I'm convinced. I got mine this summer and have used it a few times and it really has revitalized my sleep while camping and backpacking. Then I found out that Michael lives local to me in Spokane and I felt extra good about buying "local."
Don't care for Zenbivy, but it's really cool to see how the owner/inventors presenting it. they should put that video on their website, this is so much better at explain it compared to just infographics, text and pictures.
I bought the lite bed 10 degrees and along with sheet rated for 10 degrees as well, along with the flex air mattress from Zenbivy. As a new customer you can get 10% off entire first order or wait for a sale. I am sure they will have a Black Friday sale coming up. I am 54 and w/o question this is the best investment in all the new gear I bought. I am heavy, 260 lbs. and can attest that if you inflate the flex air mattress firmly you will not sink down. Once I learned that, heavenly sleep in the backcountry! I love it so much that I felt guilty for my son and bought him a lite bed as well...He loves it! I paired it with the REI Helix insulated pad on sale for 40% off. If you are smart and wait for sales instead of impulse buying, you can definitely get incredible gear for reasonable prices. Dan thank you for such a great channel and bringing leaders in the industry to talk about their cutting edge products! Keep up the good work!
The Becker Backyard sounds like it should be a second youtube spinoff channel. I love my Zenbivy bed. Bought it 5+ years ago, paired it with a Nemo Tensor XL, and got the best night sleep in 35+ years of camping in sub freezing weather. Its continued to perform since then. As someone who transitions from hammock to tent camping depending on weather and location, I love the versatility of the system. I can take the just the quilt or the whole setup depending on the needs of the trip. Was it on the pricey side? Yes, but it was worth it in my opinion.
Man, got to say, as he went through the advantages, nearly every one is something that has bothered me camping in the past. This video likely sold me a couple of these.
Do it. You will not regret it. And there's ways to combine or mix and match between the Light and Ultralight offerings to save a few dollars. But this system is super freaking comfortable. And TOASTY!
i used the ultra light 1/2 sheet with my quilt this summer, and it helped me not slide off my mattress even without all the zenbivy specific attachments. it was revolutionary! I’m very tempted to get the system!
I love my Zenbivy bed! By far the most comfy and finally able to get better sleep in the backcountry. The hood is also great for keeping your phone, electronics or anything that needs to stay warm.
I have the Zenbivy Light Bed, with the full length sheet. It provides hands down the best nights of sleep I've ever had in the backcountry. Paired with my older, warmer Big Agnes Rapide SL, it's a match made in heaven.
I love my Zenbivy. It’s so cozy and great at keeping me warm. My husband is very picky and he has no complaints after sleeping on the Zenbivy for 4 nights. He even used the quilt without the sheet in a cold hotel room after hurricane Helene knocked out power and was thankful he had it with him.
I absolutely love my Zenbivy bed. I am a big guy and mummy bags are far too restrictive and in cold weather my simple quilt just doesn't cut it. I have never been more warm and comfortable with any other system before I got my zenbivy.....
@VigAdventures I have a Sea to Summit Etherlite XT 25in rectangular pad. And the ZenBivy Large Light 10° convertible quilt with the 25" Fast sheet. I didn't go with the insulated sheet just cause I'm in CALIFORNIA and most my backpacking is relatively warm and if it does drop down I just wear a beanie and my puffy jacket with a hood. My last trip i was over 9500ft elevation and it dropped down into the high 30s with a lot of wind. I was extremely warm and comfortable. I actually had to open up my quilt some cause I got too warm at one point.... The zen bivy has been awesome.
I love my Zenbivy system. I have an older version and I've heard it has been improved. I have a 25 degree system and tested it to the limit on Isle Royale when temps reached 28. When I can get another, I'll probably a warmer version. But either way, I love it! Not getting trapped up in a tight bag and getting the cozy feel of a blanket. To me, it is worth the money. I love the hood too!
I love Zenbivy beds! I believe that ladies who sleep hot will appreciate the flexibility of the fast footbox and the clips. So easy to throw out an arm or leg to cool down and pull back in again to warm up. Yes, the clips can be a little fussy, but being able to fasten clips 1 & 4 (upper chest & thigh) makes it easy poke your arms out where clips 2 & 3 are undone but still keep your chest covered. The Pongee fabric feels more breathable and a lot less clingy than nylon. Great for those who have texture sensitivities. I even use the quilt at home. Highly recommend!
I absolutely love my Zenbivy. I’m typically a hammocker, because I can’t find a comfortable bag that keeps out cold air. I’m 6’2, 230 with broad shoulders. With the zenbivy and my big Agnes air pad, I actually slept through the night. I still prefer a hammock, but if I need to go ground, it’s with that system.
The thumbnail had me thinking Zenbivy was in some kind of legal trouble-like they were getting served papers or caught up in a lawsuit. I almost skipped the video! Maybe a “Classified” or “Top Secret” stamp would’ve been a better vibe to be added
I spent my first 2 nights in my zibivy this past weekend, and I was as cozy as can be, in spite of the 1°C weather! So much warmth for so little space! Amazing system!
