The Rolls-Royce of Ultralight Sleep Systems is *Almost* Perfect
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- Gear in this video:
Ultralight Quilt/Sheet: alnk.to/44VeJpc
Ultralight Mattress: alnk.to/6bUkvdx
Pillow: alnk.to/2uGpU7b
Light Mattress: alnk.to/60ZzwrB
My current go to backpacking gear:
Tent: bit.ly/3qmuR06
Backpack: bit.ly/3wyt9eD
Water Filter: bit.ly/48NaAAR
Headlamp: bit.ly/46iEsE1
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Q9QlGk
Hyperlite Camera Case: bit.ly/3QCa3MF
Cookpot: bit.ly/3OnddkO
FlipFuel Canister device: bit.ly/3EcUsvP
First Aid Kit: bit.ly/455arrv
Baselayer Top: bit.ly/4bfNZ26
Alpaca Wool Midlayer: bit.ly/3QjbKgb
Alpaca Beanie: bit.ly/3InQItv
Puffy Jacket: alnk.to/clWR5Ik
Hardshell Jacket: bit.ly/45t77X1
Hiking Belt: bit.ly/3KBHFXf
Hiking Pants: bit.ly/3ULaK8s
Hiking Underwear: bit.ly/3s7bett
Zenbivy made waves with the Lightbed a few years ago as an alternative to sleeping bags and it quickly became my favorite sleep system for camping and backpacking. But it was a bit bulky. Zenbivy has just released their brand new Ultralight Bed that takes sleeping outside to whole new levels of comfort while reducing weight and bulk. It's a significant upgrade. But it's not perfect. See what I think is holding it back and where it can still improve. While it's a quilt, it's unlike any other quilt I've ever used.
Many of the links above are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. It's a great way to support creators you enjoy!
For sponsorship or collaboration inquires: erichanson@thestation.io
#backpacking #camping #sleep
Thanks Eric for your videos. I have 1 night in the zenbivy light bed system. It accomplished a quilt like feel with no drafts. After owning a quilt and experiencing an occasional draft, I began looking into the ZB. The ZB delivers a quilt with 0 drafts and is very comfortable. My only gripes is that I struggled using the loop and hook system. Especially in the dark. I feel like that will take some learning as it was easier to find a strap buckle or zipper and do it up or undo it when nature calls. Overall for 1 night in the ZB i like it. More nights to come!
I follow all the camping guys and gals, super appreciate your experience and video delivery! Keep it up!
thank you very much!
BEAUTIFUL landscape man! Looks warm even during winter!
Really well done review Eric. Thanks.
Welcome! Hope it was helpful.
I went with the 10F Light paired with the Big Agnes Rapide SL and haven't looked back! Great content!
You're the second UA-cam content producer talking about the Zenbivy. And "Rolls Royce" indeed! The 10° quilt (which has a 20° comfort rating) plus sheet has an eye wateringly expensive price. It makes a premium Western Mountaineering sleeping bag look like a bargain.
I love the zenbivy system. The new one looks amazing
Thanks Eric, that looks pretty damn cozy 😊
it's ultra cozy, very positive sleep experience.
Huge fan of the Zenbivy light! Haha you nailed it on matching those colors in the middle of the night. Still well worth it!
A NOTE TO FUTURE BUYERS:
5:15
I just got this sleep system, as I am a brand ambassador, so I am trying out the products. I requested the full sheet rather than the half sheet version. The full sheet will hold the hood down much better to the matress. I have heard that some people have been having issues as the hood isn't staying in place on the matress. But there doesn't seem to be that issue with the full sheet as there is a draw string cord that pulls it tight on the matress, no matter what shape it is.
They have a sale right now, for 220 shipping and tax included, you can get the 25° core down bag and core insulated sheet and still come in sub 3lb. The zenbivy light bed isn't even as cheap and the whole system is over 3lb. Now is a great time to get into one until May 27th
Can’t beat a western mountaineering bag
But they haven't solved the problem of sliding off the pad.
Awesome content, as always!
I'm really impressed by this set-up! Looks so comfortable! To me it has put Zenbivy on the map! Also, there is little info out there on the sleeping pad, so the video is welcome.
It is expensive, tough
Nice review. Thanks 🙏
Great video Erin Indoors! your buddies Devin and Justin Indoors are a lot into zenbivy lately as well!
it's true, it's hard to not like them
"$1,100" *changes video*
It's a pretty wild amount of money!
