But if you look at genuine 100% goose down duvets for your bed at home you would be looking at more than that. Certainly not light at 1495g, but the same Rab is 1420g. Having extra room means you can also wear extra clothing and still have plenty of room to move. Also gives more space to store water or gas bottle inside bag. I also have a EE 20F quilt. Strangely I thought how much better it could be if zipped to a sleeping mat cover - just like the Zen bed! Great review as usual.
I bought one of these a couple of years ago with the full bottom sheet. Super comfy and keeps me in place without restrictions on me moving about all night. I definitely get the best nights sleep. It is expensive and was something I saved to buy, but it was worth the extra for a good, comfortable sleep. Good video Andy.
Had the zenbivy a while now and it's great for the Irish weather. Bit bulky but who cares..we live in the UK so it's not exactly long walks to pitches.
Great video, Andy! How would you say the Zenbivy sheet compares to the Rock Front One, from the other review you did recently? Been looking at both systems. The price on the Rock Front is fantastic for their 350 pro, which I think is similar to this, however if the sleep is much better with the Zenbivy system, the extra cost and grams are probably worth sacrificing.
The design of the Zenbivy is much warmer. The Rock Front has nothing underneath at all so the sleeping pad R-Value provides all the insulation underneath your body. The Zenbivy mixes parts of the Rock Front (draft proof and spaciousness) with parts of a quilt (warm legs, upper freedom) and a sleeping bag (insulated header). It’s a clever system, kind of the best of both worlds.
It's very, very different to the Rockfront. The main difference is you still have the quilt underneath you whereas the Rockfront is just on top. This makes the Zenbivy more suitable for 3-4 season use.
Do Zenbivy have this protected or can we expect Naturehike to start knocking out copies for £100. It looks bang on but simply could not justify paying that price.
@BackpackingUK Yeah, I suppose it's inevitable - for good or ill. I see it very similar to the Durston Asta gear thing - they're not nicking any business from Zenbivy because I was never going to be affording that in the first place.🙂
This is not a new idea. Thermarest have been doing something similar for years. I have a sheet and quilt from them that fit a Long Wide mat. The quilt clips to the sheet. The sheet and quilt pack down into an XS event compression bag.
I have had a Zenbivy Quilt , fast sheet and Light Mat for over a year now . I have just done 84 days camping on the HexaTrek using the sleep system and can highly recommend it .
Similar to the Big Agnes sleep systems that have been around for some time and with some of the widest & longest mats/bags out there I traded weight for comfort a long time ago.
Got away from mummy bags quite a while ago, used a Tapered Rab "Top Bag" - like a quilt on top with a single layer of pertex underneath, with all down foot box. Use it with a rectangular silk liner and wouldn't use anything else. Got a 2nd bag off eBay (sadly not made any more) which I can double up to make a colder weather system. Very small packed size, 200g of quality down and each weighs only 454g. Especially like the compact size for Bikepacking. The Zenbivi though looks luxurious & warm.
£335, having a laugh. I’d expect a hotel room to go around it at that price. A quilt you close up the side? With a hood? Hmmmm sound like a sleeping bag. Don’t want drafts? Buy a sleeping bag! It’s also a lump when packed, and too heavy. How anyone can’t sleep after walking for 8+ hours over hills, carrying 10kg+ of gear is beyond me. I’m out like a light. Also, I’m a side sleeper and trained myself to sleep on my back.
I don't expect people who sleep soundly in traditional bags to understand the need or the concept. However, there's tens of thousands of people out there who struggle to sleep in traditional sleeping bags.
@@BackpackingUK I sleep with the arm under the pillow as well. Never manage to do that while camping. Also I sleep on the side a lot, but when out I have to sleep on the back. I never get a good nights sleep :(
Hi Like videos I wonder if you on your experience could tell me the best sleeping mat For aside front sleeper and sleeping bag not mummy bag to carry on my motorbike
I can't fault the Big Agnes Rapide SL sleeping pad. I'd go for the wide version. As for sleeping bags, I've tried lots, but the Nemo Disco and Sierra Designs Cloud work well for me. Quilts work well in summer or systems like this can work well for 3 season use and part of winter.
I'm the same sleeping position as you...... What I've found works well for me is the Big Agnes Rapide SL (wide) sleeping mat, Sea to Summit Aeros pillow & sleeping bag depending on season (Rab Neutrino 600 in winter & Nordisk Gormsson +4 in summer). I'd tried lots of different mats, Trekology Aluft80, Thermarest Neoair & Sea to Summit Eitherlight XT and for me, the best is the RapideSL. ATB
@@BackpackingUK I can second this. I love my Agnes Rapide. Because it has such a good R value, I don't feel too bad letting the air out a bit to get a less firm surface.