Good video. I ordered a ZENBIVY sheet and modified my Moondance quilt to Pair with it. I recorded a video about how to modify your quilt to attach to a ZENBIVY sheet. It’s an easy project. I suspect there are many out there like me who want the advantages of the ZENBIVY sleep system but don’t camp frequently enough to justify buying another quilt. As always, thanks Dan for another video that inspired me.
Always been impressed with Mike's work. His true innovation while at SD was where I picked up on his ideas. I LOVE the quilts and "beds" here did there which ultimately became ZenBivy. SD Tents at the time were also wildly innovative with "inverted" shapes - unfortunately the market wasn't open to such out-of-the-box ideas at the time. Same for his Chaps and rainwear work which I really hope returns. Ventilation over "breathable" laminates...
Good sleep is no joke. It's why instead of a 2-day solo backpacking trip I cut it to one day. My tent shell was slapping the sides all night in the wind partly my fault but mostly the tent design. My sleeping bag apparently was a 2-season sleeping bag because it couldn't even handle 45 degrees, and the pillow I just bought, which had high reviews was only meant for back sleepers who like a really hard pillow or no pillow at all. But the pad (Big Agnes Zoom UL) was a good improvement over my prior pad but also 4 times the cost. Slept like crap and instead of camping another night, I am now back at home watching this video. Sleep matters on the trail people.
Love my Zenbivys. I have the Light, the Core, and the zippered Zenbivy (I prefer the zippered). I wish I had opted for the 30" instead of the 25" as it pairs perfectly with the Haven Tent hammock pad, but they do offer 30" sheets that work with any of the quilts. I use the 25" sheets with the Big Agnes Rapide pad. I also use the quilts in my regular gathered end hammock. Zenbivy is a great and versatile sleep system and completely affordable if you shop during the holiday sales.
Hello @miconn69, I was thinking about getting both zenbivy and the haven hammock tent combo : excepting you would recommend to take the 30 inch sheet, do you have any other recommendations about this combo ? Thank you
@@marcribault165 the Haven XL and Safari both have 30" pads. Personally, I prefer the full sheet versus the half, but that's a preference thing. The XLs that I got came with the original pads and I upgraded to the TruLevel pad when Haven released it. It does much better about not losing pressure and folding in the middle. Not sure about the Safari pad, although I doubt abybody would want to backpack with that beast. Hmm, when I bought my XLs, I got the blue for my wife and the green for me. Not sure if Haven has upgraded the Blue, but my green xl had better zippers and the lounge strap. We dont really care for the Haven light strip as its too bright and requires an external power source. We use the little NightIze puck carabiner light on the ridgeline, a Flextail Zero pump for inflation (although the pad stuff sack is also an inflater bag), and a small battery fan that clips on the ridgeline. I also prefer the Superior Gear strap and buckle suspension over daisy chain or whoopie slings. It makes dialing in the hang tension effortless. Its a little pricey, but with ease of use and a 400lb weight limit, its worth it. I'm working on some tent poles and shockcord to hold the rainfly up from the top right now. As far as the Zenbivy goes, it pairs absolutely perfect with the Haven system and I cannot recommend it enough. Get the temp rating that is relevant to your needs. Sign up for the email list and pay attention to the sales. Black Friday month is right around the corner and they have some awesome deals. Also sign up for the monthly giveaways. They are always giving a system away every month.
@@miconn69 Thank you for taking time answering me. Really appreciate your experience feedbacks. I do trust the product as an hammock, but does it make a solid tent option ?
I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and love it, the hooks are great once you get the knack of them. I can hook and unhook my zen bivvy one handed in the dark.
Got my Zenbivy light about 2yrs ago. Fast shipping to Australia. Great price. Absolutely love it. Recognising it’s all about personal preference the Zenbivy is the best sleep system for me.
I really like my Zenbivy Ultralight bed and the Flex Air Mattress. I agree that it needs to be inflated hard. Without it inflated hard, my hips touch the ground and that is uncomfortable. Inflated hard it is very comfortable to me. I also noticed that the Flextail Zero Pump does not have enough oomph to fully inflate the mattress. I had to go back to the Flextail Tiny Pump to fully inflate the mattress.
Bought a down bag 28 years ago, used it thousands of times now, use it at home as winter sleep system and for about half the year as extra cover. One of the best investments ever!!!! Also been on many trips with it! Your Zenbivy gear is the first gear that has me interested in changing! Had a thought about clip vs zip. Another approach is to minimize, and then customize. I.e. is there a way to take away both(clip/zip) and have something that can then do either/both? Perhaps put multiple holes in the fabric, with light plastic eyelets instead. These could then be filled with plugs if you want nothing, or removed and clips/hooks pop'ed in place or a zipper attached on the holes on both sides with plugs holding it on each side. If you have more holes than clips/hooks then each customer could customize the locations of the clips according to preference. Was also thinking custom built pads might be worth doing, each person has different pressure point geometry and sleep movements, so a custom pad makes sense to me. If we could somehow measure those needs, perhaps with a measuring pad(shipped to and returned after use), then a computer based manufacturing process could build the custom sleep pads. Thanks again for the great products and awesome reviews Dan!