It's supposed to make your wallet ultralight
For most people, the more cost-resonable option is the New 10º Light Quilt + Sheet which is the exact same design as the Ultralight, but is almost half the cost ($428 vs. $838) while weighing only 7 ounces more - still only 2 lb 12 oz.
@@Zenbivy Thanks for replying! It's cutting edge tecnology, state of the art materials, and it offers something the others don't, so we can se where the money is going. I've watched all the UA-cam videos on it, I'm fascinated for gear, especially high tech stuff, it's just that a lot people, me included, can't afford it!
@@Zenbivy Thanks for the kind response!
Just ordered the 25 degree combo! Thanks for the great tips Eric...as usual :)
Right on! Welcome to comfort heaven!
Regarding the hood. If you use a rectangular sleeping pad, there are two openings on the back that fit perfectly over the pad. This way the hood will not detach :))
Eric, your editing, over-laid font and transitions is so good!!!
Thanks so much Jarrad!
Yes, and also no irritating and unnecessary background "music", which I (as an autistic person) find very annoying. We want to hear your voice, and we do and can. Cheers, and thank you!
I bought the 25 degree light bed, full sheet 2 years ago and LOVE it. It was my first semi-quilt and as the temps rise in the backcountry in the Sierra I wanted something to accommodate. I’m looking at the UL bed ten degree now. I just bought an EE quilt and am regretting a bit. I’m hiking the JMT this summer and am figuring out my gear for that and beyond. What I don’t understand is the white. I don’t own even own white shirts because I’ll stain them. Honestly, I’d find the money for the UL bed if I could either choose the color or anything but white.
haha yeah I understand the aversion to white! It looks real nice while new! But in a year? probably will be a nice lovely brown.
They have a color version of the UL ten degree now
I just bought my first zenbivy sleep system its the zenbivy bed because i like zippers but you are so helpful for gear for a beginner like me so thank you eric
I was looking at getting the bed, what do you think of it? Can you give me a detailed description of your likes and dislikes, neat features and so on?
@Tall_Timber it is a little bit heavier then the other backpacking ones and it's very comfortable and it's does feel like my bed and it's compress down very well to with there system. I got the large because I love a 25 in pad. I also got a little dew and sweat on it and dryed out fast so the water resistant to it is truth it doesn't clump up. I hope that help if u have any other questions I might be able to help
I have the 10 degree light bed and it's unbelievably comfortable. Only complaint is the size when packed. This is the solution
The valve will work easier over time, they account for that and so it comes extra stiff, use lube if needed. love your gear.
As much as I would love to own on of these I do already own the original Zenbivy Bed (not the core but the OG)
Even tho it's much heavier and bulkier, the zippers make getting out of it in the dark so much easier and the convertible footbox so much more versatile.
In some ways they do really iterate on their design but in other aspects they do lose some key features. If you could have this UL system with a convertible footbox or if different parts from various beds were more interchangeable that would be fantastic.
I think the only thing I would buy from them is a pillow at this point, that seems a really nice a cozy pillow
Sleep system goals 😢💔😅
"lofty" goals!
Do you know if you can use the UL 2024 quilt with the prior year’s light full sheet (are the clips compatible)? I have the light and like it very much. I use it with my rapide SL but I was debating about updating to the newer quilt for space/weight savings. also - what tent is in this video? Love your videos, Eric. Thanks!!
Wonder how it'll do in the nice humid FL summer.
Get a shirt girter with plastic button clips to secure the hood better. Add silicone grease to the red nozzle to help release better. A tiny ammount.
Eric, thank you for this thorough review of the new Zen Bivy sleep system. It sounds great but the price will keep most people from paying that much for a quilt. You might want to look into the Feathered Friends Flicker Wide UL Quilt Sleeping Bag like I did. It's a hybrid between a bag and quilt, getting the benefits of both without the compromise. I looked into the Zen Bivy but was troubled by the way they attach to the sides. I usually have to get up in the middle of the night and fumble out of my sleep system when nature calls. If I have to do it fast in the dark, I'm in trouble. So I went into Feathered Friends and bought the Flicker hybrid sleeping bag/quilt for (20F). It may be a bit heavier than the Zen Bivy but it's 950 fill with TONS of loft. It has one front zipper which comes completely undone to have a trapezoid shaped quilt. It has a drawstring foot box so you can leave it open or close completely. When I'm cold sitting in camp at night or early morning, I use the Flicker like a Snuggy with it zipped up and my feet outside the bag so I can sit in my Chair Zero and not be cold. I'm in love ❣with this bag and have used it in below freezing temps in the Cascades with excellent warmth. It really is the best of both worlds for people wanting to transition from a bag to a quilt and is by far, the most comfortable bag I've ever slept in. 😁👍❤
Wonderful! I love that. I've heard great things about Feathered Friends but I've never had the opportunity to test from them. Sounds like a great setup!