I'm a side sleeper and have always felt constricted by mummy bags, so I took a punt and got a Zenvivy system. I've just come back from doing LEJOG and used a Zenbivy system when camping, and will never go back to a sleeping bag. Highly recommended 👍😁
Great video Andy. I've been looking at Zenbivy stuff for a while and want to go this route when I start buying my backpack sized sleep gear. A bit of constructive criticism if I may, if you switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius during the same video you need to make it clear which one you are referring to as I think you interchanged the two during this video. To make the video more accessible for all audiences, placing both values on the screen would be great, or just stick to Celsius given that's what we use in the UK (and that Fahrenheit doesn't make much sense in modern times ;-))
Zenbivy do a nice pillow that clips into the hood. That too was a game changer for me. I've got the Core version. Not seen it on the UK website yet. Zenbivy system and Rapide SL mat is perfect for me. I found i just wasn't sleeping very well at all with regular sleeping bags. Don't think i'd still be camping without the Zenbivy thing to be honest.
Not sure about that mat, but with the self inflating Thermarest type, the best technique is: Undo valve, roll up tight (towards valve). Tighten valve, unroll, then fold over length wise, then re-roll tightly (towards valve) opening the valve at last bit to release any trapped air. Now tighten valve and put into stuffsack. Hope this is useful.
Now available from www.zenbivy.co.uk !
People who sleep well in traditional mummy style sleeping bags will struggle to understand the need or concept of this sleep system.
However, for those who are constantly trying to find sleep solutions, this could be a genuine game changer.
Despite there being huge demand for alternatives to sleeping bags, there is very little out there other than quilts which can be draftly and cooler. Ideas like the Zenbivy are welcome ideas to help overcome those who struggle to sleep on their backs in sleeping bags.
Best review on the internet of this, or any other quilt/mat system.
I have a 25F UL and a 10F Light system. I have taken my 10 down to 20F comfortably on an EXPED Ultra 7R, and even colder on my Nemo Tensor EC. I find they're far warmer than a bag (and I used to be a die-hard bag proponent) because it keeps that warm cocoon of air in the same spot as you move around. I've yet to have it draft on me. I use it in CO and my base altitude is 7650' with almost all of my camping at higher altitudes. The Light has nicer material and is longer than the UL versions, though both have nicer material than any of my other quilts (to include my Enlightend Equipment quilts).
They are a bit expensive, but they're incredibly high quality, and once you use them they suddenly become worth every penny, and no, they aren't the lightest or smallest packing things, but as before, once used, you don't mind at all.
You can use silicone magnetic cable ties (I'll stuff the American Amazon link below) which clip perfectly into the Sheet clips (they're 2mm) and will snap onto the shell of any quilt you have, so that you only need to buy the Sheet if you want to give it a try with a quilt you may already have. While it isn't a perfect solution, it is quite functional; I've done it several times, particularly when it is summertime and I am taking my EE 40F 950FP quilt out but still want the Sheet. That could save quite a bit of money. I've also seen folks sew loops (or adhere them with things like Dyneema patches) so they work just like a Zenbivy quilt does.
I do recommend the convertible footbox if you go with the light bed over the sewn one; it's just more versatile, and when closed up makes a more cozy footbox; it's difficult to describe.
I know this will sound fake but it's true: I tend to take a little longer to fall asleep in the Zenbivy system, not because it's uncomfortable, but because it's so comfortable that I love to stay awake and enjoy it. There's something that is quite primal and soothing about being in the thing.
One final note: Get the pillow cover; that's only $20USD and you can put whatever pillow you like inside. The Zenbivy pillow is absolutely outstanding but is admittedly too expensive and a bit bulky. My favorite pillow is the Flextail Zero tall version, and I just slip it into the cover, and this keeps the hood from getting pushed to odd places and keeps your pillow in the right spot.
I picked up both the light and ultralight systems for my wife and myself recently. Absolute game changer. I can never go back.
Irs hard to really tell much difference between the light and ultralight other than a very slightly different fabric feel on the sheet, so youre basically paying for weight savings.
Looks nice but too expensive for me. To keep my head warm I just put a Beanie on.
I used to say this. This is an absolute next-level system. However you CAN buy the Sheet by itself, and as it happens, you can use silicone magnetic cable ties from Amazon to clip to the sheet and use on whatever quilt you'd like. It isn't a perfect solution, and often it doesn't make huge financial sense, but if you already have a quilt it's a good option.
The other advantage is that if you sleep with your arms up over/by your head they're all warm too. The cinch at the neck is far superior to anything on any other quilt or bag I've used.