I love how he explains it. I went camping with someone with one of the bivy bed systems, and I am so jealous. You get what you pay for - it is a great product. ❤
I’ve got the 25 degree down core bed. It’s truly amazing! and only a few ounces more (because of the sheet) but so worth it in my opinion. For everyone saying it’s heavy my whole bed system weighs 39 ounces (quilt is 28 oz and sheet is 11 oz) in the 25” large size. if you went with the 20” regular size and the non-insulated sheet you can save 8 oz. That is on par with most ultra light quits. The price is crazy though, it is very slightly heavier and bulkier than an enlightened equipment quilt but it is vastly more comfortable. Honestly if they didn’t have the September sale I would have not been able to get it. Luckily I got my bed for 260$ out the door! I’m buying the mattress next! I’m waiting for the 25” rectangle mattress to be in stock. It’s a great product, amazing fabrics and colors. Sleep is so unreal it’s better than my bed at home.
My Zenbivy is zipper and I love my Zenbivy sleep system. The only thing I wish is they made an air mattress for big guys. We like to camp too. But I have switched to a hammock and I use the sleep system and the pad in that and oh man! It's something special.
I've been hiking/backpacking/camping for over 50 years. I'll stick with my WM bags. This is very subjective. I do understand the beauty of the quilt system.
OK so zenbiv is a great product... si. AND Mike is a genius for the intense level of attention to detail he places into product creation AND toward marketing, namely, taking the time and placing the effort to come to your backyard. Placing importance on reaching this very specific audience in this way demonstrates that he addresses marketing as he addresses product creation, by intense attention to detail. No effort will be wasted. I am so sold.
I'd like to see some "car camping" options on the quilt side. They already sell the Flex 3d mattress, add more synthetic options for quilts and your there.
I haven't finished watching the whole video yet, but I splurged on a core bed last winter. I have mobility issues so I can't really backpack, but I've used it kayak camping and car camping. I think it's my favorite for getting in and out of when my legs are not cooperating, the clips are not an issue, it's only a few clips to undo if I need to. The quilt is also wonderful to curl up in and watch TV at home. It is not an impluse buy that I regret. (even though I have two mummy bags) I am debating a warmer top quilt to use with my sheet and sleeping pad.
I've got to say. I've tried a lot of different sleep systems.And I thought this was gonna be gimmicky.... i'm actually. I'm quite interested in this setup!!!! I like the attention to the details that have become compromises with most systems (ie:drafts, constraints)
I love my lightbed, of course I purchased before the ultralight came out. I bought a 25 degree because I was tired of sweating in the Sierra where I live in the summer. The sheet is awesome, I don’t stick to my pad when it is too hot. This was also my 1st quilt purchase. Fast forward, I hiked the JMT this last summer and to save weight, I purchased the 1/2 sheet and used in conjunction with my light quilt. I could not afford another warmer quilt and worried about a 25 degree quilt for the entirety of the hike. I did purchase and a few times slept in my enlightened equipment torrid pants and down jacket.
This is an awesome video! I’ve been lurking on my zenbivy shopping cart for months but it’s so expensive and I haven’t been able to touch and feel it, so ina holding pattern. This did the trick!
Still on the fence on switching the system I have now. Living in Alaska it's really hard to find something you can use for extreme cold weather in the winter and something I can use in the summer that is not going to overheat me when it gets hot and in that same night drop down to what most other areas would consider cold. Especially for those of us on a budget who can't afford something this extravagant even on the brand's cheaper end. But it was a very good video and very informative.
I am so glad to have seen this video... Thanks Dan. The unfortunate thing is that I will now have to wait as I want to get the new 'Becker Bed', especially if it comes with the new down and a lower price. Is there any rough info regarding when the new zipped version and the new down versions will be available next year?
@Lumberperson I read the book, Exposure By Robert Bilott last year. I've been searching companies for data so I was glad to seeMy Life's experiment. Those chemicals are everywhere!
I love Zenbivvy - finally saved up to get the light bed and the literal day after my return policy ended they launched the ultralight bed. Totally sucked to still feel like the one on the outside looking in even after buying 😂. Great product but it’s hard for me to justify getting another one - even though I’d really like to save some more weight.
I backed both their Kickstarter campaigns. Use my MotoBed regularly when car camping. And I really prefer the cinching at the foot, vs having a sewn foot box. Works great for me.
I'm happy with both of the Zenbivy sleep systems I purchased (with promotional coupons) back in 2022. (Motobed 35 Synthetic + Mattress & the Original Zenbivy bed, pillow and mattress). I do agree though that they are very bulky and glad I do mostly car camping and such. Looking at that new style inflatable mattress though, I may have to pick one up.
He is 100% one lane road. But omg, Muscovy duck down?!? I fell in love with those ducks a few years ago. I’m so in. Originally South America, then to Florida and I’ve seen as far north as SC that I’ve seen! I’d buy JUST cuz it’s Muscovy
I just recently got the light bed and it is soooo underrated. With the 25° deg bed and uninsulated sheet it's still under the weight (1.6lbs vs 1.8lbs) of my former 32° Mountain Hardware phantom sleeping bag.
Instead of insulated and uninsulated, they need to make it with an "insulation pocket." Then sell premade, rated insulation. Or, a camper would be able to put their puffy jacket in if the weather ended colder than they thought. Just a thought.