@@eric_hanson Growing up in Seattle did have it's perks. The original REI and Feathered Friends were my Go To recreation stores since 1972. I much prefer FF to REI but you get what you pay for. FF are a lot more expensive but worth the price in my estimation. I have their EOS down jacket too. You can't go wrong with quality but you still have to take care of them. I'm sure that's the case with anything UL. The less things weigh, the more you have to take care of them.
I literally just bought a brand new custom made El Coyote Alphalite 900+ Quilt (Arizona based company!) after Christmas. I’m seriously considering pairing it with a ZenBivy Ultralight Sheet with the insulated hood. I think it will make for a nice combination. 👍🏼 I might also look at buying the ZenBivy pillow, too. Great informative video, as always, Eric. Thank you!
I was thinking the same thing. I have a 25 degree light bed, but for an upcoming through hike I need my new EE 10 degree quilt, but thinking about pairing that with the ZB 1/2 sheet and ZB pillow is very intriguing as I can’t justify buying an additional 10 degree quilt right now.
That's an interesting idea! I could see the insulated hood being real nice to add in. However I'm not sure how much the "wings" would keep out drafts if you had no way to hook them to the quilt. So I think it would be an upgrade, I'm not just sure if you'd get full value out of the sheet/hood. The pillow by itself sure is nice and could be mixed in to any setup you already have.
@@kristymoore7052 yeah if you've already got a nice quilt I wouldn't spend that kind of cash on another one.
@@eric_hanson I’m going to try a few things to hopefully still be able to utilize the side draft panels on the ZB Light sheet with my quilt. I might end up sewing some hooks/clasps onto my quilt to be able to attach it to the Light Sheet’s loops. 😉
I sewed on loops to my quilt and it works fine. Would advise using some kind of patch or Tenacious Tape to support the loop so your quilt doesn't tear from the sewing or the pull of the loop.
EGAD! $1,110.+ ?? I'll stick to my overstuffed 20 F. Western Mountaineering Megalite, thank you very much. My "half sheet" is a light poly T shirt pulled over the head of my mattress. Has always worked very well for me in the summer when I use my mummy as a quilt.
For winter I love my -20F. LL Bean down bag. (Which I got for $250. on a one day double sale!)
But thanks for this very detailed review. Carrying two 1" wide elastic bands with spring clips at each end holds my bag to the mattress.
How would you say the comfort and warmth of the ultralight pad compares to the new Rapide SL?
enjoy Sedona we were there Thursday, but your right that sleep system is too pricey I dont sleep outside in the cold
Love spending almost the cost of my whole kit for a heavier sleep system.
haha it's not for everyone!
Purchased the Ultra light mattress and really like it. Price on a 25” is not bad
I agree, the mattress as a standalone is really worth looking at.
How’s the half sheet working out? Do you feel like it rides up on the pad to where you are forced to constantly have to pull it back down? Do you think the full sheet would be better if you were using this in a bivy/ul tent and keeping the whole system installed when packing up each day where you just deflate and re inflate your pad each night? I don’t repack each item in its stuff sack each night I just stuff it all together into my pack, so speed and convenience is key. The weight difference between the two sheets is negligible in my opinion.
Thanks for the review, especially about the mattress! It looks like this company is finally getting some attention to their mattresses. I may eventually spring for the current model but feel that Zenbivy and Flextail need to work together to find an adapter that fits the mattresses! I have lusted for the sleep system but I have not seen it get light and compact enough for my needs. Maybe it is now but the price will still keep me away from it. And I hope that there is more than white for a choice because white will look gross pretty quickly.
From the video I didn't get to see from above how the quilt looked when you were snugged up in it. My impression was that it was fitting like a mummy bag? I am a side sleeper and a woman with hips, haha, and being too snug in those areas just doesn't work for me. What's the fit like? One thing that made me concerned how things clip in and you did address it, but I'm still left wondering... If I wake up in the middle of the night and really.. really have to go to the bathroom, how quickly can I get out of this quilt?!! What's something other than clips on the upper half of the mattress work better? Love how the pillow clips in. I think the top of the sheet flopping off the mattress would drive me crazy. Thanks again for giving details on the mattress both at the beginning and near the end of the video!!
Love to see your reviews. I wonder if you ever take fishing gear with you on hikes? If you do I would love to see what you carry.