I have the 2023 version of the Zenbivy bed (imported from US) and agree with everything that you said. It really is a game charger for sleep, way more comfortable than a mummy sleeping bag.
I used it in some really warm temperatures in Europe last year and it was really easy to regulate my temperature in the night too.
If I do more winter camping, I may upgrade to 10F system but this is perfect for 3 seasons.
Thank you very much for this review and the efforts compiling the video. - IMHO it is way too expensive, having too many features which, on the long run, might become problematic, such as plastic clips falling apart.
Literally the only guy on here i can trust with gear reviews
Looks ok but I wouldn’t want to be faffing around with setting it up after a 25 mile day in the mountains
Was in my Zenbivy this past weekend on the Appalachian Trail. The first thing I put in the backpack and it pushes down to nothing. I don't use the bag or compression straps. Love the system.
I too am a restless side/front sleeper who finds tapered bags too restrictive to get a good nights sleep. I am also 6' 2" which makes choice a bit more difficult too. I looked a lot at US manufacturers - they seem to have lots of small cottage industries making great backpacking gear. For winter camping I went with Big Agnes and their Anvil Park 15F (-9C). Although they also do a 30F and 0F model, the 15F is only one available in Extra Wide. Similar in way to Zen its a quilt with sleeping mat sleeve. Wasn't cheap @ £360 but a Rab Ascent 700 in Long Wide is £360 too (wide version). But if you look at genuine 100% goose down duvets for your bed at home you would be looking at more than that. Certainly not light at 1495g, but the same Rab is 1420g. Having extra room means you can also wear extra clothing and still have plenty of room to move. Also gives more space to store water or gas bottle inside bag. I also have a EE 20F quilt. Strangely I thought how much better it could be if zipped to a sleeping mat cover - just like the Zen bed! Great review as usual.
So great to see Zenbivy being recognised in Europe, first in the EU, now in the UK. Keep going!
Amazing… clips🤷♂️ they have zippers now… it’s called a sleeping bag🤔
The best......but not for average Joe sundays campers 😮
I bought one of these a couple of years ago with the full bottom sheet. Super comfy and keeps me in place without restrictions on me moving about all night. I definitely get the best nights sleep. It is expensive and was something I saved to buy, but it was worth the extra for a good, comfortable sleep. Good video Andy.
Had the zenbivy a while now and it's great for the Irish weather. Bit bulky but who cares..we live in the UK so it's not exactly long walks to pitches.
Great video, Andy!
How would you say the Zenbivy sheet compares to the Rock Front One, from the other review you did recently? Been looking at both systems. The price on the Rock Front is fantastic for their 350 pro, which I think is similar to this, however if the sleep is much better with the Zenbivy system, the extra cost and grams are probably worth sacrificing.
I have the same question!
The design of the Zenbivy is much warmer. The Rock Front has nothing underneath at all so the sleeping pad R-Value provides all the insulation underneath your body. The Zenbivy mixes parts of the Rock Front (draft proof and spaciousness) with parts of a quilt (warm legs, upper freedom) and a sleeping bag (insulated header). It’s a clever system, kind of the best of both worlds.
Thanks so much! Hadn't considered the added insulation from the Zenbivy.
Big Agnes did this system years ago
Is good for om the Go hiking or best suited for static
How did it compare to the Rock Front for you? Have you tried the Rock Front 350?
It's very, very different to the Rockfront. The main difference is you still have the quilt underneath you whereas the Rockfront is just on top. This makes the Zenbivy more suitable for 3-4 season use.
Do Zenbivy have this protected or can we expect Naturehike to start knocking out copies for £100.
It looks bang on but simply could not justify paying that price.
It's only a matter of time before it gets copied. I've already noticed Aegismax selling copies of Sea to Summit's brand new 2024 design sleeping bags!
@BackpackingUK Yeah, I suppose it's inevitable - for good or ill.
I see it very similar to the Durston Asta gear thing - they're not nicking any business from Zenbivy because I was never going to be affording that in the first place.🙂
This is not a new idea. Thermarest have been doing something similar for years. I have a sheet and quilt from them that fit a Long Wide mat. The quilt clips to the sheet. The sheet and quilt pack down into an XS event compression bag.
I have had a Zenbivy Quilt , fast sheet and Light Mat for over a year now . I have just done 84 days camping on the HexaTrek using the sleep system and can highly recommend it .
Hi Andy Do Zenbivy sell the attachable pillows, i couldn't see them on their website?
Currently on the US site only. They’re supposed to be in the UK before the end of the year.
@@BackpackingUK Thanks Andy 👍🏻
Similar to the Big Agnes sleep systems that have been around for some time and with some of the widest & longest mats/bags out there I traded weight for comfort a long time ago.