I absolutely love everything about this system. I can't afford it but it's genius. I have incorporated their sheet into my kit with some minor mods and it's almost as good as the full system.
This is what I did. Got the sheet on sale for like $50-ish. Added loops to what I already had. 🎉 Search for video 'Zenbivy hacks' for the general idea. Not my video.
I agree with you on the mattress. I REALLY wanted to love it. The materials are amazing, and it does feel very good, but it just doesn't feel as comfortable as I'd like to it as a side sleeper. I want the big agnes rapide shape/height with the materials and insulation of the zenbivy mattress. It would be perfect.
At first I thought Pongee material will be soft and nice but once I tried that I couldn't really feel much difference in terms of comfort. So for the purpose of weight savings I moved back to nylon version.
I love my Zenbivy. I have only one complaint, it's white. When I take it out into the backcountry and encounter crappy weather and storms, the white fabric shows all of the dirt and debris. No matter how much you try to protect the inside of your tent space, some dirt gets in. That is nature. I had to spend extra money sending my Zenbivy quilt off to be chemically cleaned after a trip last month into the Wind River Range. My other quilts are great for one or two seasons without requiring cleaning. They just don't show the dirt as does the white quilt.
Oh wow, I read the title thinking this was an expose. I love my utlralight bed, but realized everyone might not be on board yet! Haha. Great info here.
I wish they used uncoated down. I have washed a few dozen regular down bags . When I washed a bag with coated down it clumped so badly I ended up spending several days manually separating the clumps . The other option was to throw the thing in the trash - ti was that bad.
Any thoughts on a thermal liner? I am allergic to down, so I bought the light convertible quilt. I would love a liner to add some warmth for the colder seasons.
I’m glad you guys made this video. The “origami baffle” explanation sealed the deal for me to get the convertible quilt. I was worried about that “hole” leaving a draft point. This was the best explanation I saw (of course from the inventor) that they addressed that. Great job zen bivy!
That new foot box is badly thought out, it doesn’t account for people who buy thier system for it’s ability to become a standard blanket and needs the zippers durability. The zippered convertible one was nice because it could become a regular blanket when hot out, plus I roll a lot in my sleep and I’ll tear a tab in seconds. I need zippers on the foot box not tabs. Please Zenbivy if you read the comments on this vid, add a convertible zipper option for your new zippered bed. It's a massive reason I even like your zippered option more in the first place.
Thank Tredeau for that. Get a NEXUS card, buy it in the US and pickup in the US. If you stay in the US for 48 hours it will be duty and tax free for anything under $750.
I have ordered things to be delivered to the USA before. I just wanted to alert Canadian buyers of the problems. I think it is also a FedEx problem which seems to charge higher fees than other carriers. Thanks though
I really like the direction you’re going Dan! Backyard hands on interviews with all these manufacturers is very informative and entertaining! Genius!
More to come!
Just returned from a 35 day camping trip to western parks. My Zenbivy rocked my world. Made all the difference. Thanks!
I'm convinced. I got mine this summer and have used it a few times and it really has revitalized my sleep while camping and backpacking. Then I found out that Michael lives local to me in Spokane and I felt extra good about buying "local."
Don't care for Zenbivy, but it's really cool to see how the owner/inventors presenting it. they should put that video on their website, this is so much better at explain it compared to just infographics, text and pictures.
I bought the lite bed 10 degrees and along with sheet rated for 10 degrees as well, along with the flex air mattress from Zenbivy. As a new customer you can get 10% off entire first order or wait for a sale. I am sure they will have a Black Friday sale coming up. I am 54 and w/o question this is the best investment in all the new gear I bought. I am heavy, 260 lbs. and can attest that if you inflate the flex air mattress firmly you will not sink down. Once I learned that, heavenly sleep in the backcountry! I love it so much that I felt guilty for my son and bought him a lite bed as well...He loves it! I paired it with the REI Helix insulated pad on sale for 40% off. If you are smart and wait for sales instead of impulse buying, you can definitely get incredible gear for reasonable prices. Dan thank you for such a great channel and bringing leaders in the industry to talk about their cutting edge products! Keep up the good work!
The Becker Backyard sounds like it should be a second youtube spinoff channel. I love my Zenbivy bed. Bought it 5+ years ago, paired it with a Nemo Tensor XL, and got the best night sleep in 35+ years of camping in sub freezing weather. Its continued to perform since then. As someone who transitions from hammock to tent camping depending on weather and location, I love the versatility of the system. I can take the just the quilt or the whole setup depending on the needs of the trip. Was it on the pricey side? Yes, but it was worth it in my opinion.
Man, got to say, as he went through the advantages, nearly every one is something that has bothered me camping in the past. This video likely sold me a couple of these.
Do it. You will not regret it. And there's ways to combine or mix and match between the Light and Ultralight offerings to save a few dollars. But this system is super freaking comfortable. And TOASTY!
I've been hiking/backpacking/camping for over 50 years.
I love my Zenbivy ultralite sleep system.
i used the ultra light 1/2 sheet with my quilt this summer, and it helped me not slide off my mattress even without all the zenbivy specific attachments. it was revolutionary! I’m very tempted to get the system!