I don't really go fishing on backpacking trips. But thank you!
I'm not sure what holds me back more...the price (convert that to CAS and add taxes and duty! 😵💫) or the white quilt, that would be filthy after a couple of days...😂
haha for sure the price! I've used this for 9 nights so far and she's still as clean looking as day one. But eventually yeah it will probably look grimy.
Well, it can be washed...
If I was still backpacking I would buy this setup. The cheaper one. but it looks and sounds super comfy and it is fairly comparable to any half decent sleep system that I’m not a huge fan of or am I comfortable using.
I wonder how this air mat compares to the REI Helinox. They seem similar
Eric, do you find the 2024 Ultralight 10 degree to be as warm as the 2024 10 degree light bed? I'm hoping you have both to compare. I'm doing the comparison in my living room and question if the ultralight might sleep colder.
Must one use the Zenbivy mattress or can I provide my own mattress?
Nice. Looks good. Maybe next time also add the degrees in C
The reason for the full sheet is to prevent it coming undone at the top. I have the fast sheet and a full length and though the fast sheet is only 99g it is far more frustrating to sleep with as I am an active sleeper and will slide of the mattress. The full sheet keeps me grounded and worth the extra weight and bulk.
That's good to hear. Ive never had the fast sheet actually give me issues after moving around, even if the top slips off it stays put enough.
I've been very happy with the previous generation of ZenBivy beds and own two but agree with your critiques. I accidentally tore apart one of the connectors trying to escape to take a pee one night. I suspect that with the new generation advertising different stitching, I may not have been the only one.
This half sheet appears to be similar to an old product they had I think was called their "fast sheet". The reviews convinced me not to try it out in spite of the weight savings, although I don't remember the specifics of why customers didn't love it.
P.S. Looks like some of your affiliate links may be broken. E.g., trekking poles and puffy.
Having used the full sheet and the "fast sheet" I think I'll stick with the fast sheet even though the top fitted part can be better. I haven't seen any wear and tear on any of my models but I haven't had an emergency evacuation situation (yet) either! Thanks for the fyi on links. I fixed the puffy jacket link but looks like the trekking poles sold out.
white gear stays so clean looking! lol.
What less bulk are you talking about? Even Zenbivy by itself recommends exactly the same 7l volume dry sack for both Light Bed and Ultralight bed.
Have the light bed and would be interested in this, but the half length sheet is a nope for me. Hopefully they'll change and offer a full length one. I don't mind that little weight for it and will pick that over having to re-adjust it during night...
Use your light sheet and skip buying the ultralight sheet. Something to be aware of is they chopped 6 inches off the length of all 2024 Fast Footbox models compared to the 2023 Fast Footbox models. They launched the Ultralight without updating the posted dimensions which resulted in me buying the ultralight and being disappointed by the reduced length. I'm considering if I'll return it. They only updated the dimensions on their website after I contacted them about the discrepancy.
If I need to save space, instead of rolling up my light pad and putting it in the stuff sack, I just fold it flat and put it along the back inside my pack. It’s like it’s not even there.
nice! good tip!
What % do you think it saves in the stuff sack? I have the ZB double quilt and barely got it in a 13L dry bag I had a hard time getting it in my backpack horizontal. Might try your tip or just jam it in where it fits. Maybe the dry bag will be just short enough to fit horizontal in the pack bottom.
I’m trying to carry everything for 2 people. Taking a disabled 10 year old.
@@mikezaloudek4893 I can’t really say what percentage of space you’ll save. That’s kind of hard to calculate. I have found that the larger configuration you leave your pad in, the more space you’ll save. I was just out this week on a 25 mile overnight. Weather was iffy so I brought extra stuff for warmth and rain. I put my sleep pad in my pack in essentially a U shape. I put it in first so it was on the bottom, front, and back of the pack. Then I just filled up the U with all my other gear. Think about the size of your pad rolled and in its stuff sack. That’s how much volume you’ve saved. Well, technically you’re not really saving volume, you’re just dispersing it over a larger area…
@@LifeConsistsOfWildnessI totally misread that. I thought you were talking about the sheet with the pillow barn and you were talking about the mattress!
I was saying with the double quilt plus the sheet in my 13L dry sack, I could barely get that in the bottom of the backpack and was thinking of taking out the sheet and just stuffing that in wherever I could so the quilt would maybe fit better horizontal in the bottom of my pack I have 2 20x72 mattresses to deal with in one pack
Repeated folding along the same lines will ruin pads. Roll them.