Got away from mummy bags quite a while ago, used a Tapered Rab "Top Bag" - like a quilt on top with a single layer of pertex underneath, with all down foot box. Use it with a rectangular silk liner and wouldn't use anything else. Got a 2nd bag off eBay (sadly not made any more) which I can double up to make a colder weather system. Very small packed size, 200g of quality down and each weighs only 454g.
Especially like the compact size for Bikepacking. The Zenbivi though looks luxurious & warm.
I'm looking for something similar but not down.
£335, having a laugh. I’d expect a hotel room to go around it at that price.
A quilt you close up the side? With a hood?
Hmmmm sound like a sleeping bag.
Don’t want drafts? Buy a sleeping bag!
It’s also a lump when packed, and too heavy.
How anyone can’t sleep after walking for 8+ hours over hills, carrying 10kg+ of gear is beyond me. I’m out like a light.
Also, I’m a side sleeper and trained myself to sleep on my back.
exactly
Right, just hike longer and you will sleep.
I don't expect people who sleep soundly in traditional bags to understand the need or the concept. However, there's tens of thousands of people out there who struggle to sleep in traditional sleeping bags.
@@BackpackingUK I sleep with the arm under the pillow as well. Never manage to do that while camping. Also I sleep on the side a lot, but when out I have to sleep on the back. I never get a good nights sleep :(
I bought a zenbivy after I saw it in your Lake District trek :D it is honestly unbelievably comfortable and warm, worth every penny.
Great video Andy.
Yes it may be expensive, but can you put a price on a good night's sleep?
Well you’re wrong! I’m colorblind. 😆
Hi Like videos
I wonder if you on your experience could tell me the best sleeping mat For aside front sleeper and sleeping bag not mummy bag to carry on my motorbike
I can't fault the Big Agnes Rapide SL sleeping pad. I'd go for the wide version. As for sleeping bags, I've tried lots, but the Nemo Disco and Sierra Designs Cloud work well for me. Quilts work well in summer or systems like this can work well for 3 season use and part of winter.
I'm the same sleeping position as you...... What I've found works well for me is the Big Agnes Rapide SL (wide) sleeping mat, Sea to Summit Aeros pillow & sleeping bag depending on season (Rab Neutrino 600 in winter & Nordisk Gormsson +4 in summer). I'd tried lots of different mats, Trekology Aluft80, Thermarest Neoair & Sea to Summit Eitherlight XT and for me, the best is the RapideSL. ATB
@@BackpackingUK I can second this. I love my Agnes Rapide. Because it has such a good R value, I don't feel too bad letting the air out a bit to get a less firm surface.
Good stuff Andy 👍🏻
I'm a side sleeper and have always felt constricted by mummy bags, so I took a punt and got a Zenvivy system.
I've just come back from doing LEJOG and used a Zenbivy system when camping, and will never go back to a sleeping bag. Highly recommended 👍😁
This looks a great system, cheers
Take it you like it lol😊
Very expensive for some thing that’s made in Vietnam
Great video Andy. I've been looking at Zenbivy stuff for a while and want to go this route when I start buying my backpack sized sleep gear. A bit of constructive criticism if I may, if you switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius during the same video you need to make it clear which one you are referring to as I think you interchanged the two during this video. To make the video more accessible for all audiences, placing both values on the screen would be great, or just stick to Celsius given that's what we use in the UK (and that Fahrenheit doesn't make much sense in modern times ;-))
I usually just stick to UK but I thought I’d include F. I must admit, even I found it confusing so I’ll put them on the screen in future 👍
Thank you for showing us your new sleep system I love it does it come with the sleeping pad?
The official one is optional. I’ve used it with 2 different pads.
Zenbivy do a nice pillow that clips into the hood. That too was a game changer for me.
I've got the Core version. Not seen it on the UK website yet. Zenbivy system and Rapide SL mat is perfect for me.
I found i just wasn't sleeping very well at all with regular sleeping bags. Don't think i'd still be camping without the Zenbivy thing to be honest.
You can’t buy the pillow on the UK site yet but I did ask and they said by the end of the year.
I have the mattress, big fan. I can't get it back in it's original bag though. Thanks mate
Not sure about that mat, but with the self inflating Thermarest type, the best technique is:
Undo valve, roll up tight (towards valve). Tighten valve, unroll, then fold over length wise, then re-roll tightly (towards valve) opening the valve at last bit to release any trapped air. Now tighten valve and put into stuffsack. Hope this is useful.
Where do you get the extra wide flex tail mat from ?
Flextail direct, I’ll find the link 👍
Camping or at home that looks amazing. ❤ I think it’s quite reasonably priced considering the luxury it offers.