I adore my Zenbivy bed! Most comfortable nights I have had out in the backcountry
I love my Zenbivy bed! By far the most comfy and finally able to get better sleep in the backcountry. The hood is also great for keeping your phone, electronics or anything that needs to stay warm.
I have the Zenbivy Light Bed, with the full length sheet. It provides hands down the best nights of sleep I've ever had in the backcountry. Paired with my older, warmer Big Agnes Rapide SL, it's a match made in heaven.
I used a Zenbivy Light bed for the first time this year. The sleep experience is definitely life changing.
My zenbivy CORE bed system was the only time I ever felt like I was in my bed at home. I was so comfortable and slept like a rock.
For me I clip the away from the door side of my quilt all the way up and do 2 clips on the door side. Makes getting in and out pretty easy.
I love my Zenbivy. It’s so cozy and great at keeping me warm. My husband is very picky and he has no complaints after sleeping on the Zenbivy for 4 nights. He even used the quilt without the sheet in a cold hotel room after hurricane Helene knocked out power and was thankful he had it with him.
Zenbivy changed my camping sleep experience for the better. Way to innovate!!
I absolutely love my Zenbivy bed. I am a big guy and mummy bags are far too restrictive and in cold weather my simple quilt just doesn't cut it. I have never been more warm and comfortable with any other system before I got my zenbivy.....
FELLOW BIG GUY HERE! mind if i ask what exact system you are running? as far as pad model and size, quit size ect
@VigAdventures I have a Sea to Summit Etherlite XT 25in rectangular pad. And the ZenBivy Large Light 10° convertible quilt with the 25" Fast sheet. I didn't go with the insulated sheet just cause I'm in CALIFORNIA and most my backpacking is relatively warm and if it does drop down I just wear a beanie and my puffy jacket with a hood. My last trip i was over 9500ft elevation and it dropped down into the high 30s with a lot of wind. I was extremely warm and comfortable. I actually had to open up my quilt some cause I got too warm at one point.... The zen bivy has been awesome.
Excellent sleep system. I was just out on the site. I love that they have larger systems for wide guys!
I bought one and am a quilt convert! I love my ultralight Zenbivy!
I love my Zenbivy system. I have an older version and I've heard it has been improved. I have a 25 degree system and tested it to the limit on Isle Royale when temps reached 28. When I can get another, I'll probably a warmer version. But either way, I love it! Not getting trapped up in a tight bag and getting the cozy feel of a blanket. To me, it is worth the money. I love the hood too!
Been using the OG zenbivy camping with my son’s scout troop including a trek to Philmont and a trek to boundary waters. Love it.
I love Zenbivy beds! I believe that ladies who sleep hot will appreciate the flexibility of the fast footbox and the clips. So easy to throw out an arm or leg to cool down and pull back in again to warm up. Yes, the clips can be a little fussy, but being able to fasten clips 1 & 4 (upper chest & thigh) makes it easy poke your arms out where clips 2 & 3 are undone but still keep your chest covered. The Pongee fabric feels more breathable and a lot less clingy than nylon. Great for those who have texture sensitivities. I even use the quilt at home. Highly recommend!
I absolutely love my Zenbivy. I’m typically a hammocker, because I can’t find a comfortable bag that keeps out cold air. I’m 6’2, 230 with broad shoulders. With the zenbivy and my big Agnes air pad, I actually slept through the night. I still prefer a hammock, but if I need to go ground, it’s with that system.
The thumbnail had me thinking Zenbivy was in some kind of legal trouble-like they were getting served papers or caught up in a lawsuit. I almost skipped the video! Maybe a “Classified” or “Top Secret” stamp would’ve been a better vibe to be added
I spent my first 2 nights in my zibivy this past weekend, and I was as cozy as can be, in spite of the 1°C weather! So much warmth for so little space! Amazing system!
Good video. I ordered a ZENBIVY sheet and modified my Moondance quilt to Pair with it. I recorded a video about how to modify your quilt to attach to a ZENBIVY sheet. It’s an easy project. I suspect there are many out there like me who want the advantages of the ZENBIVY sleep system but don’t camp frequently enough to justify buying another quilt. As always, thanks Dan for another video that inspired me.
Always been impressed with Mike's work. His true innovation while at SD was where I picked up on his ideas. I LOVE the quilts and "beds" here did there which ultimately became ZenBivy. SD Tents at the time were also wildly innovative with "inverted" shapes - unfortunately the market wasn't open to such out-of-the-box ideas at the time. Same for his Chaps and rainwear work which I really hope returns. Ventilation over "breathable" laminates...
Good sleep is no joke. It's why instead of a 2-day solo backpacking trip I cut it to one day. My tent shell was slapping the sides all night in the wind partly my fault but mostly the tent design. My sleeping bag apparently was a 2-season sleeping bag because it couldn't even handle 45 degrees, and the pillow I just bought, which had high reviews was only meant for back sleepers who like a really hard pillow or no pillow at all. But the pad (Big Agnes Zoom UL) was a good improvement over my prior pad but also 4 times the cost. Slept like crap and instead of camping another night, I am now back at home watching this video. Sleep matters on the trail people.