Great video! Do you think the 10 degree would work well as an all season bag or possibly too warm in the summer months? I was thinking the modularity of it could vent heat in the summer and I'd rather have to purchase only 1 of these....
If I were only going to own one I would definitely go with the 10F version. Plenty of ways to let it vent heat in the summer time.
Perfect, that's what I was thinking too but it's always nice to have that confirmation ;) Thanks!
This is really looking more and more impressive. I think Big Agnes and Nemo or Sea To Summit or whichever of those big industry players who had this dropped the ball. If I remember correctly they came up with the sleeve system first and then Zenbivy popped up and outdoing them
It's interesting to see other company's iterations of similar styles. And yeah, in my opinion Zenbivy is leading the charge with this design.
I think it was actually the same guy who tried it with multiple companies but they didn't want to do it, so he ended up starting zenbivy (or something like that)
I wonder if a square/rectangle pad will help more keeping the hood on.
It seems like having corners on a mattress would keep the sheet in place better. You might be right!
If the ½ length sheets are not snugly attached to the mattress, the top can "un-hook" as it did for Eric. A rectangular mattress will hold slightly better, but the real solution is to pull the sheet onto the mattress tightly during installation to make sure the sheet is fully extended, then tighten-up the two straps. The heavier full length sheet forces the sheet to extend fully, but with the ½ length sheet you need to take care to make sure the sheet is fully extended before tightening it down securely.
Its a little pricey for my wallet, but I do have three Zenbivys. The Light, the Zippered Zen, and the Core. I love this sleep system and bought all three during sales at a great price. I'm fixing to order the universal 30" sheet so I can use any of these in my Haven Tent hammock.
It's a great system and Zenbivy has several sales throughout the year. There's one going on this week 25% off.
Can you describe your experience with all of them, your likes and dislikes with all of them and features you think are neat? I'm looking at getting one of their sleep systems but they all seem so good I don't know which one to choose
@Tall_Timber I'm thinking its the light, fluffy, and non-binding feel of it. I like the way the hood secures a pillow and cradles your head as well as being able to move and flip. Being able to have the sheet attached to the pad just makes it all work together. I have found that I prefer the zippered Zen over the clips though. To me its just easier to unzip and get out when you need to get up in the middle of the night. It's a comfortable system that pairs well with the 30" pad of the Haven Tent hammock too.
@@miconn69 would you say it's good for side sleepers? Or is it more constrictive
@Tall_Timber Definitely not constrictive. I flip like a rotisserie chicken through the night and its very accomodating.
@@miconn69 noted, thanks a lot for giving me your opinion, I'm pretty new to backpacking so I'm just looking to build a good kit before I hit the trails and want to make sure I don't sink 4, 5, or 600 dollars in something I won't use/like
When is it available for purchase? I’d love to get it but I need it before May 1st!
now
How do the two pad : mattresses from zenbivy compare now? Other than the size and weight, would you still choose the light version over the flex or ultralight?
Personally I think the ultralight is the best of them. The light mattress is slightly more comfortable but I’d rather have the smaller lighter mattress.
Wow! That’s a complete sleeping “system”! Does it have an optional toilet?😊
haha I mean, you could try going to the bathroom in it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
I wonder if this quilt would work as a hammock top quilt? It does look very comfortable.
I've never been a hammock camper but I think it would great!
I'm a hammock camper, and I was just thinking along those lines. I believe it could work very well, after all, it's a quilt! It would have those toggles or loops that wouldn't have anything to attach to, and that might be a little uncomfortable to roll on top of, but other than that, it should work fine. The only caveat I'd mention is to check out the width compared to hammock top quilts. But it seems on par. The ZB regular is 54" in width and the Hammock Gear and UGQ quilts are 55" wide for the regular size. Those two brands have more customization available, so if you wanted different down fill, overfill, different material, colors, footbox style, etc. you have more options with one of those brands. I'd compare and contrast and get what you really want. If it were me and I didn't already have a couple of hammock top quilts, I think I would get one of the ZB ones and just use it in my hammock as well. I might do that anyway, since quilts can always stack for more warmth and I do love some winter camping!
@@elisebrown5157 Thanks. I’m just getting my winter clothes & accessories now a least ones on sale. Haven’t bought the big 3 but have almost everything else.
This quilt looks too comfy.
I have found that the sheet stays on well with my rectangular shaped sleeping pad but I can see how it would slip off if your pad is rounded.
I'd be interested to try it on a mattress with corners.
