I Tested Every Zenbivy Bed So You Don’t Have To

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

Is Zenbivy’s recommended stuff sack sizing accurate?

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.

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 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.

Great info. If I were starting out I'd consider it but I'm pretty happy with my current system.

Which 10 degree bed would hold up to my dog walking (think dog nails) and laying on it?

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 overview! And so goods that finally all these are much easier to buy in Europe!

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.

Awesome breakdown of these sleep systems! This review answered all my questions! Thank you for this 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 !!

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.

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.

Standard zenbivy bed no longer uses zips on the sheets. All loop and hook now.

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.

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.

Dont agree with some of your reports about zippers on sea to Summitt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you for a great video

Great review! Maybe work on the speech flow a bit.

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.

They are way too expensive. The ultralight sleep system exceeds $1k. That's absolutely insane....

I love my Zenbivy—it's the best sleeping system ever. The only thing that drives me nuts is the convertible foot box, as the drawstring always gets entangled in my toes. I don't know how, as I leave the string outside of the foot box, but it somehow always works its way in.

Maybe it's the delicious marshmallow color controlling my thoughts, along with the fun color coated system, but i MUST have that quilt. Also, it's not just about weight, it's about packability. The 25° ultralight fits in a 7L compression sack and compresses down to, well, very small. It's the best I've found perusing the internet so far.

Habe 2 Stück
die -4 und die -12grad version bestellt und getestet
beide stinken abartig bereits bei der geringsten Luftfeuchte.
Richtig schade - hoffe das bekommen sie in den Griff (hat scheinbar was mit der Daunenimprägnierung zu tun)

I would have liked to see them all packed up to compare size. More important to me than a few ounces

I got the light bed set in the spring and have used it about 10 times so far. Never looked back at regular sleeping bags and I sleep awesome. I usually run hot so it's been a game changer to stick a leg out vs traditional mummy bags. best piece of backpacking gear I own.

I wish you would have talked about the mattresses

ile ci płacą ?

Isn't it much easier to just get a mummy instead of screwing with all of the stuff you have to do just to lay down and sleep. It's not worth the fussing

You can just unsip a mummy and get the same experience it's so stupid it's not funny

Have you got a video on the light matress ?

Great job, you helped me end my confusion. But I must add I would love for Zenbivy to add weights to the page where you pick and add your pieces . giving a running weight total like the prices total. Same with your review. You would have saved me time by mix and match more weight with systems. Sorry I know that's confusing. Example: I picked the light quilt Large 10Deg with the Core down 25" sheet. = sheet is 11.2oz and quilt is 35oz =46.2oz or 2lb 14oz at $438... If I were to pick the light quilt (reg. not large) (25deg not 10deg) and light sheet 10deg 25" it would = quilt is 20oz and sheet is 8.7oz = 28.7oz or 1lb 13oz at $358... For only $80 more and a weight penalty of 17.5oz I opted for the comfort and the warmth the costlier and slightly heavier system.
Hopefully this helps, but anyway great job. Love the depth of your review.

I dunno about the Ultralight. Using a bivy sack with any quilt gives you most of the benefits of the Zen sheet: it keeps you on your mattress, keeps the pillow under control, lets you roll around and stick your arms under the pillow, prevents drafts. And a bivy sack is lighter than a tent, so...

Thanks for your review. I'm curious about sizing though. I'm 6"2' and usually use a long sleeping bag. How does the sizing work for this system?

Hello and nice review. I’ve been an EE Rev 20 user for 4-5 years now and considering changing to the UL25 model. I love this idea and would have started here if available then and light. I also have 2 W. Mtn’eering bags in 15 and -15, so looking for a shoulder season, say September-Nov and April on. Love the features of this quilt and sheet. I’ve been at 25 deg in my Rev20 closed up tight and ok. Most trips for this style for me would be mid to upper 20’s low and usually warmer. If solid temps for 2-3 days in mid to low 20’s, I’m in my WM 15 deg. I know there are tons of variables, but do you feel the 25 is a solid rating and would it do freezing or bit below w/o issues. Also I realize this depends on pad and layers, tent compared to leanto, etc. just wondering if it’s a fair trade for a Rev 20 for my use, btw, I have the 850 duck Rev and this is 900 goose. Thanks.

I'm going with the core sheet and light quilt. I am allergic to down so I have also got an extra pongie liner for a little extra warmth.

So there was money exchanged. They gave you their product.

I have the light bed and I like it. But, while vertical baffling at the top prevents down from moving to the side, I find that some down has drifted towards the bottom by morning. Seems like there should be a horizontal baffle about half way down the top portion.

Would you also please produce a video with the title "Best economical Zenbivy alternatives" I don't think that company has a monopoly on a sheet attached to a sleeping pad. Come one now.

What’s the general consensus on the fast foot box vs the convertible? I was thinking about the 10* quilt which is probably 20* comfort ? Convertible offer any value in flexibility or is it just as easy to stick a leg out either way?

I'd love to see a pack size comparison, please?

Question: Can you put the light or moto zenbivy bed on a four inch air mat? I have the Smaller Cloud mattress from Sylvan Sport in our mini camper. Thank you to anyone who knows the answer! :)

Awesome video, been looking at the zenbivy sleep system for couple years now and was having a hard time deciding which quilt to purchase. This helped narrow down what im looking for! Thank you

Haha I was wondering cause that's over 5.000.00 dollars worth of sleeping quilts.