Love the colour and the full sheet with zippers of the Dan Becker bed, wish I could get it right now!
Love my Zenbivys. I have the Light, the Core, and the zippered Zenbivy (I prefer the zippered). I wish I had opted for the 30" instead of the 25" as it pairs perfectly with the Haven Tent hammock pad, but they do offer 30" sheets that work with any of the quilts. I use the 25" sheets with the Big Agnes Rapide pad.
I also use the quilts in my regular gathered end hammock.
Zenbivy is a great and versatile sleep system and completely affordable if you shop during the holiday sales.
Hello @miconn69,
I was thinking about getting both zenbivy and the haven hammock tent combo : excepting you would recommend to take the 30 inch sheet, do you have any other recommendations about this combo ? Thank you
@@marcribault165 the Haven XL and Safari both have 30" pads. Personally, I prefer the full sheet versus the half, but that's a preference thing.
The XLs that I got came with the original pads and I upgraded to the TruLevel pad when Haven released it. It does much better about not losing pressure and folding in the middle. Not sure about the Safari pad, although I doubt abybody would want to backpack with that beast.
Hmm, when I bought my XLs, I got the blue for my wife and the green for me. Not sure if Haven has upgraded the Blue, but my green xl had better zippers and the lounge strap.
We dont really care for the Haven light strip as its too bright and requires an external power source. We use the little NightIze puck carabiner light on the ridgeline, a Flextail Zero pump for inflation (although the pad stuff sack is also an inflater bag), and a small battery fan that clips on the ridgeline. I also prefer the Superior Gear strap and buckle suspension over daisy chain or whoopie slings. It makes dialing in the hang tension effortless. Its a little pricey, but with ease of use and a 400lb weight limit, its worth it.
I'm working on some tent poles and shockcord to hold the rainfly up from the top right now.
As far as the Zenbivy goes, it pairs absolutely perfect with the Haven system and I cannot recommend it enough. Get the temp rating that is relevant to your needs.
Sign up for the email list and pay attention to the sales. Black Friday month is right around the corner and they have some awesome deals. Also sign up for the monthly giveaways. They are always giving a system away every month.
@@miconn69 Thank you for taking time answering me. Really appreciate your experience feedbacks. I do trust the product as an hammock, but does it make a solid tent option ?
I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and love it, the hooks are great once you get the knack of them. I can hook and unhook my zen bivvy one handed in the dark.
Got my Zenbivy light about 2yrs ago. Fast shipping to Australia. Great price. Absolutely love it. Recognising it’s all about personal preference the Zenbivy is the best sleep system for me.
I really like my Zenbivy Ultralight bed and the Flex Air Mattress. I agree that it needs to be inflated hard. Without it inflated hard, my hips touch the ground and that is uncomfortable. Inflated hard it is very comfortable to me. I also noticed that the Flextail Zero Pump does not have enough oomph to fully inflate the mattress. I had to go back to the Flextail Tiny Pump to fully inflate the mattress.
Bought a down bag 28 years ago, used it thousands of times now, use it at home as winter sleep system and for about half the year as extra cover. One of the best investments ever!!!! Also been on many trips with it! Your Zenbivy gear is the first gear that has me interested in changing! Had a thought about clip vs zip. Another approach is to minimize, and then customize. I.e. is there a way to take away both(clip/zip) and have something that can then do either/both? Perhaps put multiple holes in the fabric, with light plastic eyelets instead. These could then be filled with plugs if you want nothing, or removed and clips/hooks pop'ed in place or a zipper attached on the holes on both sides with plugs holding it on each side. If you have more holes than clips/hooks then each customer could customize the locations of the clips according to preference. Was also thinking custom built pads might be worth doing, each person has different pressure point geometry and sleep movements, so a custom pad makes sense to me. If we could somehow measure those needs, perhaps with a measuring pad(shipped to and returned after use), then a computer based manufacturing process could build the custom sleep pads. Thanks again for the great products and awesome reviews Dan!
Best sleep system I've ever used. Now, if only I could find a good backpacking pillow for side sleepers.
I love how he explains it. I went camping with someone with one of the bivy bed systems, and I am so jealous. You get what you pay for - it is a great product. ❤
I’ve got the 25 degree down core bed. It’s truly amazing! and only a few ounces more (because of the sheet) but so worth it in my opinion. For everyone saying it’s heavy my whole bed system weighs 39 ounces (quilt is 28 oz and sheet is 11 oz) in the 25” large size. if you went with the 20” regular size and the non-insulated sheet you can save 8 oz. That is on par with most ultra light quits. The price is crazy though, it is very slightly heavier and bulkier than an enlightened equipment quilt but it is vastly more comfortable. Honestly if they didn’t have the September sale I would have not been able to get it. Luckily I got my bed for 260$ out the door! I’m buying the mattress next! I’m waiting for the 25” rectangle mattress to be in stock. It’s a great product, amazing fabrics and colors. Sleep is so unreal it’s better than my bed at home.
My Zenbivy is zipper and I love my Zenbivy sleep system. The only thing I wish is they made an air mattress for big guys. We like to camp too. But I have switched to a hammock and I use the sleep system and the pad in that and oh man! It's something special.