I need to go back and count how many times you say "system" 😂
oof. I was wondering how long it'd take for someone to point that out! I was cringing through my edit. System became my word of the day for some reason. Embarrassing.
I think it was 27
Holy crap. Peak bougey-backpacking. 🤑🤑🤑
bougie for sure!
The more I hear about this, the more I'm thinking I may be a future zenbivy customer. I already have a couple of high R value 25" sleeping pads, so I would just use those with the sheet and top quilt. It's nice that their sheet system fits standard size sleeping pads. And remember that it's always possible to purchase a 30 degree quilt to save money and then layer another (any brand) quilt under or over that one for more warmth. Or use a sleeping bag liner. This also saves weight if you're not cold weather camping. I think I would definitely want the full length sheet, however. I just don't like my skin touching the sleeping pad fabric. Like nails on a chalkboard. And it will probably keep the tension on the hood so it doesn't pull off the pad so much. (Though Zenbivy could probably solve this with some elastic or maybe a piece of shock cord that runs across the arc of the sleeping pad's head - maybe even attach it to the elastic that already runs across the bottom of the sleeping pad?
Another reason you might have been warmer the second (but colder) night (assuming you stayed in the same place and didn't pack up your gear) is that down really takes a while to fully loft. I'm primarily a hammock camper, and I always notice I'm warmer the second night after my quilts have fully lofted. This is more evident the higher count the down is - for instance, 900 fill down takes longer to fully loft and get its full insulative value. An 800 fill down takes less time, and a 600 fill down even less time.
Thanks for the great review and video!
After reading some of the other comments, I want to add that I appreciate the review, even though it's expensive. It can be modularized, which cuts some of the costs down or completely out, but it's still a pretty expensive system. Lot of specialized camping gear is quite expensive - so I don't understand why the hate on you for reviewing this. It fits a niche, which isn't for everybody. I also watched a review on a $2000 tent I'll never buy, but that review didn't seem to earn the scorn this one did. The only advice I might give is to mention at the front of the video whether the gear was gifted by the company, whether the video is sponsored, or whether the company has any say in your content or even gets to review it before posting. That might cut down on the accusations of being an "11 minute commercial." Overall, I appreciate reviews like this, because I get to learn a lot about the product, see it in action, and hear opinions. I like to know what's out there, even if I choose other products over this one.
My question is - how does it fit in a decent sized thru pack, like a 50 or 55L pack. Does it take up an abnormally amount of pack space?
I have mostly been packing it into my Durston Kakwa 55, loads of space left over. Quilt + insulated sheet + pillow packs down smaller than my Nemo 15 Riff.
May I ask what size of the quilt you opted for at your size? Also: I am stomach sleeper - and as such often extend a leg way beyond the 183cm mark. Would you opt for the long UL mattress? Cheers.
If you regularly extend past the 183 mark then yes I’d recommend the long UL mattress. It’s reeeaaally nice to have that extra space.
@@eric_hanson Cheers for your reply. At 4:30-4:35 and at 6:19-6:23 you seem to extend way passed the regular size bed your self. Is this just an optical illusion? If by choice ... do your feet stay warm like this in a cold night? And one more thing: Do you size up quilts every time - as a stomach sleeper?
I was looking forward for this system to come out, but that price point is ridiculous. Guess I am gonna stick with my 10F UGQ quilt I got a couple years ago.
What are those sunglasses?? 😎😎
Great video Eric. I don't think you mentioned how much your whole sleep system weighs?
thank you! 10F Quilt + insulated sheet + 25" mattress = 3.8 lbs or 1530 grams.
@@eric_hanson Awesome, good to know!
Random thoughts from an old timer Zenbivy user: I have their first (?) version of the light bed from their Indigogo campaign back in 2018 (quilt and sheet, 25° down, freebie pillow). For years I’ve been requesting a summer/warmer version of the sheet. It’s really interesting to see how they’ve changed and grown. There are elements bout the system that I am all about and full support, and some that are really disappointing. The main disappointment is that while super lofty all the loft seems to be misplaced in corner baffles. The main body warmth baffles have very little down to them, right from arrival. Seriously, you shine a light and there is little to no down in the main body baffles and the corners and sides have all of it. Truly disappointing. The design and concept has always been spot on. But I’ve also been afraid to upgrade because of that lack of down where it matters. Especially now that I want to convert my sleep system to a wider one, not to mention cooler. But I am a dancer and therefor need room to sleep. Why I love them so much. Now they have lighter, summer/un-insulated versions, and it’s still a little disappointing. I personally want a full length sheet. My feet and legs get dirty, I want my mattress pad protected from fort and oils. I want the hood to be super basic to simply hold the pillow in place or to not exist at all and to have that snap system…but to still be full length. Their original pillow was nothing of worth -sorry- It sits in the back of my closet and I use my S2S. But I am curious about the new version. Why is it white?! Seriously, why?! There is nothing good about a white sleep system. It shows all the dirt, it has no rescue purpose - if you’re trying to survive in snow waiting for SAR you are camouflaged and screwed. ‘You’ wanna be incognito? Why? What are you hiding from? No. Give me color so my quilt can be used to flag down SAR or signal for help if need be. As a solo female backpacker, that is important. But I gotta say, with that see through white tent…it does kinda camouflage you, which would be safe from humans???One last point is that with the original fabric they used, I was skeptical about it feeling like a trash bag, but it is the softest gear I have! Only down side is that any amount of an incline and ima sliden. Sliden right off my mattress pad. Has that changed at all?