I've been hiking/backpacking/camping for over 50 years.
I'll stick with my WM bags.
This is very subjective.
I do understand the beauty of the quilt system.
I have the whole Zenbivy Light Bed setup with the convertible quilt and it is just so sweet....
OK so zenbiv is a great product... si. AND Mike is a genius for the intense level of attention to detail he places into product creation AND toward marketing, namely, taking the time and placing the effort to come to your backyard. Placing importance on reaching this very specific audience in this way demonstrates that he addresses marketing as he addresses product creation, by intense attention to detail. No effort will be wasted. I am so sold.
Love my Zenbivy Light Bed 25. I've used it between 30 and 55 F at night and it works great for me, fantastically comfortable compared to a mummy bag.
I'd like to see some "car camping" options on the quilt side. They already sell the Flex 3d mattress, add more synthetic options for quilts and your there.
I haven't finished watching the whole video yet, but I splurged on a core bed last winter. I have mobility issues so I can't really backpack, but I've used it kayak camping and car camping. I think it's my favorite for getting in and out of when my legs are not cooperating, the clips are not an issue, it's only a few clips to undo if I need to. The quilt is also wonderful to curl up in and watch TV at home. It is not an impluse buy that I regret. (even though I have two mummy bags) I am debating a warmer top quilt to use with my sheet and sleeping pad.
The ultimate solution for claustrophobic hikers. Thank you!
I've got to say.
I've tried a lot of different sleep systems.And I thought this was gonna be gimmicky.... i'm actually.
I'm quite interested in this setup!!!! I like the attention to the details that have become compromises with most systems (ie:drafts, constraints)
I love my lightbed, of course I purchased before the ultralight came out. I bought a 25 degree because I was tired of sweating in the Sierra where I live in the summer. The sheet is awesome, I don’t stick to my pad when it is too hot. This was also my 1st quilt purchase. Fast forward, I hiked the JMT this last summer and to save weight, I purchased the 1/2 sheet and used in conjunction with my light quilt. I could not afford another warmer quilt and worried about a 25 degree quilt for the entirety of the hike. I did purchase and a few times slept in my enlightened equipment torrid pants and down jacket.
This is an awesome video! I’ve been lurking on my zenbivy shopping cart for months but it’s so expensive and I haven’t been able to touch and feel it, so ina holding pattern. This did the trick!
Great spotlight on this product!! As a long time camper- soon to be backpacker- I’m looking forward to this option before next summer.
Still on the fence on switching the system I have now. Living in Alaska it's really hard to find something you can use for extreme cold weather in the winter and something I can use in the summer that is not going to overheat me when it gets hot and in that same night drop down to what most other areas would consider cold. Especially for those of us on a budget who can't afford something this extravagant even on the brand's cheaper end. But it was a very good video and very informative.
I’ve had a zenbivvy system for over a year now. The cost stings for sure but I’ve never slept so well while camping.
I am so glad to have seen this video... Thanks Dan.
The unfortunate thing is that I will now have to wait as I want to get the new 'Becker Bed', especially if it comes with the new down and a lower price. Is there any rough info regarding when the new zipped version and the new down versions will be available next year?
Did I miss when the Dan Becker bed is coming out?
@@amandajackson387 sometime in 2025...
Does your product use "forever chemicals" in the down or fabric?
I see you also watched that video by My Life Outdoors Yesterday
@Lumberperson I read the book, Exposure By Robert Bilott last year. I've been searching companies for data so I was glad to seeMy Life's experiment. Those chemicals are everywhere!
We love the Becker Backyard Reviews!
Thank you for trying to slow the PFAS tide.
I love Zenbivvy - finally saved up to get the light bed and the literal day after my return policy ended they launched the ultralight bed. Totally sucked to still feel like the one on the outside looking in even after buying 😂. Great product but it’s hard for me to justify getting another one - even though I’d really like to save some more weight.
Very tempted to try a zen bivy, great review and great to see how passionate Mike is 👍
Great video. As a big guy...6 4 230lbs. This appeals to me. Never found a bag that I was comfortable in...
I backed both their Kickstarter campaigns. Use my MotoBed regularly when car camping. And I really prefer the cinching at the foot, vs having a sewn foot box. Works great for me.
I'm happy with both of the Zenbivy sleep systems I purchased (with promotional coupons) back in 2022. (Motobed 35 Synthetic + Mattress & the Original Zenbivy bed, pillow and mattress). I do agree though that they are very bulky and glad I do mostly car camping and such.
Looking at that new style inflatable mattress though, I may have to pick one up.
He is 100% one lane road. But omg, Muscovy duck down?!? I fell in love with those ducks a few years ago. I’m so in. Originally South America, then to Florida and I’ve seen as far north as SC that I’ve seen! I’d buy JUST cuz it’s Muscovy
I just recently got the light bed and it is soooo underrated. With the 25° deg bed and uninsulated sheet it's still under the weight (1.6lbs vs 1.8lbs) of my former 32° Mountain Hardware phantom sleeping bag.
Instead of insulated and uninsulated, they need to make it with an "insulation pocket." Then sell premade, rated insulation. Or, a camper would be able to put their puffy jacket in if the weather ended colder than they thought. Just a thought.