Even $687 is absurd. Great review.
Is that the Durston tent in the video or a different one? If it isn’t the Durston, which tent is that?
The Durston makes an appearance in some b roll clips here but the main tent I'm filming with is the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo.
@@eric_hansonI was going to ask about the tent, too. Is that the Nemo Hornet Elite 1P? Also, how do you like it? Will you do a review/video on the new Nemo Hornet OSMO Elite?
A square sleeping pad would avoid the hood area flopping off. Avoid a curved design perhaps
I never ever experienced insulated hood roll-off with my light sheet. I think something went definitely wrong for 500usd more.
Hey Eric! Just binge watched your entire Chanel! Would you be able to advise on the light mattress vs the new Flex air mattress? You’ve repeatedly said that the light mattress is the most comfortable. I’m wondering if the flex 3D is worth the comfort hit for the packability?
What .. Bivy tent .. would be recommended
White shows the dirt. Does it come in another colour?
I think it's white only right now for the ultralight version. But they have other varieties of quilts, fill-types, temp ratings, etc that are other colors.
Products like this really enforce my old fart status when it comes to backpacking gear.
2024 need a 3rd job to enjoy the hobby anymore id love nothing more to own this system good review and video
Is the mattress ASTM tested?
that's a good question. I'm not seeing ASTM on their website but I'm pretty sure they have had independent testing on it. They also round up from an actual 4.8 R value to an advertised 5, which I wish they wouldn't do. This felt just about the same as the new Nemo Tensor 5.4 for warmth.
No. In an interview with Dan Becker the creator of ZenBivy explains why.
I would have liked to see the system packed, how much room does it take up? ,and how heavy the system is when packed that kind of thing, thanks anyway, well out of my price range, I'll stick to my £60 brit mil surplus all season sleeping system.........
10F Quilt + insulated sheet + 25" mattress = 3.8 lbs or 1530 grams. Quilt + sheet + pillow tends to take up about as much space, or a little less, than my Nemo 15 Riff. The size of the UL mattress is equal to the new Nemo Tensors. Packs up great into my Durston Kakwa 55. Sorry I didn't show it all packed up!
@@eric_hanson no worries thanks for the reply
proudly sponsored by zen bivy
Hi Eric,
I am super curious, a bit unrelated, I'm wondering how much you get paid to upload such videos for brands. Im guessing you were also given this for free as it's not available yet. But were you also compensated to shoot this video? ... I'm asking because I'm also trying to do this type of work
Absolutely love the product they’ve made. But that price tag is just too high.
"The X of Y" will always make me roll my eyes and move on. Thanks.
A 25 deg Large in Ultralight is $449 and weighs 1lb 2oz. A 25 deg large in the Light variety is $279 and weighs 1lb 9oz. A 25 deg large in the Core is $199 and weighs 1lb 12oz. From Core to UL costs $250 for 10oz. That's $400/lb. Seems like an awful lot to save 10 oz.
what's the total weight for that system? Thx
Copying from his reply above your comment:
10F Quilt + insulated sheet + 25" mattress =3.8 lbs or 1530 grams.
@@MrFowl thanks
glad i prefer a SLEEPING BAG
Very cool but way out of my price range. Outstanding review.
Thanks! The price is astronomical. But it's still worth knowing about and for some people it'll be a hit.
If you already have an air mattress and "pellow" ;). Couldn't you use those instead of buying ZenBivy's version? Not that $758 for the quilt and sheet is a bargain, but at least you'll knock off another $264 from the price. I have the yellow Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0 degree Sleeping Bag and it can actually be used like a quilt. Just a couple of mods and with my NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad. I comfortably warm at 20-30 F. 😬
The way I understand it, the system will fit with any appropriately sized sleeping pad. And you can use any pillow you want inside that hood, it just wouldn't attach to the ZB clips.
You are able to buy the Zenbivy pillow case with the clips separately and put whatever pillow you want in it. Alternatively, you could stuff extra clothes or a puffy coat in it for a makeshift pillow.
I’m on a different path mate. I look into inexpensive gear that still makes me happy. Maybe your videos are not my cup of tea after all. Sayonara
No problem friend. Be thee well!
Hahaha OMG, a 1100 dollar sleep system, in a Big Agnes tent! Brilliant! Btw, I don't think you mentioned the weight.
Is this not a pain to setup? It looks like a lot of clips and setup to get right
Is it a pain? Not to me. But it does take an additional step over a sleeping bag. Most quilts have some type of comparable straps that need to be configured.
I appreciate the review. I've been interested in this for awhile as I already i use a quilt setup. $1100 is no joke though. @eric_hanson
cost as much as my bed...I'd buy it
I think… they… used to anyway, have a half sheet light bed.
Ultralight... well how much does it weigh??
20" mattress = 17 oz (482g), 25" wide mattress = 21 oz (595g), 25F quilt 17 oz (482g), 10F quilt = 26 oz (737g), uninsulated sheet 2.9 oz (82g), insulated sheet 7 oz (196g)
@@eric_hanson 🙏
When is it available to purchase? I want to order it!
Did you see Aunt Edna ?
I’m watching this knowing both of my sleeping bags were $1 total lol
Seems like this system wants to be like a mummy bag with a hood. So buy a mummy bag with a hood. I'm a side sleeper. I use a Nemo short airmat and a Zpacks bag. Less than half the price. Get over that 1100 dollar stuff.
no way
Hi Eric
Nice system... while it's expensive, it isn't as expensive as you say. Your math is off. The grand total is 1022$ and not 1103$.
Yeah, it gets complicated. If you start doing a comparison with the dimensions of their 2023 light bed, you'll find there isn't much weight savings ... and it's at the cost of they reducing the length of the 2024 Fast Footbox models by 6 inches. They need to be transparent with this. The dimensions were not updated on their website until I started asking questions about why my 2024 Ultralight was shorter than my 2023 Light bed. So there's a full cost/value analysis that is asking to be done...
is the 10F degree rating the COMFORT rating, or just the "survival' rating? If it's the survival rating, it's comfortable only at 30F and you still need a shelter of some sort. If 30F is all it's good for, I can beat it all to HELLwith a system that's much cheaper, is unaffected by its getting wet and it's all useful in hot weather and can be worn as clothing. This is while wearing just cammies, balaclava, 3 pairs of sock liners, gloves, wiggy's net longjohns, and shemagh. I can get my system down to comfort at 10F, by adding dry grass as insulation and wearing a lb of polypro longjohns.
I use a net hammock, with the 2GoSystems XL Trigecta bivy around the hammock, and a ridgeline thru the bivy. I employ an "envelope" around the bivy, made of two taped-together, heavy duty 55 gallon drum liners, I taped a sleeping bag zipper into this envelope. You need another ridgeline, this one between the bivy and the envelope, so you can maintain that layer of "trapped air' between the bivy and the envelope. if it's cold, I set the hammock 6" off of the ground, with me in it. I kick debris under the envelope so as to stop air from flowing under me.
I use a pair of Amazon's full body bugnet "suits'" and a couple of their "cut-leaf" types of camo nets. I put on one of the suits, twist the camo netting so that the 'leaves', cannot "lay flat and wrap them around my limbs. Then I don the other bugnet suit. All of this assembly is worn as longjohns. This suffices to let me sleep ok at 30F, without any longjohns or debris insulation.
You can't have ANY air leaks with this system, so use a light to look for any pinholes. Tape shut any that you find.. Yes, I DO get condensation inside of the envelope, but the bivy and the hammock see to it that the moisture has no effect on me.
Sounds like a lot of effort just to wear a grass suit and stay warm
I'd say the 10F rating is the "limit". Survival rating would be much lower. "Comfort rating" would be more like 25F. I slept in it at 19F (-7C) and was just fine but could tell it was colder than the "comfort rating". Most sleeping bags have three tiers; comfort, limit, and survival. And the advertised rating is generally the "limit", where you can achieve sleep, but any colder and you'll be shivering all night.
Imagine a mouse ever ate through it 🤦🏼♂️