Love my Zenbivy beds. I have a summer setup and a fall/winter setup. Best sleep ever.
I absolutely love everything about this system. I can't afford it but it's genius. I have incorporated their sheet into my kit with some minor mods and it's almost as good as the full system.
What kind of mods did you make?
This is what I did. Got the sheet on sale for like $50-ish. Added loops to what I already had. 🎉
Search for video 'Zenbivy hacks' for the general idea. Not my video.
Pay attention to the holiday sales. I have three and bought them all on sale at a reasonable price.
@@pedalparadise4096 thanks!
You should do all your reviews from the beck-yard from now on
I agree with you on the mattress. I REALLY wanted to love it. The materials are amazing, and it does feel very good, but it just doesn't feel as comfortable as I'd like to it as a side sleeper. I want the big agnes rapide shape/height with the materials and insulation of the zenbivy mattress. It would be perfect.
Hello I love sleep system. I love your Zenbivy bed . Are there any bed better than Zenbivy bed ?....
sleep system is right on... can see people using this outside of camping, while traveling, and/or living in places that are chilly.
Any updates coming to the 2 person Double Zenbivy bed?
At first I thought Pongee material will be soft and nice but once I tried that I couldn't really feel much difference in terms of comfort. So for the purpose of weight savings I moved back to nylon version.
Love mine, great to see it gain popularity in Europe, too!
Please bring back the full sheet for the light bed, I absolutely hate the half sheet (always sliding up) and I prefer the higher rated down.
Did you watch the video at all?
@@Tryinghardtobecreative I am encouraging them to bring it back, sometimes companies reconsider a decision and it helps if people say yes I want this.
@@neonsamurai1348 It literally says in the video that they are being introduced though...
"Looking at the back end of the cat" 😂😂
I love my Zenbivy. I have only one complaint, it's white. When I take it out into the backcountry and encounter crappy weather and storms, the white fabric shows all of the dirt and debris. No matter how much you try to protect the inside of your tent space, some dirt gets in. That is nature. I had to spend extra money sending my Zenbivy quilt off to be chemically cleaned after a trip last month into the Wind River Range. My other quilts are great for one or two seasons without requiring cleaning. They just don't show the dirt as does the white quilt.
I bought a bundle. These are outstanding.
This video should be on their website
Just got to use mine for the first time and it was amazing even in the 20 degree nights I was toasty.
Oh wow, I read the title thinking this was an expose. I love my utlralight bed, but realized everyone might not be on board yet! Haha. Great info here.
Hey Dan,instead of clips, have they thought of using magnets?😊
That bag that green sleeping bag quilt looks like it would work so amazing in a car. For sleeping sort of in the front seat of a car.
Got one and loved it immediately. Will deff get the Becker bed for the wife. She is not a clip fan. Will deff be buying the ultralight version also.
My buddy has one, He's comfortable but he's always cold. Temperature ratings are not comfort level. Keep that in mind
I bought a flex mattress and 25d light bed. Fantastic and worth the money.
Dan if someone could invent a camping chair/backpack that flipped into a bed with built in quilt all you’d need is a tarp.
I wish they used uncoated down. I have washed a few dozen regular down bags . When I washed a bag with coated down it clumped so badly I ended up spending several days manually separating the clumps . The other option was to throw the thing in the trash - ti was that bad.
Love my light bed..... sheet works on my big agnes
Any thoughts on a thermal liner? I am allergic to down, so I bought the light convertible quilt. I would love a liner to add some warmth for the colder seasons.
Do do do out Dan’s back door. I can hear the dobro playing.
Crazy red head guy!!! Hahaha. I own the double bed, plan on buying the ultralight. It’s worth every penny.
I’m team “full length sheet” 😊
I’m glad you guys made this video. The “origami baffle” explanation sealed the deal for me to get the convertible quilt. I was worried about that “hole” leaving a draft point. This was the best explanation I saw (of course from the inventor) that they addressed that. Great job zen bivy!
Hello :) i need a top quilt for my new hammock . Should i buy a 0F UGQ Bandit or Zenbivy ?
Zenbivy always keeps me warm and dry. Forever a fan.
That new foot box is badly thought out, it doesn’t account for people who buy thier system for it’s ability to become a standard blanket and needs the zippers durability. The zippered convertible one was nice because it could become a regular blanket when hot out, plus I roll a lot in my sleep and I’ll tear a tab in seconds. I need zippers on the foot box not tabs.
Please Zenbivy if you read the comments on this vid, add a convertible zipper option for your new zippered bed. It's a massive reason I even like your zippered option more in the first place.
I live in Canada and ordered some Zenbivy items. Turns out the duties, taxes and fees for delivery are very expensive
Thank Tredeau for that.
Get a NEXUS card, buy it in the US and pickup in the US. If you stay in the US for 48 hours it will be duty and tax free for anything under $750.
I have ordered things to be delivered to the USA before. I just wanted to alert Canadian buyers of the problems. I think it is also a FedEx problem which seems to charge higher fees than other carriers. Thanks though
This actually looks pretty cool.
Is the Becker bed available in the UK?
I like this guy more than i like his zen bivy idea